If you’re searching for some fun activities for kids in London, we’re sure that the capital won’t have you short of ideas!
From zoos to cable cars - there’s really something for everyone. The best part? London offers a great variety of budget-friendly activities, alongside the pricier options. So whatever you want to spend on outdoor activities, you’ll find something suited to any child.
Read our blog to find out which activities your kids will undertake next in London.
Green spaces 🌳
Sometimes, children just want a space to roam free, and London’s greenspaces certainly offer this. In this section, we’ve outlined some great parks and green areas - perfect for any kids who love all things outdoors. From deer spotting to swimming and paddling, you’ll find just the thing for your children. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, be assured that visiting green spaces is one of the cheapest things to do this summer.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of London’s most famous green spaces. It’s also one of the best kid friendly days out in London due to the variety that this green space has to offer.
If your kids love a swim, make sure to visit the Serpentine Lido at Hyde Park. In the summer months, you’ll be able to swim in the lake whilst also soaking in the rays.
You can also find a playground for the children and a kid's paddling pool. If your kids aren’t too big on swimming, they can still experience the joy of the Serpentine Lido with pedal and row boats which are available for hire.
Richmond Park
Are you after a vast space for your kids to explore? Well, look no further than Richmond Park . Being the largest of London's Royal Parks, this park is sure to offer your kids the space to explore freely in the gorgeous outdoors.
In terms of activities, your kids can undertake some deer watching. Watch over 630 red and fallow deer who have been roaming since 1637!
If your kids prefer more hands-on activities, you can also rent bikes to cycle on the bike routes. Fancying more off-piste cycling? Roam through the fields of Hyde Park in the summertime.
You can also find various stables at Richmond that offer horse riding lessons for kids.
Holland Park
Do your kids love being immersed in wildlife? Well, Holland Park offers 22.5 hectares of gardens, full of wildlife and woodlands.
If your kids want something to do in the park, they can explore Holland Park’s Adventure Playground. Here, you’ll find an aerial runway, a small climbing wall and climbing frames.
Farms 🚜
Are your kids animal lovers who love getting stuck in? Well, London has a variety of farms on offer, perfect for keeping your tots busy and happy! If they want to pet animals or go to free cooking classes, London farms have it all - not to mention some of the farms are great free family days out in London.
Hounslow Urban Farm
Nestled in the heart of West London, Hounslow Urban Farm offers 29 acres of farmland charm - making it one of the largest community farms in London.
From pigs, goats, cows, rabbits, ducks, geese, alpacas and even peacocks, Old McDonald would struggle to beat this farm.
There’s also a variety of farm activities to get involved with, from pony rides to owl handling, there’s something for everyone.
Hackney City Farm
Hackney City Farm is another great farm to visit when looking for outdoor family activities London based.
With every farm favourite under the sun, your kids can play with the pigs and other animals, especially if you take them along to the Mini Farmers’ Club which happens every Saturday.
Spitalfields City Farm
Spitalfields is another great farm as it offers a free-entry farm wonderland. This farm was built in a former railway goods depot, which makes the destination a great spot to keep the kids entertained.
Not to mention that Spitalfields also is home to a variety of rare breed animals. You can also pick veg, or get involved with the projects at this farm, including free cookery classes and a young farmers' club.
Adrenaline-packed activities 🧗🏾♀️
Go Ape
Go Ape is a great choice if you’ve got some adrenaline-seeking children on your hands. Traverse through the urban jungle and swing off climbing ropes in the tall trees, slide along the zip line, and leap across bridges.
Go Ape has two sections - one geared for anyone over ten years old, and the other section is for tots under ten.
London has three different Go Ape locations including Battersea Park, Alexandra Palace and Cockfosters.
Up at The O2
If you’ve got some children aged 8 or over, climbing the O2 Arena will certainly get their adrenalin pumping.
Climbing the O2 is a 90-minute activity over the iconic roof, and on the climb, you’ll see some show-stopping views.
Once you’ve booked a time entry slot, your ticket will include a climb suit, climbing shoes and of course, a safety harness. As one of the best outdoor activities in London, this is certainly one to add to your London Bucket List.
The London Eye
Just off the South Bank of Thames near Westminster Bridge, you’ll find the London Eye . Being one of the most iconic landmarks, we’re sure that your kids will love the London Eye.
The London Eye offers 360-degree panoramic city views, 135 metres up in the air. Children get a slightly discounted ticket price, and infants under a year can go free. Soaking in the sights of the capital will be sure to get your kids excited. You can even get discounted entry to the London Eye when you travel by train - perfect for saving your pennies.
If you want some more information on the ins and outs of the London Eye, check out our blog, the Ultimate Guide to the London Eye Experience.
Sightseeing 📍
IFS Cloud Cable Car
If your kids love sightseeing but hate the walking part, the IFS Cloud Cable Car is the perfect choice. This cable car goes right over the River Thames so the views will be nothing short of outstanding.
This cable car is 10 minutes long and is 90 m above the Thames, meaning you’ll be able to soak in all the panoramic views at only £6 for a 15s and under return ticket.
The cable is 1.1km long and on the tour, you’ll see endless landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Thames Barrier, The Shard, Tower Bridge, The Gherkin, and more.
The Ghost Bus Tours
Do you have any kids who love sightseeing paired with spooks? Well, enter the Ghost Bus Tour - the answer to your dreams, or well, nightmares depending on which way you look at it.
The Ghost Bus Tour is a spooky panoramic refurbished 1960s Routemaster bus tour. On the tour, you’ll be shown both real-life and fictional places, whilst being told the chilling tales behind each location, delivered spookily by the costumed actors.
Zoos 🐊
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
The children’s Zoo at Battersea Park features various exotic animals, perfect for animal-loving kids. You can find the zoo on the South Bank of London in the Battersea Borough and it’s open from 10:00 am to 17:30 pm.
At the zoo, your tots will also have the opportunity to interact with animals and wildlife, visit educational workshops or even throw zoo-themed birthday parties. Enjoy 2FOR1 entry to Battersea Park Children’s Zoo when you travel by train.
Whipsnade Zoo
Take your kids to Whipsnade Zoo and experience the thrill of the largest zoo in the UK.
Let the family see thousands of different animals whilst also learning how Whipsnade is creating a sustainable future.
Whilst you’re here, you’ll see rhinos from Nepal, lions of the Serengeti and Cheetah Rock, which is an enclosure where you can see some amazing cats.
London Zoo
Are you after more of a rainforest setting? Well, visit the ZSL London Zoo - the only living rainforest in London.
Here, your kids can explore a great variety of rainforest species. Some of these include monkeys, sloths, bats and tamandua - sounds pretty cool to us.
This zoo also puts on seasonal events, so make sure to keep an eye out for these too. Get discounted entry to London Zoo when you travel by train.
Explore some of the best kid friendly days out in London for yourself
There you have it, some of the best fun activities for kids in London. Whether your kids are after something to get their heart pumping, or if they want to view the amazing sights of London, our guide covers everything they’d want.
From climbing the O2 to mucking about with some farm animals, London is the place to go for a wide range of non-stop fun activities.
Which activities will you do next?
Cheap train tickets to London
If our guide has inspired you to go get the next train to London, look no further than LNR. We offer a great variety of cheap train tickets to London so you can save on travel, and spend as much as you want on the activities.
- Book in Advance – Get the cheapest tickets when you book up to 12 weeks in advance. You could save up to 77%!
- Travelling with the kids? Our Family Travelcard allows your kids to travel to and around London for just £1!
- Going as a group? With GroupSave you can save 1/3 off your train travel when travelling with 3-9 people.
- Going when it’s not busy? Our Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets give you some of the cheapest train tickets around.
So, what are you waiting for? Your London-based adventure starts here.
