London with Kids
🎡 Honest family travel guide
London works well for families if you plan around the right neighbourhoods and activities — here's everything you actually need to know before booking: kid-friendly attractions, where to base yourself, stroller realities, and which months to avoid with young children.
Why London works with kids
- ✦Walkable — easier with kids
- ✦Interactive history for older kids
Best things to do with kids in London
British Museum (free) + Rosetta Stone
Tower of London + Crown Jewels
West End theatre night
Day trip to Oxford or Bath
Where to stay with kids
For families, apartment rentals beat hotels almost always — kitchen access means breakfast at your own pace and saving on every meal. Look for places with elevators (not all European apartments have them), washing machines, and walking distance to a park or playground. In London expect $200+/night for family-sized apartments in central areas — book 3+ months ahead.
Practical tips for London with kids
Oyster card or contactless caps daily at £8.50 — way cheaper than single fares.
Bring a lightweight stroller. Cobblestones can be rough — an off-road stroller helps.
Real British food is making a comeback — try St. John for nose-to-tail cuisine. Dinner culture is family-friendly in most local spots — staff is usually welcoming to kids.
"Charity sign-up" scammers near Covent Garden are pickpockets. Politely ignore.
Best months to visit London with kids
For families, weather matters more than for solo travellers — extreme heat or cold turns a fun trip miserable fast. The best months for a family trip to London are May, June, September. Avoid November–February (cold + dark by 4pm) — uncomfortable weather is hard on young kids.
How many days do you need with kids?
Adults can pack London into 4 days easily. With kids, plan for 6–7 days minimum — you'll do fewer activities per day (one major sight is enough), build in pool/park afternoons, and need recovery days between big outings.