London with Kids: Family-Friendly Itinerary 3-5 Days

London with kids is an incredible experience — the British capital offers world-class museums (many of them free!), royal parks, interactive attractions, and enough history and culture to inspire children of all ages. Whether you have 3, 4, or 5 days in London, this family-friendly itinerary will help you plan the perfect trip with children in 2026, covering must-see attractions, practical tips, and money-saving advice.

Before travelling to the UK with your family, ensure everyone — including children — has a valid UK ETA. Yes, children need their own ETA regardless of age. Our UK ETA for children and families guide explains everything you need to know.

Day 1: Royal London — Palaces, Parks & Pageantry

Morning: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard

Start your London family adventure at Buckingham Palace. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at 11:00 AM on most days (check the schedule online). Arrive by 10:15 to secure a good viewing spot near the palace gates. Children love the spectacle of the guards in their red tunics and bearskin hats marching with a military band. In summer (July–September), you can also tour the State Rooms inside the palace.

Afternoon: St James’s Park & Westminster

After the ceremony, stroll through St James’s Park — London’s oldest Royal Park. Children will enjoy feeding the pelicans (they are fed daily at 2:30 PM) and spotting squirrels. Walk past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben for photo opportunities, then cross Westminster Bridge for views back across the Thames. If children have energy left, visit the SEA LIFE London Aquarium on the South Bank (book online for discounts).

Day 2: Museums Day — Free & Fascinating

Morning: Natural History Museum

London’s major museums are free to enter, making them perfect for families. Start with the Natural History Museum in South Kensington — children will be awestruck by the giant blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall, the animatronic T-Rex, and the earthquake simulator. The museum opens at 10:00 AM; arrive early to beat the crowds. Allow 2–3 hours.

Afternoon: Science Museum

Just next door, the Science Museum offers interactive galleries that children adore. The Wonderlab (paid gallery, £11 per person) features hands-on experiments with water, light, and forces. The free galleries covering space exploration, computing, and flight are equally engaging. The museum shop has excellent science kits and educational toys for souvenirs.

Evening: Covent Garden

Head to Covent Garden for dinner and free street performances. The piazza regularly features jugglers, magicians, and musicians that captivate young audiences. There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants in the area. For a treat, visit the London Transport Museum (children under 18 free with a paying adult) to explore vintage buses and Tube trains.

Day 3: Tower of London & River Thames

Morning: Tower of London

The Tower of London is a hit with children of all ages. See the Crown Jewels, meet the Beefeaters (Yeoman Warders) on a free tour, spot the Tower ravens, and explore the medieval White Tower with its Royal Armouries collection. The family ticket offers savings. Book your timed entry online — morning slots are less crowded.

Afternoon: Tower Bridge & Thames Clipper

Walk across Tower Bridge and visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition (glass-floor walkway at the top — a thrilling experience for older children). Then catch a Thames Clipper river bus from Tower Pier to Greenwich. Children love travelling by boat, and the views of London from the river are spectacular. In Greenwich, explore the Cutty Sark tall ship and the free National Maritime Museum.

Day 4: Harry Potter, Zoo & Regent’s Park

Morning: Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross & Harry Potter

Start at King’s Cross Station where children can take a photo at the famous Platform 9¾ trolley installation (free, but queues can be long — arrive before 10 AM). The Harry Potter Shop next door sells wands, robes, and Hogwarts house merchandise. For the ultimate experience, book the Warner Bros. Studio Tour — The Making of Harry Potter in advance (located in Leavesden, 1 hour from central London by bus).

Afternoon: London Zoo

ZSL London Zoo in Regent’s Park is the world’s oldest scientific zoo. Highlights for children include the penguin pool, the Rainforest Life walkthrough, Butterfly Paradise, and Land of the Lions. The zoo also features the Reptile House where the Harry Potter snake scene was filmed. Allow 3–4 hours for a thorough visit. Book online for the best prices.

Evening: Regent’s Park

After the zoo, let children run around in Regent’s Park. The park has several excellent playgrounds, boating lake, and beautiful gardens. In summer, the Open Air Theatre performs family-friendly shows. Nearby Camden Market offers an eclectic food scene for an informal dinner.

Day 5 (Optional): Day Trip — Windsor or Hampton Court

Option A: Windsor Castle & LEGOLAND

Take a 30-minute train from London Paddington to Windsor. Visit Windsor Castle in the morning (children love the State Apartments and Dollhouse), then head to LEGOLAND Windsor for the afternoon — a theme park paradise for children aged 2–12. This makes a full and exciting day out.

Option B: Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII’s favourite residence, offers a superb family day out. Children love getting lost in the famous Hampton Court Maze, the Tudor kitchens, and the Magic Garden playground. It is easily reached by train from London Waterloo in 35 minutes.

Practical Tips for London with Kids

Getting Around

• Oyster card or contactless — Children under 11 travel free on the Tube and buses with a paying adult. Children 11–15 can get a discounted Zip Oyster card.
• Buses — Double-decker buses are a London experience in themselves. Route 11 passes many landmarks (Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s).
• Walking — Central London is very walkable. Bring a buggy/pushchair for younger children, but be aware that some Tube stations lack lifts.
• For detailed transport options, see our UK transport guide.

Money-Saving Tips

• Free museums — Natural History Museum, Science Museum, British Museum, V&A, Tate Modern, National Gallery are all free
• London Pass — If visiting 3+ paid attractions, the London Pass can save you money
• Picnic in parks — Save on restaurant meals by picking up sandwiches from M&S, Pret, or supermarkets
• Book online — Almost every paid attraction offers 10-20% online discount
• Visit late — Some museums have extended hours on certain evenings with fewer crowds

Where to Stay with Kids

The best areas for families include South Kensington (close to museums), Bloomsbury (near the British Museum and central), and Southwark (South Bank attractions, good value). Many hotels offer family rooms or interconnecting rooms. Aparthotels and holiday apartments are excellent options for families needing kitchen facilities and extra space.

Safety Tips

• London is generally very safe for families, but stay alert in crowded tourist areas
• Agree on a meeting point with older children in case anyone gets separated
• Children should know their hotel name and address
• For health emergencies, call 999 (free) or visit any NHS A&E department — see our UK travel safety guide

Family-Friendly London: Quick Reference

UK ETA for Families: Don’t Forget

Every member of your family, including babies and children, needs their own UK ETA to enter the United Kingdom. The ETA costs £10 per person, is applied for online at gov.uk/eta, and is linked to each traveller’s passport. Apply at least a week before your trip to allow processing time. For a complete walkthrough, read our UK ETA application guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is London good for a family holiday?

Absolutely. London is one of the best cities in the world for families. With dozens of free world-class museums, beautiful parks, interactive attractions, and excellent public transport, it caters to children of all ages. The main challenge is choosing what to see — there is simply too much to do!

How many days do you need in London with kids?

We recommend 3–5 days for a family trip to London. Three days covers the key highlights, while five days allows for a more relaxed pace and a day trip to Windsor or Hampton Court. Children tire more quickly, so build in downtime at parks and playgrounds between major attractions.

What is the best age to take kids to London?

London works well for all ages, but children aged 5+ tend to get the most from museum and attraction visits. Toddlers love the parks and animals, while teenagers enjoy the shopping and street food scenes. Harry Potter fans of any age will be in heaven!

Ready to plan your London family holiday? Check our UK travel planning guide for flights, accommodation, and all the practical details you need for an unforgettable trip with the kids.