101 of London's Best Things to do with Kids

Just 15 minutes from central London, Walthamstow Wetlands is a vast, internationally recognised nature reserve, free to visit and teeming with wildlife. Covering 160 hectares, this operational Thames Water site supplies drinking water to 3.5 million people while also providing a sanctuary for rare waterfowl, raptors and the iconic great crested grebe.   Spanning ten reservoirs, the landscape shifts from dense, scrub-lined banks to sweeping city views, offering one of London’s most immersive wildlife experiences. As the city’s largest fishery and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, it’s a haven for birds, amphibians and countless other species. Whether for a peaceful walk or a deeper dive into London’s ecological history, it’s a hidden natural wonder waiting to be explored.

Parliament Hill Lido, an Art Deco gem on Hampstead Heath, has been drawing swimmers since it first opened in 1938. At 61 metres long, it remains one of London’s most striking open air pools, with its shimmering stainless steel lining installed during a major refurbishment in 2005.  Open year round and entirely unheated, it is one of only three venues in the capital offering winter swimming, alongside Tooting Bec and Brockwell lidos. Summer months bring sunbathers and early risers, while colder seasons attract dedicated cold water enthusiasts. Owned by the City of London Corporation, it remains a much loved fixture of North London life.

With 1,080 individually controlled jets, the fountains at Granary Square are the undisputed highlight of King’s Cross. By day, children dash through the playful sprays, turning the square into an urban beach. By night, the fountains transform into a mesmerising light display, glowing in a rainbow of colours.  

Designed by The Fountain Workshop, this giant watery playground even surprises early risers with rolling fog effects on crisp mornings. On a hot summer’s day, there’s no better place to cool off. Just don’t forget a towel! Few can resist the temptation to take a splash.

Perched 15 storeys above Fenchurch Street, The Garden at 120 is the City of London’s largest rooftop terrace, offering breathtaking 360 degree views of the skyline. Free to visit and accessible via a dedicated lift, it’s a peaceful oasis where you can soak in sights of The Gherkin, The Shard and the Walkie Talkie building.   With wildflowers, manicured hedges and a 200 foot water feature, it’s the perfect spot for a midday break or a lazy afternoon. Visitors can bring their own food and drinks, though alcohol isn’t permitted. Open daily, this hidden gem is just a short walk from Monument and Tower Hill stations.

London Zoo’s work stretches far beyond its gates. For decades, its conservation breeding programmes have safeguarded some of the planet’s rarest species, none more impressive than the story of the mountain chicken frog. When a deadly fungal disease nearly wiped out the species, ZSL’s team stepped in, airlifting the last surviving frogs to safety. Thanks to pioneering research, these amphibians now thrive in specially designed habitats, their numbers steadily recovering. Elsewhere, in the Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians, visitors can encounter creatures once on the brink of extinction, while learning how science-led conservation gives them a second chance. Meanwhile, corals seized from illegal wildlife traffickers have been transformed into a thriving reef, demonstrating how London Zoo’s expertise honed over nearly 200 years helps fight wildlife crime and habitat loss. Behind the scenes, its scientists, vets and conservationists continue working globally to halt the decline in biodiversity, one species at a time.

Skimming across The Serpentine is one of London’s simplest pleasures. Commissioned for Queen Caroline in 1730, this graceful 40-acre stretch of water cuts through the heart of Hyde Park, offering a tranquil retreat from city life. Today, it’s home to the Serpentine Swimming Club, said to be Britain’s oldest, but visitors more inclined to stay dry can hire rowboats and pedalos by the half hour. Glide past willow-lined banks and watch the city melt into greenery. For those content to sit back and relax, the Solarshuttle ferries passengers across the lake, powered entirely by sunlight. Whether you’re paddling under the open sky, drifting lazily along, or simply soaking up the park’s broad vistas from the water, The Serpentine serves up one of the capital’s finest ways to while away an afternoon.

Few London pastimes feel quite as invigorating as a swim in the Hampstead Heath Ponds. Tucked away among the trees and meadows, three lifeguarded ponds offer year round swimming, each with its own character. The Men’s Pond, the largest, comes complete with a diving board and draws a loyal crowd of regulars. It’s also the setting for the famous Christmas Day swim, when the usual rules relax, and all are welcome. Across the Heath, the Ladies’ Pond is more secluded, surrounded by trees and an enclosed meadow, while the Mixed Pond, the only one on the Hampstead side, sits just a short stroll from Hampstead Heath Overground station. If you're visiting in spring 2025, expect a slight rise in prices -  adult tickets now cost £4.80. Still, it’s a small price to pay for a bracing dip in one of London’s most beloved open air spots.

Richmond Park’s sweeping views owe much to its most famous residents: a herd of 630 wild red and fallow deer roam freely across the grasslands, their grazing quietly shaping the park’s distinctive landscape. Introduced by Charles I in the 17th century, these deer have helped maintain the park’s rare acid grassland, preventing tree seedlings from taking over and ensuring the open plains remain intact. Look closely and you’ll notice the unmistakable ‘browse line’ on the parkland trees, where hungry mouths have stripped leaves and twigs below six feet. Red deer, the largest native land mammal, sport a glossy russet coat in summer, while the smaller fallow deer show off dappled markings in shades of cream and brown. Male deer shed and regrow their antlers annually, gearing up for the autumn rut. Visitors are asked to admire them from a respectful distance, keeping at least 50 metres away to ensure safety for both humans and wildlife.

Step inside the Peter Harrison Planetarium and prepare to leave Earth behind. As London’s only planetarium, this sleek, 120-seat theatre offers a front row seat to the cosmos. Using real imagery from spacecraft, telescopes and cutting edge CGI, each show transports you far beyond the night sky. One moment, you’re plunging into the fiery core of the Sun, the next you’re gliding past distant galaxies or touching down on the red sands of Mars. Daily programmes vary, from exploring the constellations visible that evening to tracing the life cycle of a star. For an added twist, some shows come with live commentary from Royal Observatory astronomers. Younger stargazers aren’t forgotten either, with special family-friendly shows tailored just for them. Whether you're curious about satellites or dreaming of distant worlds, a visit here promises an unforgettable journey through space.

Queen’s House in Greenwich holds more than architectural significance. Completed in 1635 by Inigo Jones, it was the first building in England designed entirely in Classical style. Inside, one feature steals the show: the Tulip Stairs. These elegant spiral stairs were a bold innovation, Britain’s first self-supporting staircase, crafted without a central column. Cantilevered treads appear to float upwards, framed by a delicate wrought iron balustrade painted a striking cobalt blue.  Look closely at the floral motifs and you’ll spot stylised lilies, originally intended to symbolise Queen Henrietta Maria’s French heritage, but misnamed as tulips. Their nickname stuck.

Sir John Soane wasn’t one for half measures. The celebrated architect behind the Bank of England and Dulwich Picture Gallery turned his Lincoln’s Inn Fields townhouse into a labyrinth of treasures, cramming every inch with antiquities, sculptures, architectural models and curiosities gathered on his travels. Roman marbles jostle for space with delicate plaster casts and priceless paintings, all displayed with a theatrical flair.

Soane’s passion for his collection ran so deep that he secured an Act of Parliament to ensure his home would remain untouched after his death in 1837. Today, visitors can wander through rooms lit by ingenious skylights, marvel at hidden panels revealing masterpieces and soak up the slightly eccentric charm of this personal museum. Small but packed to the rafters, it’s a perfect diversion for anyone with an eye for detail and a love of the unexpected.

Queen’s House cuts a striking figure, its crisp white façade standing proudly within Greenwich’s UNESCO-listed landscape. Designed by Inigo Jones in the 1630s, it marked a bold shift in English architecture, introducing classical symmetry and clean lines. In its early days, it was more than just a royal retreat, it played host to artists, courtiers and craftsmen, a space where creativity thrived, and royal whims were indulged. The house’s influence extends far beyond its walls. When Christopher Wren began work on the neighbouring Royal Naval College, Queen Mary II famously insisted the river views from Queen’s House remain unobstructed. Today, those sweeping vistas across the Thames are part of its enduring charm. Inside, the past and present meet effortlessly. Fine 17th century paintings sit alongside contemporary works, while live performances regularly bring the Great Hall to life. Keep an eye out, some say a ghost or two still lingers on the Tulip Stairs.

Step inside The Wallace Collection and you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled into a grand private home frozen in time. Amassed over five generations by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the collection is a glittering showcase of paintings, sculpture, porcelain, furniture and armour, each room more opulent than the last. Think 18th century French art at its finest, with works by Fragonard and Boucher, alongside masterpieces by Titian, Rembrandt and Velázquez. In 1897, Lady Wallace gifted the entire collection to the British nation, ensuring that this treasure trove remained intact for future generations. Today, visitors wander Hertford House much as the family’s guests once did, surrounded by gilded furnishings, Sèvres porcelain and walls lined with priceless canvases. A stroll through the galleries is less like a museum visit, more like being invited into the extravagant world of one of Europe’s wealthiest families.

Step inside one of London’s most elegant stately homes, perched on the northern edge of Hampstead Heath and surrounded by 112 acres of lush parkland. Kenwood House is famed for its stunning interiors, remodelled by architect Robert Adam in the 18th century, and for its world class art collection, including a masterpiece by Rembrandt. Originally the home of the Earls of Mansfield, the estate was gifted to the nation in 1927 by Edward Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh. Today, families can explore the historic house, enjoy hands-on fun in the Housekeeper’s Room and take part in a range of seasonal family events throughout the year.

Affectionately known as "Ally Pally", Alexandra Palace has been a beloved landmark in North London since its original design in 1859 by Owen Jones, the architect behind the Crystal Palace. Envisioned as a "Palace of the People", it has served generations as a hub of entertainment and culture. In the 20th century, the theatre within the Palace was renovated by manager MacQueen Pope and later leased to Archie Pitt, husband of singer Gracie Fields, who famously rehearsed her shows there. Legend even credits Gracie with giving the Palace its nickname. Today, Alexandra Palace is not only a venue for concerts and family events but also the iconic home of the World Darts Championship, drawing fans from around the globe.

Young V&A is a gem designed with curious young minds in mind. Originally opened in 1974 as a dedicated space for children to play, imagine and explore, it has since undergone a thoughtful refurbishment and now forms part of the V&A Museum family. This is not your typical museum; here, creativity takes centre stage. Children are encouraged to get hand- on, whether it’s building, designing or simply letting their imaginations run wild.

Carefully curated spaces and interactive exhibits make it an ideal stop for families, offering just the right balance of fun and inspiration. The museum’s layout feels fresh and engaging, inviting children to engage directly with the displays rather than passively observing. It’s compact enough to avoid overwhelming younger visitors, but rich enough to warrant repeat visits. A must see for anyone looking to spark a little creativity in the next generation.

Destroyed by fire in 1613, rebuilt in 1614 and later dismantled, the Globe was revived in the 1990s near its original site. A tour today combines colourful stories, clever architecture and insight into how this amphitheatre still captures audiences' imaginations.

Step into the Grant Museum of Zoology and you’re immediately surrounded by glass cases brimming with curiosities. From skeletons and skulls to rare specimens suspended in jars, this compact museum packs in over 100,000 examples of life from every corner of the globe. Originally founded in 1827 by Robert Edmond Grant as a teaching collection for the University of London, the museum has been open to the public since 1996, offering a fascinating window into the animal kingdom.

Among its rarest treasures is the skeleton of a quagga, an extinct South African zebra, one of only seven known to exist. You’ll also find thylacine remains, dodo bones and exquisite Blaschka glass models of jellyfish and marine creatures. Whether you’re an amateur naturalist or simply curious, this free to visit gem invites you to peer closely at nature’s most intricate designs and forgotten species.

Step inside the Imperial War Museum and you’ll be transported to the heart of 20th century conflict. Among tanks, planes and artillery in the striking Central Hall, stories of courage, sacrifice and survival unfold. But beyond the machinery of war, the museum delves deeply into personal lives impacted by global upheaval. The World War I galleries offer a vivid glimpse into life in the trenches, told through uniforms, letters, weapons and keepsakes from soldiers and families alike. Upstairs, newly revamped World War II galleries display over 1,500 items, casting fresh light on how conflict shaped both battlefields and home fronts.

Forget dainty pastries. At Philippe Conticini’s London patisseries, croissants arrive supersized, big enough to steal the show on any table. These towering, golden bakes have been lighting up Instagram and TikTok feeds and it’s easy to see why. Crafted with the same buttery, flaky layers as a classic croissant, the only difference is their jaw dropping size - four times bigger, if not more. Baked to crisp perfection, each giant croissant reveals an airy, buttery centre, light enough to rival the finest Parisian boulangeries. Perfect for sharing with friends or family (or devouring solo if you’re ambitious), these pastries are made fresh to order and available exclusively by pre order. You’ll find them at Philippe Conticini’s South Kensington spot, tucked in London’s unofficial French quarter. For chocolate lovers, there’s an equally indulgent XXL pain au chocolat on offer too. Just be warned, leftovers won’t quite match the magic of that first bite.

Few sweet treats capture London’s attention quite like Bread Ahead’s crème brûlée doughnut. Soft, fluffy and impossibly moreish, each doughnut is generously filled with silky vanilla custard and topped with a crisp layer of caramelised sugar, giving that signature crack with every bite. It’s no wonder this indulgent creation remains the bakery’s top seller. Now available not only at their Borough Market flagship but also at their Bromley, Wembley and Stratford locations (thanks to a recent collaboration with Eggslut UK), these doughnuts strike a fine balance velvety sweetness tempered by the subtle bitterness of caramel. Priced at £4.50, it’s a small splurge well worth it. Whether you’re strolling through Borough’s buzzing market or making a dedicated trip to one of their other bakeries, this doughnut is the perfect reward. Pair it with one of Bread Ahead’s freshly baked loaves or sourdough pizzas for good measure.

Tucked away in the cobbled streets of Covent Garden, Neal’s Yard Dairy has been a champion of British and Irish cheese since 1979. What started as a small shop selling yoghurt and a few select cheeses has grown into one of London’s most respected cheesemongers. Founder Randolph Hodgson built relationships with cheesemakers across the UK and Ireland, learning their craft and bringing their finest wheels back to the city. Today, Neal’s Yard Dairy works with around 40 artisan producers, all committed to traditional, hands-on cheesemaking.

Step inside their shop and you’ll find a curated selection of cheeses, from crumbly blues like Beenleigh to raw milk favourites like Stichelton. Knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer samples and guidance. Their commitment to sustainability, from electric delivery vans to supporting eco-conscious farms, ensures each bite is as thoughtful as it is flavourful. A must-visit for any cheese lover.