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London: A-
Scored across 7 things that matter when you travel with babies and young kids. How we grade
Last reviewed November 2026
London is one of the worldโs best cities for kids, and much of the best stuff is free. World-class museums, enormous parks, double-decker buses and royal guards make every day an adventure.
Where to stay in London with kids
- South Kensington: walk to the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Hyde Park. The ultimate family base.
- South Bank / Waterloo: riverside walks, the London Eye and Sea Life, with great transport links.
- Kingโs Cross: easy arrivals from Europe by Eurostar, plus fountains to splash in and Platform 9ยพ.
The best things to do in London with kids
- Natural History Museum. Dinosaurs, a blue whale skeleton and an earthquake room. Itโs free, but book a slot at busy times.
- Science Museum. Free galleries, plus the ticketed Wonderlab with live science shows.
- Diana Memorial Playground. A pirate-ship playground in Kensington Gardens, made for under-12s.
- Young V&A. A free museum of play, design and imagination in Bethnal Green.
- Changing of the Guard. Bands and bearskin hats outside Buckingham Palace. Check the schedule and arrive early for a good spot.
- Tower of London. Crown Jewels, Beefeaters and real castle walls for older kids.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour. The Making of Harry Potter, just outside London. Book well ahead.
Getting around London with a buggy
- Buses: every bus has a buggy space and a ramp. A top-deck front-seat ride is a free sightseeing tour.
- Tube: check TfLโs step-free map. The Elizabeth line is step-free throughout.
- Contactless: adults just tap a bank card or phone; under-11s ride free with you.
- River boats (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers): a scenic way between Westminster, the Tower and Greenwich.
Where to eat with kids
- Borough Market: grazing heaven for lunch.
- Family chains like Pizza Express and Wagamama have kids menus and crayons.
- A pub Sunday roast: many pubs welcome families during the day.
- Museum cafรฉs: handy for refuelling between galleries.
Parent tips for London
- Pack a rain cover and layers. Weather changes fast, any time of year.
- Baby changing is standard in museums, stations and department stores.
- Check whether you need a UK ETA before travelling. See our visa directory.
See the full United Kingdom with kids guide.
London with kids: a 3-day family plan
One main outing a day, a nap window and a playground stop. Swap days around for weather and energy levels.
- Day 1
Museums and Kensington Gardens
- Natural History Museum (free, book a slot)
- Lunch in the museum cafรฉ
- Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens
- Science Museum if it rains
๐ก Parent hint: South Kensington station has a step-free tunnel to the museums. No crossing busy roads.
- Day 2
Palaces, parks and the South Bank
- Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (check schedule)
- Ducks and pelicans in St Jamesโs Park
- Bus 11 or a walk to the South Bank
- London Eye at sunset
Book ahead:๐๏ธ London Eye tickets
๐ก Parent hint: Arrive at the palace railings 45 minutes early for a front spot, or watch the band pass along The Mall.
- Day 3
Tower of London and the river
- Tower of London and the Crown Jewels
- Walk across Tower Bridge
- River boat to Greenwich
- Greenwich Park playground
Book ahead:๐๏ธ Tower of London tickets
๐ก Parent hint: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers boats are step-free and a scenic way to cross the city.
Tours worth booking in London
Hand-picked experiences that work with kids. Free cancellation is usually available, which matters when naps and moods change.
Harry Potter studio tour
Book months ahead for school holidays. Packages include transport.
See tour optionsLondon Eye tickets
Strollers are allowed in the capsules. Fast-track tickets save queueing.
See tour optionsTower of London tickets
Beefeater tours and the Crown Jewels. Some areas have steps.
See tour optionsThames sightseeing cruise
A relaxed way to see the landmarks.
See tour optionsKid-friendly restaurants in London
Places that are relaxed with children, quick to serve and have something for picky eaters.
- ๐ Google Mapsโญ Tripadvisor
- ๐ Google Mapsโญ Tripadvisor
- ๐ Google Mapsโญ Tripadvisor
- ๐ Google Mapsโญ Tripadvisor
Showing: Borough Market. Tap a place to move the pin.
Opening hours and menus change. Check Google Maps or Tripadvisor before you go, and book ahead for popular spots.
Frequently asked questions
Do kids travel free on London transport?
Children under 11 travel free on the Tube, buses, DLR, Overground and Elizabeth line when travelling with a paying adult (up to four children per adult).
Is the London Underground stroller friendly?
Only partly. Many Tube stations have stairs or escalators only. Use TfL's step-free Tube map, or take buses, which all have a buggy space.
What are the best free things to do in London with kids?
The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, British Museum, Young V&A, the royal parks, the Diana Memorial Playground and watching the Changing of the Guard are all free.