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It’s not often I get to take my children to London. I live in the North, so when we go, it’s a big deal and a real treat. Generally, because the journey is long, I leave the youngest behind and go for ‘grown up’ day out with the big ones.
Doing extra special things with the kids is a great way to bond. Giving them a ‘grown up’ day out allows them to explore cool new things that they wouldn’t normally do and it gives you chance to escape play areas and chicken nuggets for a day!
Start with a Train Ride
I wouldn’t recommend driving in London. To be fair, I’ve never done it, but it looks very stressful so I doubt I’d try.
Kids love trains, so taking a nice, relaxed train journey is a great idea. I like to pack some snacks, load up the tablet with things to watch and try to get a seat with a table for us all to sit around. The children love looking out the window and watching the world go by. For parents, it’s a great opportunity to relax and sit quietly (those are my favourite opportunities).
Catch a Matinee Show
Taking the children to see a show is one of the best things you can do in London. They’re bound to get a real kick out of it and it’ll be a special memory forever. Pre-book tickets for children’s theatre in London, you can choose from lots of shows that are suitable for various ages. We’re desperate to see Matilda, but for older children, you might fancy going to see something like Wicked.
Visit a Cat Café
Once you’ve been to a cat café, you’ll wonder how you ever thought going to a regular cafe was ever fun! There are no cat cafes within miles of where we live, but thankfully, London has a few. The kids will love to spend time with the animals, and it’s a perfect place to rest your legs and have a coffee.
Take a Ride On the London Eye
Observe London from way up high by taking the children on the London eye. It’s an experience that’ll stay with them forever. London has one of the most impressive skylines in the world, so getting a good look from a high perspective will give you and your kids a unique view of the city.
Book a Cruise
For added adventure, you can take your children on a cruise of the Thames. They can observe the sights from the water and enjoy a boat ride too. I hadn’t been on a boat until I was a teen, and I’d have loved the chance to have a cruise on the Thames.
Take a Trip Around Harrods
I think it’s an unwritten rule that if you take children to London, you have to go to Harrods. Another unwritten rule is probably that you should buy the cheapest thing you can find for each child so they can treasure their Harrods item forever.
You might also like to read about free things to do in London.
For more tips on what to do with your children in London, check out this post about things to do with kids in Autumn.
There are so many great things to do in London. I love the London Eye. I’ve driven there a few times and it always takes ages. Plus parking is a pain (and expensive).