Although it’s only a small area, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Covent Garden with kids. It is one of London’s most vibrant, iconic neighbourhoods, and it’s packed with family-friendly attractions that make it well worth adding to your itinerary.
From world-famous street performers and fascinating museums to colourful markets and delicious places to eat, there’s something here to entertain children of all ages.
Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or looking for new ideas for a family day out, Covent Garden is the perfect place to spend a few hours exploring. Many of the area’s best attractions are within easy walking distance of one another, making it easy to fill an afternoon or even a whole day with fun activities.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Covent Garden with kids, based on my own visits to the area. You’ll also find family-friendly restaurants, hidden gems and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
The Best Things to Do in Covent Garden with Kids
Let’s jump straight into our list of the best things to do in Covent Garden as a family!
1. Watch the Street Performers
One of the most famous things to do in Covent Garden with kids is watching the incredible street performers in the main piazza. From magicians and acrobats to musicians and comedy acts, there’s always something happening.
It’s a brilliant way to entertain children while you take a break from exploring. Plus, little ones are often completely mesmerised by the performances. You can easily spend 20–30 minutes here just watching the shows and soaking up the atmosphere.
While this is a free thing to do in Covent Garden, it is customary to tip the performers for their show. At risk of showing my age, when I was a child, they would ask for £1, and I remember it increasing to £5. Now many will ask for up to £20 and will offer you their card reader! The amount you give is completely up to you!
Families will love to watch Covent Garden’s street performers.
2. See a West End Theatre Show
Covent Garden sits at the heart of London’s famous West End. It the perfect place to introduce children to the magic of live theatre. While some productions welcome younger audiences, most recommend that children be aged 5 or over, as most shows run for around 2–3 hours and require children to sit quietly throughout the performance.
If you’re looking for a first West End show, Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre is hard to beat. It’s one of London’s most popular family musicals, with breathtaking puppetry, stunning costumes and all the much-loved songs from the film. It has been a favourite of mine for many years. I can’t wait until my kids are old enough to enjoy it. It’s regularly recommended as one of the best family theatre experiences in London and is suitable for children aged 6+.
👉 Reserve your Lion King Tickets Here.
Other fantastic family-friendly shows include Matilda the Musical, perfect for children who love Roald Dahl. Disney’s Hercules is another popular one with kids. These productions are all excellent choices for families looking to experience the magic of the West End together.
3. Visit the London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum is one of the best family attractions in Covent Garden. This is a great option if you’re exploring the area with children.
It’s especially good for younger children who love vehicles, as there are two small role-play areas and opportunities to climb aboard and “drive” a real London bus. If you’re looking for an indoor activity in Covent Garden for kids, this is one of the best options, especially on rainy days.
The museum has just launched a new pancake menu in its upstairs cafe. I honestly think my son enjoyed this as much as the museum itself!
This museum does get incredibly busy. My advice is to arrive at 10 am, when it first opens, to beat the crowds. Also avoid weekends and school holidays if possible.
Tickets cost £25 per adult, and accompanying children visit for free. You can book tickets directly on the London Transport Museum’s website, or providers such as Get Your Guide allow you to cancel your reservation if needed.
The London Transport Museum.
4. Wander Through the Apple Market
The Apple Market is at the heart of Covent Garden and a lovely place to stroll with children. You’ll find a mix of artisan stalls, handmade crafts and small independent traders, making it a nice spot to browse at a relaxed pace.
It’s also very family-friendly, with plenty of space to wander and often street performers nearby to keep little ones entertained while you look around.
A seasonal display outside Covent Garden’s Apple Market.
5. Enjoy a Family Afternoon Tea
If you’re looking to make your day in Covent Garden even more memorable, why not treat the family to a children’s afternoon tea? Hotels and restaurants nearby offer beautifully themed afternoon teas designed especially for younger guests, making it a fun way to celebrate a birthday or special occasion.
For families, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych is a great choice. Inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved story, this imaginative afternoon tea features playful sweet treats, creative savouries and theatrical touches that make it a memorable experience for children and adults alike.
6. Visit Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop
Hidden away in Covent Garden, Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop is one of London’s most charming independent toy shops. Originally specialising in traditional toy theatres, today it’s packed with beautiful wooden toys, puppets, dolls, games and unique gifts that you won’t find in larger chain stores.
It’s a lovely place to browse with children and feels like stepping back in time. It’s well worth a visit for its nostalgic atmosphere and colourful displays.
7. Explore the Colourful Streets of Neal’s Yard
Just a short walk from the main piazza, Neal’s Yard is one of London’s most colourful hidden gems. You could easily walk right past this spot and never know it was there. The bright buildings, plants and tucked-away courtyard make it a fun place for a quick family photo stop.
While this isn’t an activity that will keep kids entertained for long, it’s a unique place to see and is worth visiting as part of your Covent Garden walk. Especially if you’re exploring the area with kids and want something a little different from the main tourist spots.
Colourful Streets of Neal’s Yard.
There is also a Banksy mural of Princess Dianna holding an umbrella, which is located on Monmouth Street (the passage leading to Neal’s Yard). This is another free thing to do in Covent Garden with kids and also worth passing, especially for any art fans!
The Princess Dianna Banky Mural in Covent Garden.
8. Stop for a Sweet Treat
After a busy morning exploring Covent Garden, why not stop for a well-earned sweet treat? The area is home to some fantastic dessert spots. From freshly baked cookies and pastries to indulgent crumbles, doughnuts and ice cream.
My personal favourites are Chestnut Bakery, which is famous for its incredible pastries, filled croissants and seasonal bakes, and EL&N, known for its beautifully decorated café, colourful drinks and delicious cakes that are always a hit with children.
9. Visit Seven Dials Market
Seven Dials Market is a fantastic food hall just a few minutes from Covent Garden, and a great place to stop for a family lunch, or just have a wander. It has a relaxed, casual atmosphere with plenty of different food options, so it works well if everyone in the family wants something different.
Seven Dials Market.
Although we didnt actually eat there, my kids were fascinated by the restaurant with a conveyor belt of cheese! This would make a fun treat for cheese lovers!
My kids especially enjoyed the quirky touches here, including the giant banana sculpture. There is also a magnetic wall map for visitors to put a magnet on the country they’ve come from. I was surprised by how long rearranging the magnets kept them entertained!
Children visiting Seven Dials Market.
10. Get Cultural at the Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House offers regular Family Sunday sessions, which include workshops and performances designed specifically for children. While we haven’t visited this ourselves yet, it’s a brilliant option to consider if you want a cultural experience in Covent Garden with younger kids. Tickets start at £20. Check the current schedule and book tickets on the Royal Opera House’s Website.
If you’re visiting with older children, they might like to see a show. The Nutcracker at Christmas is always a popular choice with families! The schedule is often updated, so see what’s currently showing here. Note, children need to be at least 5 years old to attend. Visiting London at Christmas? Read our full guide to spending Christmas in London with kids here.
11. Browse Jubilee Market
While the Apple Market often steals the spotlight, Jubilee Market is another great place to explore with kids if you want to pick up a souvenir or keepsake. Depending on the day you visit, you’ll find everything from antiques and collectables to handmade crafts, gifts and souvenirs.
It’s a fun place to wander, and you never know what hidden treasures you might discover. If your children enjoy browsing quirky stalls or are looking for a small souvenir from your London trip, it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
12. See the Decorations in Covent Garden at Christmas
If you’re visiting London in December, Covent Garden is even more magical. The piazza is transformed with one of the city’s most spectacular Christmas displays. Featuring a huge decorated Christmas tree, oversized baubles, twinkling lights and festive decorations throughout the market.
There is also a life-sized sleigh, which kids will love to climb in and make the perfect photo opportunity for families visiting Covent Garden.
The Christmas decorations attract visitors from all over the world, and the atmosphere is wonderful for families. Read more about visiting London at Christmas in our detailed guide here.
The giant sleigh that sits in Covent Garden at Christmas, perfect for a family photo!
Things to do Near Covent Garden with Kids (Leicester Square)
Here are a few things to do with kids in Leicester Square. This is just a few minutes’ walk from Covent Garden.
13. Visit the LEGO Store
The LEGO Store in Leicester Square is one of the largest LEGO stores in the world and an absolute must-visit for kids who are LEGO fans. Inside, you’ll find incredible life-sized LEGO models, interactive play areas and exclusive LEGO sets that you won’t find everywhere else.
Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth popping in to admire the impressive displays. Don’t miss the giant LEGO Big Ben and iconic London landmarks, which make for fantastic photo opportunities.
The LEGO Store in Leicester Square.
14. Visit a Giant Candy Store – M&M’s World
Spread across four colourful floors, M&M’S London is every chocolate lover’s dream. Kids will love browsing the huge selection of colourful sweets, personalised M&M’s, fun merchandise and larger-than-life character displays.
15. Follow the Leicester Square Scenes in the Square Trail
Leicester Square is home to the free Scenes in the Square sculpture tra. Featuring much-loved film characters from some of cinema’s biggest movies. Children will love spotting favourites such as Harry Potter, Mr Bean, Paddington Bear and Mary Poppins. Make sure you don’t forget to look up and see Batman standing on a rooftop as you explore the square.
It’s a fantastic free activity near Covent Garden and a great excuse to slow down and explore one of London’s busiest public spaces.
Paddington Bear sculpture in Leicester Square.
FAQ’s on Visiting Covent Garden With Kids
Absolutely! Covent Garden is one of the best areas of London to visit with children. From watching street performers to exploring the London Transport Museum, toy shops and family-friendly restaurants, there’s plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained.
Yes. Many of the attractions in Covent Garden are ideal for younger children, including the London Transport Museum, watching the street performers, browsing the markets and visiting Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop. While the cobbles can be a little tricky to navigate with a pushchair/stroller, the area is small and easy to explore on foot, making it a great choice for families with toddlers.
Covent Garden is worth visiting throughout the year, but it’s especially magical at Christmas when the piazza is decorated with spectacular festive lights, giant baubles and one of London’s most famous Christmas trees. Visiting earlier in the day is usually quieter, particularly during weekends and school holidays.
Final Thoughts on The Best Things to Do in Covent Garden with Kids
Whether you’re planning your first trip to London or simply looking for a fun family day out, Covent Garden is one of the best places in the capital to explore with children. From world-famous street performers and fascinating museums to colourful markets, delicious sweet treats and unforgettable theatre shows, there’s something to entertain every member of the family.
One of the things I love most about Covent Garden with kids is how easy it is to explore on foot. Many of the area’s top attractions are just a few minutes apart, making it simple to combine several activities into one memorable day.
I hope this guide has given you plenty of inspiration for the best things to do in Covent Garden with kids. If you discover a hidden gem that deserves a place on this list, I’d love to hear about it!
Looking to Explore More of London as a Family?
Read our other family-friendly neighbourhood guides next:
- Greenwich with Kids
- Notting Hill with Kids
- Canary Wharf with Kids
- Things to do Around London Bridge Station with Kids
- Things to do Around London Victoria Station with Kids
Thank you so much for reading our guide on the best things to do in Covent Garden with kids. We hope you have an amazing trip to London.
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Happy Exploring,
A London mum sharing stylish, family-friendly travel guides.
I In our travel guides, I show you that you can still travel as a family and create beautiful memories, even when trips aren’t full of kid-centric activities.
When I’m not planning our next adventure, I also share timeless style inspiration and ideas for living more thoughtfully and sustainably.