Things To Do in London With Kids This Summer: Days Out and Family Attractions

The parent guide to London attractions, animal days out, immersive experiences, river trips, food stops and summer family savings

London is packed with things to do with kids in the summer holidays, but planning the right family day out can still feel like a lot.

There are animal attractions.

Royal landmarks.

River cruises.

Immersive experiences.

Sightseeing tours.

Cinema trips.

Outdoor splash zones.

Big family attractions.

And easy food stops for when everyone gets hungry halfway through the day.

London is one of the best UK cities for family days out because you can build almost any kind of summer plan.

You can go wild with animals at London Zoo or SEA LIFE London Aquarium.

You can make it magical with the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

You can go royal with the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace or Buckingham Palace.

You can get active with outdoor splash zones, trails and park-based events.

You can keep rainy days simple with immersive attractions, cinema and indoor activities.

The easiest way to plan a London family day out is:

• Choose one main attraction.
• Add one nearby free or low-cost extra.
• Plan food before you go.
• Keep travel simple.
• Check Kids Pass for attraction, cinema and dining savings before booking.

Animal attractions in London

Animal days out are always popular in the summer holidays because they give children something exciting to look for, talk about and remember.

London Zoo

London Zoo is a classic family day out and a strong choice for children who love animals, wildlife and outdoor exploring.

Families can expect:

• animal habitats
• walking routes
• summer activities
• live moments and talks where available
• plenty of space to explore
• a full-day family attraction feel

London Zoo is especially good for:

• animal-loving children
• families with mixed ages
• outdoor summer days
• children who enjoy wildlife facts
• parents wanting a full attraction rather than a short activity

Parent tip: plan your must-see animals before you arrive, then build the route around them. London Zoo can be tiring if you try to zig-zag across the whole site.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

SEA LIFE London Aquarium is a strong London option because it works in almost any weather.

It is especially useful for:

• rainy days
• hot days when you need indoor time
• younger children
• animal lovers
• central London family plans
• combining with South Bank food stops
• families who want a calmer attraction

Children can spot sea creatures, follow themed trails and enjoy underwater-style zones without needing a long outdoor route.

Parent tip: SEA LIFE is close to other South Bank attractions, so it works well as the main activity in a simple one-area London day.

WWT London Wetland Centre

WWT London Wetland Centre is a lovely option for families who want wildlife, fresh air and a calmer London day.

It can work well for:

• nature-loving children
• families who want outdoor space
• bird spotting
• summer trails
• pond dipping-style activities where available
• a slower-paced day out
• children who enjoy nature and animals

This is a good alternative to busier central London attractions if you want something greener and more relaxed.

Parent tip: pack for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, as this is an outdoor-heavy day.

Royal and historic attractions

London is full of landmark attractions that feel exciting for children because they are dramatic, famous and full of stories.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the biggest family attractions in London.

It works well for children who enjoy:

• castles
• kings and queens
• Crown Jewels
• armour
• ravens
• dramatic history
• family trails
• big London landmarks

The Tower of London can feel like a proper adventure because children can walk through towers, courtyards and historic spaces rather than simply looking at displays.

Parent tip: arrive early if it is your main attraction, especially during the summer holidays.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is a brilliant choice for families who want history, gardens and space to explore.

It can include:

• palace rooms
• Tudor history
• gardens
• the famous maze
• family trails
• outdoor space
• seasonal summer activities
• the Magic Garden playground

This is a strong option if you want a London attraction that feels spacious and less central.

Parent tip: Hampton Court works best as the main focus of the day rather than something to squeeze in alongside several other attractions.

Eltham Palace and Gardens

Eltham Palace and Gardens can be a good family choice for a more relaxed historic day out.

Families can enjoy:

gardens open space palace history seasonal summer activities outdoor games and family-friendly events where available

It is especially useful for children who need space to move as well as something interesting to explore.

Parent tip: check the day’s activity schedule before you go, as some summer events may only run on selected dates.

Buckingham Palace State Rooms

Buckingham Palace State Rooms can be a special summer attraction for families visiting London.

It is best for:

• older children
• royal fans
• tourists
• families wanting a classic London experience
• special summer treats
• children who can manage a more structured visit

Parent tip: this may not be the best choice for very young children who need lots of freedom to run around, but it can feel memorable for older kids.

Royal Mews

The Royal Mews can work well for families interested in royal carriages, horses and ceremonial transport.

It is a shorter attraction than some full-day options, so it can pair well with:

• Buckingham Palace
• St James’s Park
• a picnic
• a short landmark walk
• a family food stop nearby

Parent tip: use this as part of a calmer royal-themed day rather than trying to combine too many central London sights.

Big London experiences for kids

Some London attractions are designed to feel like a full experience, which can make them ideal for summer holiday treats.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is one of the biggest family days out near London for Harry Potter fans.

Families can explore sets, props, costumes and magical behind-the-scenes details from the films.

It is best for:

• Harry Potter fans
• older children
• teens
• visiting family
• birthdays
• special summer days
• families happy to travel outside central London

Parent tip: this needs booking and travel planning. Treat it as the main event of the day, not an add-on.

The Paddington Bear Experience

The Paddington Bear Experience is a strong choice for families who want a character-led London activity.

It can work well for:

• younger children
• Paddington fans
• families visiting London
• special days out
• photo-friendly moments
• character-themed fun

Parent tip: pair it with a simple food stop and avoid overloading the rest of the day.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is a classic London attraction and can be exciting for children because it is such an iconic landmark.

Families can enjoy:

• views over London
• the glass floor
• bridge history
• river photo opportunities
• a central location near other attractions

Tower Bridge works especially well when paired with:

• riverside walks
• HMS Belfast
• food near London Bridge
• a Thames cruise
• South Bank attractions

Parent tip: children often enjoy attractions more when they recognise the landmark first, so point out Tower Bridge from the river or nearby before going inside.

Cutty Sark

Cutty Sark in Greenwich is a strong choice for families who like ships, stories and hands-on exploring.

It can work well for:

• children who like boats
• Greenwich family days
• river trips
• maritime history
• photo moments
• mixed-age families

Pair it with:

• Greenwich Park
• riverside walks
• food market stops
• a Thames boat trip
• nearby playground time

Parent tip: Greenwich is one of the easiest areas to turn one attraction into a full family day.

HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast is a memorable attraction for children who enjoy ships, history and exploring real spaces.

Families can climb through different areas of the ship and imagine what life was like on board.

Best for:

• older children
• curious kids
• families who like hands-on exploring
• children interested in ships or wartime stories
• London Bridge and South Bank routes

Parent tip: there may be steps and tighter spaces, so check suitability if you are visiting with very young children or a buggy.

Immersive and indoor attractions in London

London has lots of immersive attractions that are useful for rainy days, older children, teens and families who want something different from a standard sightseeing day.

Options mentioned in summer London family round-ups include:

• Space Explorers: The ISS Experience
• The Timewalk Exhibition
• Museum of Illusions
• Twist Museum of Illusions
• Paradox Museum
• Bubble Planet
• Frameless
• Mundo Pixar Experience
• Escape from Prison Island
• Crystal Maze

These attractions can work well for:

• rainy days
• older children
• teens
• families who enjoy photo-friendly experiences
• children who like puzzles or challenges
• indoor summer plans
• birthdays and special treats

Parent tip: check age guidance before booking immersive attractions. Some are better for older children or teens than toddlers.

Cinema trips in London with kids

Cinema is one of the easiest summer holiday activities in London because it works when the weather is too hot, too wet or everyone needs a calmer plan.

Cinema trips are ideal for:

• family film releases
• rainy days
• low-energy afternoons
• shopping centre days
• younger children
• older children and teens
• pairing with Kids Eat Free dining offers

With Kids Pass, families can check cinema savings before booking, then build a simple day around the film.

A good cinema day could look like this:

• Morning or early afternoon film.
• Kids Eat Free lunch or dinner nearby.
• Free playground or park stop if the weather is good.
• Home before everyone gets tired.

London river trips and sightseeing

A river trip can make a London family day feel exciting without needing to walk constantly.

Families can consider:

• Thames river cruises
• sightseeing boats
• open-top bus tours
• river walks
• landmark spotting
• Tower Bridge views
• Greenwich boat routes
• South Bank routes

This works especially well for:

• tourists visiting London
• children who get tired walking
• families wanting classic sightseeing
• mixed-age groups
• grandparents visiting with children
• sunny summer days

Parent tip: river trips are a good way to see landmarks without dragging children across long walking routes.

Outdoor summer activities in London

Not every London day out needs to be indoors or ticketed.

Outdoor summer ideas can help stretch the day and keep costs down.

Family-friendly outdoor ideas include:

• Kew Gardens
• Royal Parks summer activities
• Play in the Park events
• Royal Docks Summer Splash
• Alexandra Palace summer events
• London Bridge City summer activities
• Camden Market summer visits
• Greenwich Park
• Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
• riverside walks
• playground stops
• splash-style activities where available

Outdoor add-ons are useful because they can turn one paid attraction into a fuller day without booking a second big ticket.

Parent tip: always pack sun cream, water and waterproofs. London summer weather can change quickly.

How Kids Pass can help with London attractions

London is full of family attractions for summer, from animal days out and royal landmarks to immersive experiences, river trips, cinema, sightseeing and outdoor summer activities.

The best London days out with kids are not the ones where you try to do everything.

They are the ones where you choose the right attraction, keep travel simple, plan food early and leave room for children to rest, snack and play.

1. Choose one main attraction
2. Add one nearby free stop
3. Plan food before you go
4. Check the weather
5. Keep the route realistic
6. Use Kids Pass before booking attractions, cinema or dining

Kids Pass can help families save on different parts of a London day out, including:

• family attractions
• cinema trips
• dining discounts
• Kids Eat Free offers
• indoor activities
• experience days
• activity savings
• shopping and gift card offers
• everyday family savings

Checking Kids Pass before planning can help families build a better-value day from the start.

Whether you are looking for things to do in London with kids, London days out with kids, family attractions London, kids activities London or things to do in London this summer, London can be a brilliant family day out when the plan is built around attractions that actually work for your children.

Not a Kids Pass member yet? Start your £1 Kids Pass trial today and discover savings on London attractions, cinema trips, dining offers, Kids Eat Free deals and family days out across the UK.