Not all famous landmarks in London are created equal when you’ve got kids in tow. Some are Instagram-worthy but bore children to tears. Others look underwhelming in photos but absolutely captivate young imaginations. And certain neighborhoods? Pure family gold – the kind of places where you can actually relax while the kids explore. Let’s walk through the absolute best places to visit in London with kids – the landmarks that’ll make them say “wow” and the neighborhoods where you won’t stress about keeping them entertained.
Iconic Landmarks: The Best Places to Visit in London with Kids for Unforgettable Memories
Tower Bridge: London’s Most Photogenic Engineering Marvel
This is the bridge kids expect London to look like – and it absolutely delivers as one of the best places to visit in London with kids. When most people picture London bridges, this is what they imagine (not London Bridge, which is disappointingly ordinary). The Gothic towers and blue suspension design are instantly recognizable.
Walking across Tower Bridge is free and gives you fantastic views of the Thames, but the real thrill is inside. The Tower Bridge Exhibition lets you walk on the high-level glass floor walkway, suspended 42 meters above the river. Watching boats pass beneath your feet while you’re standing on glass? Kids find this simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating. Even teenagers who are “too cool” for tourist stuff get excited about this.
The Victorian engine rooms below show the massive machinery that used to power the bridge lifts (now it’s electric, but the old equipment is fascinating). Kids love seeing the giant pistons and gears. If you time it right, you can watch the bridge lift for tall ships – check the lifting schedule online and try to catch one. The whole process takes about 10 minutes and feels like watching a giant mechanical creature wake up.
The bridge also looks absolutely stunning from different vantage points. Morning light from the South Bank, sunset from the riverside walk, or lit up at night – each gives you a different perspective. Take photos from street level on either side, walk across the top, and view it from the riverside paths.
Pro tip: Buy tickets online in advance for the Exhibition to skip queues. Early morning (9:30-10:30 AM) is quietest. If your budget is tight, just walking across the bridge and viewing it from the outside is free and still impressive.
Address: Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP
Opening Times: Daily 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
Admission: Exhibition: Adults £12.30, Children (5-15) £6.20, Under 5s FREE; Walking across: FREE
Big Ben & Houses of Parliament: The Iconic London Moment
There’s nothing quite like the moment your kids see Big Ben in real life and say, “It looks just like in the movies!” This is one of those best places to visit in London with kids that delivers instant recognition and excitement. Even children who know nothing about London history recognize Big Ben from films, TV shows, and photos.
Technically, Big Ben is the bell inside the Elizabeth Tower (the clock tower), but everyone calls the whole thing Big Ben. The Gothic Revival architecture of the Houses of Parliament complex is stunning – it looks like something from a Harry Potter movie, which kids absolutely love.
This is your classic “short stop, big photo moment” attraction. You can’t usually go inside unless you book a tour well in advance (and honestly, parliamentary tours aren’t thrilling for most kids). But standing in front of it, hearing the famous chimes, and getting your family photos? That’s a core London memory that takes maybe 15 minutes but will be in your photo albums forever.
The best viewing spots are from Westminster Bridge (you get Big Ben and Parliament together in the shot) or from the South Bank across the river (you get the Thames in the foreground, making for beautiful photos). At night when everything’s illuminated, it’s magical.
Combine this with a walk past Westminster Abbey and down to the Thames, and you’ve got a solid 30-minute London landmark loop. Kids can say they’ve “seen Big Ben” and tick it off their mental London checklist.
Pro tip: Come at the top of the hour to hear the full chimes (the bell strikes every 15 minutes but the full Westminster Quarters only plays on the hour). The area gets very crowded midday – early morning or evening offers better photo opportunities.
Address: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA
Opening Times: Exterior viewing anytime; tours available (book well in advance)
Admission: Exterior viewing FREE; tours vary in price
Join this highly popular Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Guided Tour.
Westminster Abbey: Where History Meets Fantasy Architecture
This is where kings and queens are crowned, and the building itself looks straight out of a fantasy movie, making it one of the most impressive best places to visit in London with kids. The Gothic architecture with its soaring spires and intricate stonework genuinely wows children – it’s the kind of building that makes them crane their necks and say “whoa.”
Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066. Seventeen monarchs are buried here, along with famous figures like Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, and numerous poets in Poets’ Corner. Older kids (10+) who’ve studied any British history find this fascinating – they’re literally walking where kings walked.
Younger children might not grasp the historical significance, but they love the epic architecture, the tomb monuments (some quite elaborate and dramatic), and the sense of being somewhere really, really old and important. The building feels sacred and special, which kids pick up on even if they don’t understand all the details.
You can admire the exterior for free – it’s stunning from the outside and makes for great photos alongside Big Ben. If you go inside (tickets required), there are family audio guides that make the history more accessible for children. The Cloisters and College Garden are peaceful spots that feel medieval and atmospheric.
Pro tip: If you’re on a budget, the exterior viewing is free and still impressive. If you do go inside, arrive right when they open (9:30 AM) to avoid the worst crowds. Wednesday evenings sometimes have choral evensong services that are free to attend – experiencing the choir in this setting is truly special.
Address: 20 Deans Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA
Opening Times: Monday-Saturday 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM (closed Sundays except for worship)
Admission: Adults £27, Children (6-17) £12, Under 6s FREE; Exterior viewing FREE
Best to experience this through this highly rated Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Guided Tour.
Buckingham Palace: The King’s House That Fascinates Children
Even if you skip the Changing of the Guard, Buckingham Palace is a must-see and one of the top best places to visit in London with kids. Tell your kids “This is where the King lives,” and watch their eyes go wide. The concept of an actual palace where an actual king lives captures children’s imaginations like few other London landmarks.
During summer (late July through September), you can tour the State Rooms, which is surprisingly kid-friendly. These aren’t dusty museum rooms – they’re actively used for state occasions, and they’re ridiculously opulent. The gold, the chandeliers, the artwork, the throne room – it’s like stepping into a fairy tale palace. Kids who love anything royal or princess-related are in heaven.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony is the classic free activity here. It happens at 11 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (check the schedule as it varies seasonally and can be canceled for weather). The full ceremony with military bands, guards in their red tunics and bearskin hats, and precise marching routines is quintessentially British. Kids find it entertaining for the first 15-20 minutes, though the full ceremony lasts about 45 minutes.
Even without going inside or catching the guard change, just standing at the palace gates, seeing the guards on duty, and taking photos is worthwhile. The surrounding area includes St. James’s Park (beautiful and great for kids), Green Park, and the Victoria Memorial right in front of the palace.
Pro tip: For the Changing of the Guard, arrive by 10:30 AM to get a spot at the palace railings. The view from the Victoria Memorial (the big monument in front of the palace) is also good. If it’s crowded, you can often see the guards marching along The Mall as they approach the palace.
Address: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
Opening Times: State Rooms open late July – September, typically 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM; Changing of the Guard at 11:00 AM (selected days)
Admission: State Rooms: Adults £33, Children (5-17) £21, Under 5s FREE; Changing of the Guard: FREE; Exterior viewing: FREE
Best to take this popular Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Guided Tour to get the most of your experience.
St. Paul’s Cathedral: The Dome That Dominates the Skyline
St. Paul’s Cathedral dome dominates London’s skyline, and whether you admire it from the outside or climb it for soaring views, it’s definitely one of the landmark best places to visit in London with kids. This is Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, completed in 1711, and it’s one of the most recognizable buildings in London.
The exterior is grand and beautiful – the massive dome, the columned facade, the position atop Ludgate Hill. You can appreciate all of this without paying admission. Kids love the scale of it – everything feels monumental and important.
If you go inside (paid admission), the interior is stunning with beautiful mosaics and the famous Whispering Gallery. But the real draw for kids is the climb. It’s 528 steps to the top of the dome, and it’s genuinely challenging – but kids who like physical challenges love it. You’ll stop at three levels: the Whispering Gallery (259 steps), the Stone Gallery outside (378 steps), and the Golden Gallery at the very top (528 steps).
The views from the top are spectacular – you can see across all of London. The Whispering Gallery gets its name because the acoustics allow whispers to carry around the dome – kids think this is hilarious and will spend time whispering to each other from opposite sides.
Younger kids might just enjoy the grand architecture and the massive doors – everything feels enormous and impressive, which is enough to hold their attention for a quick visit.
Pro tip: If you’re climbing, go early when you have the most energy. The climb is tiring for young kids – I’d say ages 8+ handle it well. If you have a toddler or kids who won’t manage the stairs, viewing from the outside is still worthwhile. The view from the Millennium Bridge with St. Paul’s in the background is iconic.
Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
Opening Times: Monday-Saturday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (closed Sundays except for worship)
Admission: Adults £25, Children (6-17) £11, Under 6s FREE; Exterior viewing FREE
Buy your St. Paul’s Cathedral entry ticket here.
Royal Observatory Greenwich: Where East Meets West in One Giant Leap
Here’s a landmark that kids actually understand and get excited about, making it one of the most educational best places to visit in London with kids. The Royal Observatory sits atop Greenwich Hill, and the Prime Meridian line runs right through it – meaning your kids can literally stand with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the western hemisphere. They think this is hilarious and will make you take approximately 47 photos of them doing it.
But Greenwich isn’t just about that line. The view from the top of the hill is one of the best free panoramas in London – you can see the Thames snaking through the city, the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, and central London landmarks in the distance. Kids love the climb up (or you can cheat and take the path that’s less steep), and there’s plenty of space to run around once you’re at the top.
The observatory itself has interactive exhibits about space, time, and navigation that engage kids without being too heavy on the science. My kids spent ages with the telescope displays and the planetarium shows are genuinely fascinating. You can see Harrison’s marine chronometers (the clocks that solved the longitude problem) and learn about how navigation changed exploration.
Plus, Greenwich Park has deer roaming around, a fantastic playground, and on weekends you can roll down the hill like complete lunatics – which kids absolutely love. The park is enormous with beautiful gardens and plenty of space for picnics and play.
Pro tip: Take the Thames Clipper boat to Greenwich from central London. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, and kids love being on the water while watching London slide by. The boat takes about 45 minutes from Westminster and provides running commentary about landmarks you pass.
Address: Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ
Opening Times: Observatory: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Park: Daily 6:00 AM – dusk
Admission: Observatory: Adults £18, Children (5-15) £9, Under 5s FREE; Park and meridian line: FREE
Get your Royal Observatory Greenwich & Prime Meridian Entrance Ticket here.
Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens: London’s Grandest Green Space
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens together form one of London’s grandest green spaces and are essential on any list of the best places to visit in London with kids. At 350 acres combined, this is where you go when London starts feeling overwhelming and everyone needs to breathe, run, and decompress.
Hyde Park is perfect for a breather, a picnic, or letting kids run free after days of museums and sightseeing. You can rent paddle boats on the Serpentine lake (kids love this – you pedal while they “help”), feed the ducks and swans, sprawl on the grass, or explore the various playgrounds scattered throughout.
In summer, there are sometimes outdoor concerts and events. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain is fun for kids to splash around. In winter, there’s often a Winter Wonderland Christmas market with rides and ice skating (paid attractions but lots of fun).
Kensington Gardens (technically separate but you can’t really tell where one park ends and the other begins) has the Diana Memorial Playground – with its giant pirate ship – and this is genuinely one of the best family play areas in Europe, not just London. The wooden pirate ship is massive and has multiple levels for climbing. There’s a beach area, teepees, sensory trails, and imaginative play equipment. It’s completely fenced, which means you can actually relax on a bench while kids play safely.
The park also has the Albert Memorial, Kensington Palace (can be toured), and beautiful formal gardens. The Italian Gardens with their fountains are particularly lovely. You could easily spend half a day or more here just enjoying green space.
Pro tip: Bring a picnic or grab food from one of the park cafes (though they’re pricey). The Diana Playground gets very busy on weekends and school holidays – weekday mornings are quieter. Entrance to the playground is timed during peak periods, so you might need to wait for a slot.
Address: Hyde Park: London W2 2UH; Kensington Gardens: London W2 2UH
Opening Times: Hyde Park: Daily 5:00 AM – midnight; Kensington Gardens: Daily 6:00 AM – dusk; Diana Playground: 10:00 AM – various closing times depending on season
Admission: FREE
Kid-Friendly Neighborhoods: The Best Places to Visit in London with Kids for All-Day Adventures
Covent Garden: Street Entertainment and Shopping Heaven
Covent Garden is one of those best places to visit in London with kids that works morning, afternoon, or evening. Performers, musicians, magicians, market stalls – Covent Garden is pure London charm. It’s lively, colorful, and perfect for wandering with kids. There’s always something happening here, making it impossible to be bored.
The cobblestoned piazza is where some of London’s best street performers entertain crowds daily – and we’re talking professional-level magicians, acrobats, musicians, and living statues. These aren’t random people with guitars; they’re skilled performers who audition for the right to perform here. Kids become mesmerized watching the shows, and there’s usually space to sit on the steps around the piazza while performances happen.
The performers work for tips, so bring some change if your kids want to contribute after a particularly impressive act. My children watched a magician for 20 minutes and talked about his tricks for the rest of the day.
Beyond the entertainment, Covent Garden has the London Transport Museum – which sounds boring but is genuinely one of the best museums for kids in London. They can climb on old buses and tube trains, drive simulators, and learn about London’s transport history through hands-on exhibits. It’s not free (unlike many London museums), but it’s worth the admission.
The Apple Market (inside the piazza building) and Jubilee Market nearby have stalls selling crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. Even if you’re not buying, kids enjoy walking through and seeing all the different items – handmade toys, artwork, vintage finds.
Food-wise, Covent Garden caters to all budgets and tastes. From fast food to fancy restaurants, you’ll find something. The Neal’s Yard area nearby has colorful buildings (bright blue, yellow, orange – very Instagram-worthy) and health food shops.
The whole area is pedestrian-friendly with shops, restaurants, and theaters creating constant energy. It’s one of those neighborhoods where just wandering feels like an activity.
Pro tip: Go mid-morning on weekdays to avoid the worst crowds. Weekends and evenings get absolutely packed, especially in the piazza. The best street performances usually happen mid-afternoon to early evening.
Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 8RF
Opening Times: Area accessible 24/7; shops typically 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Admission: FREE to explore (Transport Museum: Adults £19.50, Children under 18 FREE)
Leicester Square: Kid Paradise in Central London
This is where you’ll find the giant LEGO Store, M&M’s World, and big movie premieres, making Leicester Square one of the most commercial but undeniably fun best places to visit in London with kids. It’s chaotic in a fun way, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids who love brands, movies, and sensory overload.
The LEGO Store is massive with build-your-own-minifigure stations, impressive LEGO sculptures (Big Ben, London bus, etc.), and every LEGO set imaginable. Kids can easily spend an hour here just browsing and playing with the demo sets. Be prepared for “can we buy this?” requests – setting expectations before entering is wise.
M&M’s World is four floors of chocolate-themed chaos. Giant M&M characters, walls of M&Ms in every color you can create, merchandise, and interactive displays. It’s overwhelming but kids love it. Again, budget expectations help because there are expensive souvenirs everywhere.
The square itself has gardens, statues of movie characters (Harry Potter, Mr. Bean, etc.), and is surrounded by movie theaters where premieres happen regularly. Even if there’s no premiere during your visit, the energy and neon lights create excitement.
Street performers work the square constantly – you’ll see break dancers, living statues, musicians, and artists. The quality varies more than Covent Garden, but there’s always something to watch.
Leicester Square is also surrounded by restaurants, including lots of chain options kids recognize (Five Guys, Nando’s, Pizza Hut). It’s touristy and commercialized, but kids genuinely enjoy it.
Pro tip: This is best as a shorter stop (1-2 hours) rather than a full afternoon. The crowds get intense, especially evenings and weekends. Morning visits to the LEGO Store are slightly calmer. You’re also walking distance from Covent Garden, Chinatown, and Trafalgar Square, so combine it with other nearby spots.
Address: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA
Opening Times: Square accessible 24/7; shops typically 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Admission: FREE (individual shops have their own pricing)
Soho: Bright Lights and Urban Energy
Soho offers bright lights, quirky shops, fun food, and that “London energy” that’s great for families, making it one of the more vibrant best places to visit in London with kids. It’s easy to explore and sits right in the middle of other key neighborhoods, making it a natural connecting point in your London adventures.
Soho’s neon lights, eclectic restaurants, and lively atmosphere make it fun to explore – especially as evening approaches and everything lights up. Walking through Soho at dusk when the neon signs illuminate feels magical and very “big city.” Kids love the visual stimulation and energy.
The area has that multicultural London vibe with cuisine from everywhere – Thai, Japanese, Italian, Middle Eastern, you name it. Carnaby Street (technically bordering Soho) has quirky shops and distinctive London fashion. Kids enjoy the colorful storefronts and street art.
Soho is more appropriate for older kids and teens who appreciate urban culture. There are adult-oriented businesses in some areas (though not overtly visible during the day), so stick to main streets like Old Compton Street, Dean Street, and around Soho Square if you have younger children.
Soho Square itself is a nice green space in the middle of the neighborhood where kids can rest for a few minutes. It’s not huge, but it’s a pleasant oasis.
The food scene is exceptional – from budget to upscale, you’ll find great options. Some of London’s best restaurants are here, along with affordable cafes and takeaway spots.
Pro tip: Soho works better as an evening stroll (around 6-8 PM) when the lights are on and the area has energy, but before late-night crowds. It connects well with Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Chinatown, so combine them into one walking loop.
Address: Soho, London W1D (general area)
Opening Times: Streets accessible 24/7; businesses vary
Admission: FREE to explore
Notting Hill: Colorful Houses and Weekend Market Charm
Notting Hill is famous for its colorful houses, iconic shopfronts, weekend market buzz, and plenty of snacks, making it one of the most photogenic best places to visit in London with kids. Great for photos and slow family strolls, this neighborhood feels like stepping into a storybook.
Kids absolutely love those rainbow-painted Victorian townhouses – you know, the ones all over Instagram with bright pink, blue, yellow, and pastel facades. Lancaster Road, Westbourne Park Road, and the streets around Portobello Road have the best examples. Children enjoy hunting for the most colorful houses and picking their favorites.
Portobello Road Market is the main attraction and is especially fun on Saturdays when the full market operates. It stretches for nearly a mile with antiques at the Notting Hill Gate end, fresh food and produce in the middle, and fashion/vintage toward the north. Even if you’re not buying anything, walking through is enjoyable – the stalls are colorful, vendors are friendly, and there’s constant activity.
The area has excellent playgrounds, including Portobello Green, and there are plenty of cafes where you can grab a coffee while kids play or have a snack. The vibe is more relaxed than central London – it feels like an actual neighborhood where people live rather than just a tourist zone.
There are quirky independent shops selling everything from vintage clothes to artisan chocolates to antique toys. The Museum of Brands (a quirky museum showing packaging and advertising history from Victorian times to now) is here and surprisingly engaging for kids who recognize modern brands.
Notting Hill is also close to Kensington Gardens and Holland Park, so you can combine a neighborhood walk with serious park time.
Pro tip: Saturday mornings (9-11 AM) give you the full market experience before it gets overwhelmingly crowded. Weekday afternoons offer a quieter, more relaxed vibe if you just want to see the colorful houses and explore shops without market chaos.
Address: Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London W11
Opening Times: Market runs Saturday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; shops open throughout the week
Admission: FREE
South Bank: London’s Best Family-Friendly River Walk
South Bank is one of London’s best family walks and absolutely one of the top best places to visit in London with kids. Street performers, snack stalls, book markets, river views, and iconic sights like the London Eye and St. Paul’s across the river – it’s a full London experience in one stretch.
Stretching along the Thames from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, this pedestrianized area is packed with entertainment, food, and activities that keep families entertained for hours. Start near the London Eye and work your way east, and you’ll pass:
- Street performers (the quality is surprisingly high – professional-level magicians, musicians, acrobats)
- The Southbank Centre with free exhibitions and events
- Second-hand book stalls under Waterloo Bridge (a London institution)
- Skateboarders at the Undercroft (kids love watching the tricks)
- Food trucks and restaurants with river views
- Gabriel’s Wharf with colorful shops and cafes
- The Tate Modern
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
- Borough Market (slightly off the river but close)
- Multiple playgrounds along the route
There’s constant activity, so kids are never bored during the walk. The views across to the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and other landmarks mean you’re sightseeing without it feeling like forced tourism.
What makes South Bank brilliant for families is that it’s flat, completely pedestrian-friendly, and you’re always near the river, so kids can’t wander off too far. You can walk at your own pace, stop whenever something catches your attention, and there are benches and green spaces for breaks.
The food options are excellent – everything from quick street food (crêpes, tacos, German sausages) to sit-down restaurants. You’re never far from toilets or cafes, which matters when traveling with kids.
Pro tip: Go in the evening (around 6-8 PM) when the area lights up. Street performers are still out, everything’s illuminated beautifully, and it has a magical atmosphere. The sunset views over the Thames are stunning. Weekday mornings are quieter if you prefer fewer crowds.
Address: South Bank, London SE1 (stretches from Westminster to Tower Bridge)
Opening Times: Accessible 24/7; individual attractions vary
Admission: FREE to walk around
Chinatown: Multicultural Food and Festive Atmosphere
Chinatown offers bright lanterns, delicious food (noodles! buns! dim sum!), and a fun multicultural atmosphere, making it one of the tastiest best places to visit in London with kids. Kids love wandering here, especially if bubble tea is involved.
The colorful gates and lanterns make Chinatown feel like stepping into a different world. The main area is centered on Gerrard Street, which is pedestrianized and decorated with traditional Chinese architecture, red lanterns, and lion statues. It’s particularly beautiful during Chinese New Year when there are festivals, parades, and additional decorations.
The food is the main draw. Most kids can find something they like – whether it’s fluffy steamed buns, noodles, dumplings, spring rolls, or bubble tea (boba tea is a huge hit with kids). Restaurants range from casual to fancy, and many have picture menus which help kids choose.
Dim sum restaurants are fun for families – you can order lots of small dishes and everyone can try different things. Kids enjoy the novelty of food arriving in bamboo steamers. Even picky eaters usually find plain noodles or rice they’ll eat.
The bakeries sell incredible pastries and buns – the egg tarts, pineapple buns, and sesame balls are popular with kids. Many bakeries have window displays showing the baking process, which children find fascinating.
Chinatown is compact and easy to explore in 30-60 minutes (plus eating time). It’s surrounded by other neighborhoods – you’re walking distance from Leicester Square, Soho, Piccadilly Circus, and Covent Garden.
Pro tip: Lunch time (12-2 PM) is ideal for dim sum. The area gets busy during dinner (6-9 PM) but that’s when the neon lights look best. Many restaurants accept cash only, so have some on hand. New Loon Moon, Dumplings’ Legend, and Wong Kei are good family-friendly options.
Address: Gerrard Street, Soho, London W1D (pedestrian area)
Opening Times: Restaurants vary, typically 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Admission: FREE to explore
Little Venice & Regent’s Canal: Peaceful Waterside Walks
Little Venice & Regent’s Canal offer a calmer, more scenic side of London with pretty canals and waterside paths, making them some of the most peaceful best places to visit in London with kids. Great for families who love peaceful walks or want to explore Camden Market the beautiful way.
Little Venice is where the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals meet – it’s a quiet residential area with beautiful narrowboats, waterside cafes, and willow trees. It feels a world away from tourist London despite being in Zone 1. Kids enjoy seeing the colorful narrowboats (some are floating homes, others are cafes or shops) and watching boats navigate the locks.
The Regent’s Canal towpath is a flat, traffic-free walk that connects Little Venice to Camden Market (about 3 miles) or goes the other direction toward Regent’s Park (shorter walk). The path is perfect for kids on scooters or bikes, and it’s scenic without being strenuous.
Walking from Little Venice to Camden along the canal takes about 45-60 minutes at a family pace. You’ll pass through Regent’s Park (where you can detour to the zoo or playgrounds), under cool bridges, past houseboats, and through quiet areas that feel surprisingly rural for central London. You might spot herons, ducks, and swans.
At Camden, the canal goes right through Camden Lock Market – approaching Camden this way is much more pleasant than arriving via the crowded high street.
There are canal boat tours from Little Venice to Camden (about 50 minutes) or to Regent’s Park (shorter). The boats have commentary about the canal’s history and the neighborhoods you pass. Kids enjoy being on the water, and it’s more relaxing than walking with tired children.
Pro tip: Start at Little Venice (Warwick Avenue tube station) and walk toward Camden – it’s slightly downhill this way. The Puppet Theatre Barge at Little Venice has puppet shows that younger kids love. Pack snacks and water as there aren’t many shops along the canal itself.
Address: Little Venice: Blomfield Road, London W9; Regent’s Canal: towpath accessible at multiple points
Opening Times: Accessible 24/7
Admission: FREE (canal boat tours approximately £12-15 for adults, £6-8 for children)
The West End: Theatre District Energy
London’s theatre district buzzes with energy day and night, and even if you’re not watching a show, strolling through the neon-lit streets is a fun family activity and one of the most vibrant best places to visit in London with kids who appreciate urban excitement.
The West End refers to the area around Shaftesbury Avenue, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden where most of London’s major theatres are concentrated. Walking through here in the evening when marquees are lit up, crowds are heading to shows, and the atmosphere is electric feels special.
Kids enjoy seeing the huge posters for shows like The Lion King, Wicked, Frozen, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Even if you’re not seeing a show, just experiencing the theatre district’s energy is worthwhile.
Many theatres have stunning architecture – check out the London Palladium, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and the London Coliseum. Some offer backstage tours during the day which theatre-loving kids find fascinating.
The area around the theatres has tons of restaurants, including many that offer pre-theatre menus (earlier dinner service, usually 5-7 PM, at discounted prices). This is handy if you’re seeing a show but also good for families who eat earlier.
Street performers work the West End constantly, adding to the entertainment atmosphere. During the day, the area is busy with shoppers and tourists; evening brings the theatre crowds and a different energy.
Pro tip: Visit in early evening (6-7 PM) to see the area come alive as theatre-goers arrive. The neon lights look spectacular at dusk. If your kids are interested in seeing a West End show, matinee performances (Wednesday and Saturday afternoons) are often cheaper and better for children’s attention spans than evening shows.
Address: West End, London WC2 (area around Shaftesbury Avenue and Leicester Square)
Opening Times: Streets accessible 24/7; shows typically at 7:30 PM (evenings) and 2:30 PM (matinees)
Admission: FREE to explore; show tickets from £25-150+ depending on production
Planning Your Visit: Making the Most of the Best Places to Visit in London with Kids
Combining Landmarks and Neighborhoods
Some combinations work brilliantly when planning the best places to visit in London with kids:
- Westminster Loop: Big Ben → Westminster Abbey → Buckingham Palace → St. James’s Park (2-3 hours)
- River Walk: Tower Bridge → South Bank walk → Covent Garden (half day)
- Royal Greenwich: Royal Observatory → Cutty Sark → Greenwich Park → Greenwich Market (full day)
- Park and Palace: Kensington Gardens (Diana Playground) → Kensington Palace → Hyde Park (half day)
- West End Day: Covent Garden → Leicester Square → Chinatown → Soho → Piccadilly (half day to full day)
- Canal Walk: Little Venice → Regent’s Canal → Camden Market (half day)
- Notting Hill Explorer: Portobello Market → colorful houses → Holland Park (half day)
Timing Considerations
Different times work better for different places:
- Early morning (9-10 AM): Royal Observatory, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey (avoid crowds)
- Midday (11 AM-2 PM): Parks, South Bank walk, Greenwich
- Afternoon (2-5 PM): Museums, Covent Garden, Notting Hill
- Evening (6-8 PM): South Bank, West End, Soho (when lights create atmosphere)
Age-Appropriate Planning
Different ages enjoy different places:
- Toddlers (0-4): Parks (Hyde Park, Greenwich Park), playgrounds, Covent Garden street performers, simple landmarks
- Elementary age (5-10): All landmarks, Tower Bridge glass floor, climbing St. Paul’s, Royal Observatory, markets
- Tweens/Teens (11+): West End shows, Camden, Shoreditch street art, Chinatown, shopping areas
Transport Tips Between Places
- Big Ben to Tower Bridge: 15 minutes on tube (District line) or 35-minute riverside walk
- Covent Garden to Notting Hill: 20 minutes on tube (Piccadilly to Notting Hill Gate)
- South Bank to Greenwich: 20 minutes on Thames Clipper boat (much more fun than tube)
- Leicester Square to Chinatown: 3-minute walk
- Little Venice to Camden: 45-minute canal walk or 15 minutes on tube
Budget Considerations
Many of the best places to visit in London with kids are free:
- Free attractions: All parks, South Bank walk, Greenwich Park and meridian line, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Chinatown, Little Venice canal, Notting Hill, Soho, West End exploring, exterior viewing of all landmarks
- Budget-friendly paid: Tower Bridge (£12.30 adults, £6.20 kids), Royal Observatory (£18 adults, £9 kids)
- Mid-range paid: St. Paul’s Cathedral (£25 adults, £11 kids), Westminster Abbey (£27 adults, £12 kids)
- Splurge: Buckingham Palace State Rooms (£33 adults, £21 kids), West End shows (£25-150+ per person)
Weather Backup Plans
London weather is unpredictable. Have alternatives ready:
- If it rains: Indoor markets (Covent Garden, Greenwich), Transport Museum, shopping in West End, Chinatown restaurants
- If it’s hot: Parks with shade and water (Hyde Park, Greenwich Park), canal walks, indoor attractions with air conditioning
- If it’s cold: Museums, indoor markets, cafes in Notting Hill or Covent Garden
London’s landmarks and neighborhoods offer something for every family – whether you’ve got toddlers who need space to run, school-age kids fascinated by history, or teenagers who want urban exploration and culture.
The beauty of these best places to visit in London with kids is the variety and accessibility. You can combine grand historical landmarks like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey with modern urban neighborhoods like South Bank and Covent Garden. You can spend hours at free attractions like Hyde Park and the Royal Observatory’s meridian line, or splurge on Tower Bridge’s glass floor and St. Paul’s Cathedral climb.
Your kids might not remember every historical fact or architectural detail, but they’ll remember standing on the Prime Meridian line with one foot in each hemisphere, walking on Tower Bridge’s glass floor while boats passed underneath, seeing Big Ben light up at dusk, watching street performers in Covent Garden, exploring the pirate ship playground in Kensington Gardens, and eating dim sum in Chinatown surrounded by red lanterns.
Mix the famous landmarks with vibrant neighborhoods, build in downtime at parks and along the canal, and don’t try to see everything in one trip. London will still be here for your next visit, and the best family trips are the ones where everyone actually enjoys the experience rather than just checking boxes on a tourist list.
The best places to visit in London with kids aren’t always the most famous or most Instagrammed – they’re the ones that spark curiosity, create memories, and give your family stories you’ll tell for years. Now get out there and show your kids why London is one of the most exciting cities in the world. They’re going to love it!
