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London is buzzing with the recent arrival of Archie, son of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, and seventh in line for the throne. But you don’t have to be a royal toddler to have fun in this magical city. With castles, kings and queens, large green parks, double-decker buses, and cool taxis, majestic London offers families a variety of toddler-friendly experiences. Here are some great ones to check out with your little prince or princess.
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8 Great Things to Do in London With Toddlers
Not a royal? Not a problem!
Our son was two and a half years old on his first visit to London. A year later, we went again. Then we moved there for a year when he was four and our twins were one year old. London has many toddler-friendly places. These are my eight favorite spots and the books to get them excited for their visit!
1. Tower of London
One of the first places I took my toddler nephew to when he came for a visit was the Tower of London. Sites like the Natural History Museum, British Museum, and Science Museum are great for older kids, but little ones likely won’t understand much. Yet the Tower of London’s majestic structure alone gets the kids excited for the “castle” they are about to visit, and you can enjoy its fascinating history.
While I don’t recommend sharing the tower’s gruesome stories with little ones, there is so much visually for them to enjoy. My toddlers loved the colorful Yeoman Warders or “Beefeaters” guarding the castle in their iconic uniforms. And of course, they love seeing the Ravens who guard the tower and the animal sculptures of rumored pets of former royalty (a great alternative if you can’t make it to the London Zoo on your trip).
Once inside the Tower, my kids loved the halls of armor (especially the small suit built for a child), the crown jewels, the catapult, and the video of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. Stories of previous queens, including the “lady who couldn’t get the ring off her finger” (Queen Victoria), still stick with my kids today.
SheBuysTravel Tip – If you are traveling with toddlers and older children, I highly recommend a guided family-friendly tour with Context Travel. Their guides are trained to work with children, and beyond being very knowledgeable, make it child-friendly with great storytelling, quizzes, and prizes. Even I learned a lot I didn’t know, despite having visited the Tower several times. To book a family tour, visit here.
Need to Know
The Tower has a great food hall on site with a variety of hot and cold items for a meal and snacks. Like all London landmarks, they have a child-friendly meal pack (think Happy Meal, but you can pick and choose a sandwich, sides, and drinks in a cute little box.) Baby changing facilities are also available. Some parts of the Tower are NOT stroller friendly.
Tickets can be purchased on site or in advance. Children under age five are FREE. The Tower offers discount options for Family Saver combo tickets and Concession tickets for seniors and students. For more information, visit here.
You can also look for combo tickets with hop-on-hop-off buses, other historical sites, or river cruises to save money. If you book a family tour through Context Travel, your ticket is included.
Get Them Excited
Paddington at the Tower by Michael Bond is a great read for toddlers learn about the “Beefeaters” and the Ravens at the Tower.
2. Thames River Cruise
One of our favorite things to do after visiting the Tower is to take a boat ride on the Thames River. Our kids loved seeing the city’s iconic landmarks on the North and South Banks, like the London Eye, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, and Big Ben by boat. The boat captain will offer guided remarks if you are able to hear him. But my kids just enjoyed seeing sites go by.
Need to Know
There are several companies that will book a combo ticket for the Tower of London and a Thames River cruise leaving from a nearby dock, after your visit to the Tower. City Cruises is one of several companies that offer this. You can book online or on site.
Get Them Excited
Usborne Look Inside London flip book will show them what there is to see on the river.
3. London Transport Museum
London public transport is iconic. Since my boys are all about things that move, our visit to the London Transport Museum was one of their favorite experiences. From carts with horses to old fashioned trollies, buses, taxis and the tube, this hands-on museum has much for toddlers to discover. My son loved climbing into the cars, touching buttons, and sitting in the driver’s seat of the various vehicles.
My kids also loved the child-friendly “stamper trail” which allows the kids to get a stamp at spots throughout the museum. It helps the kids follow the story of the museum and makes it easier for moving in order.
Need to Know
Children under age 17 go FREE to the London Transport Museum. They recently added a family play area for kids aged seven and under. And they have creative paper activities for the kids to do as they explore and discover. For more information, visit here. The museum has a cafeteria and gift shop. It is nicely located in Covent Garden, so following your visit, kids can enjoy the lively area of street performers, shopping, and dining.
Get Them Excited
All Aboard The London Bus by Patricia Toht will show them the iconic London bus.
4. Hampton Court Palace
Buckingham Palace isn’t the only palace worth seeing. One of my toddlers’ favorite places in London is Hampton Court Palace, the majestic home to Henry VIII. With so many rooms with period furniture and tapestries, and a well-stocked, hands-on Tudor kitchen, there is so much for kids – and parents – to see. Period characters come out in costume to interact with the crowd, which makes this child-friendly spot a memorable one. Be sure to tour the garden, which is world famous.
SheBuysTravel Tip – Our toddlers loved the Tudor dress up costumes, which can be found in the audio-guide rental room. They are even allowed to borrow them to wear while they discover the castle! Though some of the palace experience is outside, much of it is inside so it is fine on a rainy day.
If you have older children with you, they can borrow child-friendly audio-guides. Our kids learned a lot from these stories told in a way to keep kids’ interest.
Little ones love the Magic Garden, a themed play area based on the stories, legends and real objects found at the palace. Older children love the challenge of the Hedge Maze. It is family-friendly, but the hedges are high and the pathways are narrow so I stayed close to my little ones.
Need to Know
You can bring a stroller, but some areas have steps and you may need to park your stroller or bring it with you up to the stairs. There are baby-changing facilities and a very nice food hall on property, with the same kid meal packs you can find at the Tower. Gift shops are plentiful.
Like the Tower of London, children under age five visit for FREE and there are Family Saver combo tickets and Concession tickets for seniors and students. For more information, visit here.
Getting There
Hampton Court Palace is about 30 minutes outside of central London in Surrey, making it an easy day trip. To get there, take the Southwestern Railway. For more information, visit here.
Get Them Excited
Paddington and the Marmalade Maze by Michael Bond will show toddlers Hampton Court and the Hedge Maze.
5. Paddington Station/Hamley’s/Notting Hill
My toddlers loved Paddington Bear books. Visiting locations related to Paddington is one of my favorite ways to have a casual walkabout in some of London’s most famous areas, while my kids make a connection to a story they know.
My kids loved seeing the statues of the little bear in Paddington Station and Hamley’s toy shop. In the books, his friend, Mr. Gruber, has a store on Portobello Road in Notting Hill.
SheBuysTravel Tip – Paddington’s statue is located on Platform 1 in Paddington Station. There is also a gift shop called Paddington at Paddington Station, dedicated to the little bear.
Young children may not have the stamina for the Tate Modern or Museum of London, but Hamley’s Toy Shop is always a favorite stop for my kids. It is a must-see, multi-level, toy-extravaganza on London’s famous Regent Street. From demonstrations to London-themed toys, to amazing Lego displays, to a candy shop fit for Willy Wonka, this store is a kid’s dream come true. It gets very crowded, so stay with your toddlers while in the shop.
Notting Hill is very family-friendly and easy to access by public transport. It is famous for its colorful houses and an abundance of antique shops. There are several places you can stop on the way for a toddler scone break and a tea. Try to avoid this area on the weekends, as it is extremely crowded.
Get Them Excited
Paddington Bear by Michael Bond is the story of how Paddington came to London.
6. Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Garden
A gated wonderland themed after Peter Pan, this FREE adventure playground will keep a toddler’s interest for quite a while. Our kids loved climbing the large pirate ship centerpiece and the pockets of other play areas. From teepees to mini houses, a sensory trail and interactive musical instruments, our toddlers loved to play, discover and let their imaginations fly at this playground. There is sand for playing, as well as swings and a more traditional climbing structure. It is an ideal spot for little ones under age five.
SheBuysTravel Tip – Located inside Kensington Garden, the playground is gated with a guard. Adults must have a child with them to enter, so be sure your party is together (you can’t just pop in to take photos unless your children are with you). There are restrooms with changing tables inside the gate and a lovely food stand (one of my favorite things about London parks) with coffee/tea, food, and sweets you can access inside and outside the gate.
Kensington Garden connects to Hyde Park, so you can actually enjoy a nice long walk in green space after the playground. It is a perfect place for toddlers to run a bit. Regents Park in Marylebone is another lovely park in Central London.
Need to Know
In the summer months, this playground can get very crowded. I have seen lines around the corner of people waiting to enter. Because of the many pockets around the playground, I always stayed close to my kids so they didn’t get lost. This was especially true on the very crowded days. Go early in the day for lighter crowds.
For hours and information, visit here.
Get Them Excited
Read Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie to get them excited for this magical spot.
7. Afternoon Tea at the Kensington Palace Pavilion (also known as The Orangery)
No visit to London is complete until you have enjoyed afternoon tea. The Kensington Palace Pavilion is the only place you can enjoy this traditional meal on the grounds of a royal palace. And it is kid-friendly!
The Orangery is currently closed for refurbishment until spring of 2020 at the earliest. They have moved to the Pavilion, right in front of the Orangery, overlooking the grounds of Kensington Palace.
My son and I enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea here when he was four years old. He loved the “fancy dishes” (royal china) and mini sandwiches, scones, and afternoon tea cakes. Talk about feeling like a little prince!
Need to Know
The adult menu includes a traditional selection of tea sandwiches, scones and cream, afternoon tea cakes, and your choice of tea, and it can be made gluten-free. It can be enhanced with sparkling wine if you need a bit more pip in your step for the rest of your sightseeing. The children’s menu offers a tiered tea with selections directed at the discerning kid-palate.
Prices begin at £30 for the adult tea and £16 for children’s tea. Reservations are recommended and you can check for closures here.
Get Them Excited
In Ruby Red Shoes Goes To London by Kate Knapp, Ruby enjoys an afternoon tea.
8. West End Show
When my son was two and a half years old, we took him to see The Lion King at The Lyceum Theater in London’s famous West End. It could be a stretch for some toddlers to sit through the length of a show, but even if they fall asleep, at least you can enjoy it. And a matinee show is a great option on a rainy day, which is common in London.
One of my favorite parts of seeing a show in London is they sell ice cream and Cadbury chocolates, and snacks and drinks can be ordered and delivered to your seat! This will keep your toddler happy. Afterward, you can walk through Piccadilly Circus (not a real circus, but there is a giant M & M store there.)
Need to Know
There are several toddler-friendly shows currently showing in London, such as The Lion King, Aladdin, and Mary Poppins, but they do change. Check here for the most current list. Purchase tickets in advance so you can select your seats. While you want your toddler to see, you also want access to an aisle for quick exits if they need a bathroom break. Some days have matinees and evening showings.
Tickets start as low as £20.
Get Them Excited
Any book related to the show you are seeing, such as The Lion King by Disney, will get the kids ready.
Getting Around Central London With Toddlers
While London is walkable, it is a lot for little toddler feet. Your best bet for public transport – especially if you are traveling with a stroller – is to take the bus. It takes longer than the tube but is much easier to manage. We had a double stroller (front/back) and almost exclusively traveled by bus when we lived in London.
Public Transport Need to know
- Buses have stroller areas. Up to two strollers can usually fit. If you attempt to board the bus and the stroller area is full, you have to wait for the next bus.
- You can park your stroller and take your toddler to the top of the bus. Be careful when coming down the stairs, as the buses sometimes lurch forward, and people can take a tumble. It is best to come down the stop before yours and hold tightly onto the railing.
- You will need an Oyster card to board the bus, which you can get and reload at any Tube station. It also works for the Underground. Children under age 11 travel FREE.
- Taxis can usually fit strollers inside, but they are expensive.
- The Underground is not very toddler-friendly, as there are many steps and many stations do not have lifts.
More SheBuysTravel Tips For London with Toddlers
- Most London kids use a foot scooter to get around. You can rent one and purchase a helmet from baby equipment rental services in the city for kids too big for strollers. Air Tots is one of these companies and they will deliver and pick up from accommodations in Central London. Visit AirTots.
- Download these helpful apps: London Live Bus Countdown, Tube Map – London Underground, Gett or Mytaxi (London Taxi App), Uber, TfL Oyster Card App
Additional Resources
Read this for more information about London public transport.
If it is your first family visit to London, here are some great tips.
A Note About Money Conversion
Brexit and Travel to England
At the moment, it is not finalized how Brexit will impact American citizens traveling to London. A valid U.S. passport with at least six months remaining is required for entry to the United Kingdom and to travel to Europe from there. For the most up to date information, visit the U.S. State Department before you travel. You may also register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get any updates should any changes related to Brexit or safety happen while you are in London.
Mia says
Great suggestions. Thank you!