Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in London

The city of London is a great destination for adventure, and seven days is the perfect amount of time to explore what this capital city has to offer. From popular tourist attractions like the London Eye to beautiful parks and amazing cultural sights, there is a never-ending list of amazing things to do in London. 

London is a superb place to visit with kids and has many wonderful parks, museums, and activities aimed at children. In this 7-day travel guide, we will show you fun things to do in London, family-friendly restaurants, and how to save money while exploring London with the family. 

The best family hotels in London 

The below hotel options are based within the center of London, making them the ideal choice for families.  

Premier Inn Kensington. Closest Tube: Earls Court 

The Premier Inn Kensington is located in the affluent side of London, close to Earls Court tube. The rooms at the hotel are spacious and can sleep up to four with free cot beds available. The on-site restaurant serves a good breakfast and dinner, although there are great restaurants and cafes nearby. The location is excellent for families with the Victoria and Albert Museum, Hyde Park, and the Natural History Museum a short walk away.

Z Hotel London City Closest tube: Temple 

Z Hotel is a great budget hotel for small families. Rooms have been designed to utilize space with double bunk beds and clever storage areas and include a modern ensuite bathroom.

Z Hotel offers a peaceful stay yet is within walking distance of Covent Garden, and the London Transport Museum. The River Thames is a short walk away, which is great if you plan to travel on the Thames Clipper Riverboat. 

Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury Closest tube: Russell Square 

The Holiday Inn Bloomsbury is an ideal stay for families, located within walking distance of Oxford Street and Covent Garden. Rooms are clean and spacious and can sleep families of four with travel cots available on request. The on-site restaurant offers an excellent continental breakfast, and the British Museum and Russell Square Park are located close by.

How to save money on travel in London 

London is a great family vacation destination, however, it can be expensive. Here are some ways to save money when you are visiting the capital. 

Getting Around London 

• Walking is the preferred mode of transport in London with attractions located close together. Oxford Street, Soho, and Covent Garden are all within walking distance. 

• Purchase in advance a Visitor Oyster Card to use on public transport across London. Top the card up at train stations or local shops and use it on the bus, Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth Line, River Bus, and most National Rail services in London.

• Contactless credit or debit cards can be used on public transport and the fare will be capped at the same rate as an Oyster card. Make sure to use the same card to tap in and tap out. On buses, you only tap once when you get on the bus. 

• Children under the age of 11 travel for free with a paying adult, on buses, Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth Line, and some National Rail services.

• Children aged 11-15, only pay half the adult rate and can be added to an adult Visitor Oyster Card when you arrive in London. 

• Avoid the rickshaws that you see in Covent Garden and around Piccadilly. They charge a premium and prices are not fixed. 

• Black Cabs are the common taxi in London and can be hailed in most areas. Uber is also used throughout the city. 

• The Thames Clipper Riverboat is a commuter service that uses the River Thames. Tourists can buy River Roamer tickets that save money and the boat offers great views of London’s riverside. 

7-Day Itinerary of Family-Friendly Things To Do In London

Day 1 London Eye and the Southbank 

Morning: Arrive at The London Eye when it opens at 10.00 a.m, booking tickets in advance is crucial to avoid queues. During your ride, you can spot London’s famous landmarks like Big Ben, and St. Paul's Cathedral. 

After the London Eye, head to The Sea Life London Aquarium, which has an excellent array of sea life including tropical fish, turtles, sharks, and penguins.   

TIP: You can save money by buying your tickets for the London Eye and the London Aquarium together here. 

Lunch: Head to the food market behind the Southbank Centre or opt to dine at one of the affordable Riverside restaurants.

Afternoon: After lunch take a walk along the Southbank of the River Thames. This vibrant area has a mix of cultural attractions, and street performers, and is home to the Southbank Centre, which hosts a range of events throughout the year.

Evening: After exploring the Southbank, walk over the Golden Jubilee Bridge, and head to Trafalgar Square. Here you can explore the square and admire the fountains. Afterward, head to Chinatown, and grab dinner at one of the amazing Chinese restaurants on Gerrard Street. 

Day 2 Natural History and Science Museum + Hyde Park 

Morning: Start at the Natural History Museum, a treasure trove of natural wonders, with exhibits including dinosaur bones and gemstones. After the Natural History Museum, visit the Science Museum, a great place for kids with interactive exhibitions and the brilliant Wonderlab - which you need to buy tickets for in advance. 

Lunch: Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant or take your lunch to the nearby Hyde Park. 

Afternoon: Hyde Park is located just a short walk from the museum. At Christmas, the park is home to the impressive Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. However, there is plenty to do in the park itself including rowing on the Serpentine Lake or exploring the beautiful Kensington Gardens. The Diana Memorial Playground is also located in Kensington Gardens, which is a great way to spend the afternoon. 

Evening. After Hyde Park take a scenic walk over to Chelsea for dinner at Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill, where kids under 8 years can eat for free. 

Day 3 Tower of London, Tower Bridge and Greenwich 

Morning: Arrive at the Tower of London early to avoid the queues. Spend the morning exploring the Crown Jewels, and the White Tower. Grab a free audio guide at the entrance, and join a Yeoman's tour to hear grisly stories about the Tower. 

Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant or café. See our list of top family restaurants for recommendations. 

Afternoon: After lunch, visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition to learn about its history and engineering, and don't forget to walk across the glass-floored walkway for stunning views of the River Thames below.

Evening: Jump on the Thames Clipper Riverboat and take a cruise down to Greenwich, admiring London’s interesting riverside buildings. Explore the picturesque Greenwich, where you can admire the historic Cutty Sark and the impressive Old Royal Naval College grounds. The Old Royal Naval College is often used as a film set and parts are open to the public including the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul.

Enjoy dinner at one of the brilliant pubs or restaurants in Greenwich, before catching the Thames Clipper Riverboat back into London. 

Day 4 Shakespeare Globe, Borough Market, and Tate Modern 

Morning: Begin your day at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the original Elizabethan theater where Shakespeare's plays are still performed. Guided tours are available, offering a deeper delve into the theater's history and architecture.

Lunch: Walk to Borough Market (open Tuesday to Sunday) and grab some delicious street food. The donuts from Bread Ahead are amazing.  

Afternoon: Visit the Tate Modern, one of the world's leading contemporary art museums, and explore its vast collection of contemporary art. The museum has many free art events for children, throughout the year, especially during the school holidays. 

Evening. Take a walk over Millennium Bridge to grab dinner in the City and take in the sights of St Paul's Cathedral, before heading back to the hotel. 

Day 5: One-Day Itinerary to Oxford

Morning: Take an early train from London Paddington or London Marylebone to Oxford. Trains to Oxford run regularly and the journey takes about an hour. Book online in advance using an app such as Trainline. 

When you arrive in Oxford join a guided walking tour of the historic Oxford University. Many of the tours also include the stunning Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local pub, café, or restaurant. Mamma Mia Pizzeria is an Oxford favorite amongst parents. 

Afternoon: Explore the Ashmolean Museum, founded in 1683, it is one of the oldest public museums in the world.  Admission is free and is home to Egyptian mummies, classical sculptures, and European paintings.

Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea at The Grand Cafe, one of Oxford's oldest tea rooms serving affordable afternoon tea. 

Evening: Before heading back enjoy a stroll through the Oxford Botanic Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city with a wonderful selection of tropical plants. Grab the return train back to London and enjoy a meal when you get back to London or at your hotel. 

Tip: It is rush hour in London between 4 pm to 6 pm so trains will be busier and more crowded. Try to avoid traveling at these times on the trains and the tube if possible. 

Day 6: One-Day Itinerary for Bath 

Morning: Depart from London on an early train from London Paddington to Bath Spa Station. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Booking your tickets in advance will give you the best fares. 

Upon arrival in Bath, head to Roman Baths, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Explore the well-preserved ancient baths and explore their history through interactive exhibits.

Then visit the Jane Austen Centre, a museum dedicated to her life and works, for any Jane Austen fans in the family.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the historic Sally Lunn's, one of the oldest buildings in Bath, and sample their famous buns. 

Afternoon: After lunch, visit Bath Abbey, an impressive Gothic masterpiece with stunning architecture, before heading to see the elegant Georgian architecture of The Royal Crescent. These crescent-shaped terraces are iconic symbols of Bath's architectural heritage.

Evening: Sit down for dinner and a drink at the kid-friendly Green Park Brasserie. Then enjoy walking through the beautiful Georgian streets of Bath, as you make your way back to the station to return to London. 

Day 7 Buckingham Palace, St James Park, Westminster Abbey

Morning: Start your day at Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Arrive early to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which typically takes place at 11:00 a.m. During summer you can book to enter the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace which allow you to see the throne room, grand ballroom, and exclusive royal paintings.

After Buckingham Palace, enjoy the scenic St. James's Park, located next to the Palace. The park is home to a flock of Pelicans and is an enjoyable place to walk and take a quiet moment. 

Lunch: Indulge in a quintessential English afternoon tea at the nearby St Ermin’s hotel. Enjoy delicious sandwiches and carefully crafted cakes which include vegetarian and vegan options. A special children's afternoon tea is available during school holidays and weekends. 

Afternoon: Walk off your afternoon indulgence with a stroll over to Westminster Abbey, a great place for history enthusiasts with events on throughout the year. Then watch the ceremonial daily inspection of the Queen's Household Cavalry, at the Horse Guards Parade before heading off for dinner around Westminster. 

Top restaurants in London for families 

Here are our picks of the best family restaurants around London, based on the areas suggested in the 7-day itinerary. 

Chelsea: 

• Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill: Great pub-style food and children under 8 years eat a free main meal with a paying adult.

Kensington near Natural History Museum: 

• Franco Manca is a family-friendly pizza restaurant on Old Brompton Road. 

• Honest Burger on Thurloe Street offers great burgers with beef, chicken, and veggie options. The kids menu starts at £4.

• Comptoir Libanais on Exhibition Road serves tasty small plates of Lebanese food.

Westminster: 

• The Green King on Victoria Street is a typical English pub serving pub classics such as fish and chips. The kids menu starts at £4

• Cafe Murano on St James Street is a short walk from Westminster and serves 

Southbank: 

• Giraffe This child-friendly restaurant serves a wide selection of affordable dishes.

• Wagamama serves Japanese-inspired dishes and has a great kid's menu with vegetarian and vegan options. 

China Town 

• Dumpling Legend is known for its handmade dumplings, which you can watch being made. A great family-friendly London restaurant serving typical Chinese dishes. 

• Bun House on Lisle Street is a great stop if you want to have a quick meal. Don't miss out on their lava custard buns, which you can buy to take away. 

The City, and Tower Bridge (Tower of London) 

• The Coal Shed restaurant has a grown-up aesthetic but has a brilliant kids' menu, perfect for older children and enjoyable for parents. 

• Caravan City is the ideal stop for lunch or a light dinner with small plates. 

• Bodeans Tower Hill is a great place if you have older children and serves tasty BBQ meat dishes. 

Greenwich 

• The Gipsy Moth is a great pub that serves food and has a beer garden. Located right next to the Cutty Sark. 

• The Trafalgar Tavern is another great pub option in Greenwich with a great menu and is located right next to the river.

One week in London with the family is the perfect amount of time to see this wonderful city. With trips to the London Eye, the city’s amazing museums, and day trips to Oxford and Bath this family-friendly 7-day-London-itinerary packs in the best London has to offer

Let us know if you check out any of our recommendations and be sure to visit our site Rok Hopr for more amazing family vacation destinations.