London is an exciting destination for visitors of every age. From dinosaurs and double-decker buses to royal palaces, enormous parks and world-famous landmarks, the city offers countless opportunities for families to explore, learn and have fun together.
However, visiting London with children requires a little more planning than travelling alone or as a couple. Long days, crowded transport and an ambitious sightseeing schedule can quickly become tiring for younger visitors. The key to a successful London family holiday is to slow the pace, group activities by area and leave plenty of time for meals, rest and spontaneous discoveries. This family-friendly London guide covers some of the best things to do, how to travel around the city and how to choose accommodation that makes family life easier.
Is London a good destination for families?
London is particularly well suited to family holidays because it combines famous attractions with parks, playgrounds, interactive museums and free activities. Children can see dinosaur skeletons in the morning, watch street performers in the afternoon and travel on an iconic red bus on the way home. Many of the city’s museums offer family trails, interactive exhibits and activities designed specifically for younger visitors. London’s official visitor guide also recommends attractions for a wide range of ages, from toddlers to teenagers.
The city is large, but its public transport network makes it possible to visit several different neighbourhoods during one stay. Families do not need to see everything in a single trip. Choosing a few memorable experiences usually results in a much more enjoyable holiday.
The best things to do in London with children
Discover dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of London’s most popular family attractions. Its collections introduce children to dinosaurs, animals, oceans, volcanoes, space and the natural world. The impressive building is part of the experience, with its enormous entrance hall and detailed Victorian architecture. Families can follow self-guided routes through the museum or simply choose the galleries that best match their children’s interests. The museum provides family-friendly galleries, activities and suggested tours for curious children and their parents. It can become particularly busy during weekends and school holidays, so reserving admission in advance and arriving early is sensible. The museum is located in South Kensington, within easy reach of our Earl’s Court apartments.
Experiment at the Science Museum
Situated next to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum is another excellent choice for families. Children can explore displays covering space travel, medicine, engineering, communications and technological inventions. The museum also runs interactive experiences, demonstrations and family activities. General admission to the main museum is free, although some galleries, events and experiences require paid tickets. It can be tempting to visit both South Kensington museums in one day, but younger children may enjoy the experience more when each museum is given its own morning or afternoon.
Explore the London Transport Museum
For children fascinated by buses, trains and the London Underground, the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is an excellent addition to the itinerary. Its family areas and interactive exhibits allow younger visitors to explore the history of London’s transport network through play. The museum also runs storytelling, singing and creative sessions for younger children, alongside activities during school holidays. After visiting the museum, families can explore Covent Garden’s shops, market buildings and street performers. Fitzrovia is a convenient base for reaching this part of central London.
Make time for London’s parks
Not every activity needs to involve a ticket or a museum. Time outdoors is especially valuable when visiting London with younger children. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens provide space to walk, enjoy a picnic or take a break from busy streets. Families staying in Paddington can reach these green spaces easily, making it possible to combine sightseeing with a quieter afternoon. Regent’s Park is another excellent option, particularly for visitors staying in Fitzrovia. Its wide paths, gardens and open spaces provide a welcome change of pace after a morning in central London. Including a park in the daily itinerary also gives children time to run around rather than spending the entire day moving between indoor attractions.
See London from the River Thames
A boat journey along the Thames allows families to see many famous London landmarks without walking long distances. Depending on the route, children may see the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Travelling by river also provides a different perspective on the city and can feel like an attraction in itself. This can be a particularly useful option when everyone needs a rest but the family still wants to continue sightseeing.
Visit the Tower of London
The Tower of London brings British history to life through stories of kings, queens, prisoners, ravens and royal treasures. Older children may enjoy exploring its towers and learning about the people who lived and worked there. Because there is plenty to see, families should allow several hours and wear comfortable shoes. The Tower can be combined with a walk across Tower Bridge or a river journey back towards central London.
Enjoy a family-friendly West End show
A West End performance can be one of the most memorable parts of a family trip to London. Productions suitable for children range from large musicals to shorter daytime performances. Check the theatre’s age guidance before booking, as recommendations and admission rules vary between shows. For younger children, an afternoon performance may work better than an evening show. Staying in Fitzrovia also makes it easier to return to the apartment after a performance without a long journey across London.
Find free family activities
A London family holiday does not have to revolve around expensive attractions. Several major museums offer free access to their permanent collections, including the Science Museum and British Museum, although booking may still be recommended and temporary exhibitions can carry a charge. The British Museum also provides information about family facilities, activities and events.
Other free family activities include:
Watching the Changing of the Guard when scheduled
Exploring London’s parks and gardens
Walking along the South Bank
Visiting colourful areas such as Chinatown or Neal’s Yard
Looking for statues, street art or famous film locations
Watching street performers in Covent Garden
Combining paid attractions with free museums, walks and parks can help families manage their holiday budget.
Practical tips for a family trip to London
Plan one main attraction at a time
Rather than filling every hour, select one important attraction for the morning and another optional activity for the afternoon. This leaves room for unexpected delays, snacks, tiredness and the interesting things children notice along the way.
Book popular attractions in advance
Many London attractions use timed admission, particularly during weekends and school holidays. Booking before your visit reduces uncertainty and helps you organise each day by area. Check cancellation terms in case your plans need to change.
Carry layers and a light waterproof jacket
London weather can change quickly. Layers are more practical than one heavy coat, particularly when moving between outdoor streets, warm museums and public transport. A small umbrella or lightweight waterproof jacket can prevent a passing shower from interrupting the day.
Group attractions by neighbourhood
London is much larger than it appears on a tourist map. Avoid travelling repeatedly from one side of the city to the other. South Kensington’s museums can be visited together, Westminster can be combined with the South Bank, and Covent Garden works well with the London Transport Museum and West End.
Choosing family-friendly accommodation in London
Where you stay can have as much influence on your holiday as the attractions you visit. Traditional hotel rooms may feel restrictive when parents and children share one space. A serviced apartment offers greater flexibility, particularly during longer visits. Separate bedrooms and living areas allow adults to relax after children have gone to bed. A kitchen makes it possible to prepare breakfast, store snacks and serve familiar meals, while a washing machine means families can pack more lightly.
Prime Vision Living offers London apartments with amenities that may include:
Fully equipped kitchens
Separate living and dining areas
Washing machines
Sofa beds in selected apartments
High-speed Wi-Fi
Contactless check-in
Travel cots and highchairs on request in selected properties
For example, some of our one-bedroom Earl’s Court apartments accommodate up to four guests using a sofa bed and include kitchens and washing facilities. Selected larger Paddington and Fitzrovia apartments accommodate up to five guests and include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and family essentials such as a travel cot.
Always check the individual apartment description before booking, particularly when you require a lift, ground-floor access, a cot or a specific sleeping arrangement.
Make London your family’s next adventure
Visiting London with children can be busy, surprising and enormously rewarding. The best family holidays are not necessarily those that include the most attractions. They are the ones that balance famous sights with time to play, rest and explore at a comfortable pace. Choose a few experiences that match your children’s interests, group activities by area and allow space for the unexpected. Whether your family is excited by dinosaurs, trains, royal history, theatre or simply riding on the top deck of a London bus, there is always something new to discover.
At Prime Vision Living, our serviced apartments provide the space, flexibility and everyday facilities families need to feel at home during their London stay.
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