London is a fantastic travel destination for families with kids. Whether you’re travelling on a budget or you can afford to spend and go wild, the variety of places to see and things to do is endless. The city packs lots of museums, amusement parks and activities for toddlers of all ages. Before heading to London’s most famous attractions, it might be a good idea to do some research. There’s more to the metropolis than just Big Ben, London Eye, Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Sure, these are fabulous places to take toddlers and kids as well, but if you want the kids to have the time of their life, you should include the following on your places to take kids in London list.
Make sure you check out this insiders guide to London for more hints and tips.
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Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Built in 2012, Queen Elizabeth’s Olympic Park is one of London’s most exciting places to take toddlers and kids. Brace yourself as this is not your average amusement park you can explore in a few hours! For this one, you might need a few days. There’s just so much to see and do here that we don’t even know where to begin. Let’s start with the BeachEast on the Stratford Waterfront, London’s coolest urban beach. Located right next to the Olympic Stadium, BeachEast spreads a whopping 2,200 sq meters. There’s a huge paddling pool for kids available in the summer, as well as many funfair rides and two beach bars for parents to relax.
Among other attractions worth exploring in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, we should also mention the UK’s tallest sculpture – ArcelorMittal Orbit, the Tumbling Bay Playground, Pleasure Gardens, and London’s Aquatics Centre.
Natural History Museum
A massive favourite of my places to take kids in London is the Natural History Museum. Dinosaurs, precious gems, butterflies, creepy crawlies and volcanoes – all these wonders are to be found at the Natural History Museum of London. With over 3 million visitors per year, the museum is a true wonderland for toddlers. The Dinosaurs gallery is stunning; your kids will love the animatronic T. Rex. There’s also a giant suspended globe to be admired, as well as an Investigation Centre where kids can experience the thrills of being a scientist. The museum’s only living exhibition is at the Wildlife Garden, where the beautiful ponds and oak woodlands will help toddlers get more acquainted with the British countryside.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Welcome to London’s most unbelievable attraction! Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a place like no other. With 19 exhibitions and over 700 artefacts, this attraction is a celebration of everything weird, peculiar and inexplicable. From unique cultures and amazing art to incredible nature and remarkable people, Ripley’s is the kind of entertainment venue that leaves you and your kids speechless. Designed to challenge the mind and wow you with something incredible at every corner, Ripley’s has unbelievable attractions for kids. The Mirror Maze, in particular, is a fascinating experience. Among several of the best things to check out when here, we should also mention the Vortex Tunnel, Legend’s Gallery, the original stories and the outstanding historical discoveries.
Kew Gardens
London’s Kew Gardens is one of the world’s most beautiful and diverse botanic gardens. Located just a 30-minute drive from the heart of the city the gardens boast amazing historic buildings, surreal landscapes, a glasshouse, numerous galleries and a wide range of gorgeous, rare plants. With over 100 attractions to explore, Kew Gardens are an iconic London attraction for families with kids as well. The Kew Gardens plants and trees are in full bloom in spring and summer, when it is the best time of the year to check out the all-natural reserve.
The Treetop Walkaway is a must-try for children. Located in the Arboretum area, the walkway provides magnificent views of the surrounding gardens. There are numerous other places to take toddlers and kids while at Kew, including The Hive, Marine Aquarium, Treehouse Towers and more.
London Zoo
Opened in the 19th century and originally used for scientific studies, The London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world. Step into a fascinating world filled with wild animals, indigenous bird species, amazing fish and great activities. Let your kids enjoy the experiences to the fullest. Big cat lovers will embark on a lifetime adventure with the three walkways available. Spanning over 2,500 sq km. They are jam-packed with immersive, thrilling Indian-themed places to explore – will exceed all their expectations.
Some of the best experiences for kids include programs like:
- Keeper for a Day – where tourists can get closer to some of the Zoo’s most popular animals
- Gir Lion Lodge – opened earlier this year, Gir Lion Lodge welcome families to spend the night at the zoo, and enjoy some quality time together in an unusual, fascinating environment
- Meet the Animals – a program that most kids adore; it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the zoo’s animals, get up-close and learn more about their habitat.
London has lots of exciting attractions and indoor places of interest for families with kids. Decide on the most unbelievable, and make your trip to the city memorable. Have a great time visiting the museums and the parks. At the end of the day, toddlers will be left with memories and experiences they’ll cherish for a lifetime.
For a super family friendly hotel then head over to the financial district. It’s always lovely and quiet at the weekend. Try out the Hotel Indigo in Tower Hill.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in London with kids, you’re in Luck. There are loads of family friendly restaurants in London. Check out the list and pick your favourite.
What are your favourite places to take kids in London? Let me know in the comments.