It’s no exaggeration to say that London is one of the world’s most fun cities. However, you might be put off visiting London with kids as it’s such a massive, busy metropolis that it may seem intimidating. Though navigating it with a family in tow may seem daunting, especially if you have little ones, there are plenty of fun things to do in London with kids that even the smallest, most easily distracted minds will love. From quiet corners of hidden gems where you can retreat from the hustle and bustle to child-friendly games restaurants and free things to do in London with kids, family days out in the capital have never been easier to plan. Discover great family things to do in London and kids activities for any age; you’ll never be out of ideas for what to do in London with kids, with the best interactive museums, top London attractions for kids, parks, and even old-school cinemas.
Greenwich
Families with older children may find the home of Greenwich Meantime an intriguing concept. If you’re visiting London with teenagers and don’t want to blow the budget, head to Greenwich, where you can check out museums or picnic in one of the best London parks. For £5 (under-5s are free), you can browse the Royal Observatory, the Astronomer Royal's house and stand on the Meridian Line. There are lots of other fun free and paid things for children to see and do in Greenwich. Check out the iconic Cutty Sark for a fun day out on one of the world's most famous ships. Let your little ones have fun at the ship’s wheel, climb into the crew's bunk beds and meet famous figureheads Nannie the Witch, Captain Woodget, and Jock Willis as they take you on a guided tour of the ship that made them famous. At around £13.60 for adults and £7 for children between the ages 5-15, the attraction isn’t free but is well worth it for an action-packed day out in the capital. Both you and your little ones will learn more about what life was like on board the fastest tea clipper of its time, through entertaining and educational interactive performances.
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Draughts, Hackney
Why not head out for a family meal and take Family Game Night on the road? London’s first board game café is a haven for game lovers of all ages and at Draughts in Hackney, you can find a collection of over 500 games. Have a game in mind? You name it, they probably have it. Want to become a rich man over Monopoly, solve a crime in Cluedo or play tactically and sink someone's battleship? At one of the best family-friendly restaurants in London you’re guaranteed to find a game you’ll love, and if you aren't sure just have a word with one of the Draughts game “gurus”. One of the best things to do in London with kids, at Draughts you can get the family away from their phones and engage in some healthy family time. The little ones can snack on small plates like sticky chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese bites or sweet corn fritters while the big ones can sip a cool IPA or draughts house cocktail like Mamma Mia Negroni or Geists Blitz Aperol Spritz.
The Ritzy Cinema, Brixton
This beautiful cinema in the heart of Brixton is perfect for a family rainy day film, or combined with a trip to Brockwell Park. Children are free and adults are £3. Visiting London with a baby? On Tuesdays and Thursdays, there’s Toddler Time at 11am for screenings of favorites such as Tractor Ted. The Ritzy is an iconic Brixton institution, much loved by locals for its friendly atmosphere and pro-independent, anti-multiplex vibe. The site dates back to 1911 and the picture house is one of south London’s oldest. Today, the Ritzy holds onto its grandeur without losing an endearing intimacy. With five comfortable and reasonably sized screens, a diverse program with something for everyone (from major blockbusters to independent films and late-night shows), the spot is a great place to grab a beer or coffee from one of the two bars and enjoy a family evening of chilled fun.
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London Mithraeum
Wondering what to do in London with kids beyond the main attractions? How about visiting a Roman Temple in the middle of London? The London Mithraeum is little known by many; a hidden gem in the center of the capital. Little explorers will be in awe upon discovering the secrets of ancient London. Head 2000 years back in time to the age when the shrine to god and bull-slayer Mithras was built by the Romans. There are over 600 artifacts for you to explore and learn about. The amazing space from the 3rd century is completely free to wander around. Discover the history of the city, admire an ancient temple and be amazed by unearthed items. Are your children learning to write? Show them the earliest hand-written document in Britain, the tables where the earliest Londoners did all their writing and colorful art. An exciting twist to your family London learning experience, London Mithraeum is great when seeking what to do in London with kids for free.
London Transport Museum
One of the best family experiences in London, the London Transport Museum based in the heart of Covent Garden tells the powerful link between transport and the growth of the modern metropolis, its culture and society since the 1800s. Your little ones can get involved with interactive activities and galleries like stepping aboard old buses, trains and even try driving a Tube simulator. But it’s not just for the kids - the big ones can also enjoy learning the history of the iconic red London bus, the world’s first Underground steam train and the padded cell; a train carriage dating back to the 1890s. If you’re a transport enthusiast, a history buff or simply someone looking for things to do in London with kids, the London Transport Museum is a must-see. It’s free for under 18s. Afterwards, take a stroll around the London gift souvenir shop, or relax in the cafe bar which overlooks the beautiful Covent Garden Piazza.
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