How to Explore London with Your Children

So you’ve decided to spend some time in London. As capital cities go, it’s actually one of the more family-friendly places to have a vacation. There’s so much you can do you’ll be planning your next visit before you know it. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s kid-friendly attractions, places you can visit that cost nothing at all, or suggestions for what you can do as a family after dark, you’ll find it here in this quick and easy mini guide.

Getting Around the Capital with Children

There’s no need to worry about hiring a car as the public transport system is very established. Use the underground, and you’ll be able to get almost anywhere, and kids actually find this way of traveling quite fun. You’ll be better off avoiding peak hours, however, as the crowds could be quite frightening. Buy yourself a day pass, and you’ll be able to switch effortlessly between trains and buses. If you’re not that keen on negotiating the bus timetables, at the very least take a ride on a London double-decker or bendy bus, for the entertainment value.

Must See Top Attractions

• Madame Tussauds – this is for families with kids that are a little older, as toddlers might not recognize many of the famous faces. Older children, however, will enjoy many of the movie inspired waxworks and exhibitions.
• London Eye – you can’t visit London without experiencing the London Eye and seeing the capital from this popular Ferris wheel. One of the best times to take a ride is around sunset when the light is really beautiful.
• Sea Life London Aquarium – right next door is London’s very own aquarium. Shrek’s adventure and the London Dungeon are also in the same building.
• Open-Top Bus Tour – if you want to see some of London’s most iconic buildings you should hop onboard one of the open top sightseeing buses.
• London Zoo – located in Regent’s Park this is a popular family attraction. It’s possible to book a sleepover in the Bug House or you can simply enjoy the experience of seeing animals such as tigers, gorillas, lions, penguins, reptiles and many more up close and personal. It’s also a great opportunity for your kids to learn more about conservation.
• What to do After Dark – if you’re looking for entertainment check out one of the many West End shows for kids London has to offer. Enjoy Disney’s The Lion King or Aladdin, as well as Matilda, The Movie.

Things You Can do for Free

Many of the museums in London are free, but there are a few that are really worth a visit. They include the Natural History Museum where you can enjoy a number of interactive displays. There’s so much to see you’d need more than a couple of days to see it all. Right next door is the Science Museum where there are hands-on areas as well as science shows and demonstrations. Hamley’s, the greatest toy store in the world, is another place you can visit for free, but you might need some money in your wallet in case your kids spot something they’d like to take home with them.

This is a very small selection of the things you can do when you find yourself in London with the family. There’s far too much to fit on one page or to visit in a week.