My favourite London spots for little kids
Four tried-and-true places that are perfect for younger children—and still close to my heart
My daughter is 12 now, a self-sustaining organism who can take the bus independently and has her own social circle. It’s cool, it’s good. But I’m starting to miss the places where we spent so much time in her younger years. So I thought I’d share them with you. If you have small children and live in London/or are visiting London, make a beeline for these places…
A central London gem: The London Transport Museum
Kids instinctively love buses and trains, and the LTM is set up to keep parents interested, and kids exploring. The museum starts you back in time, in the horse-and-carriage days, and from there it's a whistle-stop tour through how the city evolved from the first railways until now. What makes it great for kids? It’s chock-a-block with train cars, buses, taxis, and any other public transport options. And kids can climb in and explore. There’s also a section for younger children, with a fun soft-play area. The café is sweet and child-friendly, and children are encouraged to explore and enjoy. It’s an ideal stop (see what I did there) on a day out, and the perfect place for kids to blow off some steam on a rainy day. And the shop’s fun too: there’s lots of stuff for kids, and design-driven pieces for adults too.
Albertopolis choice: The Science Museum
London’s Albertopolis museum district in South Kensington is definitely worth a visit anytime, but when you’re with little ones, I’d bypass the V&A and the Natural History Museum and head straight for the Science Museum. The basement is set up to keep little kids amused, with lots of soft play options, and a super-fun interactive water feature that kept my daughter amused for hours. Older kids will enjoy the space section on the ground floor, and Wonderlab, on the third floor, filled with fun science play and hourly science shows. You have to pay for Wonderlab, but if you’re a Londoner with kids, it’s worth getting a season ticket.
Further afield: The London Wetland Centre
I have probably spent more time at the LWC than any other London attraction. I am, indeed, a bit of a birder, but the real draw over the years has been the open space, kid-friendly features, and the playground. You won’t feel like you’re in the big city at all, as you meander down winding paths and explore. The kids' playground features a zipline and balance beams, there’s a ‘wild walk’ specifically for children, pond-dipping sessions, otter-feeding, and even indoor kids activities (shoot your poos, anyone?). And again, if you live in London, it’s worth getting a season ticket. Older kids might enjoy walking with binoculars and using the bird hides (bird blinds, to my North American friends).
A full day out with the kids: Greenwich
Now to the opposite end of the city: Greenwich is compact, villagey and full of great kid-friendly activities. Start off in Greenwich Market, and then head to the National Maritime Museum for nautical-themed soft-play and the opportunity to dress up and join a pirate’s gang. Old kids may enjoy the Royal Observatory too, and there is plenty of room to blow off steam and play in Greenwich park.
Oh, and you can easily get to Greenwich via my favourite form of transport: the Thames Clippers, for the full nautical experience.
I loved every moment I spent as a London mum in these places—especially the Wetland Centre, where my daughter learned to walk by holding onto the railings of a viewing platform overlooking a lake full of ducks. But these days, my challenge is finding London destinations for tweens—beyond the obvious pull of concerts at the O2 and the budget-busting allure of Westfield Shopping Centre.
What are your go-to spots for the not-quite-teen crowd?