Child-friendly London – how to keep little ones happy in England’s capital city with our guide to the best activities
Our five top activities for children on a family trip to London
London Eye
This enormous big wheel is a great place to start any visit as it helps children get their bearings in the capital.
The queues can be long but you can book a timed entrance which is recommended in peak season. The ride takes half an hour. Tickets and information are available via the London Eye website
The London Eye
South Bank
The south bank of the River Thames is popular for a family day out.
A child-friendly route along the Embankment between Westminster Bridge and Jubilee Bridge has carousels, mime artists, stalls and indoor attractions galore.
We went to the Sea Life Centre London which is a good rainy day option or, in our case, a welcome escape from the heat outside. The penguins and sharks were particular favourites.
The parks
A dose of green space is welcome on a visit to London. Our favourite city centre option was St James’s Park, a small but charming park near Buckingham Palace.
Our children also had lots of fun cooling off in Hyde Park, paddling through the Diana Memorial Fountain stream.
There are rowing boats and pedal boats to hire on the Serpentine Lido or you can take a ride on the UK’s first Solarshuttle, powered only by the sun (check opening months and times for all these activities first). The Lido Cafe Bar has tables outside by the water.
St James’s Park is one of London’s best green spaces
Museums
The famous exhibits at the Natural History Museum – or the Dinosaur Museum as our children call it – are eye-opening for children and interesting for adults too.
You can combine a visit with a trip to the more interactive Science Museum next door and entrance is free – although be prepared for long queues in peak season. For tickets and information go to the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum websites.
The Natural History Museum is free to enter
Boat trip on the River Thames
For a more daredevil adventure, try the Thames Rib Experience. Speed boats take you along the river on various routes, we tried one to Canary Wharf and back.
It all starts gently enough, with guided commentary, but when the James Bond music comes on, prepare for a thrilling, high speed ride. A great way to see London from a different perspective. The minimum weight is 15kg or three stone.
The Thames RIB Experience
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What are your favourite activities for children in London? Please comment below, we’d love to hear from you.
Note: Some pictures in this article are courtesy of VisitLondon.com