London is an energetic city with many attractions and things to see and do. Although it may not seem like it, it is the perfect place to entertain small children, with many free activities, exciting museums, and wide open spaces.
If you know where to look, London is exceptionally child-friendly. As a Londoner and mother myself, who has lived here for nearly 20 years, I know firsthand how brilliant and interesting London can be with a toddler in tow. I can share with you the best toddler-friendly places to go in the capital.
In this article, I’ll be sharing some insider tips and hidden gems to help you navigate the city with a toddler. Whether you’re a local parent seeking new inspiration or a visitor wondering how to keep your little one entertained.
I will share with you the 15 best toddler-friendly activities you can find that will keep even the most curious little minds entertained. Tip: I added a bonus activity at the end!
So pack your snack bags, dust off your stroller wheels, and let’s jump into discovering London through the eyes of our little adventurers.
đź’ˇ Book your tickets in advance: Tickets London Activities (via GetYourGuide). Waiting in line to purchase tickets can be a stressful experience, especially with toddlers and restless children in tow.
1. The London Eye
- Location: Waterloo, London
- Price Range: $$
- Personal Rating: 4.5/5
The iconic London Eye is a must-do for families. Offering a serene, slow-paced ride with an exceptional view of the city’s landmarks, it’s an enchanting experience for both adults and kids.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
We love the London Eye because it is spacious, safe, and stroller-friendly. The gentle pace is perfect for keeping the little ones entertained without overwhelming them. Your toddler will love the thrill of being high above the ground, seeing boats on the river, buses on the roads, and birds flying by!
What We Loved About It
The highlight for us was the stunning panoramic view of the city, which keeps changing as you rise higher. The pod is fully enclosed, offering peace of mind as our toddler explored the interior during the 30-minute ride.
The Best Time to Do It
The best months to visit the London Eye is between April and October when London’s weather is most pleasant. For the best experience, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Helpful Tip
Purchase your tickets online in advance to save time on the day. There are also family packages available that offer a discount!
2. London Zoo
- Location: Regent’s Park, London
- Price Range: $$
- Personal Rating: 5/5
London Zoo, with its exciting collection of animals and interactive exhibits, is a toddler’s paradise.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
Our toddler loves animals, and there’s no better place to introduce them to wildlife than at London Zoo. With its dedicated children’s zoo, petting areas, and numerous interactive exhibits, it’s an educational and fun day out. Children under the age of three also get free entry to the zoo.
What We Loved About It
The butterfly tunnel was a hit with our little one, as were the close encounters with the farm animals at Animal Adventure Zone. They also have a great play area and splash park for toddlers to enjoy. We also loved the layout of the zoo – it’s compact enough to not be overwhelming for little legs but big enough to house a diverse range of animals.
The Best Time to Do It
London Zoo is open year-round, but spring and summer offer the best weather for a day out. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. It is also worth noting that during the winter months, some of the animals are relocated to their other site in Whipsnade, which is outside of London.
Helpful Tip
Don’t miss the daily animal talks and feeding sessions! It’s an excellent opportunity for your toddler to learn more about the animals and see them up close.
3. Thames River Cruise
- Location: Various points along the River Thames
- Price Range: $
- Personal Rating: 5/5
For a unique perspective of the city, take your family on a river cruise along the Thames.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
A river cruise is relaxing, and it offers a welcome break from walking. The boat’s gentle motion is often a hit with toddlers, and they’ll love seeing the city from a different vantage point.
What We Loved About It
We loved the flexibility of hop-on, hop-off tickets. We were able to explore the city at our own pace and spend more time at locations our toddler enjoyed. We also saw so much more of the city along the river and our toddler loved the novelty of being on a boat.
The Best Time to Do It
River cruises run throughout the year. In the warmer months, aim for a morning cruise to avoid the afternoon crowds.
Helpful Tip
Pack a few of your toddler’s favorite snacks. Eating on the boat while watching the sights go by can be a fun picnic-style experience!
4. Sky Garden
- Location: Fenchurch Street, London
- Price Range: Free
- Personal Rating: 4/5
The Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street is London’s highest public garden with beautiful botanical plants and a 360 view across the city.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
The Sky Garden is spacious with plenty of places to explore. There is also a cafe and restaurant inside so you can include it in a day of sightseeing as a place to grab a bite.
What We Loved About It
Our toddler loved zooming up to the Sky Garden in the glass lift and running among the impressive tropical plants. We also loved peering out of the window with our daughter, pointing out landmarks, and gazing at the clouds.
The Best Time to Do It
As this is an indoor activity you can visit at any time of the year, especially on a rainy day.
Helpful Tip
Although it is free to enter you do have to book in advance. Weekday mornings during school term time are the quietest time to visit.
5. Mudchute Farm
- Location: Mudchute, London
- Price Range: Free
- Personal Rating: 4.5/5
Visit this surprisingly large farm, just a few stops from Canary Wharf, where you can meet many farm animals including Llamas, sheep, cows, and chickens.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
The farm is easy to reach on public transport and has large open green spaces for toddlers to run about. There are plenty of animals to see and it also has a pet corner where toddlers can meet rabbits and guinea pigs.
What We Loved About It
The farm is very open so we could walk around at our own pace. Our toddler particularly loved getting close to the chickens and ducks. There is also a small play area with toys for young toddlers to play in near the cafe.
The Best Time to Do It
The best time to visit is during spring and summer, however, the farm is open all year round.
Helpful Tip
At specific times of the year such as Easter and during school holidays the farm puts on additional activities such as donkey rides and animal handling. There is also a pumpkin patch in Autumn and other seasonal activities throughout the year.
6. National Maritime Museum
- Location: Greenwich, London
- Price Range: $ Free entry – some activities have a fee
- Personal Rating: 5/5
Visit this historic National Maritime Museum and learn about the rich naval history of London, in this pretty southeast suburb of London.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
The museum has some interesting exhibits including boats and an interactive hands-on gallery aimed at children. There is also a large floor map on the first floor you can explore. However, the Ahoy Children’s Gallery is the place to head to for children under 7 with dress-up, and naval-themed play equipment. Every Tuesday, during term time, there is also a play session for under 5s, for £4.
What We Loved About It
Our toddler loved exploring the Ahoy Children’s Gallery, playing with the interactive displays, and pretending to be a pirate. It was really kid friendly with a place to park our stroller and lots of space to run around.
The Best Time to Do It
Go during spring or summer is to make the most of the nearby park that has an excellent children’s playground and also a small boating lake.
Helpful Tip
Entry to the museum is free and children can access the Ahoy Children’s Gallery for free during term time only. During school holidays and weekends, there is an entry fee and booking is essential.
7. Natural History Museum
- Location: South Kensington, London
- Price Range: Free
- Personal Rating: 5/5
With life-size dinosaur models and a variety of interactive displays, the Natural History Museum is a hit with children of all ages.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
The museum offers a lot of visual stimuli that will captivate your toddler. Their tactile exhibits are particularly attractive for this age group.
What We Loved About It
We loved the big open spaces and our toddler loved looking at all the animal and dinosaur exhibitions. Our favourite was the lifesize giant blue whale model. The museum is also spacious and stroller-friendly.
The Best Time to Do It
The museum is a great indoor activity all year round, especially on rainy days or during colder months. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Helpful Tip
The dinosaur gallery includes a lifelike animatronic dinosaur exhibit that some toddlers will find scary. We skipped this section with our daughter and kept to the dinosaur models. Remember to check out the museum’s website for information about current exhibitions and children’s activities.
8. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
- Location: Kensington Gardens, London
- Price Range: Free
- Personal Rating: 4.5/5
A magical place inspired by the Peter Pan stories, this playground is perfect for sparking children’s imagination.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
The playground offers safe, well-maintained, and diverse play equipment. The highlight is a large wooden pirate ship that’s a hit with toddlers!
What We Loved About It
We loved the design of the playground, inspired by the stories of Peter Pan. There was so much for our toddler to explore including the pirate ship and the beach area. It was great to see our toddler’s imagination come to life.
The Best Time to Do It
The playground is open throughout the year but is most enjoyable during warmer months. Try to arrive early in the morning when it’s quieter.
Helpful Tip
The playground can get busy, so keep a close eye on your little ones! It’s worth noting that only adults supervising children up to the age of 12 will be admitted.
9. Science Museum
- Location: South Kensington, London
- Price Range: Free
- Personal Rating: 4.5/5
The Science Museum is a wonderful place to inspire curiosity and a love for learning in your toddler.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
The museum offers interactive displays and areas designed specifically for younger children. This includes the ‘Garden’ area in the basement, filled with water play, light, and sound exhibits.
What We Loved About It
Our daughter loved the interactive ‘Garden’ area and the ‘Flight’ gallery with various aircraft models. It was an educational experience, wrapped in lots of fun. We also enjoyed the multi-sensory pattern-pod exhibit where our toddler could play with light and patterns. Make sure to check what exhibits are on when you arrive.
The Best Time to Do It
Being an indoor activity, it’s ideal for any time of the year, particularly for rainy or colder days. Try to visit on weekday mornings when it’s less crowded.
Helpful Tip
Though the museum is free, some special exhibits may have an entry fee. Check the website before you visit.
10. Discover Story Centre
- Location: Stratford, London
- Price Range: $
- Personal Rating: 5/5
Discover Story Centre is a hidden gem in London, offering interactive storytelling and play spaces for children.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
The centre encourages imaginative play, and its storytelling sessions are highly engaging for toddlers. The play areas are suitable for young children, stimulating their creativity.
What We Loved About It
Our toddler enjoyed exploring the Story World and Story Garden. The storytelling sessions were also a hit. It was lovely to see our little one so engrossed and having fun. There is also an amazing outdoor play garden which our daughter loved.
The Best Time to Do It
The Discover Story Centre is perfect throughout the year. Weekday afternoons are usually quieter than weekends.
Helpful Tip
Book your tickets in advance as the centre often sells out during peak times.
11. SEA LIFE London Aquarium
- Location: Waterloo , London
- Price Range: $$
- Personal Rating: 4.5/5
Home to thousands of sea creatures, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is a fascinating experience for toddlers.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
The aquarium is a visual treat for toddlers with colorful fish, playful penguins, and a beautiful walk-through tunnel.
What We Loved About It
Our little one was amazed by the variety of sea creatures, especially during feeding times. Our daughter especially loved walking through the underwater tunnel and spotting the resident sea turtle swimming overhead. .
The Best Time to Do It
The SEA LIFE London Aquarium is perfect all year round. It’s busiest during the weekends and school holidays, so consider visiting on a weekday.
Helpful Tip
Check the feeding times and talks on the day of your visit to make sure your toddler gets the most out of the experience.
12. London Transport Museum
- Location: Covent Garden, London
- Price Range: $$
- Personal Rating: 5/5
The London Transport Museum is an exciting exploration of the city’s transport history, with many interactive exhibits for kids. Children go free so you only have to pay for adults.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
Toddlers will love the hands-on exhibits. They can explore the different modes of transport, from old double-decker buses to tube trains. There are lots of family-friendly activities run throughout the year for under 5s, including story sessions during term time and creative activities during school holidays.
What We Loved About It
Our toddler was thrilled to ‘drive’ a bus and a tube train in the All Aboard play zone There was even a dress-up area which my daughter loved. The museum is also quite educational, making it a fun learning experience for the whole family.
The Best Time to Do It
The museum is an excellent indoor activity for any weather and is less busy on weekday mornings.
Helpful Tip
Your ticket is valid for unlimited visits for a whole year, so you can return as many times as you like!
13. Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
- Location: Battersea Park, London
- Price Range: $
- Personal Rating: 4.5/5
A smaller and more manageable zoo for toddlers, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo has a lovely collection of animals and a play area.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
It’s just the right size for toddlers to explore without getting too tired. The animal feeding times and the adventure playground are great hits with the little ones.
What We Loved About It
We loved the friendly and intimate atmosphere. Our toddler enjoyed the playground, and the interactive exhibits made the visit more engaging.
The Best Time to Do It
The zoo is open all year, but it’s particularly pleasant to visit during the warmer months.
Helpful Tip
Check out the zoo’s timetable for talks and feeding times to plan your day better.
14. Mudlarks at the Museum of London Docklands
- Location: Canary Wharf, London
- Price Range: Free
- Personal Rating: 4.5/5
Mudlarks is an interactive play area for younger children, offering a variety of fun, hands-on learning activities.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
With play areas designed to introduce the history of London’s Docklands, Mudlarks provides an engaging, educational experience for toddlers.
What We Loved About It
The area is well-designed with a lot of thoughtful and educational play activities. Our daughter really enjoyed the Family Gallery area, which included a soft-play. We also appreciated the cleanliness and the friendly staff.
The Best Time to Do It
Being an indoor activity, it’s suitable for any weather. It’s less crowded on weekday mornings.
Helpful Tip
Booking is essential for Mudlarks, so make sure to book your free ticket in advance!
15. Kew Gardens
- Location: Richmond, London
- Price Range: $$
- Personal Rating: 4.5/5
Kew Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden with plenty of space for toddlers to run around and explore.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
The gardens offer open spaces, and an impressive variety of stunning plants. The Children’s Garden has been designed specifically for kids aged 2 to 12 with play areas representing the four natural elements.
What We Loved About It
Our toddler loved the Treetop Walkway and the interactive play areas in the Children’s Garden. The playground is stunning, and my daughter enjoyed the living bamboo tunnel in the Earth Garden. The wide-open spaces were perfect for letting off some steam.
The Best Time to Do It
Kew Gardens is open all year, but spring and summer are especially beautiful with plants in full bloom. Try to visit on weekday mornings when it’s less crowded.
Helpful Tip
Remember to pack a picnic! There are plenty of perfect spots to enjoy an outdoor meal. Kew Gardens has seasonal activities and exhibits, including a beautiful night light display in winter. So be sure to check what’s on before your visit.
Bonus Activity: The Barbican
- Location: Farringdon, London
- Price Range: Free entry – some events are ticketed
- Personal Rating: 5/5
The Barbican is an inspiring and interesting arts hub with beautiful open spaces to explore, including water fountains. There is also a wonderful indoor conservatory, which is the second largest in London and has many exciting arts, theater, and film events taking place here.
Why Is It Great with Toddlers
There are many interesting and immersive art and music exhibitions at the Barbican along with theater and film showings suitable for children. The outdoor area is expansive and pretty with lots of options to explore and run around.
What We Loved About It
We visited the Squish Space with our toddler which is a creative play area for under 5s designed by artist duo India Harvey and Lisa Marie Bengtsson. The play space takes turns to be redesigned by different artists and the Barbican has a very relaxed and inclusive feel. We will be coming back to explore the conservatory and other arts events.
The Best Time to Do It
The Barbican is open all year and is mainly indoors, making it a great place to visit on a rainy day or during winter. It has many seasonal events and activities during the year so check the website before you visit.
Helpful Tip:
Children under 12 eat free at the Barbican restaurant for every adult main meal ordered.
Exploring London with a toddler can be a wonderful experience with so many kid-friendly activities. The city is full of adventure and learning opportunities that your little ones (and you!) will remember for a lifetime. Enjoy your journey!