Best Things To Do In London With Kids
By Marcus Webb · May 8, 2026 · Updated August 23, 2026 · 8 min read
London’s reputation as an expensive, adult-oriented capital undersells how well it actually works for families — largely thanks to several major museums that are free to enter, and enough green space to break up a day of sightseeing without much planning required.
Quick facts
- Best for
- Kids 5+ for full-day sightseeing; younger kids do well with parks and museums
- Getting around
- The Underground has many step-free stations, but not all — check ahead with a stroller
London's free museums are the secret weapon
London has one major advantage for family travel that's easy to underuse: several of its best museums are free to enter, which makes it easy to do a short visit without feeling like you need to extract maximum value for the ticket price. That alone changes how you can plan a day.
Highlights that work well with kids
Natural History Museum
Free entry, a genuinely impressive dinosaur hall, and large enough to return to more than once without repeating yourself.
Science Museum
Also free, with hands-on exhibits and a dedicated interactive zone for younger children — a strong rainy-day option.
The London Eye
A 30-minute rotation with no walking required, and one of the more reliable 'wow' moments for kids of any age.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Includes the Diana Memorial Playground, one of the better free playgrounds in the city, plus space to run that a day of sightseeing usually calls for by mid-afternoon.
Managing a city that's bigger than it looks
- London is geographically large — resist planning sights on opposite sides of the city in the same day
- The Underground is fast but involves real walking and stairs at many stations; check step-free access if traveling with a stroller or if walking is a concern
- A Oyster card or contactless payment makes public transit meaningfully easier than buying individual tickets
- Black cabs are expensive but genuinely useful with young kids and lots of gear over short distances
Practical tips
- Weather changes quickly — pack a compact rain layer regardless of the forecast
- Many sit-down restaurants add a service charge automatically; check the bill before adding an additional tip
- Tickets for the Tower of London and other major paid sights are worth booking online in advance to skip the queue
Frequently asked questions
Is London expensive for a family trip?
It can be, particularly accommodation, but the free major museums help balance the budget significantly compared to cities where every major sight charges admission.
What's the best free activity for kids in London?
The Natural History Museum's dinosaur hall is consistently a highlight, and it's free to enter — a strong anchor for a full day that also includes nearby Hyde Park.
How do you get around London with a stroller?
Check step-free access for specific Underground stations before relying on the tube, as not all stations have elevators. Buses are generally more stroller-friendly than the Underground.
