As the weather improves, London offers a wealth of opportunities for families to enjoy quality time together during the half term break. The capital is a vibrant cultural hub, brimming with unique attractions that cater to all interests and ages, ensuring there's something for everyone to explore and discover.
Top Attractions for Family Fun
Here are 25 engaging activities to do with children in London, suitable for any time of the year, providing entertainment and educational value.
1. Shrek’s Adventure
Located near the London Eye, Shrek’s Adventure offers an immersive tour that combines 10 live shows with classic sets from the beloved Shrek films. This one-hour and fifteen-minute experience features storytelling, a 4D ride, special effects, and animation, making it ideal for children aged six and above, though all are welcome. Under-threes enter for free. As part of a network including the London Eye and Sea Life Centre, tickets can be purchased for access to multiple venues. Check the website for pricing and details.
Opening Times: Monday to Friday and Sunday: 10am to 3pm; Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
2. Science Museum
With free entry, the Science Museum is accessible and enjoyable for the whole family. Interactive demonstrations cover topics like space exploration, the history of the space race, and human life. Visitors can explore at their own pace, with an average visit lasting around two hours, and café facilities are available on-site.
Opening Times: Monday and Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday to Sunday: 10am to 6pm
Address: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
3. Natural History Museum
Another free-entry venue, the Natural History Museum captivates children with exhibits on dinosaurs, species origins, and more across five main categories: botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology, and zoology. It's a fantastic way to keep young minds engaged.
Opening Times: Daily: 10am to 5:50pm
Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
4. Harry Potter World
Step into the magical world of Harry Potter with an award-winning studio tour that includes iconic locations such as the Great Hall, Forbidden Forest, and Diagon Alley. Authentic props and original costumes add to the experience, which has won accolades like Best Family Day Out 2019. Tickets are priced at £49.95 for adults, £39.95 for children, and free for under-fours.
Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 8pm; Saturday and Sunday: 8:30am to 10pm
Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR
5. Sea Life London
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Sea Life London in Southbank offers close encounters with sharks, octopi, jellyfish, and stingrays. Standard tickets cost £27, and children under three go free, making it an engaging destination for hours of fun.
Opening Times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am to 4pm; Thursday: 11am to 4pm; Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 5pm
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
6. All Star Lanes Holborn
Bowling is a classic family activity, and All Star Lanes in Holborn provides a fun day out with karaoke rooms and a variety of food options. It's a great spot to spend quality time together, with ticket prices available on their website.
Opening Times: Monday to Wednesday: 3pm to 11:30pm; Thursday: 3pm to midnight; Friday: noon to 2am; Saturday: 11am to 2am; Sunday: 11am to 10:30pm
Address: Victoria House, Bloomsbury Place, London WC1B 4DA
7. TOCA Social Greenwich
TOCA Social offers the world's first interactive football and dining experience, featuring immersive gaming alongside quality food and drink. Boxes cost £90 for up to 15 people, but free-use foosball tables, arcades, and selfie booths are also available for walk-ins.
Opening Times: Monday to Thursday: 11am to midnight; Friday: 11am to 1am; Saturday: 9am to 1am; Sunday: 9am to midnight
Address: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
8. Boom Battle Bar
This venue boasts a wide range of activities, including bowling, darts, axe throwing, pool, crazy golf, and shuffleboard. Prices vary per game, so it's best to check their website for details and bookings.
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday: noon to midnight; Sunday: noon to 11pm
Address: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
9. Emirates Airline Cable Car
Enjoy breathtaking views of London from approximately 90 metres above the River Thames on this cable car ride to the O2. Cabins arrive every 30 seconds, with a travel time of around 10 minutes. Tickets can be tapped like on the Tube or pre-loaded onto an Oyster card.
Opening Times: Monday to Thursday: 7am to 10pm; Friday: 7am to 11pm; Saturday: 8am to 11pm; Sunday and bank holidays: 9am to 10pm
Address: Royal Docks side 27 Western Gateway, London E16 1FA
10. Wembley Stadium Tour
Tour the iconic home of English football, including access to dressing rooms, a bird's-eye view of the pitch, and the tunnel where legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have stood. Tickets are £22 for adults, £15 for children under 16, concessions, and free for under-fours and carers.
Opening Times: 10am until last entry, depending on the day
Address: London HA9 0WS
11. Puttshack White City
Located in Westfield Shopping Centre, this tech-infused crazy golf course offers global-inspired meals. Adult tickets cost £12.50, and children's tickets are £7.50, providing fun for all ages.
Opening Times: Monday to Wednesday and Sunday: 10am to 10pm; Thursday: 10am to 11pm; Friday and Saturday: 10am to midnight
Address: Puttshack White City, Westfield, Ariel Way, London W12 7HB
12. Go to the Theatre
The West End theatre scene in London offers a variety of shows, from Dear Evan Hansen to The Lion King, with tickets ranging from £15 to £200. It's a cultural experience that delights audiences of all ages.
Address example: Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7RQ
13. Explore Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a bustling area with high-end stores like Charlotte Tilbury, local markets for souvenirs, and live street performers. It's a vibrant spot for family exploration and entertainment.
Address: 14 James Street, London WC2E 8BU
14. Watch the Changing of the Guard
This famous free event features marching and live music, though it can be busy. Tips for visiting with children are available on the official website to enhance the experience.
Address: Memorial Flower Beds, Construction Hill, Spur Road, London SW1A 1AA
15. The Tate Modern
With free entry, the Tate Modern showcases distinctive modern art pieces. Booking is recommended, though some tickets may be available on the door.
Opening Times: Daily: 10am to 6pm
Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG
16. Topgolf Chigwell
Topgolf offers a competitive driving range experience where points are scored for hitting targets, with clubs provided. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, free parking, and sports screens. Tickets are £8 for ages 16+ and £7 for children.
Opening Times: Monday to Thursday and Sunday: 9am to 11pm; Friday and Saturday: 9am to midnight
Address: Abridge Road, Chigwell IG7 6BX
17. Visit the Fake Houses at Leinster Gardens
These 'fake' houses were built to cover an air vent created during the Metropolitan Line construction, with a quirky history including a 1930s con involving a non-existent ball. It's a unique historical spot to explore.
Address: 23, 24 Leinster Gardens
18. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Skywalk
Experience breathtaking views from the roof of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, nearly 50 metres above the pitch, in a 90-minute adventure. Adult tickets start from £35, and children's from £28, but check the website for varying opening times due to match schedules.
Address: 782 High Road, London N17 0BX
19. Have Dinner at Park Row London
Inspired by Batman, this restaurant features a secret entrance through a bookshop leading to a sophisticated dining experience. While prices are higher, the exquisite food and unique atmosphere make it memorable.
Opening Times: Monday: closed; Tuesday and Wednesday: 5pm to 1am; Thursday and Friday: noon to 1am; Saturday: noon to midnight; Sunday: 1pm to 9pm
Address: 77 Brewer Street, London W1F 9ZN
20. Ride the Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit
Located in the Olympic Park, this 40-second descent down the world's tallest and longest tunnel slide offers stunning London views. Participants must be at least eight years old, with tickets priced at £17.75 for adults, £11.75 for children, and £14.75 for seniors and students.
Opening Times: Friday to Monday: 11am to 3pm
Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton Street, London E20 2AD
21. Museum of Brands
This museum takes visitors on a nostalgic journey through 200 years of consumer history, showcasing brand evolution from Coke to Kelloggs. Adult tickets cost £9, concessions £7, and children £5, with special exhibitions available.
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday: 10am to 6pm; Sunday: 11am to 5pm
Address: 111-117 Lancaster Road, London W11 1QT
22. Bike Ride Around the Olympic Park
Bring your own bike or rent a Boris bike for £2 per 24 hours to explore the Lee Valley centre and West Ham United's stadium area, which is typically quiet on non-match days.
Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton Street, London E20 2AD
23. Royal Observatory
Stand on the Meridian Line and learn about Greenwich Mean Time at this educational attraction. Adult tickets are £16, and children's tickets are £8, with access to one of the UK's largest telescopes.
Opening Times: Daily: 10am to 5pm
Address: Blackheath Avenue, London SE10 8XJ
24. River Thames Walk
Stroll along the iconic River Thames, passing through Southbank with its street food vendors and skatepark, while enjoying views of landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and London Eye. A popular route runs from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge.
Address example: Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP
25. View Street Art in Shoreditch
Shoreditch is known for its trendy vibe, featuring street food vendors and eye-catching street art, including works by Banksy. It's a vibrant area to explore and discover artistic expressions.
Address example: Rivington Street, Shoreditch
These activities highlight the diverse and exciting options available for families in London, ensuring a memorable half term filled with fun and learning.
