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The 26 best things to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers

The 26 best things to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers

It’s simple to assume it’s best to postpone a household vacation in London till your youngsters are a bit older – however the metropolis is filled with youngsters, and with so many issues to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers, there’s no motive to attend.

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I’ve been exploring London with my daughter since she was a child – she was a toddler once we first visited among the main museums and braved the tube with a buggy, so the secret is planning fastidiously and selecting your sights properly.

Whereas all these concepts are focused at youngsters aged 5 and below, as any guardian is aware of, there’s an enormous variation between an 18-month-old toddler, and a four-year-old preschooler, fairly aside from accounting for their very own likes and dislikes – however with concepts for 26 issues to do in London with younger youngsters, all beneficial primarily based alone expertise, you’ll have loads of inspiration for a fantastic day trip.

London Zoo

With greater than 750 completely different species and 1000’s of animals to find on the zoo – the world’s third oldest after Vienna and Paris – this makes a implausible day trip in London with toddlers.

Sprawling throughout 15 hectares, you do want to permit at the least half a day to take advantage of it. There are three colour-coded routes, so in case your youngsters have a couple of favourites they wish to see, it’s simple to focus first on the furred and feathered inhabitants they’ll love most.

There are particular areas for various habitats, from rainforest to penguin seaside, in addition to the land of the lions, gorilla kingdom, the possibility to stroll with lemurs plus reptiles and bugs… too many to depend actually. There are a few walkthrough enclosures that are particularly enjoyable for little ones (until you’re nervous about little grabby palms close to the animals).

Tickets value from £27.70 for adults, from £19.40 for youngsters aged 3-15. Beneath threes go free, and it’s also possible to prebook flexi tickets, plus there are discounted choices for these on Common Credit score (and another advantages).

Take a look at my recommendations on visiting London Zoo with youngsters together with recommendations on discovering reductions

The 26 best things to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers

Battersea Park Youngsters’s Zoo

This little youngsters’s zoo is nice for youthful youngsters – much less overwhelming than the primary London zoo, much less far to stroll round and nonetheless loads of animals to please, particularly for those who’re in need of time (a few hours is lots) or visiting London on a price range.

As a result of whereas London Zoo is a implausible day trip with youngsters, there’s no query that it’s a pricy one – and for youthful toddlers, they’re usually as excited by a rabbit as one thing uncommon and unique.

You gained’t discover greater creatures however there are monkeys and lemurs, wallabies, cattle, birds, reptiles and diverse small furry issues. There’s additionally an journey playground to entertain – in addition to loads of house within the park across the zoo.

Tickets value £17.50 for adults, £13.95 for youths aged over two, below twos are free. Household tickets are additionally accessible. On-line tickets are legitimate for 30 days from buy.

You may as well discover extra of London’s smaller zoos, together with a bit of free zoo in north London – take a look at this publish for extra, in addition to our day trip at Battersea Park Youngsters’s Zoo

Sea Life London aquarium

A stunning various to the town’s zoos for animal lovers, London’s aquarium is a superb place to go to with youthful youngsters – the Sea Life London Aquarium close to the London Eye can get busy at peak instances and on wet days although.

One of many largest collections in Europe, the aquarium homes over 500 species, 14 themed zones and greater than 2 million litres of water with some uncommon creatures, in addition to some favourites together with penguins and clownfish.

Tickets value from £28 for adults, from £25 for youths for those who e-book on-line, and youngsters below two go free.

Take a look at my overview of go to to Sea Life London aquarium with youngsters

Grey rabbit sitting on straw in a hutch - one of the animals you can find in the city farms in London with toddlers and preschoolers

Go to a metropolis farm

In the event you’re visiting London with youngsters who love animals, add one of many many metropolis farms to your record – there are half a dozen websites dotted across the capital that are free to go to.

For instance Freightliners Metropolis Farm (between Caledonian Highway tube and Highbury & Islington) has some uncommon breeds, as does Spitalfields Metropolis Farm.

At Vauxhall Metropolis Farm, you’ll discover alpacas alongside farmyard animals and even a few cats, whereas there are llamas at Mudchute. Hackney Metropolis Farm has some smaller fluffy inhabitants together with rabbits and guinea pigs in addition to bigger creatures too.

For extra concepts of free issues to do in London with youngsters, take a look at this publish

Open-top bus tour

London isn’t a small metropolis, and strolling for miles isn’t going to go down properly with youthful youngsters – quite than sporting out your personal legs, or heading underground to catch the tube, it’s simple to mix getting round with some sightseeing on an open-top bus tour.

Advert showing an image of a printable scavenger hunt for London's iconic sights and the words 'click here to buy your scavenger hunt for finding some of the iconic sights of London with kids, only 99p'

London has varied open-top bus sightseeing excursions to select from so there are many completely different choices, relying which routes and instances you need – take a look at my comparability of the perfect bus excursions in London with youngsters right here.

Tootbus (previously The Authentic Tour firm) has a particular 45-minute London Youngsters tour which is enjoyable for brief consideration spans, in addition to the basic hop-on hop-off tour across the metropolis.

Get 25% off utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS25 for those who e-book earlier than the tip of August 2026.

Or the London Large Bus Excursions has its personal hop-on hop-off routes, with 24 and 48-hour tickets accessible. Youngsters below 5 go free, though if you wish to assure a seat, it may be smart to e-book in busy vacation intervals – having a toddler in your knee is one factor, having a four-year-old sitting there’s much less enjoyable!

Mix sightseeing with snacking on board one of many themed afternoon tea bus excursions from B-Bakery, together with Peppa Pig and Paddington excursions – plus there’s 5% off customary seats for those who e-book utilizing my code MumTravels5 (min spend £115).

Collage of images from the Peppa Pig afternoon tea from B-Bakery in London

Hop on a ship

One other enjoyable method to sightsee is by taking to the Thames – in my expertise, that is higher with preschoolers than toddlers, who are likely to get bored on an extended journey down the river.

In the event you’re cautious about paying for a sightseeing cruise that your youngsters won’t love, or from being caught on a ship for ages, it’s simple to get a bit of style and hop aboard Uber Boat by Thames Clippers which runs common routes alongside the river, and you’ll pay as you go.

Take a look at extra of the completely different boat excursions of London with youngsters for extra concepts

It’s not essentially the quickest method to get round, however you would cruise a few stops from round Westminster, Waterloo or Embankment right down to the Tower of London, for instance (or the other way).

Metropolis Cruises additionally has varied sightseeing cruises which allow you to hop on and off, together with ones with afternoon tea so you possibly can benefit from the sights over some scones to assist entertain your youngsters.

One of the City Cruises boats on the Thames in London with the London Eye in the background - one of the best boat trips in London with kids

Discover Paddington

For little followers of Paddington Bear (and who isn’t?), you possibly can spot Paddington in a number of locations round London.

Begin with a go to to Paddington Station, the place the furry hero of the books was first discovered by the Browns and obtained his title.

The lifesize bronze statue with the label asking folks to take care of this bear is again in its common residence by Platform 1, after a quick stint close to the Praed Road entrance. Maintain a watch out for a plaque marking his appearances on the web page and on display too.

You’ll additionally discover the Paddington bench within the station, the place youngsters can pose for pictures subsequent to him.

You can even let Paddington be your information to London too – one among my picks for the perfect youngsters’ books about London – or take a look at the perfect locations to seek out Paddington in London

The Paddington bear bench at Paddington station - a lovely way to theme a day out in London with toddlers and preschoolers

The station can also be the start line for the Pawprint Path, with three of the Paddington statues from the 2014 assortment dotted across the metropolis.

For a much less well-known statue of Paddington, head to St Mary’s Churchyard at close by Paddington Inexperienced, the place you’ll discover him commemorated together with his creator Michael Bond, one of many Sustrans portrait benches dotted across the nation. Or he additionally pops up with a marmalade sandwich in Leicester Sq..

For extra issues to do round Leicester Sq. with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks

Pure Historical past Museum

Among the finest museums in London with a toddler – though older youngsters will even adore it right here too – there’s the possibility to see Andy’s clock in the event that they’re followers of CBeebies exhibits Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures and Andy’s Prehistoric Adventures, plus the well-known dinosaurs and blue whale skeleton within the entrance corridor.

That’s all simply the beginning of what you possibly can see on the Pure Historical past Museum. Braver preschoolers will love the earth sciences part, together with a simulated earthquake, after being whisked upstairs by an escalator rising in the direction of dramatic rumbles and purple gentle.

Advert showing an image of a printable scavenger hunt for the Natural History Museum in London and the words 'click here to buy your scavenger hunt for a visit to the Natural History Museum in London with kids, only 99p'

My daughter couldn’t even be persuaded on the escalator as a toddler however youthful ones will benefit from the mammals part and you’ll actually have a little break within the gardens as properly, together with the Evolution backyard for some extra dinosaurs.

It’s unsurprisingly well-liked, so the free tickets for weekends and college holidays do get snapped up quick for those who can’t go on a weekday – don’t go away it too late to e-book, or take advantage of visiting earlier than college begins.

For my recommendations on visiting the Pure Historical past Museum with younger youngsters, click on right here

View of the whale skeleton hanging in the Hintze Hall of the Natural History Museum in London - one of our 2020 family travel days out

Science Museum

A brief stroll from the Pure Historical past Museum, the Science Museum is one other of my favorite locations to go to with youthful youngsters and aside from the interactive displays of Wonderlab, which does have a reserving payment, there’s no cost to go to.

Toddlers and youthful youngsters will love the hands-on space known as The Backyard, together with a water play space, making music, sensory shows, puppets and big blocks.

For extra issues to do in South Kensington with youngsters, take a look at my decide of the perfect

The Sample Pod is one other nice one for preschoolers – you could must put your title down on an inventory at busier instances as numbers are restricted, so it’s price checking as quickly as you arrive.

Not forgetting the fabulous gallery stuffed with automobiles, in addition to the house gallery and shows on communications – successfully an outline of 250 years of scientific and technological advances which have reworked our on a regular basis life.

Prebooking is beneficial throughout holidays and at weekends and also you’re suggested to permit at the least two hours for a go to. 

For my recommendations on visiting the Science Museum with youngsters, click on right here.

Image showing a graphic of the London Eye on the Essential Guide to London with kids ebook cover, and the words 'click to buy my 33-page guide to London. Itineraries, tips and all you need to know before a visit to London with kids' linking to my the London with kids shop page

Victoria & Albert Museum

The third large South Kensington museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum (or V&A) is one which regularly will get missed by households – however there’s extra to see and do right here than you may count on, for those who’re visiting London with toddlers.

The world’s largest museum of ornamental and utilized arts has some implausible household actions to attempt, even for the youngest guests, that are nice for bringing the gathering to life.

See the costumes from the Lion King, eye-catchingly dramatic court docket clothes, and a really sudden automaton of a tiger consuming a person, in addition to statues, sculptures and extra, it’s a wonderful treasure trove to discover with youngsters.

Prebooking is beneficial throughout the holidays, though the V&A tends to be the quieter of the South Kensington museums. There are additionally free household occasions throughout college holidays and a few weekends, in addition to digital and bodily trails to observe (the household backpacks are at present unavailable).

For my recommendations on visiting the V&A with youngsters, click on right here

The main hall of the Young V&A museum in east London with cafe tables in the centre and a huge yellow sign reading DESIGN - one of the best things to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers

Younger V&A

The sister museum to the V&A in South Kensington, the previous London Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Inexperienced reopened in summer time 2023 with a brand new look and a brand new title – the Younger V&A.

With its shows of toys and video games, it has been a household favorite for years (not least for the nostalgia worth), and the much-loved highlights are additionally again – look out for one of many unique Paddington Bear toys.

Nonetheless whereas the constructing is identical grand corridor, youngsters have been concerned in arising with the redesigned look, now themed round three galleries: Play, Think about and Design.

Better of all there are many possibilities to get palms on, whether or not that’s creating your personal board recreation, listening to storytelling, or hitting the sandpit, in addition to new objects occurring show, with a complete of two,000 objects to take pleasure in.

Free to enter, it does get very busy at weekends, so arrive early for those who can.

Striking a pose in the British Museum, on one of the activity trails around the Asia gallery that's aimed at preschoolers

British Museum

You positively don’t must be college age to benefit from the British Museum, however that is one place that I’d advocate for older preschoolers quite than toddlers, with some enjoyable trails designed for these aged three and up.

They’re a good way to introduce youthful guests to among the 80,000+ objects on show, with trails themed round numbers and colors, as a straightforward to method to convey among the artefacts to life. Take a look at my go to to the British Museum with a three-year-old for extra inspiration.

In any other case, the mummies and the Historic Egypt galleries are among the many hottest (and often the busiest) however are by no means lower than fascinating. However you possibly can uncover Anglo Saxon treasure, video games which date again 1000’s of years, gods, jewels, on a regular basis objects and distinctive finds, to not point out Romans, Greeks, Vikings and an enormous quantity extra.

Solely the particular exhibitions have a cost – prebooking free tickets is beneficial at busy instances and you’ll obtain trails upfront (restricted paper copies accessible), with two of the Museum Explorer trails geared toward age 3-5.

For my recommendations on visiting the British Museum with youngsters, click on right here.

The Horniman Museum

The one downside to this beautiful museum is that it’s exterior central London, as a result of with a bit of little bit of every thing, it’s notably enjoyable with youthful youngsters – ultimate in case your toddlers really feel overwhelmed by the town too.

With galleries on completely different themes, the Horniman is sweet for little consideration spans as you possibly can wander from the well-known walrus in pure historical past to world music and tradition, to see butterflies and wander the grounds exterior, the place you’ll discover extra animals. EDIT: The Pure Historical past galleries are closed till later in 2026

My daughter looks at a stuffed fox, one of the interactive exhibits at the Horniman museum - my ultimate guide to London's museums and tips for London museums with toddlers and kids

The Nature Base provides youngsters an opportunity to get palms on, together with stroking a stuffed fox and badger, whereas older ones can study extra about conservation too.

There’s additionally a bit of aquarium, which has a small cost – as do the non permanent exhibitions – however in any other case it’s free. The museum may be reached by prepare from London Bridge station.

Learn extra about my go to to the Horniman museum with youngsters right here.

Postal Museum

The Postal Museum won’t be the town’s best-known museum, however there are a few explanation why it’s a fantastic one for those who’re in search of issues to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers.

Initially, you possibly can hop on board the Mail Rail – beneath the museum are the unique tunnels and station platforms of London’s 100-year-old postal railway, which as soon as delivered mail throughout the town. 

It stopped getting used again in 2003 which signifies that guests can now journey via those self same tunnels on a miniature prepare.

It’s additionally residence to Sorted! The Postal Play Area – a play space that’s designed as a mini city, with streets and buildings, plus heaps to push, pull, slide down and extra. Classes final 45 minutes and should be prebooked.

Tickets value £20.50 for adults, £11 for youths aged 2-17 together with limitless visits to the museum for one 12 months and a single experience on Mail Rail. Sorted prices £5 for youngsters aged 1-8 and £2.50 for accompanying adults.

For extra recommendations on visiting London’s museums with toddlers and preschoolers, take a look at this publish

View of some of the vintage vehicles in the main hall of the London Transport Museum - a visit to check out the London Transport Museum Christmas events

London Transport Museum

There are few toddlers who aren’t fascinated by automobiles – which makes this museum small baby heaven, full with classic buses, previous tube trains you possibly can climb inside, and varied different interactive parts.

Preschoolers will love the London Transport museum too (as will any older siblings), as you go on a journey via London’s transport historical past, from sedan chairs, carriages and river transport via to the primary omnibus and later taxis, doubledecker buses and the underground.

With a lot of quirky details, together with the eye-watering quantity of dung scooped off London’s streets throughout the days of horse-drawn automobiles, and many shows the place you will get palms on, there’s heaps to entertain youngsters.

For youthful guests aged below seven, there’s additionally the All Aboard play space, with a fleet of mini automobiles and dressing up (riverboat captain or bus driver? Hmmm), plus the Child DLR space if there are even youthful siblings to entertain.

Tickets value £25 for adults, together with limitless return visits for a 12 months, and is free for youths – you will get a reduction for those who e-book through tiqets utilizing my code, MUMMYTRAVELS6. There’s additionally an off-peak cross accessible.

Take a look at my overview of a go to to the London Transport Museum with youngsters and the museum’s Acton depot

Uncover Youngsters’s Story Centre

You don’t have to have the ability to learn to get misplaced in tales at Uncover: Youngsters’s Story Centre in London’s Stratford, geared toward youngsters aged from 0 to 11.

This implausible multi-sensory play house in east London is ideal for younger youngsters, full with two flooring of magical Story Worlds and a Story Backyard, that includes every thing from a pirate ship to a spacecraft and loads of different enjoyable imaginary lands for youths to discover.

There are numerous timed actions and you’ll construct your personal session, together with any particular exhibitions and storytelling, plus the play areas throughout the 2 principal flooring.

Tickets value from £10 for adults and kids aged over two, £5.50 for one-year-olds, and below ones go free. There are additionally household tickets, whereas exhibitions and a few actions have an added cost of round £2-£5.

One in all my prime uncommon issues to do in London with youngsters – you possibly can take a look at the remaining right here

A view towards the London Eye against a blue sky, with the river Thames and the old County Hall building seen in the foreground - if you're looking for things to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers, fast track tickets are definitely a good idea

London Eye

There’s one thing very enjoyable about crusing round above London in an up to date ferris wheel that’s going to enchantment to numerous youthful youngsters, particularly if they’ll pick some London landmarks from on excessive.

Nonetheless, tickets to the London Eye aren’t low cost, so it’s one other attraction that I’d advocate for preschoolers quite than toddlers, particularly those that are more likely to get bored quick or wish to run round. Too little, and so they simply gained’t admire the expertise.

When you assume your youngsters are going to take pleasure in hovering above the town, it’s price testing quick observe tickets – there are all the time timed slots on your ‘flight’ however that also entails an affordable quantity of queuing, so the quick observe choice permits you to to skip the queue.

You possibly can select between two choices, the place you get precedence boarding at a selected time, or costlier open tickets, the place you flip up everytime you need and get precedence boarding. You may as well discover mixed tickets with different Merlin sights on the South Financial institution, together with the aquarium.

Image showing a graphic of London's iconic sights and the words 'click to read my quick start guide to London, all the essentials you need to know before a visit to London with kids' linking to my blog post guide to London with kids

Discover the Sky Backyard

For a backyard that’s quite completely different out of your common park, head to the Sky Backyard, London’s highest public backyard.

Sitting on the prime of the skyscraper Londoners know because the Walkie Talkie constructing (for those who’re fighting instructions, it helps to know what to identify), the backyard is free to go to, though you do must e-book upfront to absorb the views and to have ID to enter.

With a coated terrace, you will get some superb views throughout to the Shard (which has its personal spectacular views!), St Paul’s, Tower Bridge and alongside the Thames throughout your hour slot.

Not removed from Monument station, it’s also possible to stroll previous the well-known Monument itself on the best way (whether or not you fancy singing London’s Burning collectively is as much as you!)

For extra of the perfect viewpoints in London with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks together with some extra free choices

View across the grass to the lake in St James's park on a summer's day - the royal parks are a great place to visit in London with toddlers and preschoolers

Go to a park

London is a a lot greener metropolis than you may count on, with parks galore throughout the town – every has its personal sights, in order that they’re locations in their very own proper, but in addition nice to mix with an indoor attraction.

Coram’s Fields is strolling distance from the British Museum, for instance, so a good way to burn off some vitality after wanting on the displays. Or Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are choice for those who’ve been to the close by museums and are in search of extra issues to do in South Kensington with youngsters.

Kensington Gardens can also be residence to the spectacular Diana Princess of Wales playground (click on right here for extra concepts of the perfect playgrounds in London), whereas Hyde Park has the Diana Memorial fountains, or you would spot pelicans at St James’s Park, throughout the river from the London Eye.

EDIT: The playground is now closed till summer time 2026 (date tbc) for refurbishment

Just a little additional west, there are peacocks in Holland Park whereas Regent’s Park surrounds the zoo.

Or for those who’re heading out of the centre, you possibly can’t miss the dinosaurs at Crystal Palace Park.

Take a look at my publish on the perfect free issues to do in London with youngsters for extra particulars on London’s parks

The ship in the sand at the heart of the Diana Memorial playground in Kensington Gardens - one of the great free things to do in London with kids

Take a look at a playground

Typically all you want is a little bit of time taking part in to spice up flagging vitality ranges – and also you’ll discover play areas each in London’s parks and dotted across the metropolis for when toddlers and preschoolers want a break from exploring.

A stone’s throw from the London Eye, Jubilee Park & Backyard has its personal playground for instance.

For playgrounds which are virtually locations in their very own proper, the Diana Memorial Playground is without doubt one of the greatest recognized, within the north-western nook of Kensington Gardens, with an enormous wood pirate ship as its centrepiece, plus a sensory path, play sculptures and lots extra.

EDIT: The Diana Memorial Playground might be closed from November 3, 2025 till summer time 2026 (date tbc) for refurbishment

There’s a toddler playground in Holland Park, in addition to its journey playground for extra adventurous preschoolers, whereas for those who’re out by the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Tumbling Bay playground has sand, wobbly bridges, swimming pools and extra to play in.

Or in Greenwich, this new play space by the Nationwide Maritime Museum places different playgrounds within the shade. The Cove is all set round a ship with sea creatures, designed to convey youngsters’s imaginations to life in addition to letting them climb, clamber and play to their coronary heart’s content material.

And for someplace actually particular, head to Paddington Recreation Floor playground, aka Paddington Rec close to Maida Vale tube – designed for all ages and talents, it’s supposed to encourage inventive play… you’ll discover a steamliner, prepare, tunnel, musical devices, a forest play space among the many bushes, plus the spotlight, pastel colored playhouses which seem like terraced homes.

Click on right here for extra concepts of the perfect playgrounds in London

Fountains near the Royal Festival Hall with the London Eye in the background - my London Instawalk along the South Bank

Splash within the fountains

That is one to save lots of for a sunny day, however when the town basks in a heatwave, the perfect factor to do in London with younger youngsters is to splash in one of many fountains which have began popping up lately.

A few of the greatest are at Granary Sq. close to Kings Cross. Made up of 1,080 separate jets, they dance in patterns, as youngsters splash excitedly amongst them.

You may as well discover extra fountains within the courtyard of Somerset Home off the Strand, in addition to The Riverside at Extra London close to Tower Bridge, 200 jets organized in strains which spring as much as catch the unwary.

Or take a look at the Showing Rooms on the South Financial institution, an artwork set up created from the fountains right here which spring into life, vanish and reappear once more. Do come ready with spare garments, and youngsters must put on a prime on this specific splash zone!

For extra issues to do on the South Financial institution with youngsters, take a look at my suggestions

Take pleasure in some road theatre

One of many nice joys of London is just wandering round, seeing what’s on and discovering one thing new – though for those who’re visiting London with toddlers and preschoolers, a selected objective is usually higher than an aimless wander to see what you see.

So head for Covent Backyard and the South Financial institution, the place there’s virtually all the time one thing to entertain. At Covent Backyard, the road performers audition for the coveted slots right here, so that you may spot something from magic methods to music.

On the South Financial institution, you would stumble throughout something from a competition to a short lived seaside – however even when there’s nothing specific happening, the pedestrianised bankside is gorgeous for a stroll (with excessive partitions so that you’re not going to lose toddlers into the Thames), the little playground of Jubilee gardens and the Golden carousel simply past.

My daughter walks across a rope bridge in the Children's Garden at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens

With 300 acres to discover, it fairly merely takes years to see all of Kew Gardens – my daughter’s first go to got here at a couple of weeks previous, and I’ve misplaced observe of what number of instances we’ve been again since… however we nonetheless frequently uncover one thing new on this nook of west London.

The kids’s playground right here is implausible: impressed by themes like gentle and earth, there’s every thing from water play to climbing and mini trampolines that’s big enjoyable, and matches properly together with your environment.

You’ll additionally discover common household trails and child-friendly actions throughout college holidays; earlier ones have included a Beano-themed occasion and one other themed round Shaun the Sheep.

Add in infinite house to run round, different sudden highlights just like the dragons on the pagoda and a carved statue of a bear, the buzzing Hive set up, plus some excellent ice cream, and it’s a stunning day trip at any time of 12 months.

Tickets value from £17 for adults off-peak, £2 for youngsters aged 4 to fifteen for those who e-book upfront. Beneath fours enter free. You now not must e-book separate tickets for the Youngsters’s Backyard

Learn my suggestions for visiting Kew Gardens with youngsters

London Wetland Centre

Simply throughout the river from Hammersmith, the beautiful London Wetland Centre at Barnes is one other enjoyable day trip with preschoolers and toddlers in London.

In addition to paths via the wetlands, you’ll discover common household occasions right here too – for instance big Lego sculptures have appeared on a number of events – in addition to toddler pleasant actions like pond dipping, plus a really enjoyable playground with tunnels to scramble via and extra water play (so spare garments are plan).

My daughter looks at a bird on one of the paths through the gardens at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes

It’s additionally residence to a pair of short-clawed Asian otters: usually laborious to identify exterior feeding time, you’ll see them scampering round when meals seems, playfully pestering employees with an affectionate nibble on their wellies in the event that they’re being sluggish with the fish, and darting and frolicking within the water.

Tickets value £17.10 for adults, from £11.12 for youngsters aged 4 and up. Beneath fours go free and there are household tickets accessible.

Cutty Sark

One of many first stuff you see as you step off the boat at Greenwich pier or out of Cutty Sark DLR, a go to to the historic clipper ship makes a very uncommon day trip with a preschooler.

It’s an alternative choice that’s higher with barely older youngsters than toddlers, not least due to the journey to Greenwich (until you occur to be staying there), though it’s good to mix with a ship journey alongside the Thames.

In the event you do fancy making a day of it in Greenwich, head to the Nationwide Maritime Museum as properly – it’s free to enter, and youngsters can play with the interactive nice map, whereas preschoolers will benefit from the Sea Issues gallery

There are kids’s trails to observe across the Cutty Sark however it’s also possible to wander via the ship peeking inside cabins, discovering the cargo she carried, plus varied interactive shows together with an opportunity to attempt crusing a digital ship (tougher than it appears!)

Better of all, you possibly can discover proper from the copper-bottomed hull to the deck (be careful for the carved monkey). Get discounted tickets through tiqets utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6 

Learn what we considered a go to to the Cutty Sark with a preschooler.

Audio exhibit at the Cutty Sark with kids

Go to the theatre

The West Finish is rightfully well-known for its theatre, however there’s lots for youthful guests to take pleasure in as properly, with nice toddler-friendly exhibits and a few superb youngsters’s theatres.

The Little Angel Theatre in Islington has some fabulous puppet and marionette exhibits, which even the youngest youngsters might be mesmerised by, whereas the Unicorn Theatre close to London Bridge has exhibits geared toward mini theatregoers aged six months and up.

In south-west London, the Rose Theatre in Kingston usually has variations of Julia Donaldson books, whereas the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon can also be vastly child-friendly.

However you’ll discover performances in central London as properly: on the Theatre Royal Haymarket, the Tiger Who Got here To Tea has been a daily summer time choice. Be careful for Youngsters Week too (which really lasts for over a month in late July and August) with free baby seats, or exhibits primarily based on Julia Donaldson books.

Suggestions for visiting London with toddlers and preschoolers

Don’t pack an excessive amount of in – with youthful youngsters, you possibly can simply fill a day with one attraction and an opportunity to play within the parks or playgrounds, or some low-key sightseeing like an open-top bus tour.

Restrict your travelling – London is an enormous metropolis, so you would simply end up needing to criss-cross forwards and backwards on the tube to pack every thing in, which is tiring for littler ones. In the event you can spend the day in a single space or inside strolling distance, it’s loads simpler.

Bus or tube? When you have a buggy, be ready to hold it down stairs in numerous tube stations, as there are restricted lifts – take a look at my suggestions for utilizing the London Underground with toddlers. Buses may be extra simple however you might need to fold your buggy and there’s a restrict to what number of are allowed on.

Keep someplace central – for those who’re visiting London with toddlers, it might probably assist to decide on a extra central location to remain in. First, it avoids lengthy journey instances in and again in the beginning and finish of the day, and in case your youngsters want a little bit of time to sit back out after a busy day exploring, it’s doable to move again for some down time, even a nap, then enterprise out later.

Obtain the Flush app, which tells you the places of the closest public bathrooms – very helpful when you must discover someplace urgently.

*First revealed 2021, final up to date 2026*

PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN LONDON WITH TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS

The best things to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers - 25 ideas for days out with kids under five, including free things to do in London, ideas for rainy days in London, plus museums, parks, playgrounds, bus tours and more.

Disclosure: This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee

Primary picture/London Zoo/Paddington bench/Pure Historical past Museum/British Museum/Horniman/London Transport Museum/London Eye/South Financial institution fountains/Kew Youngsters’s playground/London Wetland Centre/Cutty Sark copyright MummyTravels; Peppa Pig afternoon tea courtesy of B-Bakery; Metropolis Cruises boat courtesy of Metropolis Cruises; rabbit/Diana Memorial playground courtesy of Depositphotos

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