25 things to do with kids in London 2022: fun activities for children and families near me

There’s always something to do in London, as the capital is a cultural hub full of unique things to explore, discover and do.

It suits everyone’s needs, and there is something for everyone to do.

Here are 25 things to do with the kids in London, no matter what time of the year it is.

• Shrek’s Adventure

The tour at Shrek’s Adventure, near the London Eye should take 1 hour 15 minutes.

It’s not your standard tour, as the tour combines 10 live shows and classic sets from the iconic Shrek films with storytelling, a 4D ride, special effects and animation, making it an immersive tour.

The tour is recommended for children aged six and above, but is open to anyone. U3s get in for free.

As it is part of the network that includes the London Eye and the Sea Life Centre, you can buy a ticket that will gain you admission to other venues later on.

Visit their website for prices and ticket information

Opening Times: Mon - Fri, Sun: 10am - 3pm - Sat: 10am - 4pm

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB - https://www.shreksadventure.com/

• Science Museum

This is fun for the whole family, and accessible to all as it is free entry, although donations are always welcome.

Learn all about space with interactive demonstrations, and the history of the space race, all about human life and more.

There is no set time the tour should take, as it is up to your speed and if you use the cafe in the museum, but the average time is around two hours to complete.

Opening Times: Mon - Tue: Closed - Weds - Sun: 10am - 6pm

Address: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD - https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/home

• History Museum

Another free entry, the History Museum will definitely keep the children entertained and engaged for the duration.

They can learn about dinosaurs, the origins of species and others in the five main categories that include: botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology.

Opening Times: Mon - Sun: 10am - 5:50pm

Address: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD - https://www.nhm.ac.uk/

• Harry Potter World

An award winning tour in London, you can step into the world of Harry Potter and explore iconic locations such as Great Hall, Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley.

Marvel at authentic props and original costumes on this tour.

The tour has won Best Family Day Out 2019 and more.

For the studio tour, an adult ticket costs £49.95, children £39.95 and under 4’s get in free of charge

Opening Times: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 8pm - Sat - Sun: 8:30am - 10pm

Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR - https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/

• Sea Life London

Located in Southbank, Sea Life London is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

You can see sharks, octopi, jellyfish, stingrays and more up close, to keep the kids engaged for hours.

Standard tickets cost £27, whilst children under the age of three go free.

Opening times: Mon, Wed, Fri: 10am - 4pm - Thu: 11am - 4pm - Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB - https://www.visitsealife.com/london/

• All Star Lanes Holborn

Who doesn’t love a good day out bowling? It’s great fun for all the family, and you can prove to your kids you’ve still got it!

With karaoke rooms, and plenty of great food, it’s a place you can spend the day at.

Visit their website to view ticket prices and secure your lane.

Opening times: Mon - Wed: 3pm-11:30pm - Thu: 3pm-12am - Fri: 12pm - 2am - Saturday: 11am - 2am - Sunday: 11am - 10:30pm

Address: Victoria House, Bloomsbury Pl, London WC1B 4DA - https://www.allstarlanes.co.uk/locations/holborn

• TOCA Social Greenwich

Opening times: Mon - Thurs: 11am - 12am - Fri: 11am - 1am - Sat: 9am - 1am - Sun: 9am - 12am

Tickets cost £90 per box, and can hold up to 15 people.

The ultimate zone for all to have fun. TOCA Social is the world’s first interactive football and dining experience, with immersive gaming accompanied by good quality food and drink.

If you don’t want to pay as much you can still simply walk in, and use the free-use foosball tables, arcades, selfie booths and more.

Location & address: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX - https://toca.social/

• Boom Battle Bar

Opening times: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 12am - Sun 12pm - 11pm

What can’t you do here is the better question. You can go bowling, play darts, throw axes, play pool, crazy golf, shuffleboard and more. For a full list of what you can do, visit their official website. 

Due to the sheer volume of different games, prices vary per game. For more information on prices for each game, visit their website, where you can pick the game, time and how many people are taking part.

Location: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX - https://www.boombattlebar.co.uk/theo2

• Take a ride on the Emirates Airline Cable Car

Opening times: Mon - Thurs: 7am - 10pm - Friday: 7am - 11pm - Saturday: 8am - 11pm - Sunday and bank holidays: 9am - 10pm

Take in the breathtaking views of all of London as you slowly make your way towards the O2 in the cable car from TfL. Cabins arrive, available to get on every 30 seconds, and each travel time is estimated to be around 10 minutes. Ticket prices vary as you simply tap, like you would on the tube, or pre-load money onto your oyster card.

The views are spectacular, as you will be approximately 90 metres above the River Thames.

Location: Royal Docks side 27 Western Gateway, London E16 1FA - https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/emirates-air-line/

• Wembley Stadium Tour

Opening times: 10am until last entry, which is dependent on when you visit

Tour the home of English football, and the scene on the Euro 2021 final! Get access to the dressing rooms, get a birds eye view of the ground and even stand in the tunnel, where some of the greats including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have previously stood.

An unforgettable day, including a guided tour, complete with headphones and a recording device, so you can go at your own pace.

Tickets cost £22 for adults, £15 for children (under 16s), £15 for concession and accessible with carers and those aged four  or under getting in free of charge.

Location: London HA9 0WS - https://bookings.wembleytours.com/stadiumtours/booking/default.htm

• Puttshack White City

Opening times: Mon - Weds, Sun: 10am - 10pm - Thursday: 10am - 11pm - Fri - Sat: 10am - 12am

Located in the iconic Westfield Shopping Centre this tech infused crazy golf course is great fun for the whole family. Whether you’re winning or losing, the chefs at Puttshack can offer meals inspired by all over the globe, so a treat if you’re winning, or a pick me up if you’re losing.

Adult tickets cost £12.50 and kids is £7.50

Location: Puttshack White City, Westfield, Ariel Way, London, W12 7HB - https://www.puttshack.com/uk/find-a-location/white-city

• River Thames Walk

Walk alongside one of the most iconic rivers in Europe, as you walk along the River Thames.

Whilst you’re walking, you will go through the vibrant Southbank, complete with many street food vendors and a cool underground skatepark.

Take in some of the breathtaking views the capital has to offer, such as the houses of parliament, the newly refurbished Big Ben, the London Eye and more.

The unofficial route starts at Westminster Bridge and ends at Tower Bridge, or you can start at one and finish at the other.

Address: (End of route) Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP - https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/walking/thames-path

• Go to the theatre

A place etched in London history is the theatre, with the West End currently producing a whole host of shows ready to go and see now.

You can watch the likes of Dear Evan Hansen, Come From Away, Lion King and more, with each show uniquely different from the last.

Tickets can range from as little as £15 to as much as £200 on the West End, but every penny is well spent.

Address (Lyceum Theatre) 21 Wellington St, London WC2E 7RQ - https://officiallondontheatre.com/theatre-tickets/

• Explore Covent Garden

A better question to ask is what isn’t happening at Covent Garden, as there’s something from everyone to do.

There’s multiple stores, ranging from high-end ones such as Charlotte Tilbury to a local market, selling souvenirs you’ll all treasure for a lifetime.

Another attraction at Covent Garden is also the live street performers. Snap your children standing next to the statue performers, or watch other performers immerse yourself in their performance.

Address: 14 James St, London WC2E 8BU - https://www.coventgarden.london/

• Watch the Changing of the Guards

This event is probably one of the most famous free events in London, as it is usually always busy.

The day can be very tiring for all involved, but it’s a great spectacle complete with marching and live music.

The Changing Guard website also has some great tips for parents and guardians to consider when they’re visiting with children.

Address: Memorial Flower Beds, Construction Hill, Spur Rd, London SW1A 1AA - https://changing-guard.com/

• The Tate Modern

Despite entry here being free, booking is still recommended although some tickets are available to buy on the door.

It’s a free display of modern art, and each piece is uniquely designed, and is very distinctive in its own right.

Opening times: Mon - Sun: 10am - 6pm

Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG - https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

• Topgolf Chigwell

Don’t really fancy a round of golf but still want that competitive edge? Topgolf has you sorted!

Score points for hitting precise points on the driving range, and don’t worry about lugging your clubs around, as Topgolf provides all the suitable clubs for the day.

Complete with extra amenities such as a restaurant, bar, free parking and a large sports screen, Topgolf is the ultimate day out.

Tickets for those aged 16+ are £8, whereas children’s tickets are £7.

Opening times: Mon - Thurs, Sun: 9am - 11pm - Fri - Sat: 9am - 12pm

Address: Abridge Rd, Chigwell IG7 6BX - https://topgolf.com/uk/chigwell/

• Visit the fake houses at Leinster Gardens

A very different event, but a place in London with a great backstory and an interesting history. When the Metropolitan Line was being constructed, two houses were demolished to create an air vent, causing locals to bemoan the gap, thus two ‘fake’ houses were put there, to cover it up.

In the 1930s, a con man actually sold tickets to a ball buyers believed to be taking place at the house, only to release the house doesn’t actually function at all.

Address: 23, 24 Leinster Gardens

• Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Skywalk

Despite being held at a football stadium, anyone can enjoy this exhilarating experience. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the whole city of London as you step on the roof of one of the best stadiums in Britain, and experience living just under 50 metres above the pitch.

The whole experience should last around 90 minutes and is seen as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Due to Tottenham’s inconsistent schedules, opening times may vary and it is best to check the website. 

Adults go from £35, and kids cost £28.

Address: 782 High Rd, London N17 0BX - https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/the-stadium/visitor-attractions/the-dare-skywalk/

• Have dinner at Park Row London

This isn’t just any restaurant, it’s a restaurant inspired by the DC character Batman.

When you walk in, it looks like any ordinary bookshop, where a man presses a button allowing a bookshelf to open, leading you down a spiralling staircase, and into one of the most sophisticated restaurants in town.

The food is on the pricier side, but you get what you pay for and the food is exquisite, and worth every penny, not to mention a great experience for all too.

Visit their website for the menu.

Opening times: Mon: closed - Tues - Weds: 5pm - 1am - Thurs - Fri: 12pm - 1am - Sat: 12pm - 12am - Sun: 1pm - 9pm

Address: 77 Brewer St, London W1F 9ZN - https://parkrowlondon.co.uk/

• Ride the slide at the Arcelormittal Orbit 

This slide is in most pictures from those taken around the Olympic Village, and is just a stone’s throw away from the home of West Ham United.

This a 40 second descent down the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide, as well as experiencing breathtaking views of London.

You have to be at least eight years old to experience this, and tickets cost £17.75 for adults, £11.75 for children, £14.75 for seniors and students.

Opening times: Fri - Mon: 11am - 3pm

Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton St, London E20 2AD- https://www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/

• Museum of Brands

A proper trip down memory lane, with around 200 years of history from consumers and brands all over the world etched into this museum.

See how brands have evolved from Coke to Kelloggs to Fray Bentos, with a fascinating insight into how we have lived for the last two centuries.

Tickets for adults cost £9, concessions £7 and children £5.

You can also book tickets for special exhibitions such as the ‘history of teatime brands’. For more information on more exhibitions and their dates visit the website.

Opening times: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm - Sun: 11am - 5pm

Address: 111-117 Lancaster Rd, London W11 1QT - https://museumofbrands.com/

• Bike ride around the Olympic Park

This isn’t an official event or route, but is still great fun for the whole family.

You can either bring your own bike or rent one of the famed Boris bikes from the station they have there, with Boris bikes costing £2 for 24 hours of use.

You can view the Lee Valley centre, or race around the home of West Ham United, which is usually quiet on non-match days.

Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton St, London E20 2AD- https://www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/

• Royal Observatory

There’s a lot to do here, which combines a fun and educational trip into one.

Stand on the Meridian Line, where you can place one foot in the west meridian, and one foot in the east meridian and learn all about the Greenwich meantime (GMT).

For the observatory, adult tickets cost £16 and a ticket for children cost £8.

You can also view one of the UK’s largest telescopes.

Opening times: Mon - Sun: 10am - 5pm

Address: Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ - https://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory

• View street art in Shoreditch

Over the last few years Shoreditch has become the trendy place to be, and is now home to street food vendors, and eye-catching street art.

Scour Shoreditch to find the famous works of the notorious Banksy, who has two confirmed street art pieces in Shoreditch, and see the other street work that gives Shoreditch a vibrant aura.

Address (Banksy Artwork): Rivington Street, Shoreditch