Top 10 Things to Do in London for Kids

With its rich history and iconic landmarks, London offers countless activities for children. Whether visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, the capital city is filled with exciting experiences that combine fun and learning. From historical adventures to immersive, themed experiences, there’s something for every child. Here’s a guide to the top 10 things to do in London for kids, blending the best of play, discovery, and imagination.

Check out our list of the top ten things to do in London for kids:

10. Play Games at Namco Fun Shop

Number 10 on our list of things to do in London for kids is the Namco Fun Shop, where you can play various fun games from arcade classics like PAC-Man to bowling, escape rooms, dodgems, ping-pong and so much more to keep you entertained. Namco Funscape is a haven for kids and the young at heart. This sprawling entertainment centre is located on the South Bank near the London Eye and offers various games and activities. Kids can challenge themselves with classic arcade games, engage in exhilarating bumper car rides, or participate in interactive games such as bowling and virtual reality experiences.

The vibrant, lively atmosphere is perfect for families looking for indoor excitement after a day of sightseeing. While the kids are occupied with games, parents can enjoy refreshments or join in on the fun.

9. Enjoy The Scenery at Big Ben:

Next on our list is the popular tourist attraction that you can’t miss seeing up close, The Big Ben. No trip to London is complete without a visit to Big Ben. While you can’t climb the iconic tower (which houses the Great Bell), simply standing in front of it and admiring its majestic structure is awe-inspiring for visitors of all ages. This globally recognised symbol of London is set along the River Thames, providing fantastic photo opportunities.

For kids, Big Ben’s sheer size will capture their imagination. They can learn about its history and importance in London. Afterwards, you can take a short walk to explore nearby Westminster Abbey or stroll through Parliament Square Garden, where they can marvel at statues of historical figures.

8. Climb Aboard HMS Belfast:

For a truly immersive experience, take the kids to explore HMS Belfast, a World War II Royal Navy warship permanently moored on the River Thames. Children can climb aboard and experience life as a sailor, studying the engine rooms, the captain’s bridge, and even the gun turrets.

The ship is filled with interactive exhibits that bring the ship’s history to life. There are fascinating stories of bravery, the chance to try out the gun control centre, and fun educational trails that engage children while they explore the nine decks of this floating museum. It’s a fantastic way to introduce them to history while entertaining them.

7. Take a Ride on The London Eye:

One of the most iconic attractions in London, the London Eye offers a stunning bird’s-eye view of the city. Standing 135 metres tall, the giant observation wheel provides 360-degree views of London’s most famous landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, and St Paul’s Cathedral.

For children, the ride is a thrilling experience as the large glass pods offer unobstructed views. The slow, steady pace allows them to spot famous landmarks from a new perspective and, on a clear day, they can see as far as Windsor Castle. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave your kids talking about the fantastic views for days.

6. Explore Shrek’s Adventure Shop:

If your little ones love the world of Shrek, they’ll be thrilled to visit Shrek’s Adventure Shop. This immersive, interactive experience takes kids into the heart of Shrek’s swamp, where they can meet their favourite characters like Donkey, Fiona, and Shrek himself.

The shop is filled with Shrek-themed merchandise, from plush toys to books and costumes. Kids can enter Far Far Away’s magical world and pick souvenirs from their favourite movie scenes. The shop is a fun place to stop by after visiting nearby attractions like the London Eye or the Sea Life London Aquarium, making it a perfect pit stop during your day of sightseeing.

5: Enjoy a Tasty Snack at The Cereal Killer Cafe:

Head to the Cereal Killer Cafe for a unique and quirky snack break. Located in Camden, this café is a paradise for cereal lovers, offering over 100 cereals worldwide. The colourful, nostalgic décor—complete with 80s and 90s memorabilia—adds to the fun vibe, making it a hit for kids and adults alike.

Children can choose from a wide selection of cereals, mix and match their favourite flavours, and top it off with a variety of delicious toppings like marshmallows, sprinkles, or fruit. The creative menu, featuring cereal-based milkshakes and snacks, will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s a playful and relaxed dining experience that your kids won’t forget!

4. Discover M&M’s You Never Knew Existed at M&M’s World:

Take the kids to M&M’s World in Leicester Square for a colourful, candy-filled adventure. Spread over four floors, this massive store is dedicated entirely to the world of M&Ms. Kids will love wandering through the vibrant displays, picking out their favourite colours and flavours, and even personalising their M&Ms with custom messages or pictures.

Apart from the sweets, the store also offers M&M-themed merchandise, clothing, toys, and even home décor items. There’s plenty of interactive fun, including photo ops with life-sized M&M characters and a replica of a classic red London bus made entirely from M&Ms!

3. Explore and Learn at The Natural History Museum:

For curious kids who love dinosaurs and fossils and want to learn about the wonders of the natural world, a visit to the Natural History Museum is a must. The museum is home to one of the world’s most impressive collections of natural history specimens, spanning everything from enormous dinosaur skeletons to ancient rocks and rare animals.

Children will be captivated by the museum’s towering blue whale skeleton, the dramatic model of a T-Rex, and the fascinating human evolution exhibit. The interactive sections, like the earthquake simulator and hands-on discovery centres, encourage young minds to engage with science in a fun and educational way. Moreover, the museum is free to enter, making it an accessible and family-friendly destination in the heart of South Kensington.

2. Discover The Magic at King’s Cross Harry Potter Shop:

A stop at King’s Cross Station to visit the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾ is a must for Harry Potter fans. The shop transports children into the magical world of Harry Potter, offering everything from wands and wizard robes to exclusive merchandise you won’t find anywhere else.

One of the highlights for kids is posing for a photo at the famous Platform 9¾, complete with a luggage trolley that looks like it’s disappearing into the magical wall. It’s the perfect opportunity for young witches and wizards to channel their inner Harry, Hermione, or Ron. The shop is filled with magical trinkets and souvenirs that will bring the Harry Potter experience to life for fans of all ages.

1. Experience The Sea Life Museum:

Dive beneath the waves at the Sea Life London Aquarium, where kids can encounter fascinating marine creatures. The aquarium houses over 500 species, including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and sea turtles. As children explore the exhibits, they’ll learn about the different marine habitats and the importance of protecting our oceans.

One of the aquarium’s most exciting features is the glass tunnel walkway, where sharks and other sea creatures swim right over your head. There’s also a penguin enclosure where children can watch these playful creatures glide through the water. The Sea Life London Aquarium provides an engaging, hands-on experience combining education and fun with interactive touch pools, feeding demonstrations, and informative talks.

Conclusion

London is an extraordinary city for children, filled with a vast array of entertaining and educational experiences. Whether it’s the thrill of arcade games at Namco Funscape, the magic of seeing Big Ben up close, or diving into the underwater world at Sea Life London Aquarium, there’s something to capture every child’s imagination. The top 10 activities highlighted in this guide ensure that your visit to London will be packed with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. These attractions offer more than just fun; they provide opportunities for learning, discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the world’s wonders. So, whether you’re a local family or visiting London for the first time, these experiences will make your children’s trip one to remember.

What did you think of our top ten things to do in London for Kids? Have we missed your favourite thing to do? We would love to know 🙂

PS Don’t forget to check out some of other London related blogs – M&M’s World, South Bank, Best London Attractions, Houses of Parliament, St. James Park, Camden Town Markets, Harry Potter at Platform 9 3/4, Shreks Adventure Shop.