London: Family/Kid-Friendly Activities, Parks & Museums

Welcome to London, a city that certainly knows how to entertain kids without bribing them with unlimited candy! London is a city that captivates kids' minds and keeps adults on their toes with endless entertainment options while soaking in beautiful city views and enjoying some street food on the way.

This guide will show you museums that won’t make the kids wish they were watching paint dry, parks with more than a single slide, and attractions that will make anyone crack a smile. So prepare for laughter and let London show you why it is the ultimate destination for families looking for kid-friendly adventures.

You won’t want to drop off your kids for these activities, but you’ll want to drop off your bags- and Nannybag is here to help. For only £6 per bag per day, you can safely store your items conveniently near you. Download the mobile app, look for locations near you, and pick what works- no need to reroute. So, if you’re looking for luggage storage for a day in London, Nannybag has you covered.

The Natural History Museum

A trip to the Natural History Museum is the perfect outing for the entire family. The engaging exhibits theming to natural disasters, elements of science, and dinosaurs will make any child- and adult with curiosity get excited.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous or want to become a mini-paleontologist, join the monthly sleepover. The sleepover experience is open to kids aged 7-11. Activities during the sleepover include discovering the museum by torchlight, making t-shirts, and an educational show by a science expert! Tickets for this spectacular event sell out months in advance, so book online ASAP.

Address: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London

Closest Metro Stop: South Kensington Station

Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:50 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)

Price: Free entry for the museum; Sleepover- Adult: £75, Child: £75

To book your free ticket, click here.

The Science Museum

The learning continues in The Science Museum. From interactive exhibits to mind-blowing experiments, this museum will have the kids buzzin’. The museum also features a huge IMAX screen with a Laser 4K projector, essentially made for cinephiles. What are you waiting for?

It’s time to dive into the world of STEM! Who knows where the next big idea will come from?

Address: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London

Closest Tube Station: South Kensington Station

Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Price: Free entry to the museum

To book your free ticket, click here.

The London Transport Museum

Traveling on the tube is already a fun experience in and of itself. The rounded trains, the speed, real-life conductors- it’s all cool. Now, the London Transport Museum- is so much cooler to visit for the fam, and there is no need to deal with cramped rides and delayed service.

Hop on and explore the fascinating history of London's transport system. The museum also features the Baby DLR - the Museum’s first dedicated area for babies. Talk about a family-friendly museum!

Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London

Closest Tube Station: Covent Garden Station

Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Price: Adult: £18.50, Child: Free

To book your tickets, click here.

British Museum

Want to see the world in one place? Check out the British Museum. Learn about ancient civilizations, marvel at mummies and treasures, and let the kids transform into little historians as they uncover the stories of the past. There is always special programming catered to kids- activities in the past have included Greek and Persian mask-making, Chinese fan-making workshops, and special activities for kids under the age of 5.

Address: Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London

Closest Tube Station: Russell Square Station

Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Price: Adult: Free, Child: Free

To book your free tickets, click here.

Hyde Park

One of the 8 royal parks and one of London's largest and most famous parks, Hyde Park offers plenty of space for families to relax, have picnics, and enjoy outdoor activities. The park features playgrounds, a boating lake, and even opportunities for horseback riding. The park is also home to the Serpentine Club, a swimming club for those of all ages. So pass by your favorite market, pick up some goodies, and relax as you picnic in Hyde Park.

Fun fact: Hyde Park has a long history of being a site for protesters to meet up!

Address: London, UK

Closest Tube Station: Hyde Park Corner and Lancaster Gate

Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week; 05:00-24:00

Price: Adult: Free, Child: Free- for pool rates, check here.

Kensington Gardens

Enter a world of enchantment at Kensington Gardens! This is another one of the 8 royal parks found in London. Discover the Peter Pan-inspired Diana Memorial Playground- kids will love to embark on imaginative adventures aboard the pirate ship. It's a magical oasis that promises worthwhile memories for all.

The playground is trendy and might have a queue. The queues range from 15 min to one hour. Playground hours can be found here.

Address: London W2

Closest Tube Station: Queensway and High Street Kensington

Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week; 06:00-21:45

Price: Adult: Free, Child: Free

Regents Park and Primrose Hill

You can’t go wrong with visiting parks and adding free things in London to your list. It’s like a win-win. This park is a family-friendly haven and is filled with sprawling green fields, fantastic playgrounds, and breathtaking views from Primrose Hill. Stroll up Primrose Hill for views of the London skyline and witness the over 100 species of birds and hedgehogs roaming around!

Address: Chester Rd, London

Closest Tube Station: Regent's Park and Camden Town

Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week; 05:00-21:30

Price: Adult: Free, Child: Free

Battersea Park

From thrilling tree-top adventures to a picturesque boating lake, this park offers endless opportunities for outdoor fun. Have a picnic or book a pedal boat with the family. Remember to explore the fascinating Children's Zoo.

Here, your little ones can meet furry and feathered friends up close. The zoo has plenty of reptiles, mammals, and birds paired with informative talks to keep the learning going. If you’re visiting London with kids, add Battersea Park to your radar.

Address: Battersea Park, London

Closest Tube Station: Sloane Square or Battersea Park Overground Station

Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 to dusk

Price: Adult: Free, Child: Free

Tickets for the zoo are available to purchase here.

Shrek’s Adventure

Venture off to the land of Far Far Away on Shrek’s Adventure. Join an immersive fairytale adventure with interactive storytelling, magical creatures, and hilarious tropes. Enjoy the film loved by kids and adults alike as it comes to life.

Everyone will have Fiona-tastic time on this adventure. Oh! Check out the London Eye while you’re over there if you haven’t already since you’ll be so close!

Fun fact: Did you know that Shrek’s favorite drink is an eyeball martini?

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, Lambeth, London

Closest Tube Station: Waterloo Station

Opening Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri: 10:00-15:00, Thurs: 11:00-15:00, Sat-Sun: 10:00-16:00

Price: Adult: from £30, Child: from £24

Book tickets online here for a reduced rate.

The London Zoo

Get ready for some wild times at the London Zoo! Meet lions, penguins, and giraffes! The zoo is filled with captivating animal exhibits from many habitats, daily exciting yet informative talks, and even hands-on encounters. Check out the nocturnal animals by visiting the zoo during their special nighttime hours.

Address: Outer Cir, London

Closest Tube Station: Camden Town or Regent's Park

Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:00)*

Price: Adult: from £31, Child: from £21.70

*Dates change seasonally, for more accurate hours, click here.

To book your tickets, click here.

Thames Rockets

Zoom past London's iconic landmarks as you embark on a thrilling Thames Rockets speedboat adventure. Learn about the history of the bridges and buildings along the Thames with passionate guides during a walking tour.

Once the lesson finishes, hold on tight as you pick up serious speed with some tunes in the background! The adrenaline will stay with you for the rest of the day. Warning: You might get a little wet!

Address: The London Eye Pier, Boarding Gate One, London

Closest Tube Station: Waterloo Station

Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00-18:00

Price: Adult: from £54.95, Child: from £49.95

To book your tickets, click here.

Monopoly Lifesized

It's a battle of wits and strategy. Welcome to Monopoly Lifesized. Step onto the colossal 15m x 15m Monopoly board and become one of the iconic characters.

Win the challenge, seize the opportunity to buy the property, and watch as your empire expands. Nothing says family time the way a good ‘ol board game does!

Address: 218-223 Baker St, Marylebone, London

Closest Tube Station: Baker Street Station

Opening Hours: Tues-Fri: 12:00-23:00, Sat-Sun: 10:00-23:00

Price: Adult: from £49; Families have a reduced rate

To book your tickets, click here.

London is a hub of family fun, with kid-friendly activities, parks, and museums galore. From immersive exhibits to exciting adventures, there's something for everyone to partake in. Explore museums like the Natural History Museum and Science Museum, enjoy enchanting experiences at Shrek's Adventure, and embrace the green spaces of Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and Regents Park. So drop your luggage off at one of the many Nannybag locations because fun awaits!