The perfect itinerary for London with a young family
There are so many fun things to do in London for all ages, making it the ideal location for a family getaway. Organising a trip to London with young children can feel overwhelming, given the city is always packed with tourists and can be expensive if you don’t know the best places to go. Even in the busy streets, you can find peaceful spots like quiet parks, fun museums, and places that are great for families. If you’re up for a unique experience, consider cruising to these spots on a sanctuary yacht, offering a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s our refined list of the best activities for children in London that won’t break the bank.
Princess Diana Playground
Kick things off on your trip with a visit to the Princess Diana playground. The memorial playground opened in 2000 and has seen over one million visitors. The playground was designed specifically to create an inclusive environment, where less abled children could play without feeling restricted – making it ideal for everyone!
The children will love the activities available here, which include a giant wooden pirate ship, beach area and sensory trail. There are also plenty of seating areas for adults, so you can relax whilst your little ones tire themselves out.
Natural History Museum
Not far from the Kensington gardens is the Natural History Museum, a huge collection of exhibits displaying different species that have existed since the dawn of time. If your kids are inquisitive, they’ll love learning about how dinosaurs roamed the Earth or how we evolved from our ancestors.
There are also a number of events hosted across the year, so it might be worth checking to see what’s going on when you visit. If this doesn’t sound great already, entry to the museum is completely free, just make sure to book a ticket before you go. If your kids love the Natural History museum – they’ll love the living museum ‘The Cutty Sark’ too. Check out our review of it!
Afternoon tea
At some point, during your weekend you’ll need to stop for some food before heading out for some more sightseeing. Food is plentiful when going for afternoon tea, guaranteeing the whole family will be left feeling full for the day ahead. There’s always a wide selection of sandwiches available as well, ensuring there’s something for even the fussiest of eaters. Any leftovers can be packed to be eaten later on as a snack.
If you want to save money when eating out, try to look for a café or restaurant that offers deals when eating with young children, such as half off, but some even let kids under a certain age eat for free.
You may decide to go for afternoon tea when you arrive, particularly if you’ve spent a long day travelling. Those flying into London should book a private London transfer from the airport in advance, as taxis here can be expensive and finding one with impatient young children alongside you can be exhausting. You can then reach your hotel prepared for the exciting day ahead.
The Unicorn Theatre
Founded back in 1947, the Unicorn Theatre has never failed to impress audiences with its collection of shows aimed at ages ranging from toddlers to teenagers. They aim to bring all children together regardless of age and ability to have fun during their shows, including their upcoming productions like Pinocchio, Anansi the Spider and the Three Billy Goats Gruff.
Tickets are usually reasonable in price but will depend on the time and date you plan to visit – they do sell out fast though so make sure to book in advance!
Check out our list of London Museums for older kids and teens!
