London is an ideal city to visit with the family, however, many families have doubts and wonder if it is a suitable city, mainly concerned about the size of the city.
Yes, it is a big city, and there are a lot of people, but it is not at all a difficult city to visit with children, quite the opposite: it is the ideal place. It is also a very safe city and generally not very stressful for its size and the people who are constantly moving around it.
There are many things to do with the little ones and to adapt to their pace. Of course, remember to be more alert on public transport and perhaps avoid rush hour to be more comfortable. The rest of you will have no problem.
And to make your trip easier, here are the best ideas for things to do with your family and children:
1. SCIENCE MUSEUM. One of the most ideal museums to go to with children, as they have a lot of games and activities so they can interact and play with science. Admission is free but we recommend booking in advance.
2. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM. The most legendary. We have already talked about it before, it will be loved by both adults and children but it is perfect for those children who also love animals. Admission is free but we recommend booking in advance.
3. BRITISH MUSEUM – a must-see. Two million years of human history in one building. Entry is free but we recommend booking in advance. There are many things adapted for the little ones in this museum, including family guides, and if you want to go to temporary exhibitions, tickets for children are free.
4. TRANSPORT MUSEUM. Located in Covent Garden, this museum is usually very popular with children and has a special section for them (“All Aboard”). They can play and learn about trains, buses (old ones), subways and more. 200 years of transport history, gathered in a single place.
But this museum is much more than that, it also organises excursions to secret passages, or old abandoned metro stations. However, this museum, unlike the others, has an entrance fee. We highly recommend admission if any member of the family is interested in transport. Perhaps you will spark the interest of a future aeronautical or civil engineer.
5. HARRY POTTER STUDIOS. If you are a fan of the most magical saga, you cannot miss the Harry Potter studios, a huge complex where the 8 films of the saga were filmed. A museum for fans, film buffs and a must-see if you want to visit a very famous place in the city of London. We leave you a guide to the Studios, in case you want to know more about them and buy your tickets.
6. HARRY POTTER TOUR. If you like Harry Potter, but you don't have much time to study (you need a whole day for them), you can also take a tour in London , visiting the inspiration and filming sites in the city.
On our free Harry Potter tour, which is one of the most famous in London in Spanish, we give you recommendations on stores to go to in the city, we tell you many curiosities and secrets about the saga and we give you a link with extra material and all the scenes.
If you prefer to explore all of London following in the footsteps of Harry Potter, we recommend our private tour . We will walk all over London, from Big Ben to Tower Bridge or St. Paul's Cathedral, while we see scenes from Harry Potter filmed in the city, and we end up at the legendary Harry Potter train station: King's Cross. It is ideal if you want to explore all of London on a private tour, tailored to you and specifically focused on the most famous magical saga.
7. LEGOLAND . Not as famous as the Harry Potter studios, but there is also the Lego theme park. We recommend it for younger children, between 4 and 12 years old, who will really enjoy it. It is located just outside London, in Windsor. Getting there is very easy since Windsor is literally half an hour from London (it takes longer to leave the city than to get there). In addition, you can also enjoy Windsor in a single day, which is definitely a recommended place.
8. WALK IN A PARK. London is famous for its parks, and it's the perfect plan if you're coming with children. You can walk, play or have a picnic in the parks.
And an activity that they love: feeding squirrels or ducks. Squirrels in particular, they will come to you for food. Remember to give them seeds, bread does not provide them with anything nutritionally, and anything else you give them can be harmful to their health. Don't give them M&M's that you just bought, since "they are peanuts" (we've all wanted to do it, but it's not good for them).
Squirrels also love apples and carrots.
And finally, what more special memory can you have as a child than playing in a park in central London?
In Hyde Park there is the famous Diana Memorial Playground. A children's playground, complete with a pirate ship, very close to the memorial for Princess Diana (as you can imagine from the name).
The ideal place for the little ones to play, get dirty, have fun and who knows, maybe make an international friend on their trip.
9. GO TO A MUSICAL. Perhaps one of the best things you can take home from your trip. Go to a theatre in one of the cities with the best theatrical and acting quality. The most prestigious schools are here, and except for Meryl Streep, the vast majority of renowned actors have studied in London.
The good thing is that there are a lot of musicals, which makes it easy to go without understanding what they say, and many are ideal for children.
We recommend going to a play where you have already seen the film (perhaps with your family before coming, which is also the ideal plan).
This way, when you see the play, you know what is happening and you enjoy it equally, both children and adults.
Right now they are performing The Lion King, the most legendary of all, but you will also find Matilda, Mrs. Doubtfire or Frozen.
Remember to check out what's playing now. Both TodayTixx and Boxoffice.co.uk are our favourite sites for cheap tickets.
10. SPEND THE DAY IN RICHMOND. Perfect for spending the day with the family in a less touristy and charming place. We always recommend this neighborhood (if it becomes touristy it will end up being our fault). But it is very easy to get to from the center of London and has an English village vibe that makes it the perfect place.
Restaurants, pretty streets, shops and most importantly, the largest park in London. Richmond Park occupies about four Hyde Parks, to give you an idea. The most interesting thing about Richmond Park is that you will almost always see its deer. You cannot feed them, and you must respect a safe distance, but they will let you watch them sunbathing, running or strolling without any problem.
11. SHREK ADVENTURES. If you fancy a different experience that you won't find in other cities and that is suitable for families, this is an interesting option.
This is an arcade, game and entertainment centre in the heart of London, right next to the London Eye, where you can spend a fun afternoon with your family. Set in the Shrek films, with lots of fun scenes, actors, games, activities and a restaurant.
12. LEGO STORE . The route of the most famous shops in London is a must-see, and the little ones will really enjoy it.
The Lego store in London is the largest in the world, in fact, adults enjoy this store more than children because who doesn't like Lego?
Places to take photos with huge Lego figures, such as Big Ben or Harry Potter's potions class, and lots of Lego products. We are not responsible for any needs that this store will create.
13. M&M'S STORE. No trip to London is complete until you've had your fill of M&M's. The store is right across from Lego, and even those who don't like sweets won't leave without their bag of chocolate peanuts.
Some people say it's the largest M&M's store in the world, but on their website they say it's the largest candy store in the world, just in general.
And we believe it. 4 whole floors of candy and candy and candy and every type of M&M's you can imagine in every color your eyes can see. You won't even understand why you keep standing in line to buy those M&M's but it's the magic of capitalism and impulse buying. You're on a trip, treat yourself to that luxury and buy that bag. We've all done it.
14. HAMLEYS STORE. A must-see. The oldest toy store in the world. It is over 250 years old, having been founded in 1760. Unfortunately, the original store burned down, but since 1881 (which is a long time ago), it has had one of the largest stores on Regents Street, very close to the previous stores.
Huge, with all kinds of toys inside. A dream come true for the little ones.
Set aside at least an hour to get lost in this store. You'll find toys you've never seen before, for all ages, and you can even make your own teddy bear and name it.
If you want to do like Montse, who named her teddy bear “Juliet” after us, let us know because these things make us so happy (thanks Montse, we will never forget you!).
15. TAKE A PRIVATE TOUR WITH JULIET'S BRIDGE. Private tours allow you to visit the city at your own pace, adding stops such as restaurants, viewing points or museums to the tour itself and adapting the pace to your family. Without rushing, and with the information that interests you most.
16. RESTAURANTS IN LONDON . Yes, we know that you are going to eat at some restaurant anyway, but we wanted to let you know here that in many places you will find special menus for children or even games. So look for places that have signs with notices of children's menus.
Wagamama , for example, is a chain that we always recommend for families, as it is ideal if you go with children. But, in general, be careful, because if your visit coincides with a holiday in England, many restaurants will offer free food for children or special offers, so it will be very easy to find a place where the whole family can eat, at a good price.
17. VISIT A PUB. It may sound strange to you that we recommend going to a “tavern” with your family, but there is an explanation.
Pubs are the most famous and typical places/restaurants in the United Kingdom, their decoration and food are unique and you have to go to one at least once on your trip.
They all have historical details or curiosities on their walls, so read even the information you find in the paintings because you will discover very interesting things.
It's a great option to be in a cozy and typical place of the country you are visiting. In fact, many also have children's menus. If they don't, give the little ones a try to try the "Mac & Cheese". Macaroni and cheese, and believe me, it never fails.
However, keep in mind that in the afternoons they stop serving food (usually at 7, although the kitchen closes later) and they only serve as a bar, so they won't let you in with children. Take advantage of the day so they can also enjoy this experience.
And finally, a tip: The word “ Pub ” comes from Public House . These are places designed from the start for social activities and hospitality. In keeping with this idea, in all pubs you will always be served a glass of water or you will be allowed to use their bathrooms, without having to consume anything. You can go into one and ask to go to the bathroom (they will always say yes without any problem) or go in and look for the bathroom without asking.
Adults need bathrooms too, obviously, but it's true that when you're with kids, you need bathrooms that are accessible at any time and quickly.
Well, here's a tip that families often love: when you're downtown and need a bathroom, find the nearest pub (there's always one) and use those bathrooms.
