11 Best Family Things to Do in London

The London Eye, set on the cultural stretch of the South Bank, is a giant silver-white Ferris wheel that shoots high into the sky. Opened in the year 2000, this mighty modern marvel stands at a whopping 135 metres tall. 

Buy a ticket, and step inside a spacious oval-shaped passenger capsule. The 45-minute long tour gives you a pristine and unforgettable bird's eye view of London’s skyline.

Do your kids want to see David Beckham? What about James Bond, or Queen Elizabeth II? At Madame Tussauds, families can wander around the exhibits and see utterly life-like wax models of celebrities, singers, heroes, and historic figures from today's pop stars to Charlie Chaplin.

This attraction is open to kids of all ages, but be warned – little ones may get frightened. Daring visitors are sure to find this spooky living museum the perfect balance of fright and fun. The London Dungeon blends theatrical actors, moving stage-sets, and wacky rides to create an imaginative walk-through with exhibits on everything from Guy Fawkes to Sweeney Todd.

ZSL London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo – dating back to 1828 – and devotes itself to creating eye-opening exhibits and giving visitors a glimpse into nature’s most incredible animals. Take your kids through Gorilla Kingdom, across the indoor walk-through Rainforest Life exhibit, and over toward Tiger Territory, where strikingly striped Sumatran tigers await.

V&A Museum of Childhood has exhibits to excite all ages, from 17th-century dolls’ houses to 1950s Scalextric racing cars. Little ones can frolic in the sandpit and ride rocking horses, while older kids make pictures from magnetic filings. Bring your own cup to enjoy discounted prices on hot drinks at Benugo café, V&A Museum of Childhood's open-plan eatery.

Handmade Jack-in-the-boxes and string puppets fill Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, a tiny specialist store in the lively Covent Garden market. It's also one of the oldest toy shop in London, dating back as far as 1851. With the help of contemporary artists, the store has its own range of quality toy theatres.

The Serpentine Lake at the vast Hyde Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with rowing boats and pedal boats for hire. In summer months you can enjoy a dip at the Serpentine Swimming Club, and there’s a paddling pool for little ones.

Unicorn Theatre is a purpose-built venue that has a year-round programme of performances for a wide range of ages. Daytime storytelling, Shakespeare for teenagers and puppet shows with a twist mark this family-friendly London venue.

Hard Rock Cafe was actually founded in London – and this one keeps true to its Americana-obsessed tradition. Kids can enjoy fresh American cuisine from tasty New York-style sandwiches to finger-licking fried chicken. Music-obsessed parents will get a thrill from all the rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia – and who knows, your kids may get inspired, too.

Unleash your kids’ imagination at Discover Children’s Story Centre, where storytelling, dressing up and the Story Trail entertains the under-12s. With larger-than-life exhibitions and interactive adventures, weekends have drop-in family activities.

Create a medieval knight in bronze, or a multicoloured St George and the Dragon to take home. There are replica brasses of all sizes and levels, and different colours of metallic wax. Keep your ears open for free lunchtime concerts in the church hall.