London With Kids: The Complete Guide for Your First Family Trip

Visiting London with kids is a truly amazing experience. It’s an incredible city with so much to see and do. That said, it is a big city so working out where to stay, how to get around and what to prioritise can feel like a lot. Don’t panic; this guide will tell you everything you need to know about planning your family trip to London.

Having lived in London and explored the city extensively with my own children, I’ve learnt that you don’t need to try to see everything to have a brilliant family trip, and different activities will be best suited to different families, depending on your interests. The key is choosing the right area to stay, planning your days around a few must-see sights and leaving enough time to enjoy the city along the way.

In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan your first trip to London with kids, from getting to the city and choosing where to stay to getting around, deciding what to see and do, and keeping your trip enjoyable without spending a fortune.

Whether you’re visiting London with toddlers, older children or a mix of ages, you’ll find practical advice to help you plan a family trip that works for everyone.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission. There is no additional cost to you, and I am extremely grateful, as it helps me keep my blog running.

Is London Good for Families?

Absolutely! We’ve visited London both as tourists and as locals, and it’s a fantastic city for a family trip. There’s an enormous amount to see and do for children of all ages. While the city can feel busy and overwhelming at first, it’s surprisingly easy to find family-friendly attractions, green spaces and quieter areas to escape to.

Many of London’s museums and attractions are particularly well set up for children. Several museums offer free activity trails, worksheets and family activities, which my children have always loved to complete.

London also has many beautiful parks and green spaces, with lots of excellent playgrounds. These are perfect for breaking up a busy day of sightseeing and giving children some time to run around and play.

And it’s not just the dedicated children’s attractions that work well for families. Many of London’s most famous historic sights and landmarks can be enjoyed by adults and children together, from watching the Changing of the Guard to seeing Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

One of the things I love most about visiting London with children is that you don’t have to plan every minute around them. You can combine the sights you want to see with parks, museums, good food and plenty of time to simply explore the city together.

The Best Time to Visit London With Kids

Honestly, there is no bad time to visit London. Winter is usually cold and rainy, but even in the rain, it is an amazing city, especially if you are coming for Christmas! Christmas in London is very magical. See my full guide on that here.

Spring and autumn (fall) are both perfect times of year for a family trip to London as you’ll hopefully get the best weather to explore a big city. You’ll find school holidays are the busiest times, especially in the summer. However, London is a perfect place for a summer city break as the weather isn’t usually as hot as in many other countries. If you are visiting in peak times, just make sure to book popular attractions in advance to avoid disappointment.

How Many Days Do You Need in London?

I’d recommend spending at least four days in London if you’re visiting for the first time with children. This gives you enough time to see many of the city’s main sights without having to rush from one attraction to the next.

You can certainly visit London for a shorter trip, but two or three days can feel quite rushed, particularly if you want to visit some of the museums and attractions as well as see the city’s famous landmarks.

If you’re travelling from overseas, I’d also allow extra time if possible. Jet lag can make the first day of a family holiday much less productive than you’d planned, particularly with younger children. Having a little more time means you can take things at a slower pace and still see plenty.

With five days or more, you can start to explore beyond London’s main tourist sights. You might spend some time in one of the city’s neighbourhoods, visit some of the larger parks or take a day trip outside London. Richmond is a lovely option for families; I know a lot of my American friends are Ted Lasso fans and are keen to see filming locations in Richmond!

If you are able to have extra time and you’d like to explore more of England, Cambridge, Bath or Windsor are good options for day trips, or overnight visits. I would recommend doing one of these if you can!

Getting to London With Kids: Airports and Transfers

As I mentioned, London is a big city; it is served by six airports. If you haven’t already booked your flights, the most convenient options are Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, and London City airports. I always use Skyscanner to compare prices and find the best options!

We travel a lot as a family and, when we’re on a city break, we always try to use public transport rather than a taxi to get from the airport to the centre. It’s usually more budget-friendly, and with city traffic, it can be just as quick. If you’re travelling with young children, you have the added benefit of not needing to worry about car seats!

All the airports are well connected to the centre via public transport. Deciding your airport and then working out which train station you’ll go to will really help with planning where to book your accommodation. For example, if you fly to Gatwick, you’ll have direct trains to either London Bridge or Victoria stations, so booking accommodation near one of those would be ideal. Avoiding taking the tube unnecessarily will get your first family trip to London off to the best start!

Below, I will share how to get to London from each of the major airports. You can also use the National Rail Journey Planner to see the exact train times and plan your journey.

London Gatwick Airport

The Gatwick Express will take you directly from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria Train Station in just 30 minutes.

You could also take a Southern Train from Gatwick to London Victoria or a Thameslink Train to London Bridge or St Pancras. Both of these take slightly longer but are a cheaper option.

London Heathrow Airport

The Heathrow Express will get you to London Paddington train station in just 15 minutes.

Heathrow is also on the London Underground system, with tubes taking you to central London (including direct to Victoria) in under an hour.

London Luton Airport

The Luton Express will take you to St Pancras in about half an hour.

You can also take Thameslink Trains to St Pancras or London Bridge; again, this isn’t as quick but is a cheaper option.

Eurostar

If you’re coming via Eurostar rather than flying, you’ll arrive at St Pancras Station.

READ MORE: OUR FULL EUROSTAR WITH KIDS GUIDE

Best Areas to Stay in London With Kids

There are many great areas to base yourself when visiting London with kids for the first time. As London is spread out, I would advise staying within walking distance of some of the top tourist attractions. Then you can use public transport to get to other areas of the city.

I would also suggest factoring in which airport/train station you’ll arrive at. When travelling with kids, cutting down any extra travel time is always a win. Everything is harder when you’re tired from a long flight!

London is a huge city, so choosing the right neighbourhood can make your London family trip much smoother and more enjoyable.

I’ve written a full guide on the best areas of London for families to stay, but some areas are particularly well-suited for families, offering easy access to attractions, parks, and kid-friendly restaurants, including:

1. Victoria / Buckingham Palace

Westminster, but specifically around London Victoria Station, makes a really great base for a family trip to London. This area is home to some of London’s most iconic tourist attractions, including Buckingham Palace, St James’ Park and Horse Guards Parade. Plus, it has great transport links to other areas. Check accommodation options near London Victoria Station here.

It’s genuinely a beautiful area and one of my favourites in London. It’s great for families visiting London. There is plenty to do in this area; read more in our guide on the best things to do near London Victoria Station as a family, here.

2. London Bridge / Tower Bridge

Another great area to stay in London is around London Bridge Station. In this area you’ll find more of London’s best things to do, like seeing the iconic Tower Bridge, visiting the Tower of London or enjoying great views from the Sky Garden. Again, from here, you will also have great transport links to other areas of London.

See all accommodation near London Bridge here or read more in my detailed guide, things to do near London Bridge with kids.

3. South Bank / Waterloo

The South Bank area is perfect for families who want to be close to iconic landmarks like the London Eye. Wide riverside paths make it easy to stroll with a stroller, and there are plenty of casual cafes for breaks between sightseeing.

Waterloo is also a great station to be close to if you plan to take a day trip to Richmond or Hampton Court.

See all South Bank accommodation options here.

4. Covent Garden / Leicester Square

Covent Garden is one of my favourite areas of London. It’s central, lively and beautiful; staying in this neighbourhood or right by it in Leicester Square puts you within walking distance of theatres, shops, and attractions like the London Transport Museum.

Covent Garden also has street performers that are entertaining for kids, and family-friendly restaurants are easy to find. Read more about visiting Covent Garden with kids in the guide linked here.

5. Kensington / South Kensington

The Kensington area of London is extremely beautiful and is home to some of London’s best parks and museums for children. Read my full guide to London’s best museums for kids here. It’s a great option for families visiting London as there are also plenty of parks nearby, including Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, which are great for kids and toddlers to run around.

See all your Kensington accommodation options here or read more in our guide on the best things to do in Kensington and Chelsea with kids.

6. Notting Hill

Notting Hill is known for its charming streets and colourful houses. It offers a quieter, more residential feel while still being well-connected by the tube network; however, do note: most of the tube stations in this area (with the exception of Earls Court) are not accessible by lift (elevator), so if you have a baby or toddler in a pushchair or stroller, be prepared for steps.

Notting Hill is ideal for families with older kids who want a calmer base while exploring London attractions during the day. Read more in our full guide to Notting Hill with kids or see where to stay in Notting Hill here.

7. Greenwich

Greenwich is a quieter, slightly underrated area of London. If you prefer a more relaxed, scenic area a little outside the central buzz, it makes a fantastic option. Home to the Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark, and Greenwich Park make it perfect for families with younger children.

Accommodation in Greenwich is slightly cheaper than in Central London, but you will spend a little longer travelling. From Greenwich, a train to London Bridge is less than 10 minutes and from there, you can take the tube to Westminster. See all accommodation options in Greenwich here, or read more in our full guide to Greenwich with kids.

Tips for Booking Family-Friendly Accommodation in London:

• Book early for the best rates and options
• Look for Airbnb apartments or hotels with extra space for toddlers and young kids.
• Check proximity to parks, playgrounds, and Tube stations.
• Consider family amenities like kitchenettes, laundry, or breakfast options.

Getting Around London With Kids: Transport Tips

One of the best things about visiting London is that you can combine walking with the city’s extensive public transport network. As London is such a big city, you won’t be able to walk everywhere, but many of the main sights are close enough together to explore on foot, with public transport making it easy to cover longer distances.

If you’re visiting London with young children, I’d recommend bringing a pushchair (stroller), even if they don’t normally use one at home. You’ll probably be doing a lot of walking, and it can also be invaluable if your child needs an unexpected nap, particularly if you’re travelling from overseas and dealing with jet lag.

We use our Joolz Aer+ when travelling, and I highly recommend it for city breaks.

Walking in London

Walking is our favourite way to explore London. It’s often quicker than you might expect between nearby attractions, and you’ll see much more of the city along the way.

Just don’t underestimate the distances. What looks close on a map can involve quite a lot of walking, especially when you’re travelling with children. I recommend planning your day around a few sights that are close together rather than trying to cover too much ground. If you need help planning your route, check my 4 day’s in London with kids itinerary here.

The London Underground

The London Underground, or Tube, is often the quickest way to get around the city. You can view the London Underground map and journey planner here to help you plan your journey.

If you’re travelling with a pushchair, look out for Tube stations marked with the wheelchair symbol, which indicates step-free access. These stations can make a big difference when you’re travelling with young children, although it’s worth allowing extra time as it can be hard to find the lifts and navigate larger stations. We’ve ended up carrying our pushchair up steps on many occasions.

I often see people asking if they need to get an Oyster Card to pay for journeys. You can, but you don’t necessarily need one. For most visitors, using a contactless bank card or Apple Pay is the simplest option. You’ll tap in and out when using the Underground.

Children under 11 can travel free with a paying adult, so make sure you use the wider gate when travelling through the barriers with younger children.

I’d also try to avoid travelling during peak times if you can, particularly with a pushchair. The Tube can get extremely busy, and navigating crowded stations is much easier outside the busiest periods.

Ride a London Double-Decker Bus

I don’t think a first family trip to London would be complete without riding on the top deck of a London Bus! Especially if you’re visiting with a toddler or young child. (This was the main thing my son wanted to do when we moved to London!) The bus can also be a good way to get around.

They have space on the lower level that can accommodate two pushchairs. However, this space has to be given up if it is needed by disabled/wheelchair users.

Again, you can pay by contactless payment, but you only need to tap in on the bus (not when you get off as well). Again, children under 11 are free with a paying adult.

TIP: A London Hop-On and Off Bus is a great way to get around, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, try taking public bus number 11. This route goes past a lot of London’s iconic landmarks!

Uber Boats

The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is another fun way to get around London with kids, and travelling along the River Thames can be an experience in itself.

It’s not the cheapest way to travel, but it’s a much more relaxing option than navigating busy roads or crowded Tube stations, particularly if you’ve already spent a morning sightseeing.

Note: The boats run to a timetable, so you can’t simply call one like you would an Uber taxi. Check the schedule before setting off.

Things to Do in London With Kids on Your First Visit

If you’re wondering what to do in London with kids? You’ll be spoilt for choice. There are so many great family activities in London.

One of the things I’ve learnt over the years of travelling with my kids is that you dont need to do everything. Just because something is a top tourist attraction doesn’t mean you need to visit it. The best family trips are usually the ones that are tailored to what works for you and your children.

If you need some itinerary inspiration, read this detailed 4 days in London family itinerary next. Otherwise, the list below will give you some ideas on the best things to do in London with kids.

1. Visit The Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of London’s most famous landmarks and also one of the best things to do in London with kids! This was one of the first family activities we did when we moved to London; we really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.

This really is a place the whole family can enjoy. You can learn about London’s history and also see the beautiful Crown Jewels, with lots of hands-on activities to keep kids engaged throughout the day. There is so much to see at the Tower of London; I’ve written a full guide linked here to help you plan your visit.

This is a popular London attraction; I’d recommend starting your day here before it gets too busy. You’ll want to spend a minimum of 2 hours here. 3-4 hours would be ideal, especially if you want to stop for a drink or food while you’re there.

TICKETS: The Tower of London is open daily. Adult tickets are £37, Children £18.50, and under 5’s are free. Tower of London tickets do sell out, so click here to book these in advance!

READ MORE: OUR FULL GUIDE TO THE TOWER OF LONDON WITH KIDS

2. See the Iconic Tower Bridge

Located close to the Tower of London is the beautiful Tower Bridge. This is one of London’s most iconic landmarks, and somewhere I have to take a photo of it every time I pass!

Do note that Tower Bridge is often confused with London Bridge, which is actually very ugly! So don’t make that mistake.

You can see views of, or walk across Tower Bridge for free. However, not everyone knows you can actually go inside and walk across the 42-meter-high glass floor for unique views of London. This is another activity that’s particularly well set up for families, with a children’s stamp trail to keep younger kids engaged throughout the visit. Read more about going inside Tower Bridge here.

If you’re able to do both Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, that would be amazing. However, as costs for family tickets can add up quickly, if I were just doing one, I would pick the Tower of London and see the free views of Tower Bridge.

TICKETS: Tower Bridge is open daily. Adult tickets cost £18, children are £9, and under 5s are free. Again, this activity gets quite crowded, so I would advise booking tickets for early or late in the day.

READ MORE: OUR GUIDE TO GOING INSIDE TOWER BRIDGE

3. Marvel at St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is a stunning church in the heart of the City of London. It was the tallest building in London for over 250 years. It now looks small compared to its surrounding buildings, but it is still incredibly beautiful and worth seeing, even if only from the outside.

This isn’t something I feel is particularly interesting for small children like mine, so we have actually only seen it from the outside. However, if you would like to visit as a family, you can download activity sheets to keep children engaged throughout the visit. See the learning library, linked here and filter by the age of your children.

If, like us, you just want to see it from the outside, the Reflection Garden is a lovely spot to stop for a moment and admire the view, and this is a gem many people miss.

TICKETS: Adult Tickets £27, children £10 and under-5s visit for free. Click here to reserve your St Paul’s Cathedral tickets in advance.

BOOK ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL TICKETS HERE.

4. See London from Above at The Sky Garden

Visiting the Sky Garden is one of our favourite free things to do in London as a family. I would highly recommend it for your family trip’s itinerary!

While the Shard is the tallest observation deck in London, it is another expensive activity. So, I always advise people to skip the Shard and opt for The Sky Garden instead.

My children have always loved all the plants in the Sky Garden, and my eldest likes to take many photographs of them! I have a detailed guide with all our tips on visiting the Sky Garden as a family, here.

The Sky Garden is free, but you do need to book tickets in advance. Tickets are released on Monday mornings, three weeks in advance, so set yourself a reminder to book them.

If you miss out on tickets, The Garden at 120 is another good option and doesn’t require advance booking. Or, read our guide on the best free views in London here.

READ MORE: VISITING THE SKY GARDEN LONDON WITH KIDS

5. Ride the London Eye

The London Eye is another of London’s most iconic landmarks and something you will definitely want to see during your first trip to London.

While I have read that some people think this is an overrated activity, we really loved riding the London Eye as a family, and it is still something my kids talk about. If you’re visiting London on a budget, this may be one to skip, but if you do choose to ride, you’ll get unique views of London.

This is another activity that the whole family will enjoy. However, if you’re visiting London with a baby or toddler in a pushchair (stroller), it will need to be folded before boarding, so be prepared for that.

TICKETS: They are much cheaper if you book online at least 3 days in advance. Prices vary depending on the date and time; however, they start from £29 for adults £26 for children, with under 2s going free.

🎟️ Reserve London Eye tickets in advance for the lowest price.

6. See Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament

Your first trip to London wouldn’t be complete without seeing the world’s most famous clock, the Elizabeth Tower, more commonly known as Big Ben. I’d recommend walking across Westminster Bridge for great views.

I only learnt when writing this post that you can go inside the Houses of Parliament for a tour, and have added it to my London bucket list.

If this is something you might like, find out more about a tour of Big Ben here. Note: this is for visitors aged 11+ only. Or a tour of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) is available for the entire family.

7. See Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a beautiful church located close to the Houses of Parliament. Used for Royal Weddings and Coronations, the architecture of this building is certainly impressive.

In full honesty, I have been past Westminster Abbey many times but have never been inside. I’m not sure how child-friendly this is, so maybe just see it from the outside unless you have a particular interest in this area or visiting London with older kids.

Again, I don’t advise families to try to cram in everything during your vacation. If I were choosing one church, I would pick St Paul’s and see Westminster Abby from the outside, but you can choose your preference.

TICKETS: Adult tickets are £32, children £14, and under 5s go free. Westminster Abby is only open on select days; check the opening times and reserve your tickets here.

BOOK WESTMINSTER ABBEY TICKETS HERE

8. Explore Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of our favourite areas and, in my opinion, a must-visit on your first time in London. It’s a great place to explore with kids, with street performers providing plenty of entertainment and lots of shops, cafés and family-friendly restaurants to discover.

The area is also beautiful, with its historic market buildings, pretty streets and seasonal decorations making it a lovely place to wander around. It’s one of those parts of London where you don’t necessarily need a plan; you can simply explore, stop for a coffee or something to eat, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Read our full guide on the best things to do in Covent Garden as a family, here.

9. See Buckingham Palace & Watch the Changing of the Guard

Of course, you can’t come to London for the first time and not see the home of the British Royal Family! Buckingham Palace is another of London’s top tourist attractions.

During the summer months, you can actually go inside Buckingham Palace and visit the State Rooms. Having done this pre-kids, I’d say this is best for families with older children, or those with a particular interest in the British Monarchy. Tickets for the State Rooms can be purchased here. Adults £33, Children £16.50 and under-5s are free.

Alternatively, you can visit the Royal Mews. This is a working stable attached to Buckingham Palace. Here you can see historic royal carriages, including the famous Gold State Coach, as well as the horses and modern vehicles used by the Royal Family. There are also family activities, making this a better experience for those with younger children. Tickets for The Royal Mews cost £18 for adults, £9 for children and under-4s visit for free.

Even if you choose not to go inside Buckingham Palace, I would highly recommend watching the Changing of the Guard Ceremony. This is free to watch and takes place every other day at 11 am. See the full schedule here. This is a fun attraction for the whole family to watch. My children especially like to see the horses.

Read more in our guide on the best things to do near London Victoria with kids.

10. Visit Horse Guards Parade

Horse Guards Parade is another quick but fun stop to add to a first trip to London, especially if you’re visiting with younger children. You can see the mounted guards and their horses at the entrance to Horse Guards, which is a great experience for children who love animals.

It’s also a lovely photo opportunity and an easy stop to combine with Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park and Westminster, as they’re all within walking distance of each other.

My kids always enjoy seeing the horses when we’re in this part of London, so it’s definitely worth adding to your sightseeing route if you’re visiting with children.

11. See the Lions in Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is right in the heart of London, and the larger-than-life lion statues are fun for the whole family to see. While it is no longer advised that you climb onto the lions’ backs, you can still pose in between the front legs, which is something my children have always loved to do.

In Trafalgar Square, you’ll also find the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. I wouldn’t say either of them is a must-visit, unless you have a particular interest in art; however, these are both family-friendly galleries, offering activity sheets for children and a good stop for a rainy day in London.

12. Visit Leicester Square

Leicester Square is a fun little area to explore as a family. There is a movie character film sculpture trail that kids will enjoy. Paddington Bear is our favourite!

You’ll also find both the M&M and LEGO store here. I usually try to avoid these, so we dont have to buy things; however, my kids do love LEGO!

13. Shop in Hamleys Toy Store

On Regent’s Street, which is one of London’s most famous streets, you’ll find Hamleys, a huge toy shop spread over 7 floors. In fact, it is the biggest toy shop in the world.

It gets very crowded, but kids will have so much fun, as they have entertainers showing off all the toys and things on display that they can play with.

Going into Hamleys is free; how much you buy when you’re there is up to you (or your children!)

If you are visiting London at Christmas with young children, visiting Santa at Hamleys was an incredible experience! Read all about it in our guide here.

14. Visit One of London’s Famous Department Stores

If you’d like to experience a little of London’s famous shopping scene, visiting one of the city’s historic department stores can be a fun addition to your first trip. They’re also great places to pick up British souvenirs, browse beautiful displays or simply have a look around. Depending on how much your kids like shopping, I’d probably choose one rather than trying to visit them all! Or better yet, I’d leave my kids with Daddy and browse on my own!

London’s department stores include:

• Harrods: One of London’s most famous department stores, located in Knightsbridge. Even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s worth seeing the impressive building and exploring the famous food halls.
• Liberty London: A beautiful department store on Regent Street, best known for its distinctive Tudor-style building and iconic floral fabrics. It’s a particularly lovely choice if you’re interested in fashion, interiors or design.
• Fortnum & Mason: One of London’s most historic department stores, located in Piccadilly. It’s famous for its beautiful food halls, afternoon tea and traditional British gifts, making it a great place to pick up a more traditional souvenir.
• Selfridges: Another iconic London department store on Oxford Street, with a huge range of fashion, beauty, food and homeware. It’s a good option if you’re already exploring Oxford Street and want to experience one of London’s best-known stores.

15. Visit One of London’s Incredible Museums

London is home to many amazing family-friendly museums, and many of them are free, which is amazing for families visiting London on a budget.

Chances are, you might get some rain during your trip to London, so it’s worth planning a museum visit just in case!

Which museum to visit will depend on your family’s interests; I’ve written a list of our top 10 London museums for kids here. However, the most popular museums you’ll likely choose between on your first family trip to London are the Natural History Museum or the Science Museum.

Both of these are free to visit; however, you do need to reserve a timed entry ticket on their website in advance. Conveniently, they are also located right next to each other, making it possible to visit both in a day should you wish to. Personally, we prefer the Science Museum if you’re going to pick just one. Read more in our full family guide to the Science Museum.

The British Museum is also a popular choice for your first time in London. Again, it is free, but advance booking is required. I would recommend visiting on a weekend or school holiday and renting an explorer backpack. These are a great way to keep kids engaged. Read more in our guide to the British Museum.

There are also lots of lesser-known museums that are great for families to visit. The Museum of London Docklands, The National Army Museum, Young V&A or The National Maritime Museum are all good free options. You can choose to visit any of these depending on the interests of your family.

16. Explore London Parks

London has some beautiful parks and green spaces, and I think they’re an important addition any family trip to the city. Sightseeing can be tiring for children, so stopping at a park or playground is a great way to break up the day, let kids burn off some energy and give everyone a chance to slow down.

There are plenty of parks to choose from, but these are some of the best options to consider on a first trip to London:

• St James’s Park: One of the most central parks in London, just across the road from Buckingham Palace. It’s a beautiful place to walk through, with a lake, gardens and plenty of wildlife to spot.
• Hyde Park: One of London’s largest and most famous parks. It’s a good choice if you’re visiting the museums in South Kensington or exploring Kensington and Knightsbridge, and there are plenty of open spaces for children to run around and the newly refurbished Princess Diana Memorial Playground is a favourite with kids of all ages.
• Regent’s Park: A beautiful park that’s particularly lovely in spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom. It’s also home to London Zoo, so you can easily combine the two if you’re planning a visit.
• Holland Park: A quieter and more relaxed option in West London, with beautiful gardens, woodland areas and a fantastic adventure playground. It’s a great choice if you’re staying around Kensington or Notting Hill.
• Greenwich Park: A little further from central London but well worth the journey. The park has fantastic views across London, two great playgrounds for children to play and is close to other Greenwich attractions, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring the area.

Read more about the best playgrounds in London in our full guide, here.

17. Enjoy a Child-Friendly Afternoon Tea

Having afternoon tea is a lovely way to experience a British tradition during your first trip to London, and there are plenty of child-friendly options that the whole family can enjoy.

From pretty sandwiches and cakes to special children’s afternoon teas, it’s a fun experience for both adults and children and makes a lovely break from sightseeing.

There are lots of afternoon teas to choose from across London, from traditional hotel experiences to more fun and themed options for children. One of our favourites is the Paw Patrol-inspired afternoon tea, which takes place on board a London bus. If Paw Patrol isnt your kids thing, they also do Paddington Bear, Peppa Pig and Monopoly versions. Read more about these and our other favourite child-friendly afternoon teas in London, here.

Map of the Best Things to Do on Your First Trip to London with Kids

Below is a map of all the top things to do when visiting London with kids. Just click the top right-hand corner to open it in Google Maps.

Where to Eat in London With Kids: Family-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes

When visiting London with kids, choosing the right places to eat can make all the difference. Luckily, London is very family-friendly, with plenty of amazing restaurants and cafés that welcome children, usually equipped with kids’ menus, high chairs and baby changing facilities. I will share a few of our favourite options below, and I’ve also linked them on my Google map to make planning your first time in London easy!

• Dishoom: if you like Indian food, Dishoom is a firm favourite with families and has multiple London locations with a warm, welcoming vibe.
• Franco Manca: Our family favourite offering simple, sourdough pizzas with quality ingredients at affordable prices. The relaxed, unfussy vibe and quick service mean it’s easy to pop in after sightseeing.
• Pizza Pilgrims: Pizza is always a win with kids, and Pizza Pilgrims keeps things simple and fun. The relaxed atmosphere, quick service, and child-friendly menu make it ideal for families exploring central London.
• The Ivy & Ivy Asia: While it might sound fancy, many Ivy locations are surprisingly welcoming to families, especially for lunch. Perfect for a special treat.
• Wagamama: Perfect for a quick but delicious family meal. This Japanese restaurant has multiple locations and offers amazing kids’ meals.
• Peggy Porschen: If you like a pink cafe, this is the place for you. Iconic pink interiors, beautiful cakes, and a totally Instagram-worthy stop, perfect after strolling around South Kensington or Hyde Park.
• El&n: another stylish cafe with multiple locations. It’s great for brunch or afternoon coffee. With colourful lattes, fun décor, and light bites and sweet treats.

Planning Your First Family Trip to London Itinerary

Planning your itinerary for your first family trip to London can be overwhelming. It’s a big city, and there’s so much to do. Luckily, as part of this London family travel guide, I can help you plan your first-time in London itinerary!

I have written two detailed blog posts with London itineraries. The first is a one-day itinerary in London. This is perfect for families visiting for the first time as a day trip. It takes into account a lot of London’s iconic landmarks and family-friendly things to do.

READ MORE: GREAT ONE DAY IN LONDON ITINERARY

If you’re planning a London family vacation, you’ll hopefully have longer than a day. I have also written a guide on London in 4 days with kids: A first-timer’s itinerary. I feel like four days is long enough to get a good feel for London with kids and to see all of the main tourist attractions. At the end of the post, I have also included links to other day ideas that I would recommend if you’re planning to spend 5 or 6+ days in London.

READ MORE: PERFECT FOUR DAYS IN LONDON ITINERARY

FAQ’s About London with Kids

Final Thoughts on Planning Your First Trip to London with Kids

I hope this London guide for families has helped you feel a little more prepared for your first trip to London. There is a huge amount to see and do in the city, but you really don’t need to try and fit it all into one visit.

My biggest tip is to choose a few sights that your family is genuinely excited about, stay somewhere convenient and give yourself plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace. Mix the big London landmarks with parks, museums, good food and time simply wandering around the city.

If you’re visiting with younger children, remember that your days don’t have to revolve entirely around them. Some of London’s most famous sights are enjoyable for the whole family, and a playground stop, a ride on a double-decker bus or a trip along the Thames can be enough to make a busy sightseeing day feel much more manageable.

London is a brilliant city for a family holiday, whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or spending a week exploring. With a little planning, you can see the highlights without feeling like you’re constantly rushing from one attraction to the next!

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Thank you so much for reading our post about your first time visiting London with kids. We hope you have an amazing family trip and love this amazing city as much as we do!

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Happy Exploring,