Looking for fun things to do around London Bridge with kids? This central London area is packed with family-friendly attractions, and to make it even better, many of them are free! From riverside walks and interactive museums to playgrounds and viewing platforms, this guide covers the best things to do near London Bridge as a family. Whether you’re visiting for the day or a London local, here are our top picks for a family day out.
In this post, when we say “London Bridge,” we’re talking about the area around London Bridge Station; London Bridge itself (often confused with Tower Bridge) is not that exciting! However, this part of central London is full of hidden gems and fun, family-friendly things to do with young kids. All the London attractions and activities I mention below are within less than 30 minutes’ walk from London Bridge Station.
I’ve also included some family-friendly hotel and resteraunt reccomendation and at the end of the post, you’ll find a handy Google Map to help you plan your trip. So read on for more!
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20+ Things to Do Around London Bridge with Kids
Let’s dive straight into our list of over 20 things to do in and around London Bridge as a family!
Fun Things To Do Near London Bridge With Kids
1. Walk The Glass Walkway at Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is London’s most iconic bridge, possibly the most famous bridge in the world! So, of course, I had to put Tower Bridge at the top of my 20+ things to do around London Bridge Station with kids post!
While Tower Bridge is free to see and also free to walk across, you can actually go inside! The two blue sections connecting the Towers are actually walkways, both with glass floors! Yes, you can actually walk inside Tower Bridge! Visiting here is a very cool activity offering unique views of London.
It is also great for kids as they have a trail specially designed to keep them engaged throughout the visit! Our whole family had such a fun time here, you can read more in our full guide to going inside Tower Bridge with kids here.
BOOK: TOWER BRIDGE ENTRY TICKETS
READ MORE: OUR FULL GUIDE TO VISITING TOWER BRIDGE
There are plenty more things to do near Tower Bridge with kids, so read on!
THE TRAIL AT TOWER BRIDGE | VIEW OF TOWER BRIDGE WITH KIDS | WALKING INSIDE TOWER BRIDGE WITH MY KIDS
2. Visit The Tower of London
Visiting the Tower of London is another great thing to do with kids, whether you’re a first-time visitor to the city or a local looking for a family day out. It’s located very near Tower Bridge, just on the other side of the River Thames from London Bridge Station.
This historic castle was once home to the British Royal Family; it has since been turned into a museum and tourist attraction. This is an amazing family day out in London that is both cultural, educational and fun for the whole family.
See the amazing Crown Jewels, spot the iconic black ravens, and even walk along the old battlements! Read more in our full guide and tips on visiting the Tower of London with kids.
READ MORE: OUR FULL GUIDE TO VISITING THE TOWER OF LONDON WITH KIDS
VISITING THE TOWER OF LONDON
3. Enjoy the View from the Shard
The Shard is possibly London’s most iconic building, and it’s also very near London Bridge. This is an unpopular opinion, but I don’t think you get the best city views from the top of the most iconic building. You get them from the one next door!
As the Shard is such a popular attraction, I felt I should include it in this list. However, below I have a section on free things to do near London Bridge and have listed a couple of great free alternatives to the Shard. I’d recommend you check them out instead!
4. Take a Boat Trip Along the River Thames
There are multiple different boat trips and cruises you can take along the River Thames. These are a unique way to see the city, and kids will love to go on a boat!
Some options of family-friendly boat tours that depart from near London Bridge include:
- A Westminster to Tower Bridge Cruise – a half-hour trip down the River Thames, sailing past some of London’s most iconic sights.
- A Horrible Histories Thames Tour – perfect for older kids, especially if they love history!
- An Uber Boat by Thames Clipper – departing from London Bridge City Pier, this one can take you to multiple destinations.
- Thames Speed Boat Tour – if your kids are adrenaline junkies, then they’ll love this!
5. Climb Aboard the HMS Belfast
Talking of boats, there’s another famous ship near Tower Bridge, the HMS Belfast. This one has been turned into an interactive museum and is a perfect thing to do near London Bridge with kids. Explore all 9 decks and learn all about this historic World War II Warship.
Personally, I feel like this activity is better suited to families with older children rather than those with toddlers.
6. Discover The Golden Hinde
If your kids like boats, there are lots of things for them to do around London Bridge! Another boat to check out is The Golden Hinde. This ship is much smaller than HMS Belfast, but still enjoyable for kids to explore!
7. Climb Monument
Did you know you can climb the Monument to the Great Fire of London? This is still on our to-do list as the Monument doesn’t have any pushchair parking.
However, if you’re visiting with older kids and can face the 311 steps to the top, you’ll get great views of the city.
8. See a Children’s Show
Just down the road from London Bridge Station is The Little Unicorn Theatre. They specialise in shows, specially designed for babies, toddlers and children. From classic children’s books, such as The Lion Inside, to special Christmas performances, this is a great way to introduce children to theatre and the performing arts!
SEE THE LITTLE UNICORN THEATRE SCHEDULE HERE
Free Museums Near London Bridge for Kids
There are some great museums to visit near London Bridge with kids. We already mentioned The Tower of London and HMS Belfast, which are sort of like museums; however, there are some more traditional museums as well, which I will discuss below.
Neither of these falls into my list of the best museums in London for kids, but both are free museums near London Bridge that are suitable for visiting with kids. Booking in advance is not needed.
9. The Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is a modern art museum located near London Bridge, and it is very family-friendly!
They offer free activity sheets to keep kids entertained and also sometimes run play sessions, specifically aimed at children during the school holidays!
Outside of the play sessions, my children’s favourite activity was the interactive drawing boards; they can create their masterpieces, and it gets projected up onto the wall in front of them!
The views of St Pauls cathedral and the city of London from the 10th-floor viewing platform are incredible!
10. Bank of England Museum
You’ve probably heard of the Bank of England, but did you know they have their own museum? It is a free museum near London Bridge and is open to the public, Monday to Friday.
The Bank of England Museum is small, but my kids enjoyed it. They also have free worksheets for kids to complete, and there is a real gold bar on display, which you can try to lift. Spoiler alert: it is heavy!
READ MORE: OUR FULL GUIDE TO THE BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM
THE BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM
Free Things To Do Near London Bridge With Kids
If you’re looking for some other free things to do near London Bridge with kids, I have some great options for you. I’ll share them below.
11. Explore the Sky Garden
If you’re looking for an alternative viewing platform to The Shard, The Sky Garden is a great option. Although it isn’t specifically aimed at kids, my kids love it here!
The Sky Garden is completely free to visit, but tickets should be booked in advance. I’ve written a detailed guide to visiting The Sky Garden with kids, which you can read here.
BOOK: TICKETS FOR THE SKY GARDEN
READ MORE: OUR FULL GUIDE TO THE SKY GARDEN WITH KIDS
12. Horizon 22
While we prefer the Sky Garden, Horizon 22 is another great option, free for families looking for iconic things to do around London Bridge.
It is higher than the Sky Garden, and the views are great, but my children didnt find it as engaging. They like the plants in the Sky Garden.
Tickets are free, but you do need to book in advance.
13. Relax at the Garden at 120
If you miss out on tickets for The Sky Garden and Horizon 22, The Garden at 120 is a great option, as booking is not required. You can do this instead of or as well as one of the other options.
This adorable little garden isn’t as high up as the other viewing platforms, but it does have an excellent view, and it’s a relaxed atmosphere for families to enjoy.
READ MORE: OUR GARDEN AT 120 REVIEW.
INSIDE THE SKY GARDEN | VIEW FROM THE SKY GARDEN | VIEW FROM THE GARDEN AT 120
14. Wander St Katherine’s Docks
This beautiful dock area is located so near Tower Bridge. It’s actually Central London’s only marina and the perfect place for a family walk.
The Dickens Inn, located in St Katherine’s Dock is a beautiful, family-friendly pub!
15. Explore St Dunstan’s in the East
Another cute place to explore is St Dunstan’s in the East. This was originally a church but has been abandoned for many years; the ruins left are a hidden gem in London!
This isn’t an activity that will occupy children for long, but it is a safe place for them to explore, and it ususllay isn’t too crowded.
16. Enjoy Leadenhall Market
This beautiful market has lots of shops, pubs and resteraunts. It was also used as a filming location for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It gives all the Diagon Alley vibes that teens and older kids will love!
If your kids are big Harry Potter fans, consider a Harry Potter London Walking Tour. These start from Kings Cross rather than London Bridge but will take you through lots of places in the London Bridge area.
17. The Millennium Bridge
Another Harry Potter filming location is the Millennium Bridge. Death Eaters are seen destroying it in The Half Blood Prince.
FUN FACT: This bridge was built in the year 2000 for the millennium; the Harry Potter book was set in 1996-1997, so this bridge wouldn’t have even been there yet!
18. Browse Borough Market
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat near London Bridge, Borough Market is an excellent choice. With a whole range of different food on offer, this market is often on people’s London bucket list.
Note: it can get very crowded and sometimes hard to navigate with toddlers.
19. Stroll Hayes Galleria
Another cute place to wander through is Hayes Galleria. Located across the road from London Bridge Station, it is often not so crowded, making it a great place to see with kids.
There are coffee shops and restaurants here. Plus, kids will love the giant boat sculpture in the middle!
Tip: walk through here and along the River Thames to Tower Bridge!
20. Find The Dragons that Guard the City
There are 14 dragons that guard the City of London; look out for their statues in the London Bridge area. They are said to protect the city’s treasure as this is the area of London where all the banks traditionally were (and the banks hold the money!)
The dragon sculpture in the middle of the road where The Strand turns into Fleet Street, Google map location linked here, is a fun one to find!
Best Playgrounds Around London Bridge
21. Mint Street Adventure Playground
While I think the city of London could do with a few more playgrounds. There is one playground near London Bridge that kids absolutely love! This is a great thing to do with kids in the London Bridge area, as it’s free and allows them to burn some energy!
Where to Stay in London Bridge with Kids
The London Bridge area is a great part of London to stay in, especially if you’re visiting for the first time! It is close to some of London’s most iconis tourist attractions and the station and other transport links make it easy to navigate to other parts of the city.
Some family-friendly hotels include:
- Shangri-La The Shard, London £££ – yes, you can stay inside The Shard itself in this ultra luxury family suite!
- Hilton London Tower Bridge ££ – (my top pick) just a few minutes from the station, this hotel has beautifully designed connecting rooms for families.
- Novotel London Bridge £ – a budget friendly hotel in a great location.
Where to Eat in London Bridge with Kids
I already mentioned a few places to eat in the London Tower Bridge area including, The Dickens Inn and Borough Market, some other family-friendly restraunt options include:
- Pizza Pilgrims London Bridge, located right next to the station, it is a fun, informal pizza stop with classic Italian style pizzas that the whole family will love. Great for lunch or dinner.
- Franco Manca London Bridge – Another excellent pizza choice with a relaxed vibe and tasty sourdough bases. They are resonably priced and have a great kids menu.
- Honest Burgers London Bridge – Located on Tooley Street, this tasty burger spot is ideal for both kids and adults.
- Brother Marcus Borough – This is one of our favouries for brunch or lunch. British breakfasts with a mediterranean twist that are easy to share and great for families.
- The Breakfast Club London Bridge – Known for fun breakfast and brunch classics like pancakes, waffles, and big breakfast plates — a hit with kids in the morning.
Your Map of London Bridge with Kids
Below is our map of everywhere I have mentioned in this post. Simply, click the top right corner to open it in Google Maps.
Thank you so much for reading our guide on things to do around London Bridge with kids. We hope we’ve given you some inspiration on how to spend your day in 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.