London · United Kingdom · Things to do
5 things to do in London with kids
The five best things to do in London with kids are the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, a ride on a red double-decker bus, the London Eye, the free museums in South Kensington and the guards at Buckingham Palace. Several sit along the river, and the museums cost nothing to enter, which keeps the week affordable.
What to do, in order
- 1
Visit Tower Bridge and the Tower
The Tower of London is a fortress nearly a thousand years old, with the Crown Jewels, the White Tower's armour and the ravens, which according to legend must stay or the kingdom will fall. Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, lead free tours that children enjoy for the gory stories. Next door, Tower Bridge has its own exhibition with high glass walkways. Check the published times for the bridge lifting, which is worth waiting for. Allow a morning for the Tower and arrive at opening.
- 2
Ride a red double-decker
A ride on the top deck of a red London bus, in the front seat if you can get it, is a sightseeing tour for the price of a bus fare. Routes through the centre pass Trafalgar Square, Westminster, Parliament and St Paul's. Pay with a contactless card or an Oyster card, and note that young children travel free on buses with an adult, though the rules change with age, so check the transport authority. Avoid the rush hours of the morning and early evening, when buses are packed.
- 3
Ride the London Eye
The London Eye is a giant observation wheel on the South Bank. One full turn takes about 30 minutes, and the capsules move slowly enough for small children. On a clear day the view reaches well beyond the city. Book a timed ticket in advance, as the queue for same-day tickets can be long. Go late afternoon for daylight and sunset lights. If you want a free alternative, the viewing galleries at Sky Garden need a booking, and Primrose Hill gives a skyline view for nothing.
- 4
Spend a day in the free museums
The big national museums in London do not charge for general entry, which makes them the best value in the city. The Natural History Museum in South Kensington has dinosaurs and a blue whale skeleton in its main hall. The Science Museum next door has interactive galleries for younger children, though special exhibitions may be ticketed. The V&A and the British Museum are also free. Go to the Natural History Museum at opening, as queues build by late morning, and take a packed lunch for the park.
- 5
Watch the Buckingham Palace guards
The Changing of the Guard takes place in front of Buckingham Palace on set days, not every day, so check the schedule before you go. Arrive early and find a spot by the railings or on the Victoria Memorial, as the crowds are deep. Children enjoy the red uniforms, the band and the horses. If it is crowded, watch the mounted guard at Horse Guards on Whitehall, which is easier to see. Combine it with a walk through St James's Park, with its pelicans and playground.
Plan it
- Best time
- May to September has the warmest weather and long days. December has lights and markets, and January to March is cheapest and quietest. Rain can fall at any time of year, so pack a waterproof.
- How long
- Four to five days covers these five with slower mornings. Three days works if you do the museums and the river sights only.
- Getting around
- The Tube, buses and trains cover everything. Use a contactless card for fares. The river sights are walkable along the South Bank, and river boats connect Westminster, the London Eye and the Tower.
Good to know
- Book the Tower of London and the London Eye for a morning slot if you can, as queues are shortest before noon.
- Stay near a Tube line with step-free access if you have a stroller. Not all stations have lifts.
- Bring a packed lunch for park days. London parks are free, and the museums have picnic areas.
Frequently asked
Is London good for kids? +
Yes. Free museums, big parks, river boats and double-decker buses suit children of all ages. The main challenges are crowds and cost, which free museums and parks help to offset.
How many days do you need in London with kids? +
Four to five days is comfortable. That gives you the Tower and Tower Bridge, a museum day, the London Eye, the palace and a park day, without rushing from one sight to the next.
Which London museums are free? +
The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A, British Museum and National Gallery do not charge for general entry. Special exhibitions and some activities may be ticketed, so check before you go.
Do children travel free on London transport? +
Young children travel free on buses and the Tube when accompanied by an adult, but the rules depend on age and may change. Check the Transport for London website before travelling.
