12 Things to do in London with Kids

London is one of the best cities to visit when dipping your toe into the culture of Europe. This fast-paced metropolis has scores of activities for your kids, plus the locals speak English, which makes it easy to navigate through town. Stop in a pub for a steak and ale pie, or dine on Brick Lane if you are craving a curry. Load the kids up with knowledge at any one of the free museums that make it easy to leave when legs are tired and tantrums start up at naptime. Just don’t sit still too long. There is so much to see and do when you are in London with kids and here’s where to start.

London Tube: Driving in London is impossible, and taxis can be expensive and time consuming. Pop down to the London tube, grab an Oyster card and load it up with cash to get you where you need to go in a hurry.

Covent Garden: Buy a quick snack and pull up a seat on the curb to watch some of London’s most entertaining street performers.

National Gallery: If you have ever wanted to see some of the world’s most impressive art, but you know your kids can’t handle long hours at a museum, go to the National Gallery. The museum map makes it easy to get to the paintings you don’t want to miss.

The Science Museum: Airplanes, engines and space call out from the open halls at this museum that is sure to impress any science lovers in your family. Expect to spend an entire day exploring, as there are plenty of hands-on activities for the kids.

British Museum: Grab an audio guide for the kids and take a walk back in time through some of Britain’s most exquisite archeological treasures. The Rosetta Stone, mummies and ancient Greek statues are just a few of the artifacts you will see.

Hyde Park: Sniff the roses, hear public speeches at the Speaker’s Corner or just kick a soccer ball around for a few hours. There is plenty of grass for everyone to have a good time.

Princess Diana Memorial Playground: Let the kids play off some energy with the locals in this fun pirate ship play structure.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace: Any little prince or princess will be thrilled to watch the pomp and circumstance of the changing of the guard. The schedule switches from even days to odd days depending on the month. Check their website before you go.

Stalk Harry Potter: Visit the spots where your kids’ favorite witches and wizards visited during the making of the films. No trip to London is complete without a stop at Platform 9 ¾.

High above London in the Shard: Skip the price and long lines at the London Eye and look high over the city via the viewing deck at the Shard. This way you can get the London Eye in all of your photos and still see the sunset over the city.

Afternoon tea for kids: Step into the world of Willy Wonka at the Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair. Chocolate, fizzy lifting drinks, and of course, little tea sandwiches will spoil your children during this afternoon of fun.

London Theater: London’s theater district is filled with kid-friendly shows. Just make sure you grab tickets ahead of time, or be prepared to stand in line waiting for same day tickets.

What are some of your favorite things to do in London?

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Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.