Have a gander at iconic landmarks
Price: $ (many are free)
Catch a show at a theater
Price: $$London’s rich history of theater means there are plenty of family-friendly options to check out. Whether you prefer a classic musical or a modern-day adventure, you can find something for the whole family to enjoy. Here are some popular theaters that often host shows for kids: 8. Lyceum Theatre: Catch the exciting The Lion King musical for a magical experience. 9. Apollo Victoria Theatre: Enjoy the enchanting and classic Wicked the Musical, a story of good witches and bad. 10. Cambridge Theatre: See the heartwarming Matilda The Musical, a tale of a young girl with extraordinary powers.11. Theatre Royal Drury Lane: Experience the magic of Frozen on stage with catchy songs your kids can sing along to. 12. Shaftesbury Theatre: For an evening of laughs, head here to catch Mrs. Doubtfire, a hilarious comedy about a man who disguises himself as a nanny.13. Eventim Apollo: See the loveable ogre Shrek come to life in Shrek The Musical. 14. Palace Theatre: For Harry Potter fans, here you can catch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a continuation of the magical series. 15. Theatre Royal Haymarket: Younger children will enjoy seeing Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out, filled with fun and laughter. 16. London Coliseum: Older kids can enjoy a classic ballet like The Nutcracker with the English National Ballet.Soak up some art, culture, and history
Price: $
Visit famous film spots
Price: $$$Kids will light up when they visit the locations from their favorite movies. Here are some must-see spots for movie fans:26. Harry Potter’s London: Explore the real-world locations that inspired the world of Harry Potter, including Diagon Alley and Platform 9 ¾.27. Shrek’s Adventure! London: Embark on a fun adventure with Shrek and his friends through interactive exhibits and live shows.28. Scenes in the Square: Discover the hidden filming locations of popular movies and TV shows, with guided tours and behind-the-scenes insights.29. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: Go behind the scenes of iconic films and TV shows to explore the sets, props and costumes used in productions.Pop over to the zoo, urban farms, or wildlife hotspots
Price: $$
Grab a hot cuppa and chill
Price: $$Nothing is more quintessentially English than afternoon tea, and London provides a plethora of family-friendly options that kids will love: 36. Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea: This afternoon tea at the One Aldwych Hotel recreates some famous classics dreamed up by Willy Wonka. Fear not — you will leave inspired and intact, unlike poor Violet Beauregarde, Mike TeeVee and Augustus Gloop.37. The English Tea Bus Tour: This unique afternoon tea experience takes place on a double-decker bus, traveling through London while savoring delicious treats. 38. Children’s Afternoon Tea at The Langham: Here, kids can experience a sophisticated afternoon tea at a historic London hotel with a special menu designed for children. 39. Children's Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard: Enjoy afternoon tea inspired by the classic tale of Peter Pan. Aqua Shard also provides beautiful views of London. 40. Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea: Step into a whimsical wonderland with a Mad Hatter's themed afternoon tea featuring colorful treats and playful surprises.Tuck into the local grub
Price: $–$$
Wander through parks and playgrounds
Price: FreeIf you’re looking for outdoor fun, London has many beautiful parks and playgrounds. From historic royal parks to modern adventure playgrounds, your kids won’t be disappointed with these options: 48. St. James's Park: Stroll through this historic royal park, located between the seat of government in Whitehall and the King’s London residence at Buckingham Palace. It’s one of the top things to do in Mayfair. Marvel at the beautiful gardens, ponds and wildlife. 49. Battersea Park: Dating from the mid-1800s, this park has everything you’d want for a family wander: a boating lake, sports facilities, a mini zoo, a yummy cafe and river views.50. Diana Memorial Playground: A charming and very fitting tribute to a princess who loved children, this playground has more than a million visitors every year.51. Camley Street Natural Park: Nestled in the heart of London, this green oasis offers wetlands, woodlands and meadows ready to be explored. 52. Coram’s Fields: Stop here for kids who want a large playground with plenty of play equipment to choose from.53. Timber Lodge and Tumbling Bay Playground at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: This exciting playground offers a large wooden play structure and even a water play area, perfect for sunny days. 54. Hyde Park: This iconic park is home to Speakers’ Corner, where anyone can jump on a soapbox and speak their mind, and Serpentine Lake, where you can take the family for a boat ride.Head off on a proper adventure
Price: $$–$$$
Go for a bit of shopping
Price: $–$$$London won’t disappoint with its wide range of stores and markets to explore. Whether you’re shopping for toys, souvenirs or other unique finds, here are some of the best places to shop around London: 61. Hamleys of London: With over seven floors of fun, this iconic toy store is sure to be heaven on earth for young ones. 62. World's Largest LEGO Store: This massive LEGO store lets you build your own creations, with a variety of sets and building experiences for your kids to choose from. 63. Hoxton Street Monster Supplies: This imaginative shop offers peculiar magical items and edible goods.64. Harrods Toy Kingdom: This quirky store offers all sorts of magical supplies and edible goods, and was recently voted ‘No. 1 Kids' Shop in London' by Time Out Magazine. 65. M&M’s World: Get your sugar fix at M&M’s world, where you can customize your own M&M’s.5-day London itinerary
WIth so much to see and do in London for kids, it can be tough to decide how to spend your time. Our sample itinerary below provides some inspiration for how to spend an amazing five days in London.