Let’s face it – London is basically a playground. Whether you’re young at heart or just young, the city has so much to offer, meaning it really is a holiday destination that should go on your list. For the perfect family vacation, though, you need to be prepared. You’ve got your suitcase, your passport, and your hotel sorted (if not, why not take a look at The Cumberland rooms?), but have you got a plan of attack?
For the ultimate guide on what to do in London with kids, check out our ideas!
Is London Good for Kids?
It might seem at first like London is best suited for romantic trips and long-awaited adventures, but there’s tons to do in the city for children. Plus, it’s not always as hectic as it might seem! While you’ll come to be familiar with the image of London’s bustling streets and tourist hotspots just bursting with energy during the summer months, if you know where to go and the best times to visit, you can actually find unexpected spots of peace!
As a hotel calling London home for the last few decades, we’ve become experts on all things fun in the capital, so we’re happy to help pass on our knowledge and make your holiday extra special.
How to Best Enjoy London with Kids
The best way to enjoy your trip to London with your family is to make sure you’re ready beforehand, gathering all the information you need and knowing the must-visit places are always key, but with kids knowing where there are activities to entertain men and places to grab their favourite meals will make traveling so much easier – letting you focus on making special memories.
If you’re travelling from overseas, it’s best to get used to the local customs and need-to-know information before taking your flight. Check the local time (BMT or BST), the local currency (GBP), and which side of the road they drive on (left). Knowing local laws is always important if you’re planning to drink on your trip or explore off the beaten track. Finally, make sure you and your family are safe on your trip.
Looking for top tips for your London vacation with kids? Here they are:
- Have a plan! Even a loose plan is better than none at all. If you’ve got attractions you’d like to see, make sure you check the opening times and transport options, or you could end up with some disappointed little ones.
- Pick the right hotel. Staying in the city centre can be incredible if you’re looking to see the sights, cutting down on travel time so you have more time to enjoy. But you still want the space to feel comfortable and unwind after busy days. The family rooms and suites at The Cumberland are perfect for busy families visiting the city. Check our rooms out here.
- Make sure you’re prepared. Cards are widely accepted as a payment method, but you may want to have some cash too (the UK’s currency is the Great British Pound). Make sure you have water for the family – especially if you’re visiting in summer!
- Make sure you’ve got transport covered. If you’re planning to visit different districts in London and hit up all the major attractions, you shouldn’t underestimate how much travel you’ll have to do. It’s a big city and getting from one museum to another can sometimes be quite a trek. Cabs can be expensive, and during rush hour, traffic can make your travel much longer than you expect. If you’re planning to travel by taxi, make sure you have enough cash with you in case they don’t take cards. A great idea for families visiting the city is getting an Oyster card. There’s a discount for kids, and the Tube can often be a fun experience for them!
- If you’re bringing a pram or stroller, make sure it can fold down. London is an old city and might not be the most accessible. Make sure you can easily lift the stroller you’re bringing, too, in case of tricky stairs.
- Take the advice of those who have been there and have the lowdown. From blogs like ours (check out our other top tips on visiting London with kids) to articles from other families who have already been there and done that, there’s heaps of advice across the internet for any burning question you have on visiting London with kids.
What can you do in London for kids?
It shouldn’t surprise that London is basically paradise for children. There are theme parks, theatre shows, candy shops, and museums all tailored for families to create memories you’ll never forget.
The Top Five Best Activities for Kids in London
The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of the coolest places in London for kids, offering up great activities, exhibitions to explore, and memories that will last a lifetime. Can you remember the first time you saw a dinosaur? At the Natural History Museum in London, your kids can demonstrate their best T-Rex impression in the Dinosaurs gallery, hang out with whales (or rather their impressive skeletons), and learn about the power of volcanic eruptions, all in one site.
What’s even better? It’s totally free to explore and open daily. Take a look at their opening hours here and check out The Natural History Museum’s latest exhibitions.
How to get from The Cumberland Hotel London to The Natural History Museum?
It’s one easy bus from Marble Arch Station/Park Lane to the museum in Kensington, or you can stroll directly through Hyde Park and get there in just 34 minutes.
Bubble Planet
The Bubble Planet is a fully interactive and immersive experience like you’ve never seen before. Different rooms, all with different bubble-themed activities for all your senses. This is a location that needs to go on your to-do list for your next London holiday with your children. Visitors are allowed to take as long as you like in each room before moving onto the next one, so you can easily spend a few hours enjoying the full experience of Bubble Planet.
Prams aren’t allowed inside the exhibition, but they have a separate area for storing strollers, suitcases, and other big items, so don’t worry, the whole family can be involved! It’s even designed for all ages, and children under 2 can visit for free! Book tickets for the rest of the family here.
It is a small distance from The Cumberland Hotel, located in Wembley, but you can get to the exhibition by taking just one tube. Head from Bond Street and you can arrive in just 45 minutes. Why not check out this list of things to do in Wembley for children and make a day of it?
London Zoo
London Zoo is one of the city’s most iconic tourist attractions, and definitely one that comes to mind when you’re planning a trip to London for kids.
The world’s oldest scientific zoo is also a hub for conservation, making it the perfect place for your little ones to find out about animals and what we can do to protect them. See lions, giraffes, and hippos in the heart of London and don’t forget to check out one of the incredible daily talks. You can check ahead here to find out what’s on during your visit.
You’ll find London Zoo on the Northern edge of Regent’s Park, so getting to it from The Cumberland Hotel is a breeze. It’s less than an hour’s walk from the hotel if you’re happy to explore the rest of your surroundings (like Camden Market), or you can get a short bus ride from our London Hotel.
Richmond Park
While the city has lots of magical adventures and great exhibitions that are perfect for kids, many children just need the space to run around and burn off their excited energy. Give them a safe and fun place to do that and take them on an adventure to Richmond Park.
The Petersham Gate Playground is newly renovated and has everything they could want – balance beams, scramble logs, giant seesaws, sand and water play areas, and of course, swings. There are even shared seating spots to rest under the shade, making it perfect for parents too. Find out more about the playground here.
More than just a playpark, Richmond Park has a golf course, horse-drawn carriage rides, and is even a National Nature Reserve. It really does have something for everyone. Head to their website today.
London Lidos
This summer, splashing about in water might be all that’s on your mind, and luckily, London offers some great outdoor swimming locations and lidos, perfect for your family’s trip.
Whether you’re looking for an outdoor swimming pool in a park or the coolest waterpark to entertain the kids all afternoon, you’ll find the perfect spot for you. They’re also dotted all across the city, so whether you’re based, you’re likely to find one within easy travelling distance, like Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park – just a short distance from The Cumberland Hotel. Or explore Hillingdon Lido, formerly Uxbridge Lido, resorted to its 1930s glory (making it a real treat for nostalgia lovers).
Take a look at this list of London Lidos and Outdoor Swimming Pools.
Bonus London Activity for Kids: Frameless
At the Cumberland Hotel, we’re super lucky to be partnering with one of the coolest experiences in London for families – Frameless. Frameless is the UK’s largest permanent multi-sensory art experience. Immerse yourself in the world of Van Gogh and see the world’s greatest artwork come alive.
If you’re keen to see why it’s so well loved, why not book The Cumberland’s Weekend with Frameless package and save 20% on a two-night stay or more with complimentary breakfast and tickets to Frameless! Check out this Frameless offer here.
Your Perfect London Hotel for Travelling with Children
These were our five best activities in London for kids, with a bonus extra option thrown in at the end. If you’re ready to jump in and start planning your London family trip, why not book your London family hotel today? The Cumberland Hotel is located in the heart of London, making it the perfect choice to explore everything the city has to offer. We even have super comfortable family rooms and suites, so you’ve got space to relax and unwind after exploring.
Book your room today and get ready for a London vacation you’ll never forget.
