16 Best Family Things to Do in London

Do your kids want to see David Beckham? What about James Bond, or the Queen? At Madame Tussauds, families can wander around the exhibits and see utterly life-like wax models of celebrities, singers, heroes, and historic figures from today's pop stars to Charlie Chaplin.

V&A Museum of Childhood has exhibits to excite all ages, from 17th-century dolls’ houses to 1950s Scalextric racing cars. Little ones can frolic in the sandpit and ride rocking horses, while older kids make pictures from magnetic filings. Bring your own cup to enjoy discounted prices on hot drinks at Benugo café, V&A Museum of Childhood's open-plan eatery.

This attraction is open to kids of all ages, but be warned - little ones may get frightened. Daring visitors are sure to find this spooky living museum the perfect balance of fright and fun. The London Dungeon blends theatrical actors, moving stage-sets, and wacky rides to create an imaginative walk-through with exhibits on everything from Guy Fawkes to Sweeney Todd.

Create a medieval knight in bronze, or a multicoloured St George and the Dragon to take home. There are replica brasses of all sizes and levels, and different colours of metallic wax. Keep your ears open for free lunchtime concerts in the church hall.

Handmade Jack-in-the-boxes and string puppets fill Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, a tiny specialist store in the lively Covent Garden market. It's also one of the oldest toy shop in London, dating back as far as 1851. With the help of contemporary artists, the store has its own range of quality toy theatres. 

This purpose-built theatre has a year-round programme of performances for a wide range of ages. Daytime storytelling, Shakespeare for teenagers and puppet shows with a twist mark this family-friendly London venue.

Hard Rock Cafe was actually founded in London – and this one keeps true to its Americana-obsessed tradition. Kids can enjoy fresh American cuisine from tasty New York-style sandwiches to finger-licking fried chicken. Music-obsessed parents will get a thrill from all the rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia – and who knows, your kids may get inspired, too.

The Serpentine Lake at the vast Hyde Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with rowing boats and pedal boats for hire. In summer months you can enjoy a dip at the Serpentine Swimming Club, and there’s a paddling pool for little ones.

Explore the Hampton Court Palace grounds, with labyrinthine green corridors made for getting lost. Bringing the experience to life is a gentle audio installation with sounds of furtive conversations, snatches of medieval music and giggling, just like in Henry VIII’s days.

Teenagers will love the alternative fashions at this canal-side market, with super-cool T-shirts, Goth gear and funky footwear. African masks and handmade jewellery stalls dot the indoor Stables market, with plenty of food stalls serving up cuisine from around the world.

On the driverless overland train to Greenwich, even adults love the front seat to pretend to be the driver. The Docklands Light Railway speeds east to Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers and on to Greenwich, where the Meridian Line cuts through the vast park.

Enjoy a break along the River Thames with views of the Houses of Parliament. There’s a wide choice of family-friendly London restaurants and cafés along the South Bank, between Waterloo Pier and Gabriel’s Wharf, from pizzas to fresh sandwiches to Italian deli food.

Unleash your kids’ imagination at Discover Children’s Story Centre, where storytelling, dressing up and the Story Trail entertains the under-12s. With larger-than-life exhibitions and interactive adventures, weekends have drop-in family activities.

Take a break from the burgers and bring your kids to Masala Zone, a small informal chain of authentic Indian eateries that boast friendly staff, a laidback ambience, and good solid food cooked with fine ingredients. With plenty of Indian classics and regional-specific dishes, this is the perfect place to widen your kids’ palates – there’s also a cheaper menu for under-7s.