London offers a variety of family-friendly experiences. These attractions offer a wide range of options for families with children of different ages and interests. We took a poll from Londoners and they shared some of the best family experiences in London. This article draws from the disclosures of participants in the poll we conducted.
The Best Family Experiences in London
These are some of the best family-friendly places to visit in London:
London Transport Museum
One of the top destinations for families is the London Transport Museum. Located in Covent Garden, this museum offers a captivating journey through the history of London’s transportation system. Children can explore vintage buses, trams, and trains, and even hop on a full-size replica of the world’s first underground steam train. Interactive exhibits and hands-on activities make learning about London’s transport heritage engaging and fun for the whole family.
Shrek’s Adventure
Another must-visit attraction for families in London is Shrek’s Adventure. This is a 20,000 square feet live interactive walk-through adventure that presents an original story along with a character courtyard, featuring characters from several other DreamWorks Animation franchises.
Step into the magical world of Shrek and join him on a thrilling 4D adventure. This unique interactive experience takes you on a journey through the Kingdom of Far Far Away, where you’ll encounter beloved characters from the Shrek movies. With captivating storytelling, stunning sets, and special effects, Shrek’s Adventure guarantees an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.
Madame Tussauds
For a dose of celebrity encounters, Madame Tussauds is the place to be. This world-famous wax museum showcases incredibly lifelike wax figures of renowned personalities from the world of entertainment, sports, politics, and history.
Take selfies with your favorite celebrities, pose for photos, and even get up close and personal with the British royal family. Madame Tussauds provides a unique opportunity to experience fame and stardom firsthand, making it an exciting attraction for families visiting London.
The museum also offers fast-track entry options to help visitors beat the queues and make the most of their time at the attraction. If you’re a fan of celebrity culture and historical figures, Madame Tussauds provides an entertaining and interactive experience for visitors of all ages.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
When it comes to underwater adventures, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is a must-see. Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, this aquarium is home to a mesmerizing array of marine life. It is home to over 500 species in 14 themed zones, with a total volume of tanks exceeding 2,000,000 liters.
Families can walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks, get up close to stingrays, and marvel at colorful tropical fish. Educational talks and feeding sessions offer insights into the fascinating world beneath the waves, making it a captivating and educational experience for children.
You can save money by purchasing combination tickets from the official aquarium website, which includes access to other attractions such as the London Eye and Shrek’s Adventure. Visit https://www.visitsealife.com/ to buy your tickets.
London Eye
No visit to London would be complete without a ride on the iconic London Eye. This giant observation wheel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline. Enter into one of the glass capsules and ascend to a height of 135 meters, where you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. The London Eye provides a thrilling and unforgettable experience for the whole family, offering a bird’s-eye view of the city’s famous landmarks.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is another must-visit attraction that combines history and breathtaking views. Families can explore the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which takes you inside the bridge’s iconic towers. Discover the bridge’s fascinating history through interactive displays and learn about its engineering marvels.
For an adrenaline rush, visitors can even walk on the glass floor, offering a unique perspective of the bridge and the River Thames below. The panoramic views from the bridge’s walkways make it a fantastic spot for family photos and creating lasting memories.
Natural History Museum
When it comes to museums, the Natural History Museum offers a wealth of educational and entertaining experiences for families. From the grand entrance hall, the impressive skeleton of a Diplodocus will greet you. Then, you can check out the museum’s vast collection of fossils, minerals, and animal specimens, including the famous animatronic T-Rex. Interactive exhibits and hands-on activities make learning about the natural world engaging and fun for children of all ages.
Warner Bros. Studio
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood offers an exciting and educational experience for families. Visitors can explore the 110-acre backlot, which has been the setting for numerous iconic movies and TV shows. The tour includes guided and self-guided portions, allowing guests to see props, sets, and costumes from current and past productions.
Studio tours are offered five days a week, with start times running every half an hour from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The duration of the tour is approximately three hours, including both guided and unguided segments. Ticket prices for adults (11+) are around $58, and for children (5 to 10) are around $53.
London Zoo
Animal lovers will delight in a visit to the London Zoo. Located in Regent’s Park, this historic zoo is home to a wide variety of animal species from around the world. Families can observe majestic lions, playful penguins, and adorable meerkats. The zoo also offers interactive exhibits, educational talks, and animal feeding experiences, providing a memorable and educational day out for the whole family.
Outdoor Family Experiences in London
When it comes to outdoor adventures, London offers several beautiful parks that are perfect for families. Some of them include:
Hyde Park
Hyde Park, with its sprawling green spaces, serene lakes, and playgrounds, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Families can enjoy picnics, rent bicycles, or even take a boat ride on the Serpentine Lake. As one of the Royal Parks, it is the largest of its kind in the city. The park is known for its open spaces, recreational facilities, and for hosting large-scale events, including music concerts and festivals.
Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park, located near the zoo, features stunning gardens, a boating lake, and the famous Queen Mary’s Rose Garden. Nestled in inner north-western London, this picturesque and historic parkland covers 410 acres and it is popular with both Londoners and tourists, offering tree-lined pathways, formal gardens, athletic facilities, children’s playgrounds, and an abundance of wildlife.
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is an ancient heath in London, spanning 320 hectares (790 acres), and is one of the highest points in London, offering stunning views over the city. It is a wild park of woodland and meadows, located just four miles from the center of London. The heath is a popular and iconic green space, managed by the City of London Corporation, and is a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. The area offers a range of activities and some of the best views over the capital, making it a perfect place for a day out in nature. Additionally, the heath hosts lakeside concerts in the summer, so you may catch your faves on stage during your visit.
Rainforest Life
For families interested in wildlife conservation and rainforest ecosystems, Rainforest Life is an excellent choice. Located at ZSL London Zoo, Rainforest Life offers an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore a recreated rainforest habitat. Families can encounter a variety of rainforest animals, including free-roaming monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds.
Interactive exhibits and informative displays provide insights into the importance of rainforest conservation and the challenges faced by these fragile ecosystems. Rainforest Life offers a fascinating and educational experience that highlights the beauty and biodiversity of rainforests while promoting conservation awareness among families.
clueQuest
For families who love puzzles and mysteries, clueQuest – The Live Escape Game offers an exciting and brain-teasing adventure. Located in King’s Cross, clueQuest is a real-life escape room experience where teams must work together to solve a series of puzzles and challenges within a set time limit.
The immersive scenarios and intricate puzzles will test your family’s problem-solving skills and teamwork abilities. With different themed rooms to choose from, such as spy missions and time-travel adventures, clueQuest provides an exhilarating and interactive experience that will keep the whole family engaged and entertained.
The Golden Carousel
Finally, The Golden Carousel offers a whimsical and enchanting experience for families. Located in the heart of London’s Covent Garden, this beautifully crafted vintage carousel captures the nostalgia and magic of a bygone era.
Children can delight in riding the intricately decorated horses and other whimsical creatures while the carousel’s organ music plays in the background. The Golden Carousel provides a charming and timeless experience that will transport families to a world of joy and wonder.
These outdoor spaces provide a chance for families to relax, play, and connect with nature in the heart of the city.
Adrenaline-Filled Family Experiences in London
Some places in London offer spine-tingling and delightful experiences. If your family is in for some action-packed adventure, these locations are the ideal options:
Capital Karts Canary
Capital Karts Canary Wharf is the perfect destination for adrenaline-seeking junkies. This indoor go-karting facility offers a thrilling racing experience for the whole family. Kids and adults can compete against each other on the professional go-kart track, experiencing the excitement of high-speed racing. With state-of-the-art electric go-karts and a focus on safety, Capital Karts provides a memorable and exhilarating adventure for families seeking a dose of adrenaline.
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs is a must-visit attraction. Located near the historic London Bridge, this immersive theatrical experience takes you on a journey through the dark and gruesome history of the bridge and its surroundings.
With live actors, special effects, and interactive storytelling, visitors will be transported back in time to witness the chilling tales of London’s past. The experience includes a visit to the London Tombs, an underground maze filled with terrifying surprises. The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs is not for the faint of heart, but it guarantees an unforgettable and thrilling adventure for families seeking a unique and spooky experience.
Final Thoughts on 17 Best Family Experiences in London
The city of London offers a plethora of family experiences that cater to a wide range of interests and ages. Whether you’re exploring the city’s museums, embarking on thrilling adventures, or enjoying the beauty of its parks, London provides countless opportunities for families to create lasting memories together.