Seek and find
If you're hesitant about taking a city break to London with kids... Stop hesitating immediately and book that family trip! I've traveled the world with my son Manuel, and I can now say from personal experience that London is an incredibly child-friendly city. Virtually every restaurant has a special children's menu, museums are free for both kids and parents, and you'll find plenty of great family-friendly hotels, like the Holmes Hotel London, where we stayed. You can bet the kids will have a blast boarding the famous red double-decker bus for the first time or spending their pocket money at Hamleys toy store. We enjoyed this city break so much, and there's so much more to discover in London with kids, that we're definitely going back for a weekend next year. In this guide, I've listed some fun things to do with kids in London for you!
| TIP: During this trip, we chose to focus on seeing and doing a lot in central London. I recommend everyone decide beforehand what they'll do and what they won't, as the distances are considerable. We completely skipped the trendier neighborhoods we normally visit as a couple this time, because while they're perfectly doable with a baby in a stroller, they're simply not interesting for a 5-year-old. This trip was all about family and quality time together!
21 Fun Things to Do with Kids in London
From unmissable museums and musicals to kid-friendly restaurants in London, I can hardly believe we actually did all this during our three nights in London. I've listed all the activities for each day and in the order we did them. We did everything in London by bus, tube, and sometimes by taxi if there wasn't a tube station within a 10-minute walk.
Day 1
Stay here: Holmes Hotel London
Marylebone is one of my favorite neighborhoods in London. It's a chic residential area where you'll find great restaurants and charming boutiques. A cozy and family-friendly hotel is the Holmes Hotel LondonWe stayed in a Townhouse Suite, which has two rooms and two bathrooms: one room with a large double bed and a living room where the sofa converts into a second bed (three-quarter size, perfect for children). A fun feature of this hotel for older kids is that there are riddles and Sherlock Holmes references throughout the hotel. The hotel is located on Baker Street, where the world's most famous fictional detective once lived. The tube station is less than a 5-minute walk from the hotel, and several buses stop right in front of the hotel restaurant. In short: a perfect base for exploring London with the kids!
Holmes Hotel London © Your Little Black Book
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take a ride on the red double-decker bus
To experience the true red double-decker bus experience in London, you don't need to book an expensive hop-on hop-off bus. It's usually fun to do with kids, but in London, you get this experience on every bus. You can simply hop on these buses if you have your Oyster card (which is handy for the Tube anyway and can be purchased at every station. Just charge it and go!). Sit at the top, and with a bit of luck, you'll even be right at the front. Don't see a spot right away? Chances are people are getting off, and you can still grab a ticket. Manuel loved the double-deckers! We used them more often than the Tube because the bus allows you to see more of the city's highlights, like Big Ben or Buckingham Palace.
© Your Little Black Book
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Visit the Science Museum and a 3D film
Take the bus to South Kensington (home to the famous Harrods department store and the V&A Museum) and visit the Science Museum. Good to know: London's museums are free, but if you want to avoid waiting in line, you do need to book a time slot online in advance. If you do this ahead of time, you can easily combine the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum in one day. We did this on separate days, which worked out fine and was nice for a change of pace. The Science Museum offers a variety of fun things for kids to discover related to science and technology. There are over 300.000 objects on display, so choosing a theme for your visit might be a good idea. There's so much to see and do! From discovering the secrets of the human body to exploring the wonders of the universe or participating in hands-on experiments (somewhat reminiscent of NEMO in Amsterdam). There's also a 3D cinema, and we saw a short film about Antarctica. Very interesting! Good to know: you do have to pay a surcharge for the film.
Science Museum © Your Little Black Book
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Buy something tasty at Borough Market
Borough Market is a must-see in London. Especially without kids, but with them, there's plenty to see and do. It can get quite busy on weekends, so if you have the chance to go during the week, I would definitely recommend it. Borough Market offers delicious food and drinks, but the lines can sometimes be a bit long, and it might not always be a good idea with kids. But you can bet they'll be thrilled with something delicious. From delicious pastries to authentic sweets, there's so much to choose from. We filled a candy bag, and he chose something delicious every day for the entire trip. My MGO wax coat It came in very handy during our trip to London! It rained heavily on our first day in London ;-).
Candy shopping at Borough Market © Your Little Black Book
Have a drink at Bedales Wines
A visit to Borough Market is a must, even with kids, if you ask me, but the long lines and the enormous crowds can also be overwhelming. Especially since there aren't many comfortable places to sit (in winter). That's a different story in summer, and when it's dry, by the way. My favorite spot to enjoy the market's delicacies is the garden of the adjacent church. If you're there during the colder and wetter months, the low-key wine bar Bedales Wines is a great place to relax with the kids. Manuel more than approved of the sourdough bread, and we enjoyed several dishes there with a glass of wine. It is a holiday, after all.
drinks at Bedales Wines © Your Little Black Book
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Walk along the Thames
After drinks, it's time to stretch your legs again. A stroll along the Thames is a fun activity suitable for both adults and children. For parents, there are plenty of interesting sights along the route, and you'll have beautiful views of the city. Along the way, you'll encounter a classic carousel for the kids, providing a break from the stroll. And fancy a bite to eat? Along the Thames, you'll now find a great Food Truck Court where you can enjoy street food from all over the world. Weather permitting, we'll definitely return in the evening.
Entertainment along The Thames © Your Little Black Book
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Immortalize your artwork at Tate Modern
Tate Modern, in my opinion, is a prime example that a museum visit with kids doesn't have to be boring. This contemporary art center offers fun activities specifically geared towards younger visitors. Think, for example, of fun audio kits or cool interactive screens. We popped in during our walk, and Manuel's highlight at Tate Modern was definitely the digital drawing board. He saw his drawing of a cat appear on the big screen immediately—it was incredibly fun. The Tate Modern is also completely free for children under 12, and adults can also easily access the permanent exhibitions.
Tate Modern with kids © Your Little Black Book
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Take a ride on The London Eye
We finished our walk along the Thames with a ride on the Ferris wheel. If you're exploring London with kids, the London Eye should definitely be on your list. This Ferris wheel is one of the most famous attractions, and for good reason. The London Eye is 135 meters high, offering spectacular panoramic views of all of London. There's plenty for kids to see during the ride, including the famous Big Ben. There's also a fun playground opposite the London Eye where your children can have a blast. This time, I bought tickets for the London Eye in advance because I wanted to be sure of a time slot during golden hour. As you can see in the photo, the weather was terrible that day, so that idea didn't quite work out ;-).
The London Eye © Your Little Black Book
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Try the children's menu at Ping Pong
I planned this trip entirely for Manuel. So, no fancy restaurants where I'd like to eat myself, but low-key places where he can just be a kid. One of the most relaxing things about London with kids, in my opinion, is the sheer number of chain restaurants—found throughout the city—that are generally perfectly fine for an (affordable) dinner with kids. Instead of ordering an expensive main course that barely gets eaten, (almost) all of these restaurants have a special children's menu.
A few of these chains include Giraffe and Côte, which have a big advantage: there's usually room, and you can easily book online. Ping Pong is also a top kid-friendly restaurant in London. The adapted Asian menus are incredibly delicious, and Manuel wolfed down the fried rice without complaining. An ice cream for dessert is a must, of course. Ping Pong will also keep your kids entertained while you eat. The menu is a large coloring page that will keep them busy for a while. While they're drawing, you can relax and enjoy your dim sum.
Dim sum at Ping Pong © Your Little Black Book
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Day 2
Discover the secrets of the Tower of London
The next day, we have an early breakfast at The Holmes Hotel and then take the bus to the Tower of London. Manuel loves watching Scooby-Doo at home, and he regularly visits this attraction. You understand: it had to be seen in real life! It's not just any tower, by the way. The building was used as a palace, prison, and fortification in the Middle Ages. The section where the medieval palace was located is especially fascinating for kids. The exciting history, the cool equipment, and the real crown jewels will make a huge impression on them. They can also participate in a thrilling sword fight on one of the many interactive displays, making them feel like real knights.
The Tower Of London © Your Little Black Book
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Take a world tour at the British Museum
My son loves visiting museums and is especially interested in the treasures from other countries. The British Museum boasts an impressive collection of art from around the world. The unique Aztec statues, Egyptian mummies, and Japanese samurai swords will leave your children speechless. The museum has also created several routes for children. Depending on their age, you can choose a specific route. This way, you and your kids will see all the interesting items, making the museum visit a super fun and educational experience. This time, we chose the Egypt wing. I would definitely recommend making a choice, because visiting the entire museum with kids is too much.
Egypt in The British Museum © Your Little Black Book
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Go to the Lion King Musical
Yes, it's quite a ride for young kids... but teach them young is definitely my philosophy. Besides, at a matinee performance in the afternoon, I think you should expect this musical to also have families with young children. So, if you're unsure about whether or not to do this, or if your child can sit still for so long, I say: just do it and go with the flow.
Because who doesn't love The Lion King? The beautiful story of Simba the lion moves us time and again. During the musical, this gripping tale is told with stunning visual effects, breathtaking sets, and imaginative costumes, leaving both children and adults in awe. Through the music, you're drawn into Simba's epic adventure and watch the little cub grow into the king of the African plains. The Lion King is one of London's most popular family musicals and suitable for children aged five and up, provided you go in the afternoon. We were seated quite high up, but we had a perfect view.
The Lion King Musical © Your Little Black Book
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for after the show: dinner at The Real Greek
After a performance like that, you're not going to search high and low for a restaurant. And you don't have to! Near Covent Garden, you'll find plenty of restaurants perfect for kids. We chose Greek! The Real Greek in Covent Garden is a very cozy, family-friendly restaurant that feels like a real Greek taverna, but with a modern twist. There's a special children's menu for the little ones, so they can sample Greek food too. If you're lucky, the kids can even watch the chef at work—an unforgettable experience! Also, be sure to order the tower of Greek mezze as an appetizer.
The Real Greek © Your Little Black Book
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Day 3
Go to Harry Potter platform 9 3/4
We actually wanted to go to the Harry Potter experience just outside London. Unfortunately, I booked too late, so a tip if you're planning to go: book it early and include the shuttle bus, because it's always sold out. To add a touch of magic to our London trip with Manuel, we visited several Harry Potter locations in London.
True Harry Potter fans know platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross all too well. This is where all the little wizards board the Hogwarts Express. You can take a great photo of your kids on the platform, making it look like they're also off to the magical wizarding school. Be aware that the line here is incredibly long, and there are more adults than children, I can tell you right now. When we were there, the line was about an hour long. But… if you're a bit creative with your camera, I have a tip. On the side of the shop, at the edge of the queue, you can quickly take a photo from a distance when there's a change in the suitcases. Sure, it's not the real deal, but for a child who just picked up a chocolate frog at the Harry Potter shop, it's sometimes just good enough.
Platform 9 3/4 © Your Little Black Book
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Lunch at Dishoom & Carnaby Street
After wandering the streets around Carnaby Street (where I quickly popped into the beautiful Liberty London department store while the men were in a shop), we had a delicious lunch at Dishoom. It's another example of a restaurant that started with a single location and has since grown into a chain. Dishoom's menu features the most delicious Indian dishes perfect for sharing. The staff are happy to help you choose, so your children can join in the fun. Some dishes are quite spicy. Luckily, they've also kept kids in mind, and the restaurant has created a special children's menu. The adapted dishes contain less spice, making them milder in flavor. So put Dishoom on your shortlist if you're looking for a lunch spot when visiting London with kids!
Carnaby Street © Your Little Black Book
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Buy a souvenir at Hamleys
Before we had lunch at Dishoom, we popped into one of the most beautiful toy stores in existence. Hamleys is a paradise for kids. With seven floors of toys, it's the largest toy store in the world. Remote-controlled cars, dollhouses, personalized teddy bears, drones... Hamleys has it all! Because the selection is so overwhelming, the employees regularly organize demonstrations. Dangerous, because it really works and you'd almost buy it all. It's fun for the kids, though, because they get to try out the latest toys themselves. When we go away for a weekend, Manuel is always allowed to take money from his piggy bank to buy something himself. As you can imagine, it was hard to choose!
Hamleys © Your Little Black Book
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See the squirrels in Hyde Park
When visiting London with children, Hyde Park is a must-see. This beautiful park is home to a huge population of squirrels. And believe me, they're adorable. In good weather, I'd definitely have a picnic there, and don't be surprised if the squirrels pop in to check out your blanket. It's not exactly how nature should work, but these creatures aren't shy about humans and are more than happy to eat from your hand. In this case, some unsalted nuts from my son's snack box (avoid bread or salted nuts!). From Hyde Park, we walked a long way to the Natural History Museum for our next stop.
Hyde Park © Your Little Black Book
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Admire the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum
In my opinion, a visit to a Natural History Museum is always a good idea. Naturalis is truly fantastic in the Netherlands, and in London, you definitely shouldn't miss the British version. The Natural History Museum's collection contains over 80 million items. However, your children will probably only want to see one thing: the dinosaur exhibition. The moving skeleton of the T-Rex is particularly spectacular. Their fascination with dinosaurs will be even greater after the visit. The rest of the museum is also definitely worth a visit. The exhibitions feature numerous interactive elements, so your children won't lose their interest for a moment! And don't miss the area with the children's workshop where kids can do themed crafts. There are also fun events every week.
Natural History Museum © Your Little Black Book
Drinks & burgers in Marylebone
Another wonderful day in London! But at the end of the day, it's nice to take it easy. So we took the tube back to the area near our hotel and enjoyed a drink in an English pub. The Holmes Hotel is located in the Marylebone neighborhood, which is incredibly charming, by the way. Full of small boutiques and cozy restaurants. Next time, we'll definitely take more time to explore the neighborhood ourselves. This time, the super central location for everything we wanted to do was absolutely perfect. A moment of peace and quiet for all of us. In the evening, we enjoyed delicious burgers and fries at Honest Burgers. Nothing too complicated and exactly what we were all craving.
Honest Citizens © Your Little Black Book
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Day 4
magic at the Wizard Afternoon Tea
Our last day in London! And we're ending it with a touch of magic. I thought it would be fun to have afternoon tea together, and while searching for a child-friendly high tea in London, I came across the Wizard Afternoon Tea. During this Wizard Afternoon Tea, kids learn to brew tea like real wizards. Wand in hand, they search for the right ingredients to add to their brew. Before they can begin the experiment, they have to open their magic box containing special ingredients. Because this afternoon tea is so interactive, Manuel had such a great time. It's truly adorable to see how children can get so caught up in the role. A magical moment for all of us that we won't soon forget. We had this afternoon tea late in the morning and skipped lunch afterward, as we were so full from all the delicious cakes and finger sandwiches. Highly recommended. Booking ahead is a must.
Wizard Afternoon Tea © Your Little Black Book
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finish with London Zoo
After afternoon tea, because we're not having lunch, we suddenly have some extra time in the city. We decide to quickly visit London Zoo. It's a very child-friendly and large zoo not far from our hotel. Several realistic landscapes have been recreated. In the "African Bird Safari," for example, it feels like children are walking through a real jungle, and in "Meet the Monkeys," they can see the monkeys up close. If your kids get tired of the animals, they can burn off some energy in the "Animal Adventure." Here, they'll learn a lot about the various animals in the zoo while climbing and clambering. When we visited, many enclosures were under construction, and admission tickets aren't cheap. My son had a wonderful time, and all in all, it was a perfect end to our London trip.
London Zoo © Your Little Black Book
A weekend in London with kids? I say: do it!
After our visit to London Zoo, it was time to head back to Amsterdam. We deliberately booked a later return trip so we could still do something on our last day until about 16 p.m. We had such a wonderful few days, and I'm always amazed at how much fun city breaks are, even with kids. We're definitely going back to London again this year. A new tradition that Manuel wants to keep up!
TIP: When traveling back to the airport or train station, keep in mind that rush hour is quite busy at the end of the day. Taking the metro is best.
Have fun planning your family city trip to London!
Bye Bye London! © Your Little Black Book
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