Top London Activites for Kids (Which Adults Will Also Love)
London is a great place for family days out, it's packed with various fun activities for children and adults too. I always get the urge to jump at every opportunity for an outing in London, whether I'm with kids or not - I know it'll most certainty be a blast. Fortunately, I've tried and tested most of these landmarks and even racked up a few praises for my recommendations. You can expect to see a man dressed up with a chainsaw, indulge and shop in a well-known and thriving market place, get mucky with animals all while exploring London's hidden gems packaged up within a commutable distance. These hotspots will be so good the kids will be begging you to go back – or you'll even end up begging them.
Go Ape, Alexandra Palace
Swing your way towards a day full of adventure. Monkey see monkey do? At this attraction you will be immersed in 3 hours of blood-pumping action, where the instructors will provide a full safety induction debrief before you take on new heights.
You’ll experience a 43-meter-high speed zip wire grand finale, explore the canopy, leap towards the free-fall Tarzan swings and experience everything ape! Are you ready for the thrills and challenges that wait ahead of you?
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, Battersea
A trip to the zoo can easily last a whole day, so the Battersea Park Zoo offers everything you need to enjoy your day out. Home to a wide variety of animals, ranging from monkeys to donkeys, Emperor tamarins and snakes, a trip here will surely induce animal fever for the wild and curious animal lovers.
It has nearby hotels and parking to allow for longer commutes; offers food and drink facilities, playground and a gift shop to take a souvenir home from your day at the zoo.
Now open from 10 am to 16:30 pm, this petite zoo offers younger audiences the chance to watch animals up-close, with regular special events to enhance any animal lover's excitement towards the animals and give them the chance to see what it is like to take care of them. If you’re looking for a comfortable but personable zoo, this will tick all the boxes.
Cycling, Richmond Park
A National Nature Reserve with a stunning landscape of trees, streams, woodland and stretches of grassy meadows, alongside lots of wildlife to spot - Richmond Park hits the sweet spot as one of London's truest gems.
The road around the edge of Richmond Park is 7 miles long and offers some good sharp climbs as well as some long gradual inclines. The Park has clearly marked lanes, for the professional riders and family outings, tailored to provide you routes of varying difficulty.
Ready to feel the burn and cycle through 2500 acres? You can even log your lap times online at here.
The London Dungeon, The South Bank
Love to be filled with edge-of-your-seat excitement? If that answer is a yes, then look no further. Now your spidey-senses might be tingling with good reason. This attraction will be packed with all things ghoulish and gruesome with a twist of light humour.
Situated half a mile from Westminster bridge, you can expect to test your nerves as you listen to blood-curdling tales, onboard riveting rides and attend loads of live shows. This immersive experience is to die for (but please don’t actually die). Book your tickets now.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium, The South Bank
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Let's find out! Explore the marine world at SEA LIFE London Aquarium on London's South Bank.
With over 500 aquatic creatures, this underwater adventure is not for the feint hearted. Kids and adults alike will immerse themselves between 3 floors where for the most part, the sea creatures have been rescued in the wild, or bred in the aquarium as part of their extensive conservation projects.
With a built-in audio system, LED lighting and furniture to create that party atmosphere, what more could you need. Get face-to-fin and book tickets now… you’re going to feel like a right fish out of water.
The Natural History Museum, South Kensington
The Natural History Museum is one of the three major museums on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, a district just West of Central London in the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
The museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 80 million items within five main collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology. Don’t know what those terms mean? Neither do We... The Natural History Museum is a fun spot to educate yourself, get out of the house, and do something you normally wouldn’t on a typical day.
You won't regret it.
ZSL London Zoo
ZSL London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo and has been educating and inspiring visitors since opening in 1847.
Find yourself face to face with the Asiatic lions in Land of the Lions, get up close in the walkthrough exhibits, meet the Monkeys and if you're feeling brave, Europe's only walkthrough spider experience! Plus of course the iconic Penguin Beach, Tiger Territory and Gorilla Kingdom.
This is an unmissable attraction right in the heart of London. Experience it for yourself.
Royal Observatory & Planetarium, Greenwich
Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are... Wonder no more! At the Royal Observatory and Planetarium, you can join astronomers and leading scientists on a fascinating journey into space, from shows and science sessions for kids to in-depth astronomy courses and community events. Fun fact: Greenwich Mean Time starts here, it was established at Royal Observatory, just one of several buildings of architectural interest in Greenwich. Set your sights on this as your next outing within London.
Borough Market, Southwark Street
Borough Market consists of three main areas: Three Crown Square, Green Market and Borough Market Kitchen. Surrounding the Market, you’ll find a complementary blend of restaurants, bars and shops. Let your senses guide you as you follow the lovely aroma filled passageways and indulge in a variety of wonderful foods.
I hope you’ve enjoyed our post about some of the best things to do in London with kids. Why not read all about our other exciting posts!
Find great places to stay