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Visiting London with Kids: The Ultimate 3 Day Itinerary

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Visiting London with kids kids and not sure where to start? This 3-day itinerary covers all the royal landmarks, centuries of history, and the city’s most iconic sights.

Around every corner, you’ll find something to make London unforgettable for your family. Elizabeth lived in London during her post-grad years, and Tom has been visiting friends and family there all his life. When we finally brought our two kids for a 3-day trip we were not surprised to find that London is one of the best places in the world for kids.

Two smiling children pose with a Beefeater guard at the Tower of London. The guard wears a traditional dark uniform with red trim and a tall hat, while the boy holds a small toy guardsman. A sign reading “Explore the Tower” and part of the London skyline are visible in the background.

Packed with family-friendly adventures, London offers so many fun and quirky experiences, the city is guaranteed to spark the imagination and sense of adventure.

This itinerary is built with younger kids (10 and under) in mind. Each day focuses on one area of the city, keeping walking and travel time to a minimum, so there’s more energy for exploring.

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Day 1

St. James Park & Playground

Grab breakfast at your hotel or B&B. Then start your morning at St. James’s Park, where kids can stretch their legs at the playground and look for ducks, swans, and even pelicans in the pond. It's a peaceful, fun way to kick off the day before the crowds arrive.

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

Then head over to Buckingham Palace. The Changing of the Guard typically happens at 11:00 AM, and most commonly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—weather permitting. You'll probably want to arrive by around 10:15 AM to grab a good viewing spot. Crowds build fast, especially in summer!

The actual ceremony lasts about 45 minutes from start to finish but the most exciting parts (music, marching, and the handover) happen in the middle. So staying the full time isn’t necessary if kids get restless and many families leave once they’ve seen the main action.

Good to Know: Keep in mind that the schedule can vary by season and due to special events, so it’s best to check the official Household Division website for the most up-to-date calendar before you go.

Lunch – Have a City Picnic

If there is one culinary thing that the UK does that is superior to the United States it is ‘Grab-and-go’ food. This makes it super easy to have a healthy city picnic, which is something our kids love. Our favorite place for a quick meal is Pret A Manger and they are all over the city. Marks and Spencers also has great easy to grab options.

Two smiling children pose arm-in-arm in front of the River Thames with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in the background. The girl wears a white polka dot dress with black leggings and the boy wears a red and white striped shirt with blue shorts. A red double-decker bus crosses Westminster Bridge behind them under a dramatic, cloud-filled sky.

Big Ben / Parliament

Head over to St. James Park tube station and take the Circle or District Line to Westminster. Our kids were so excited to see Big Ben that we figured it would be a good landmark to take in on Day 1. Take a walk along the South Bank towards Westminster and take in the iconic Big Ben and Houses of Parliament.

Jubilee Gardens Children’s Playground

Did you know there was a playground right across the river from Big Ben? Jubilee Gardens has a fantastic children’s adventure playground in the shadow of the London Eye. When you are visiting London with kids we found it really important to seek out open areas for them to play and stretch their legs. The kids spent well over an hour in the park having lunch and climbing the vast timber structure.

A young girl climbs a rope structure at a wooden playground with the London Eye towering in the background against a bright blue sky. Other kids and parents are scattered around enjoying the sunny day.

London Eye

The London Eye is a super fun way to see the city from above and if your crew is up for it, it might be exactly what you want after a long day of exploring.

Something to note is that it does move really slowly, which is great for soaking in the views but can be a bit tough for younger kids who don’t love standing still. We’ve done it several times in the past and always enjoyed it, but on this trip we decided to skip it with our 5- and 7-year-old.

If you go, definitely book tickets online in advance to avoid the lines, and look into combo deals with nearby attractions like Shrek’s Adventure or the Sea Life Aquarium to save a bit.

Shrek’s Adventure

After exposing the kids to all the historical sites and trying to explain what they are all about, sometimes you got to do things that are purely for kids. So what did we do? Head to Shrek's Adventure of course. Shrek’s Adventure is an interactive walking adventure experience. They incorporate real-life actors with some CGI effects. When you are visiting London with kids this isn't the type of attraction that springs to mind, but our kids really enjoyed it, it was fun and the actors keep the energy going. Close-by is a similar attraction called The London Dungeon, but we figured our kids were a bit young for that. Tickets are expensive, and so is the merchandise.

A smiling family of four poses with a life-sized Shrek character at Shrek’s Adventure London. Behind them is a colorful backdrop featuring a red British telephone booth, a royal mail postbox, and Big Ben. The kids look excited, and everyone is dressed for a fun day out.

Dinner at a Local Pub

Wrap up your first day with a cozy dinner at a local pub near your hotel. Most pubs welcome kids until early evening and offer classic British fare like fish and chips, bangers and mash, or a proper roast. It’s a great way to relax, refuel, and soak in a bit of local flavor before calling it a night.

Day 2

Science Museum

Start Day 2 off at a museum. Anyone visiting London with kids is spoilt for choice when it comes to museums, and the incredible fact is they are all (mostly) free! We love the London Science Museum, it is packed with so many clever interactive areas for our children to explore. We love visiting children’s museums when we’ve taken our kids to new cities in the States, but the Science Museum takes it too another level. Our two loved the Pattern Pod, where spotting patterns in the world around you turns into a hands-on game.

The Science Museum is located in South Kensington and if science isn’t for you, there are other great museums for kids nearby including Young V&A, and the Natural History Museum.

A man carries a smiling young girl on his shoulders in front of the Covent Garden Market entrance in London. The cobblestone square and historic building provide a charming backdrop as people walk and relax nearby.
A lively street performer entertains a crowd on a cobblestone street in Covent Garden, London. Two children watch from the front row, one with hands on his head and a small toy tucked under his arm. The audience lines the street, surrounded by historic buildings and colorful storefronts.
Our kids LOVED watching the street performers at Covent Garden.

Covent Garden

Make your way to bustling Covent Garden. Our kids loved to watch all the street performers. A stone’s throw from Covent Garden is the London Transport Museum. This is NOT a free attraction. It’s a very impressive museum, but in our opinion suited to very young children (5 and under) or children who are particular vehicle enthusiasts.

A kid’s meal at Byron Burger featuring a cheeseburger, a generous serving of fries, and a cup of carrot and cucumber sticks. A green plastic cup with a red straw and condiments are on the table, with a partially colored activity sheet underneath the plate.
Kids entree at Byron Burger.
Interior view of the London Transport Museum featuring vintage red and yellow double-decker buses, interactive exhibits, and a large arched window. Visitors explore the space, with children playing near a life-size traffic light and families seated at activity tables below.
London Transport Museum

Lunch – Byron Burger

Did you know London is actually famous for its burgers? There are dozens of burger joints for a true burger connoisseur, but with our kids we knew we couldn’t go wrong with Byron Burger. Yes, it’s a chain but the burgers are juicy and good quality. We loved going when we were younger, and our kids loved it on our trip.

Trafalgar Square

Pass through the iconic Trafalgar Square. It was exciting to run around the historic plaza and see Nelson’s column, the lion statues, and water fountains. Trafalgar Square is a nice open space to get away from the narrower, busier streets.

A father and two young children stand beside one of the massive lion statues in Trafalgar Square, London. The iconic black lion dominates the foreground while London buildings, flags, and a red double-decker bus appear in the background under cloudy skies.

Hamleys Toys

If you’re visiting London with kids, you kind of have to do it. Head to Regent Street and visit Hamleys the oldest toy shop in the world. You will find seven floors filled with all toys imaginable and live demonstrations of the toys of tomorrow. While it might be a bit overwhelming for parents (particularly at peak tourist season), it can be a magical experience for kids.

Dinner – Notto

If you have a pasta loving family head to Notto on Piccadilly Street. They have children’s options, but the portions are large enough to share.

Bonus: West End Show?

Only New York City can challenge London as the theatre capital of the world. When we visited London with our kids they weren’t quite at the age where we felt confident our kids could sit through a whole show, but since then our kids have loved musicals and next time we are in London we will definitely be catching a show. Kid-friendly West End Shows include, The Lion King, Matilda, Frozen, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Day 3

Tower of London

Kick off Day 3 at the Tower of London. We were a little apprehensive when we booked tickets – would it be a bit too gruesome and scary? But it turned out to be a fantastic morning. We’ve always loved visiting castles as a family, and there aren’t many filled with more rich medieval history than The Tower. Our little ones loved learning about real-life game of thrones drama, ghost stories, prison escapes, treason, beheadings, and of course seeing the real Crown Jewels.

Tip:- The Beefeater Tours are free with your ticket and leave every 30 minutes. You will have a Beefeater as your personal guide, and they do a fantastic job. Be mindful that they tend to pack a big crowd into each tour, so it can be difficult for your little ones to be able to see or hold their attention. We lasted about 25 minutes before breaking off and exploring on our own.

A man and young boy walk hand-in-hand along a cobblestone path toward the Tower of London. The historic stone fortress rises beside them, with a sign pointing to “Torture at the Tower” and a few other visitors visible ahead.

Cross over London Bridge

Our kids had “London Bridge is Falling Down” in their heads all trip so we had to walk across the famous bridge. You also get a great view of the stunning Tower Bridge.

Two young children hug and smile in front of Tower Bridge in London, with the iconic blue and white suspension bridge and one of its towers rising behind them. The River Thames and city buildings are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
A delicious meal spread at a Borough Market restaurant table featuring classic fish and chips with mushy peas and tartar sauce, a plate of gnocchi in red pepper cream sauce, mashed potatoes drizzled with olive oil, and a side of sautéed green vegetables. A glass of beer and water complete the meal.

Lunch - Borough Market

Crossing London Bridge will put you in the direction of Borough Market. This was a place Elizabeth visited constantly as a grad student at Kings College. Borough Market is a foodie adventure that even kids can enjoy. Adventurous little ones can sample dishes from dozens of countries, while pickier can be sure to seek out something they like too. At the time of our visit our 7-year-old son was obsessed with learning all the countries and flags of the world, so Borough Market was a memorable opportunity for him to sample some of the real tastes and cultures behind what he’d been studying.

Two children sit in front of a colorful, cartoon-style sculpture on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. St. Paul’s Cathedral and the city skyline are visible in the background under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
A detailed view of the Golden Hinde, a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s historic galleon ship, docked in central London. The ship’s dark wooden hull, colorful red and yellow trim, and towering masts with rigging contrast against the modern buildings surrounding it.

Tate Modern

A Modern Art Museum might not seem like the obvious place to go when visiting London with kids, but we found this to be a surprising hit for our family. Admission is free and the vibes are refreshingly kid-friendly; this is a direct quote from the Tate Modern website, “Remember it's ok to talk at Tate! It's ok to make some noise!” Housed in a giant former power station on the riverside, our kids kept asking what it was when we walked along the river. Inside, there’s plenty of space to explore, and the massive Turbine Hall often features interactive installations or pop-up activities designed with kids in mind. They also have a feature called Tate Draw where you can use a digital sketch pad to bring your artwork to life.

Dinner – Where The Pancakes Are

For dinner Where The Pancakes Are will be a hit for all kids where they get to build their own pancakes. The rest of the menu is delicious where are all the pancakes were made fresh in-house.

A colorful breakfast plate featuring a golden pancake dusted with powdered sugar, crispy bacon, a sunny-side-up egg, sliced bananas, mixed berries, and pomegranate seeds. The dish is served on a pink plate atop a rustic wooden table.
A skillet-baked Yorkshire pudding filled with melted cheese and topped with a sprig of rosemary sits on a wooden table next to a small bowl of fresh kale salad. In the background, other brunch dishes and drinks are visible.

Walk Along Millenium Bridge / St. Paul’s Cathedral

This might be a unique moment from our trip that is hard to recreate, but our final evening was a cool, gorgeous summer night, and we strolled along the South Bank. We stopped and watched a street artist make sand sculptures on the river-bed that would wash away that night. And then we walked across the Millenium Bridge towards St. Paul’s Cathedral (the bridge is fully pedestrianized, so no cars whizzing by). At the end of the bridge we stopped and listened to a street musician play the harp. He even let the kids have a play. It was one of those moments that captured why we love London. It is one of those cities where just walking, with no defined destination, can lead you to unforgettable experiences.

A man and two smiling children stand on the Millennium Bridge in London at sunset, with St. Paul’s Cathedral clearly visible in the background. The bridge is lightly crowded with pedestrians, and cranes rise above the city skyline under a clear blue sky.

FAQs for Visiting London with kids

Is London stroller friendly?

London makes a big effort to be stroller-friendly. Most attractions are equipped with lifts and ramps. Newer tube stations are accessible but older stations still have stairs only, so plan ahead if using the underground. The easiest public transport to use with a stroller are the buses.

Is London nursing friendly?

Yes, London, and the UK in general, is supportive of nursing mothers both practically and socially. Most museums, restaurants, and larger train stations have dedicated facilities for nursing. Some larger department stores have facilities too.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Yes. London is one of the busiest cities in the world so you will want to book ahead for almost all attractions.

Do I need to bring a carseat?

You don’t need To bring a car seat when visiting London. Black Cabs are exempt from UK child car seat laws. If you take an Uber you are not legally required to use a car seat for short ride. That said, it’s a personal call. Consider what you’re comfortable with, especially if you plan to be in a car regularly. We love these easy-to-pack inflatable booster-seats and always bring them just in case.

What is the weather like in London?

Weather in London is famously unpredictable, but rarely extreme, so it’s best to pack for several eventualities. In the Summer you might be in shorts and a t-shirt one day and jeans and a hoody the next.  An Umbrella and/or light rain jacket is essential.

Contactless Payments

London is essentially universally equipped to accept contactless payments. For public transport you can use a contactless credit card, Apple Pay, or an Oyster Card to tap and go (And remember, kids under 11 ride public transport free!). All shops, cafes, museums, taxis, market stalls accept contactless payments. Even the street performers have card readers ready to go! The contactless makes visiting London with kids easy and hassle free.

Getting Around London with Kids

Getting around London with kids is actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. The Tube is fast and convenient but be prepared for stairs in some stations. Buses are great too, especially if you can snag a seat up top for the views. Black cabs are pricey but can be a lifesaver when everyone's melting down. And don’t underestimate the joy of just walking. London is super walkable, and you’ll stumble across the coolest stuff when you’re on foot.

A smiling man and young boy sit side by side on a London Underground train, enjoying the ride. The man wears a maroon shirt and khaki shorts, while the boy is in a striped t-shirt and shorts, holding a toy. The train is stopped at a station, visible through the open door behind them.

Living in North Texas we don’t take a lot of public transport, so riding the tube was something our kids never got tired of. We told them about the huge escalators that go deep underground, and they always got excited whenever we saw one.

Kid-Friendly Accommodations in London

Just a heads-up, U.K. hotels aren’t usually set up with families in mind the way U.S. hotels are. That common 2-queen-bed room you find in the States? Not standard here. Be sure to double-check the room setup to make sure it fits your crew. Airbnbs can be a great option, and there are also some charming family-run B&Bs worth exploring. Personally, we loved our hotel stay and would absolutely stay there again with the kids.

Where We Stayed - Sea Containers London

Located on the South Bank and within walking distance of St. Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, we found Sea Containers to be the fantastic base for our London adventure. The design is funky and quirky, and the staff were very warm and accommodating. When the WiFi in our room didn't work they were quick to investigate and put us in a new room without any fuss.

Two plush double beds with crisp white linens and bold pink, black, and gray throws in a modern hotel room at Sea Containers London, featuring large windows with a city view, a work desk, and cozy seating.

KIDS KORNER!

Kids Korner is where we ask our two little ones for their thoughts on the places we visited.

What is your best memory of London?

Arlo: Seeing Big Ben.

Lila:  The big toy shop.

What was your favorite thing to do?

Arlo: The Tower of London.

Lila:  Seeing the real Buckingham Palace.

What was your favorite meal?

Arlo: The pancake place.

Lila:  All the food was good.

Any tips for other kids visiting?

Arlo: Bring a sweater.

Lila:  Don’t be scared of the big escalators.

Enjoyed our London 3-Day Itinerary? Check out our other blog posts!