Organising a trip to London with kids is an experience that combines fun, culture, and family time. The British capital is one of the most family-friendly cities in Europe, thanks to its variety of activities designed for children, its safety, ease of getting around, and the presence of many free attractions.
In this guide, you will discover how to make the most of London with kids, with a selection of both free and paid attractions, all easily accessible and suitable for children aged 4 to 11. We will also give you practical tips and, to make it more authentic, each attraction will be accompanied by a comment from Lorenzo, our little explorer.
Why visit London with kids
Choosing to visit London with kids means opening the door to a world of experiences that stimulate curiosity, creativity, and the desire to learn. Children can go from discovering dinosaur fossils to meeting farm animals, from climbing in a Peter Pan–themed playground to building a giant LEGO model.
The city is well organised: extensive public transport, free museums, safe parks, and family-friendly restaurants make London an ideal destination for those travelling with children.
1. Diana Memorial Playground – The dream playground
📍 Kensington Gardens, Broad Walk, London W2 2UH
🚇 Queensway or High Street Kensington
💸 Free
If you are planning London with kids, the Diana Memorial Playground is a must. Located inside Kensington Gardens, this playground is inspired by the world of Peter Pan. Its centrepiece is a large wooden pirate ship surrounded by sand, perfect for role-play and imaginative adventures. There are also sensory areas, musical instruments, climbing frames, and quiet zones for younger children. Entry is free, and the area is enclosed, ensuring children’s safety and parents’ peace of mind.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“The pirate ship is so big it feels real! My friends and I pretend to be captains and sailors. It’s my favourite place to play outdoors in London!”
2. Natural History Museum – A journey through dinosaurs and wonders
📍 Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
🚇 South Kensington
💸 Free (some exhibitions have an admission fee)
One of the top ideas for London with kids is without a doubt the Natural History Museum. Here, children can admire life-size dinosaur skeletons, including the famous animatronic T-Rex that moves and roars. In addition to palaeontology, the museum offers galleries dedicated to minerals, geology, insects, and human biology. It is an interactive and stimulating place, with installations that allow you to touch and experiment. Perfect for combining fun and learning, even on a rainy day.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“When I saw the T-Rex move and roar, I jumped! It’s like stepping into a dinosaur movie, but it’s all real… sort of!”
3. LEGO Store Leicester Square – The brick paradise
📍 3 Swiss Court, London W1D 6AP
🚇 Leicester Square
💸 Free
The LEGO Store in Leicester Square is one of the largest LEGO shops in the world and is a must on any London with kids itinerary. Here you will find giant sculptures such as Big Ben, a London Underground carriage, and famous characters, all built with millions of bricks. Children can create their own personalised minifigure, build cars and race them on tracks, or take part in free special events. It’s also a perfect stop if you are already in the area visiting other Leicester Square attractions.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I built a super-fast car and raced it on the track. I also made a minifigure that looks like me – it’s like having a little LEGO version of myself!”
4. Mudchute Park & Farm – Animals and nature in the city
📍 Pier Street, Isle of Dogs, London E14 3HP
🚇 Crossharbour (DLR)
💸 Free
When you think of London with kids, you might not imagine visiting a real farm – but you can! Mudchute Park & Farm is one of the largest urban farms in Europe, with over 30 acres of fields and enclosures. Here children can see cows, sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, and horses, as well as a dedicated vegetable garden area. It is the perfect place for a picnic surrounded by greenery, just minutes from the heart of London.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I fed the goats and they looked at me as if they wanted more! It was like taking a countryside trip without leaving the city.”
5. Science Museum – Learning through play
📍 Exhibition Road, London SW7 2DD
🚇 South Kensington
💸 Free (some exhibitions have an admission fee)
The Science Museum is another must-see when visiting London with kids. With its interactive exhibits, it explains the world of science in an accessible and entertaining way. From the space gallery, where children can see a real space capsule, to the Wonderlab, with live experiments and physics games, every room is an adventure. It’s the perfect museum for rainy days and for sparking scientific curiosity.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I tried a giant bubble experiment and saw a huge rocket! I liked it because I could touch and try so many things, not just look.”
6. Babylon Park – The indoor playground
📍 Fitzrovia, London W1T 1QL
🚇 Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road
💸 From £12
Babylon Park is an indoor amusement park, perfect for those looking for a paid option in London with kids. It has slides, obstacle courses, arcade games, and brightly themed play areas. It is ideal for letting off energy in a safe and supervised environment, especially on rainy days.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“There were so many games I didn’t know where to start! I ran, jumped, and laughed for hours without stopping.”
7. Twist Museum – A world of illusions
📍 Oxford Street, London W1
🚇 Oxford Circus
💸 From £12.50
The Twist Museum is one of the most unique experiences for enjoying London with kids. It is an interactive optical illusion museum where children (and parents) can enter upside-down rooms, walk through rotating tunnels, and take fun photos. It is both artistic and scientific, and stimulates visual creativity.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I took a photo in a giant room where I looked as small as a mouse! It was weird but super fun.”
Practical tips for visiting London with kids
- Transport: Use the Oyster Card or Contactless to save on public transport.
- Planning: Alternate outdoor and indoor activities to manage energy and weather better.
- Meals: London is full of family-friendly restaurants and picnic areas in parks.
Conclusion
Experiencing London with kids means treating yourself to a unique adventure filled with discoveries, play, and special family moments. Whether it’s visiting a free museum, exploring a playground, or trying a paid attraction, every day can become an unforgettable memory.
