{"id":663,"date":"2026-03-21T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etavisauk.org\/?p=663"},"modified":"2026-04-16T12:16:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T12:16:08","slug":"london-with-kids-family-friendly-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/etavisauk.org\/en\/london-with-kids-family-friendly-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"London with Kids: Family-Friendly Itinerary 3-5 Days"},"content":{"rendered":"

London with kids<\/strong> is an incredible experience \u2014 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<\/strong> will help you plan the perfect trip with children in 2026, covering must-see attractions, practical tips, and money-saving advice.<\/p>\n

Before travelling to the UK with your family, ensure everyone \u2014 including children \u2014 has a valid UK ETA<\/a>. Yes, children need their own ETA regardless of age. Our UK ETA for children and families guide<\/a> explains everything you need to know.<\/p>\n

Day 1: Royal London \u2014 Palaces, Parks & Pageantry<\/h2>\n

Morning: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard<\/h3>\n

Start your London family adventure at Buckingham Palace<\/strong>. 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\u2013September), you can also tour the State Rooms inside the palace.<\/p>\n\n

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Afternoon: St James’s Park & Westminster<\/h3>\n

After the ceremony, stroll through St James’s Park<\/strong> \u2014 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<\/strong> on the South Bank (book online for discounts).<\/p>\n

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Big Ben and Westminster are highlights of any London family itinerary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Day 2: Museums Day \u2014 Free & Fascinating<\/h2>\n

Morning: Natural History Museum<\/h3>\n

London’s major museums are free to enter<\/strong>, making them perfect for families. Start with the Natural History Museum<\/strong> in South Kensington \u2014 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\u20133 hours.<\/p>\n\n

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Afternoon: Science Museum<\/h3>\n

Just next door, the Science Museum<\/strong> offers interactive galleries that children adore. The Wonderlab (paid gallery, \u00a311 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.<\/p>\n

Evening: Covent Garden<\/h3>\n

Head to Covent Garden<\/strong> 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<\/strong> (children under 18 free with a paying adult) to explore vintage buses and Tube trains.<\/p>\n

Day 3: Tower of London & River Thames<\/h2>\n

Morning: Tower of London<\/h3>\n

The Tower of London<\/strong> 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 \u2014 morning slots are less crowded.<\/p>\n\n

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Tower Bridge is just steps from the Tower of London<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Afternoon: Tower Bridge & Thames Clipper<\/h3>\n

Walk across Tower Bridge<\/strong> and visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition (glass-floor walkway at the top \u2014 a thrilling experience for older children). Then catch a Thames Clipper<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Day 4: Harry Potter, Zoo & Regent’s Park<\/h2>\n

Morning: Platform 9\u00be at King’s Cross & Harry Potter<\/h3>\n

Start at King’s Cross Station<\/strong> where children can take a photo at the famous Platform 9\u00be<\/strong> trolley installation (free, but queues can be long \u2014 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 \u2014 The Making of Harry Potter<\/strong> in advance (located in Leavesden, 1 hour from central London by bus).<\/p>\n\n

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Afternoon: London Zoo<\/h3>\n

ZSL London Zoo<\/strong> 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\u20134 hours for a thorough visit. Book online for the best prices.<\/p>\n

Evening: Regent’s Park<\/h3>\n

After the zoo, let children run around in Regent’s Park<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

Day 5 (Optional): Day Trip \u2014 Windsor or Hampton Court<\/h2>\n

Option A: Windsor Castle & LEGOLAND<\/h3>\n

Take a 30-minute train from London Paddington to Windsor<\/strong>. Visit Windsor Castle in the morning (children love the State Apartments and Dollhouse), then head to LEGOLAND Windsor<\/strong> for the afternoon \u2014 a theme park paradise for children aged 2\u201312. This makes a full and exciting day out.<\/p>\n\n

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Windsor Castle is just 30 minutes from London by train<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Option B: Hampton Court Palace<\/h3>\n

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

Practical Tips for London with Kids<\/h2>\n

Getting Around<\/h3>\n