London offers the perfect mix of iconic attractions, hands-on museums, and magical moments that kids and adults will love. From watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to exploring seven floors of fun at Hamleys Toy Store, there’s something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll show you the best family-friendly things to do in London, and share travel tips for visiting with children. Looking for a convenient and comfortable base for your family vacation? Explore our central hotels designed with families in mind.

London is a year-round destination, but spring and summer are especially great for families. School holidays bring a buzz of family-friendly events and West End shows too. 

Bloomsbury is a popular neighbourhood for families because of the central location and local amenities Step outside and step into history (quite literally) with iconic museums like the British Museum and the characterful Charles Dickens Museum a short walk from your hotel. Charming green pockets are dotted throughout - Russell Square features an Italian cafe in the middle and water fountains where kids (and adults) can often be found splashing barefoot. Coram Fields is a park designed for children with 3 playgrounds for varying ages, regular family focused events and a wildlife garden (and much more). If friendly competition is on the cards, head to life sized Monopoly or Bloomsbury Lanes. Russell Square tube station makes it easy to travel across the city to tick off the top family friendly hot spots. 

Catch the Changing of the Guard at London’s royal residence, little ones love the guards and grandeur.

A must for dinosaur fans and curious minds. Don’t miss the giant blue whale in Hintze Hall.

Interactive exhibits and hands-on galleries spark kids’ curiosity with little projects to try. Don’t miss Wonderlab, an interactive space for 7-14-year-olds to explore 50 fun science experiments, plus explosive live shows led by expert Explainers.

Get up close with sharks, rays and colourful coral reefs at London’s famous aquarium, little explorers will love spotting clownfish and watching feeding time.

See the animals up close, penguin feeding, monkey antics, majestic tigers and more. London Zoo sits in Regent’s Park, so bring treats from Bloomsbury and enjoy a day surrounded by nature.

Street shows on the piazza, market stalls and plenty of shops. Covent Garden keeps everyone entertained for free, leaving more room in the budget for a scoop (or two) at Morelli’s. Just a short walk from Bloomsbury.

Become part of the London skyline and take in panoramic city views, kids will love spotting famous landmarks from above the Thames.

Hop on your broomstick (or the Hogwarts Express) for the Harry Potter Studio Tour. Swish and flick your way through behind the scenes, sip butterbeer and fill your bags with magical keepsakes. 

Go back in time to your childhood with every step inside Hamley's. This mecca of toy shops on Regent Street has seven floors of toys and games. Spark old memories and create new with your little ones.

When you’re done exploring London’s top kids’ activities, a comfy bed and in room dining Imperial London Hotels have you covered with comfy beds for a good night’s sleep, fresh coffee and hearty breakfasts to fuel your day all right in the middle of the city and easy on your budget.

Royal National Hotel puts you close to Russell Square station, the British Museum and leafy parks for playtime. Sleep well in comfy family rooms, triple rooms with plenty of space for everyone to stretch out and relax.

Bedford and President Hotels are quieter, expect spacious, comfortable rooms, sofa bed options with plenty of space for everyone to spread out, plus early, hearty breakfasts to fuel you for the day 

If you are looking for something with more character, Morton Hotel and Tavistock Hotel are good to experience warm welcomes and a dash of literary charm for grown-ups to enjoy, too. Morton Hotel also offers one and two bedroom apartments to add more privacy to your stay or book family rooms at Tavistock with garden views. 

Start your first day at the British Museum,  just a short stroll from your hotel and packed with ancient treasures, world cultures and fascinating artefacts (free entry). Stroll  to Russell Square Gardens for a snack or picnic, then pop into the Charles Dickens Museum for a peek at Victorian London life. After a bit of culture, let the kids burn off steam in the play areas at Coram’s Fields,  a hidden gem with playgrounds and a small city farm. When everyone’s hungry, head back to The London Pub at Royal National Hotel for hearty British classics, family-friendly sharers and local craft beers for the grown-ups. End the day with a leisurely evening walk through Bloomsbury’s pretty squares and historic streets.

Wake up in Bloomsbury and make the most of how close you are to London’s must-see spots. Hop on the tube at Russell Square and in minutes you’ll be at South Kensington,  home to the Natural History Museum and Science Museum, both brilliant for kids and grown ups. Grab lunch at Chucs, this Italian cafe serves authentic Italian dishes, a little birdie told us the Steak here is worth the visit or if you want a veggie option Cacio Pepe should be your pick. After lunch take a long stroll around Kensington Gardens. 

On your final day, take a quick tube ride from Bloomsbury to the Tower of London,  kids will love spotting the Crown Jewels and meeting the Yeoman Warders. Next, walk over Tower Bridge, take the pictures you will cherish all your life.  And then just hop on the tube to Regent Street for a magical visit to Hamleys, London’s iconic toy shop. After all that walking and shopping, spend the rest of your evening at Regent’s Park. 

Return to Bloomsbury to round off your family holiday dinner at Poppadom Indian Kitchen, dishes made for sharing- Anglo Indian curries, famous street food (small plates) and special regional specials from Around India. Remember to get the homemade carrot dessert, it is called Gajar Halwa. 

If you are planning a London family vacation, get ready to experience iconic sights, fascinating museums and fun things to do around every corner.  From family-friendly attractions to local parks and hidden gems there is enough to keep you and your little ones happy. 

Make your family trip to London easy, affordable and memorable by staying with Imperial London Hotels. Enjoy comfy beds, hearty breakfasts and the best of London right on your doorstep without cutting a hole in your pocket.