London
London With Kids: Where to Stay, What to Do & How to Plan Your Trip
London is one of those cities we could visit over and over again and STILL find something new to do! After spending four months living in London with our three kids, it has become one of our absolute favorite cities for family travel. And while London might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a kid-friendly vacation, trust me, it should be! You can spend your mornings exploring royal palaces, ride double-decker buses through the city, visiting the beautiful parks and playgrounds, climb to the top of historic cathedrals, or discover museums where your kids are having so much fun they don't even realize they're learning something.
We've explored London with toddlers, bigger kids, and extended family, and after living there for an entire summer, we've learned A LOT about what actually makes a trip to London with kids enjoyable. We've figured out which neighborhoods are best for families, which attractions are worth paying for (and which FREE ones are just as good!), where to stay, how to get around without spending a fortune, and all the little things that make navigating such a big city with kids so much easier. One of our favorite things about London is that there is SO much to do without spending a ton of money, especially if you know where to look!
This page brings all of our London guides together in one place, including our exact family-friendly itineraries, favorite hotels and neighborhoods, museums and attractions we loved, easy day trips, restaurants, transportation tips, and all the things we wish we'd known before moving there.
If you're planning a trip to London with kids and aren't sure where to start, start here. Don't try to see everything in one trip (you won't!), plan your days around neighborhoods so you're not constantly crossing the city, and leave plenty of time for playground stops, afternoon treats, and those unexpected discoveries that end up becoming everyone's favorite memories.
Best activties/tours to do with kids
Royal Mews
Tower of London
Postal Museum
London Bridge
Paddington Bear Experience
Hampton Court Palace
Where’s the Best Place to Stay in London with Kids?
St. James
⭐️ OUR TOP PICK
After spending four months living in London with our three kids, we've stayed in and explored A LOT of hotels, and St. Ermin’s Hotel is still one of our absolute favorites! First, the location is AMAZING. You're right in Westminster, within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St. James’s Park (which has a great playground!), The Royal Mews, and so much more.
What really makes this hotel stand out for families is the room setup. We stayed in one of their family rooms that sleeps two adults and up to three kids, and we actually had room to spread out without constantly tripping over suitcases and each other. If you've ever stayed in a London hotel with kids, you know how rare that is! The staff was another HUGE highlight. Everyone, from the doorman to the concierge, was genuinely so friendly and welcoming to our kids. And here's something really fun: the hotel has its own Bee Terrace ANDa "Spy for a Day" experience where kids can learn about the hotel's fascinating history while completing a little spy mission. It's definitely more of a splurge, but if you're looking for a beautiful, centrally located hotel that actually makes traveling with kids easier (and more fun!), this is one we'd book again in a heartbeat!
Battersea
If you're looking for a hotel in London that feels a little more modern and luxurious but is STILL great for families, Art’otel London Battersea Power Station is such a fun option! One of the biggest selling points is the heated rooftop infinity pool with incredible views of the London skyline and the iconic Battersea Power Station (and trust me, finding a hotel with an outdoor pool in London is RARE!).
The rooms are bright, colorful, and beautifully designed, and they offer larger studios and suites that can accommodate two adults and two children, which is a huge bonus for families. Another thing we love about this location is that you're right next to the newly redeveloped Battersea Power Station, which is now home to tons of shops, restaurants, and places to explore. You're also close to Battersea Park, one of our favorite green spaces for kids, and the nearby Underground station makes getting into central London easy. It's definitely a more upscale option, but if you're looking for a hotel that feels like part of the vacation itself, especially if your kids love swimming, this one is worth checking out!
South Bank
If you're looking for a family-friendly hotel in London with an AMAZING location, spacious rooms, and a pool for the kids, Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge is definitely one to consider! First, the location is hard to beat. You're right across the river from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and within walking distance of the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, and so many other popular attractions.
A huge stand out for families is the room setup. They offer larger studios that sleep two adults and two kids, plus one-bedroom suites that can accommodate families of FIVE (which, trust me, is not easy to find in central London!).
Some rooms even have kitchenettes and separate living areas, which are SO helpful when traveling with kids. And here's another HUGE bonus: they have a heated indoor swimming pool! It's perfect for letting the kids burn off some energy after a long day of sightseeing or taking a break on a rainy afternoon. They even offer little welcome gifts for kids at check-in, and children under 12 can enjoy complimentary breakfast when dining with their parents. It's not the cheapest hotel in London, but for families wanting a comfortable, centrally located hotel with a few extra amenities more on the budget side, this is a really great option.
Mayfair
If you're looking for a more upscale place or you want to use Hyatt points to stay in London with kids, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is definitely one to consider! Located in the beautiful Marylebone neighborhood, you're just a short walk from Hyde Park, Oxford Street, and plenty of restaurants and shops, making it a fantastic base for exploring London as a family. One of the biggest selling points is the room setup, especially if you're traveling with more than one child.
They offer family rooms with connecting bedrooms, so parents can have their own space while the kids sleep next door (which is SUCH a luxury when traveling with kids!). They also have larger two-bedroom suites that can accommodate families of five, something that's surprisingly hard to find in central London. The hotel has a more elegant, traditional London feel, with the added convenience of being close to Marble Arch and Bond Street Underground stations. It's definitely a splurge compared to some of the other hotels on our list, but if you want a central location, comfortable accommodations, and a little extra room to spread out, this is a great family-friendly option.
Battersea
The Best Shows To See In London With Kids
Lion King
Best for ages 6+
Lyceum Theatre · 2 hr 30 min
If you're only going to see ONE show in London with your kids, The Lion King would be at the
top of our list! Even if your kids have seen the
Disney movie a hundred times, watching the
animals come to life through incredible
costumes, puppetry, music, and dancing is a
completely different experience. The opening
scene alone is worth it! It's especially great for kids who might not follow every bit of dialoguebut will be totally captivated by everything
happening on stage.
Insider tip: Look for aisle seats in the stalls
(main floor). Some of the animal performers
make their entrance right down the aisles!
Harry Potter & the Cursed Child
Best for ages 8+
Palace Theatre · 2 hr 55 min
If you have a Harry Potter fan in the family, this is one experience they will probably NEVER forget! The story picks up years after the original
books and follows the next generation of
Hogwarts students. But the real highlight is
the stage magic. There are illusions and
special effects that will have your kids
wondering HOW they possibly pulled them off! I'd recommend this one for older kids who
already love Harry Potter, since the story can
be a little complicated and there are some
darker moments.
Important update: As of October 9, 2026, the London production has changed to a single
performance instead of the original 2 parts. Making it much easier to fit into a
family itinerary.
COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman
Circus Spectacular
Best for ages 5+ · Earl's Court · Booking into 2027
If your family loves The Greatest Showman, this is one experience I'd
put HIGH on your London list! It's part circus, part musical, and part
immersive adventure, with incredible acrobats, aerial performances, live music, and all those songs your kids probably already know. But here's what makes this one extra special: the experience actually starts an
hour BEFORE the show, when you can explore behind the big top, meet performers, and enjoy smaller interactive performances. It's a really fun alternative to a traditional West End musical!
Insider tip: Arrive for the full preshow experience, trust us, you will want to walk around and see everything!
This is included with your ticket. Children under 5 aren't admitted.
Matilda the Musical
Best for ages 6-12 Cambridge Theatre · 2 hr 40 min
If your kids love a little mischief, funny
characters, and a story about standing up for
yourself, Matilda is SUCH a fun choice! Based
on Roald Dahl's beloved book, this musical
follows an incredibly smart little girl who takes on some pretty awful grownups, including the unforgettable Miss Trunchbull. The songs are
catchy, the kids in the cast are incredible, and
there's plenty of humor that parents will
appreciate too. Just know there are a few
darker moments involving the adults, so I'd
save this one for school aged kids rather than toddlers.
Best for ages 6- 10
Savoy Theatre · 2 hr 45 min
If your kids love Paddington Bear, this one should absolutely be on your list!
This newer West End musical follows
everyone's favorite marmalade-loving bear as he arrives in London and finds a home with the Brown family.
It's full of colorful costumes, music,
humor, and plenty of Paddington's
famous mishaps. We especially love
the idea of pairing this with a visit to
Paddington Station or one of the other Paddington-themed activities
around London. Even if your kids aren't familiar with the books or movies, it's a really sweet introduction to one of
Britain's most beloved characters.
Good to know: Recommended for ages 6+, and younger children should be
comfortable sitting through a nearly
a 3 hour production.
Paddington The Musical
Packing
When packing for London, having layers will be key. The days usually start off so much colder and warm up as the day goes on.
We lived in London for 4 months and maybe our expectations were just off but it didn’t rain as nearly as much as I expected it to. With that being said it might rain for an hour or 3 days straight so we always carried an umbrella.
Remember to check the weather ahead of your trip, but bring a variety of short and long pants and shorts.
The number one thing to remember to pack is a rain coat and an umbrella. Also, it is know that thieves do operate in central London. It is nothing to be scared of, but more be aware of. Make sure to have a purse that completely closes and keep your phone away when walking with crowds.
PRO TIP: Buy a wristlet phone cord that attaches to your phone’s case. This one is sturdy, lasted me 6+ months and is easily removeable. London is notorious for people stealing phones and especially in touristy areas. Plus, it makes your phone so easy to carry and accesible to take pics.
Tips:
Kids 11 and under ride free with an adult. You just need to go through the stroller/handicap turnstile.
Not all stations have handicap/stroller entrances and elevators so be prepared to fold up your stroller and carry it on the escalators.
Build in Playground and Park time. London has some of the best parks we have ever seen & multiple huge parks spread throughout the city to enjoy,
Download the Apps you need before you go , like: Google Maps offline and Citymapper.
Resources & Pro Tips
London is a very popular destination to visit, of course, it is one of the biggest cities in the world. London is unique for its blend of history and the modern city feel, which is reflected in its architecture and culture (and of course the cleanliness of the city).
It is still a big city feel but it is nothing like NYC. London is filled with beautiful huge parks all over the city, in which people use as third spaces. At any given time, you will see lots of people hanging out in the parks, having a picnic, a child’s birthday party, throwing a frisbee or enjoying the sun on a park bench. The park system (also known as The Royal Parks) also have lots of full service restaurants, coffee and ice cream stands and even service alcohol.
We created these resources for you:
