21 things to do with the kids in London

On our doorstop and a short hop from Dublin or Knock airport, London is jam-packed full of attractions. In this blog we will talk all things fun for kids. Here are a few of our favourite family-friendly attractions:

1. London Eye:

Now as much a part of the London skyline as The Shard or Big Ben, this giant ferris wheel is one of London’s most popular attractions. A rotation on the 135 metre-high observation wheel takes about 30 minutes. But, due to its popularity ,queuing times can be long. Be sure to pre-book your tickets with us to avoid the long wait.

2. London Zoo:

London Zoo has been enchanting families since 1847; when it first opened to the public. With over 750 species of animal and cutting-edge exhibits, the zoo is a great day out for all ages.

3. Football match:

For all your little football fanatics, a Premiership game is an unforgettable experience! London is home to many top flight teams including Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and more. We can organise match packages at very competitive prices. We can also organise stadium tours to complete the experience.

4. Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus Tour:

The perfect way to experience all London’s leading attractions. This narrated double-decker bus tour offers unlimited hop-on-hop-off stops at over 70 locations. Among them Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

5. Tower of London:

William the Conqueror’s palace, the Tower of London will appeal to little princesses and knights alike. Little girls love to see the dazzling crown jewels and royal gowns. While little boys love the fact that the tower was once a prison and place of torture… Delightful! Queen Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII’s unfortunate wives was one of many nobles beheaded here.

And don’t forget to say hello to the ravens – the guardians of the tower. Legend has it that the tower will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress. If you’re lucky, you might see them having their dinner – bird biscuits soaked in blood! YUM!

From November until January, the tower’s moat turns into a giant ice rink, with a pop-up bar where the grownups can have some well-earned refreshments!

6. Madame Tussaud’s:

Meet the world's most famous stars face-to-face! From Hollywood to Bollywood, The Royal Family to ‘Rock Royalty’, visitors will be amazed. Over 300 lifelike wax figures in 14 themed areas, a state of the art 4D cinema and a nostalgic taxi ride through 400 years of London life.

Plus, you will get access to the new Star Wars exhibition: a unique, immersive experience featuring 16 of the most famous heroes and villains in scenes from some of the most iconic moments from the Star Wars universe.

7. Natural History Museum:

Hundreds of exciting, interactive exhibits in one of London’s most beautiful landmark buildings. If you’ve seen the Paddington film, you’ll recognise this place as some of it was shot there. Highlights include the popular Dinosaur gallery, mammal displays with the model blue whale. Not forgetting the spectacular Central Hall, home to the museum’s diplodocus skeleton.

8. Sherlock Holmes Museum:

One of the most famous address in London, 221B Baker Street is a must-see for all fans of Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous detective creation, Sherlock Holmes. Step back in time and visit the rooms overlooking Baker Street which have been replicated to look as they would have back in Victorian Times.

9. Ripley’s Believe it or Not:

Ripley’s Believe It or Not is London’s most wonderfully weird visitor attraction. It is home to hundreds of jaw-dropping artefacts collected by the legendary cartoonist, world traveller and explorer Robert Ripley.

With unusual art, underwater wonders, an upside down room, a miniatures’ gallery, and even a dungeon, at Ripley’s we have every unusual thing you can imagine (and plenty more you can’t)! Want to see how will you measure up to the world’s tallest man? Or come face to face with their rare collection of Amazonian shrunken heads?

Will you dare to venture into Ripley's Marvellous Mirror Maze, experience the UK's first interactive graffiti wall and defeat the Impossible LaseRace?

10. Harry Potter Studios:

Follow in Harry, Ron and Hermione’s footsteps in this behind the scenes walking tour. Featuring authentic sets, costumes and props from the Harry Potter film series, located at the studios where it was filmed.

The tour also includes some guarded secrets, including facts about the special effects and animatronics that made these films universally popular.

Step inside and discover the actual Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office. Step onto the cobbles of Diagon Alley, explore the Griffindor common room and much, much more.

11. London Dungeons:

Well-deserving of its long-standing reputation for being one of London's goriest and atmospheric attractions, the London Dungeon takes you on a journey into London's murky history. Find yourself stalked through narrow streets by the infamous Jack the Ripper, meet the murderous King Henry VIII, or (if you dare) get up close and personal with the pungent "Gong Farmer"... well, maybe we'd best not explain that one...

Bringing with it all new shows, effects and costumes, the London Dungeon has moved to a huge new location next to the London Eye.

This puts it right next door to one of City Cruises' pier stops, meaning it makes a perfect day out when combined with our sightseeing cruise of the Thames.

12. Shrek’s Adventure:

London’s newest family attraction is perfect for when the weather is bad. This indoor walk-and-ride attraction brings the world of Shrek and friends to life, with live shows, film sets, 4D rides and dramatic special effects which are trademark of DreamWorks animation.

Visitors will encounter a magic mirror maze, a smelly swamp, powerful spells, and a cheeky DreamWorks game show.

Step into and star in your very own hilarious madcap adventure. Will you be able to save Pinocchio, beat Lord Farquaad’s spiteful Magic Mirror and make it safely home?

13. Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood:

Home to one of the world’s finest collections of childhood-related objects from dolls, to construction toys, puppets, paintings, optical and mechanical toys.

The recently refurbished Museum of Childhood has been amassing childhood-related objects since 1872 and continues to do so.

Victorian teddy bears share the space with robots. Of particular interest is the Must-Have Toys exhibition which showcases the favourite childhood toys from each decade of the 20th century.

Regular events and exhibitions are held upstairs and there is a café to to revive the grown-ups.

14. Duck Tour:

With many different tours to suit all tastes from a classic city sightseeing tour to a pirate treasure hunt tour, these amphibious vehicles offer a fun way to experience the sights and sounds of central London.

Go on both land and on water at various stages of the tour without you having to leave the comfort of your seat!

15. RAF Museum:

This world-class collection of more than 100 aircraft, aviation and wartime memorabilia offers a fascinating day out for all the family.

This museum, which is free of charge to enter, is dedicated wholly to aviation, the science of flight and the Royal Air Force.

Navigate your way through the history of aviation from the earliest balloon flight to the latest Eurofighter. A 3D cinema, awe-inspiring sound and light show that takes you back in time to the Battle of Britain. The Aeronauts interactive children’s gallery complete the experience.

16. West End Theatre:

With loads of big ticket shows to choose from such as The Lion King, Wicked, Aladdin, Charlie and the Chocolate factory and many more, attending a London musical or theatre show is an experience not to be missed. We offer great value theatre packages with the best seats for all the top shows.

17. London Beach:

Yes. You read that correctly!

London’s largest urban beach and theme park is a must-visit if you are in London during the summer months. Located at Brent cross Shopping Centre, the double award-winning beach has 2,500 square metres of golden sand and a large swimming pool.

If you are not the relaxing type, try out the theme park rides and bring your own picnic. At a £3 entry fee, this is a great value day out and a lovely respite from the bustle of the city.

18. IMAX:

Experience the biggest cinema screen in the U.K. At over 20 metres high and 26 metres wide – that’s as high as five double-decker buses. Seeing a film here is like nothing else!

19. Kidzania:

KidZania is a 75,000 square foot city where the kids are in charge! Aimed at 4-14 year olds, with more than 60 real-life role play adventures in which they can take part in.

From working in a supermarket or bank, to fighting crime as a police officer, each role-play experience is crafted to teach kids essential life skills in a fun environment. The perfect day out for when the weather is bad!

20. Sea Life London Aquarium:

Discover a magical underwater world filled with a dazzling array of amazing sea creatures. From sharks to rare Green Sea Turtles, from jellyfish to rays, from clownfish to blue tangs.

With 17 themed zones and over 600 species of marine life, sea life London Aquarium will take you on a fascinating journey from the coastline to the depths of the ocean.

21. Legoland Windsor:

Enjoyed by over 2,250,000 visitors in 2015 alone, The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is a unique family theme park where children aged 2 -12 can take to the road, soar through the skies and sail the seas in complete safety.

Only an hour outside the city, it has over 55 interactive rides, attractions, live shows, building workshops and driving schools, not to mention a staggering 80 million LEGO® bricks, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland.

Prepare for a soaking on our wet-and-wild water rides. Follow a pirate trail that'll leave you wetter than walking the plank or join a Viking fleet where you'll battle sea monsters and rough waters. Tiny feet will also love making a splash in DUPLO® Valley. Our many interactive rides put you in the driving seat.

Sign the whole family up for some high energy fun at the Fire Academy or take to the skies with the Chopper Squadron. Steer your own course on the Driving School or be captain of your vessel at the Boating School.

Young and old alike will be fascinated by the incredible LEGO models throughout the park. From comical camels to fearsome fire-breathing dragons, world landmarks to musical pirates, it's amazing what can be built with LEGO bricks - nearly 55 million of them!