Discover the top London attractions for kids with this definitive shortlist, designed to help you plan a fun and memorable day out in the capital. From legendary landmarks such as the Tower of London and the London Eye to immersive attractions including Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and The Paddington Bear Experience, this guide showcases the city’s must-visit attractions for children of all ages.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, each attraction offers adventure, discovery and plenty of fun for the whole family.
London's best attractions for kids at a glance
- 🚈 Best for learning: London Transport Museum and Twist Museum
- 🧸 Best for all-round fun: Madame Tussauds, Paradox Museum and The Paddington Bear Experience
- 🐟 Best for nature and animals: London Zoo, SEA Life London Aquarium and Kew Gardens
- 🏰 Best for history: Tower of London and Cutty Sark
- 🪄 Best for all ages: Warner Bros. Studio Tour, London Eye and City Cruises
- 🫏 Best for toddlers: Shrek's Adventure! London
Must-visit London attractions for kids
Travel back in time to explore the 1,000-year-old Tower of London, a former prison, fortress and royal residence. Gaze at the sparkling gemstones in the Crown Jewels exhibition before unravelling the mystery of the ravens – the Tower's guardians – with the Yeoman Warders. Older kids will love hearing the spine-chilling history of the Bloody Tower and Tower Green, where Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were executed.
Our top tip: Arrive early to avoid the queues for the Crown Jewels, and don't miss the White Tower – the central keep of the Tower of London, built to deter invaders – which houses majestic suits of armour.
Tower Hill, City of London, London, EC3N 4AB
From £37.00
Based on 69,720 reviews
Make any child's dream of becoming a wizard come true by treating them to a tour of the studios where the Harry Potter films were produced. Uncover authentic sets, props and costumes from the hit franchise, and discover the magic behind the spellbinding effects featured in legendary scenes such as the flying Quidditch tournaments. Little ones can shop exclusive merchandise in the Studio Tour shop including replica wands and collectible items.
Our top tip: Don't miss the seasonal takeovers at the studio including the spooktacular Dark Arts transformation for Halloween and the magical Hogwarts in the Snow at Christmas.
Stop 1, Bulleid Way, London, SW1W 9SR
From £88.75
Based on 48,669 reviews
Step through the world-famous doors of Madame Tussauds and meet your favourite stars, from music icons to Hollywood A-listers to the royal family. Explore three floors and eight immersive zones featuring more than 150 lifelike wax figures. Budding superheroes will enjoy the Avengers in the Marvel Hall of Heroes!
Our top tip: Head to the Star Wars Experience, where you can come face to face with legendary characters from a galaxy far, far away.
Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LR
From £27.00
Based on 32,770 reviews
Set sail along the River Thames with City Cruises and enjoy sweeping views of London's top landmarks from the open-air deck or comfortable indoor saloon. Glide past the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London while listening to expert guided commentary. Families can hop on and off at key piers throughout the day, or make lasting memories with special dining and evening cruises.
Our top tip: Have your camera at the ready for the moment you cruise beneath the historic Tower Bridge.
Victoria Embankment, Westminster, London, SW1A 2JH
From £15.00
Based on 6,800 reviews
Dive into an underwater world in the heart of the capital at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Journey through 14 themed zones, home to more than 500 species including jellyfish, turtles and starfish. Stroll through the Ocean Tunnel and marvel at sharks and tropical fish gliding overhead, or test your nerves on the glass Shark Walk. Kids will love spotting colourful clownfish in the Coral Kingdom!
Our top tip: Check out the daily feeding sessions to see sharks, penguins and rays in action.
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB
From £28.00
Based on 7,722 reviews
Adventure into the hilarious world of Shrek and friends at Shrek's Adventure! London. Young adventurers can navigate the swamp, meet their favourite characters and test their skills in the cheeky DreamWorks Game Show, as well as classic film sets and immersive 4D rides.
Our top tip: Be sure to explore the magic mirror maze for the chance to see if you can outsmart Lord Farquaad's spiteful Magic Mirror.
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB
From £21.00
Based on 4,222 reviews
Plan a thrilling day out at Paradox Museum London in Knightsbridge, where immersive rooms, interactive exhibits and mind-bending optical illusions challenge perception at every turn. Highlights include the Paradox Sofa, which appears to split bodies in two, and the dizzying Paradox Tunnel designed to trick the senses. Located in Knightsbridge, it’s a memorable all-weather attraction packed with hands-on fun and photo-worthy moments for all ages.
Our top tip: Make a beeline for the Zero Gravity Room, where you can lie on the walls and experience the sensation of defying gravity.
90 Brompton Road, London, SW3 1JJ
From £29.00
Treat the kids to a day out at London Zoo, where they can spot more than 700 animal species. Wander through immersive enclosures to spot lions, tigers, giraffes and penguins, or stroll through tropical butterfly paradises and gorilla habitats. Young explorers can enjoy interactive exhibits, meet smaller creatures in Tiny Giants and learn thrilling facts at daily keeper talks.
Our top tip: Get a close-up view of the feeding sessions at Penguin Beach.
London Zoo, Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY
From £23.50
Based on 8,168 reviews
Discover the delightful world of Paddington Bear at The Paddington Bear Experience. Journey through themed rooms, meet familiar characters and explore iconic locations from the beloved stories. Kids can uncover surprises along the way, while helping Paddington and the Brown family prepare for Marmalade Day Festival.
Our top tip: Spend time in the life-sized Windsor Gardens, where you can dance, play festival games and even try Paddington's marmalade sandwich!
County Hall, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 7GP
From £34.00
Explore immersive rooms, test your senses and challenge your perception at Twist Museum on Oxford Street, where more than 60 interactive exhibits and mind-boggling illusions play with colour, shape, perspective and sound.
Our top tip: Step into the Colour Flip Room for a visual adventure like no other.
Uncover the story of London's transport past and present at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, where you'll find iconic red buses, vintage Tube trains and fascinating designs including the first Underground map and the world's oldest steam train. Hop aboard vintage vehicles, try the Tube driving simulator and explore interactive galleries.
Our top tip: Follow the Stamper Trail and collect stamps as you go, a thrilling way for kids to explore the museum's highlights.
Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7BB
From £27.00
Based on 3,608 reviews
Make tracks to the legendary Cutty Sark in Greenwich, one of the fastest and most famous tea clippers in history. Explore the decks, marvel at towering masts and 11 miles of rigging, and meet the sailors who once navigated the globe on this record-breaking ship.
Our top tip: Extend your visit with a relaxed afternoon tea at the Cutty Sark Cafe, located beneath the ship itself!
King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9HT
From £22.00
Based on 3,492 reviews
Escape the bustle of the city and discover the natural world at Kew Gardens, London's largest Unesco-protected site. Explore 130 hectares of stunning landscapes, wander through tropical glasshouses and admire vibrant floral displays across themed gardens. From the soaring Treetop Walkway to the exotic Palm House, there's something for visitors of all ages.
Our top tip: Visit during Christmas at Kew to experience the glittering light trail.
Richmond
From £25.00
Based on 9,619 reviews
See the capital from a different perspective on the world-famous London Eye! Soar 135 metres above the city in a glass pod and enjoy uninterrupted views of landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and St Paul's Cathedral.
Our top tip: Book a sunset ride for golden city views.
Riverside Building, London, SE1 7PB
From £39.00
Based on 91,908 reviews
London attractions for kids: FAQs
Where can I take my family out in London?
Plan the perfect day out with our guide to the top kids attractions London has to offer, from historic sites to immersive adventures.
What are the must-visit attractions for kids in London?
London is packed with fun spots for families, making it easy to create lasting memories. Some of the top London kids attractions can be found on the lively South Bank including SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Shrek's Adventure! London and the London Eye. Other attractions for kids in London combine culture and adventure such as Kensington Palace and the Tower of London.
How much does it cost to visit kids attractions in London?
Ticket prices for kids attractions in London vary depending on the experience, the age of the child and whether you book online in advance. Many popular London attractions for kids such as the London Eye and London Zoo, can be visited using The London Pass, which makes exploring multiple sites more affordable.
Are these attractions suitable for toddlers and younger kids?
Most major London attractions for kids are designed to engage all ages, including toddlers and young children. Hands-on exhibits, play areas and interactive activities at the likes of London Transport Museum and Kew Gardens are perfect for little ones. Be sure to check each site's age recommendations to plan the best day out at London attractions for kids.
