There are plenty of things to do in London for families. A trip to London with the family and the kids can seem like a great way to spend a bank holiday or a half-term break. Finding things for the kids to enjoy and keeping everyone happy on the other hand can prove to be rather more difficult.
With great value accommodation including spacious rooms and en-suites available across the city, YHA are well positioned to give you a head start when it comes to organising your break in the capital. We’re also here to help you to plan things to see and do which you can get up to with your brood, and go beyond some of the well-trodden tourist favourites that can be crowded and expensive during the holiday season.
Kidzania
If your kids love acting like grown-ups and building their dreams about the amazing jobs they could find themselves in the future, then Kidzania is a great thing to do in London for families. Here, your children will be able to get a fun and realistic insight into the adult world by taking part in a choice of 60 ‘jobs’ which will earn them kidZos (KidZania’s unique currency).
Let your child become a doctor, a police officer or even a radio DJ as they let their imaginations run free for 4 hours of entertainment, learning and play. It really is unique! Be sure to book in advance to make sure there’s space and so that you receive the best rates.
Closest hostel:Â YHA London Central
Trampoline Park – Brent Cross/Wandsworth
If you and the family are looking to let off some steam away from the busy streets, there are worse places to spend an hour or two than at Flip Out. Boasting the capital’s largest trampoline facilities and with centres located in both Brent Cross and Wandsworth,  Flip Out is comprised of numerous interconnected trampolines, ideal for a stress busting session of fun, away from the hustle and bustle of life in one of Europe’s busiest cities.
Plus, just like YHA, it’s open to all ages, whether you’re a sprightly young 4-year-old or a more seasoned campaigner.
Closest hostel: YHA London
London Zoo
Are you looking at things to do in London for families which includes getting up, close and personal with some fury friends? Well, if your children love animals and want to learn more about the amazing species which walk this planet, there are few better zoos than London Zoo.
Situated in the north-eastern corner of Regent’s Park, and within easy walking distance of Camden Town tube station, the world famous zoo is jam-packed with exhibitions and species from all over the world. From the Land of the Lions to the Reptile House and the Gorilla Kingdom, there’s something to enjoy for everybody, even if certain species aren’t to your tastes.
Closest hostel: YHA London Central
Royal Botanic Gardens
Want to spend the day outdoors? Go for a wander round one of London’s pretty parks. One of our favourites is the Royal Botanic Gardens. Just 30 minutes away from Central London, walking around here will have you convinced you’re in a fairy-tale.
With several different gardens and over 50,000 types of plants, there is plenty to discover, and it’s safe to say that the gardens are magical. From a Japanese Landscape to an indoor Rainforest, you can travel the world in just one visit – perfect for families.
Closest hostel: YHA London Earl’s Court
Various museums
London is fortunate to boast a huge range of great museums, many of which can be accessed for free, or with great rates for young children. Perhaps most child-friendly are the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum – both ideal for allowing you kids to explore their senses and learn interactively about the world in which we live. Both feature numerous interactive exhibits and objects including crucial and world-renowned artefacts. Who knows, a visit could conjure an interest that will stay with your child for the rest of their life. Museums are definitely a great idea to keep your little ones entertained in England’s capital.
Closest hostel: YHA London Central
Harry Potter Studio Tour
If your children are a little older or are beginning to discover the magical world of Harry Potter, then London has a number of destinations and exhibitions which will compel any ‘Potterhead’. The obvious choice is a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Watford, to learn more about the making of the film series. Here you’ll discover secrets to special effects, see props which were brought to life in the films and step onto iconic locations such as Diagon Alley.
If you’d prefer to stay within the confines of the North Circular and in Central London, then any Harry Potter fan would love the artwork on display at House of MinaLima, a free exhibition showcasing prints and graphics you’ll recognise from the movies.
Closest hostel: YHA London Central
Hamleys
If there’s one thing that children will always love, it’s a new toy or game. And where better to take a child than perhaps the greatest and most famous toy shop in the world? Based on Regent Street, as it has been since the 19th century, the flagship store is a haven for kids, with toys of all shapes and sizes filling the 54,000 square feet of shop floor.
Whether it’s Disney dolls, fidget spinners, nerf guns or just good old Lego, whatever it is your child enjoys playing with, you’ll be sure to find hours of fun within the walls of Hamleys. Hamleys is definitely worth the visit and a great thing to do in London for families. It’s a kid’s heaven.
Closest hostel:Â YHA London Oxford Street
We can also help you to find a range of great activities to enjoy during your stay, which crucially won’t break the bank. Here’s our guide to the top things to do for free in London.
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