A Realistic 6 Day London Itinerary With Kids: With Options for Every Family!
London is huge. There is so much for families to do that it can be overwhelming to prioritize what to hit and what to miss on your family London visit. This 6 day London itinerary helps you to select a realistic schedule of how to approach London with young kids.
If you're going to London with kids, make sure to check out these other articles that will help you in your planning process:
- Free Things to Do in Central London With Kids: Family Fun on a Budget
- Preparing for a Trip to Europe With Kids: Don’t Forget These Steps
- London With Kids: Tips and Tricks You’ll Need to Know. (Coming Soon!)
What to Expect With This 6 Day London Itinerary for Families
You may have heard of the London Pass. You buy the pass and get free entry to many of the main attractions around London. For this itinerary, though, the London Pass isn’t worth the money. But if you plan on packing more in to your schedule, you could consider buying a London Pass.
My general approach is to have ticketed, time sensitive events in the morning. Then, the afternoons are for more flexible plans, which is why I’ve provided multiple options for the afternoon plans. This allows for you to assess how moods (and weather) are playing out for the day.
If everyone has a lot of energy, maybe tackle both afternoon activities! Or I’ve included some additional options at the end of the article if you need more to do, or if you’d like to replace one of the activities I’ve included in the 6 day itinerary.
Also, for most days, I leave eating up to you. I generally like to have breakfast at the hotel, self- cater lunch from the grocery store (especially because I still have a napping toddler), and either get takeaway or go to a restaurant for dinner (depending on moods).
Day 1 of 6 - London Itinerary With Kids
- Arrive in the Morning
- Explore and Eat Lunch at Borough Market
- Check In to Your Accommodation
- Explore South Bank
- Eat Dinner
- Sleep!
1. Arrive in the Morning
If you’re flying into London from the United States, your flight will most likely arrive in the morning.
Activate Your eSIM
When you land, don’t forget to activate your eSIM. You'll want to be connected from the start, especially when it comes time to navigate public transportation or locate your luggage storage.
My favorite service to use is Holafly. It's way more affordable than going through your phone carrier, they offer unlimited data, and I've always had great connection with their eSIMs.
Plus, Holafly is incredibly easy to use, even for the technologically challenged. You set most of it up before your trip. When you land, just go to your settings, activate the already installed eSIM, and turn on “data roaming”. You’re instantly connected and can start using necessary apps for London like Google Maps, CityMapper, and Gett.
Head to the City
Once you’ve cleared customs, you can easily (and affordably) get to Central London on the Tube. But if you’re traveling with kids and luggage, it may be worth it to skip the Tube and head to the taxi cue.
London black cabs are incredibly spacious and clean, and the drivers have to pass some pretty exclusive tests to have the job. Plus, if riding in a London black taxi is on your “to do” list for the trip, this could be a good time to tick it off the list.
A black cab is more convenient than heading to the Uber meeting place (in short term parking), but depending on the time of day, an Uber could be more affordable.
Usually with taxi rides in London, you can just round up for tip. But since it’s such a long ride (60-90 minutes) and if the driver helps with luggage, you should consider tipping 10-15%. And yes, you can pay and tip with a credit card in London taxis.
Drop Off Your Luggage
If your accommodation has luggage storage, head straight there and drop off your bags.
For an affordable, family-friendly hotel in Central London (that also has luggage storage!), I highly recommend Premier Inn Waterloo.
Kids eat free for breakfast, their breakfast is incredible for people with dietary requirements, it is centrally located and quiet, and they are beyond friendly and understanding with kids.
If your accommodation doesn’t have luggage storage, you can book luggage storage ahead of time (or in the moment) using a tool like Radical Storage. This tool helps you find the closest luggage storage, book and pay online or in their app, and ensures secure storage of your suitcases while you explore for the day.
2. Explore and Eat Lunch at Borough Market
The key to Day 1 exploring is to not do anything that allows for sleeping. Sleep inducing activities like bus tours, boat rides, etc. You also don’t want to do anything that requires too much energy.
Everyone will be tired and sleep deprived, but the more you can wait until a “normal” bedtime to sleep (and not nap), the better!
I also don’t recommend doing anything that you’ve booked with a timed entry. First of all, moods might get interesting on Day 1 due to jet lag. Second of all, this gives you a bit of a buffer in case of delayed flights.
So for the first activity on Day 1, hop on a double decker bus or the Tube and head to Borough Market…. Unless it’s a Monday. They’re closed on Mondays. As a backup, head to Camden Market, which is open 7 days per week.
For more information about how to navigate public transportation with kids in London, check out this article all about tips and tricks for visiting London with kids. (Coming soon!)
Why Visit Borough Market?
Borough Market is an indoor and outdoor market that dates back to the 1700s. You’ll find stalls with fresh produce, coffee, gourmet goods, and cooked lunches. Take in the market and the people, and grab some lunch.
There will be an option for everyone for lunch. You’ll find Greek eats, falafel, Spanish food, French food, vegetarian food, Italian, Mexican, Asian, Indian and yes, even English food.
There are free toilets near Humble Crumble and Borough Kitchen Cook Shop.
Anytime you’re in London and need a public toilet, check out this handy website that maps out all the public toilets wherever you are in London.
3. Check In To Your Accommodation
Is it time to check in to your accommodation, yet? Now could be a good time to head back to your hotel, grab your suitcases, and get settled in a bit. That way, when it’s time for bed later, you’re already set up for an easy transition to bedtime.
I cannot say enough good things about our stay at Premier Inn Waterloo as a family with two young kids. I don't have experience with other Premier Inn locations, but I wouldn't hesitate to try!
4. Explore South Bank
The southern bank of the River Thames offers activities and sites for all ages and interests.
- You can check out the artwork in the Graffiti Tunnel.
- Snap some photos of Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
- Listen to music from the numerous buskers along the bank.
- Have a play at the Jubilee Gardens playground.
- In the summer, cool off at Jeppe Hein Appearing Rooms fountains.
- If it’s a clear day, check out the sites of London from atop the London Eye.
What is the London Eye?
In case you didn’t know, the London Eye is the huge ferris wheel in Central London. For perspective, the London Eye is 443 feet tall while the huge ferris wheel in Seattle is just 175 feet tall.
Is the London Eye an expensive option? Yes. For a grown-up experience, is it worth it to me? No. But to see the excitement of my kids paired with a first look at the sites of London? I don’t regret it one bit.
You can likely buy tickets on the day of your visit. If they happen to be sold out and it’s a top priority for your family, chances are you can book a ticket for a day later in your trip.
5. Dinner
If you want something casual for dinner, there are plenty of food stalls and options all along South Bank. For Day 1, I would recommend either doing this option or heading toward your accommodation and finding somewhere to eat near there.
Everyone’s going to be getting tired. Don’t plan a fancy sit down meal for dinner on Day 1 of your London trip.
It may be a good idea to even get takeaway for your hotel room. Or grab some quick grab n’ go options from a grocery store. Or for something really English, grab a sausage roll (vegan options available!) from a Greggs - a convenience store chain in London.
A plant based food kiosk in South Bank
6. Sleep!
If you made it the whole day without napping, everyone is going to be ready to head to bed early on Day 1. Let it happen, and hopefully everyone sleeps all night and wakes up for Day 2 feeling refreshed.
Day 2 of 6 - London Itinerary With Kids
- AM (Summer) Buckingham Palace State Rooms
- AM (Fall, Winter, Spring) Natural History Museum
- PM Indoors - Hamley’s
- PM Outdoors - Princess Memorial Playground or Hyde Park
AM - Day 2 - Buckingham Palace State Rooms (Summer)
You will need to book tickets for Buckingham Palace months before your trip! In 2025, State Room tickets are available for the months of July through September.
For more information on what to book months before your trip to London with kids, check out Preparing for a Trip to Europe With Kids: Don’t Forget These Steps.
When you book your tickets for Buckingham Palace (and for other activities in London), make sure you keep jet lag in mind. When going from the US to London, the tendency will be to stay up late and to sleep in.
Also make sure you leave time for eating breakfast and the commute to your activity. We booked our tickets for 10:30, which allowed for a morning that required us to constantly make forward movement, but wasn’t completely rushed.
Don't forget to pack your printed tickets for Buckingham Palace
If you bring the printed tickets with you, you can get them stamped on your way out. This stamp gives you a 1 year pass for visiting Buckingham Palace whenever you want (when they aren’t at full capacity, that is).
So by visiting Buckingham Palace on Day 1, this allows you to return later in your trip if you happened to miss anything. Or if moods didn’t allow you to fully enjoy the State Rooms. Or if your preschooler all of a sudden had a bathroom emergency and you had to race to the end of the tour where the bathrooms are. You get the picture.
For more information on what to expect and how to plan ahead for your visit, check out the section titled “Tips for Visiting Buckingham Palace With Kids in London” in this article. (Coming Soon!)
AM - Day 2- Natural History Museum (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Visiting the Natural History Museum is free, but you do need to book a ticket with a timeslot ahead of time. If you plan on visiting the dinosaurs section, the earlier the better. It’s the most popular section of the museum.
For more information on visiting the Natural History Museum with kids, check out the section “Natural History Museum” in the article Free Things To Do in London With Kids. (Coming Soon!)
PM Options - Day 2: Hamley’s Toy Store - Diana Memorial Playground - Hyde Park
Indoor Option: Hamley’s Toy Store
Hamley’s is the oldest and largest toy store in the world. There are seven floors of toys alongside some interactive experiences.
I put Hamley’s earlier in the trip in case you want to allow your kids to pick out one (packable) toy that can also provide entertainment in your hotel room, at restaurants, etc.
Outdoor Option 1: Diana Memorial Playground
Diana Memorial Playgrounds is located in Kensington Gardens. It’s massive. There’s a guarded gate that only allows adults with children to enter. There is a pirate ship, sand, climbing structures, swings, spinners hidden in the forest, etc.
Oh, and did I mention there are clean (free) bathrooms?
If you’re looking for more information about playgrounds in London, check out this article about free things to do in London with kids.
Outdoor Option 2: Hyde Park
Right next to Kensington Gardens (where Diana Memorial Playground is) lies Hyde Park. You can visit the Rose Gardens, rent a paddle boat on The Serpentine Lake, or grab a snack and a drink at Serpentine Bar. If visiting around Christmas-time, don’t miss the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
If you’re looking for a playground, though, I’d stick to Diana Memorial Playground. The Hyde Park playground is crowded and lacking in space and equipment.
Day 3 of 6 - London Itinerary With Kids
- AM Changing of the Guard
- PM Indoors: Science Museum
- PM Outdoors: Spitafields City Farm
AM - Day 3 - Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard is when you get to see the King’s Guard changing shift. They march down the streets, play marching band music, and create quite the spectacle.
It does not happen every day!! In general, you can see the Changing of the Guard on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Sundays. So check this website before your trip for the current schedule. Make sure your Day 3 in London falls on one of these days! If not, swap out days.
I don’t really recommend smashing your face against the gate of Buckingham Palace. You’ll have to get there very early, and you’ll have a lot of people crowding around you and invading your personal space.
Instead, I recommend seeing the Changing of the Guard in transit between Buckingham Palace, Wellington Barracks, and St James Palace. I’ve written some really useful information in the section “Changing of the Guard” in this article about free London activities, and “Changing of the Guard Tips” in this article all about tips for visiting London with kids. (Coming Soon!)
PM Options - Day 3: Science Museum - Spitafields City Farm
Indoor Option: Science Museum
The Science Museum is free to visit, but you will need to book entry tickets ahead of time. The Science Museum is a great option if you have toddlers and little ones, as the entire section downstairs has the Pattern Pod with water play.
The Pattern Pod is not open on Mondays, though! Make sure Day 3 is not falling on a Monday for you. If it does, swap out days for visiting the Science Museum.
For more information about visiting the Science Museum, check out the section “Science Museum” in this article about free things to do in London with kids.
Outdoor Option: Spitafields City Farm
Spitafields City Farm has farm animals to pet, puzzles and games, and a garden to visit. It’s free to enter, but you can also visit their organic farm shop and the farm cafe. This could maybe be a lunch option for the day!
The farm is near Shoreditch and all the street art you’ll find there. So on your way to or from the farm, be sure to take a stroll past the artwork. Check out the Shoreditch Street Art Map here. Shoreditch also has plenty of dining options, so you could grab dinner while you’re in the area.
Day 4 of 6 - London Itinerary With Kids
- AM - Tower Bridge Tour
- PM - (Indoor) Covent Garden
- PM - (Outdoor) Uber Boat to Greenwich
AM - Day 4 - Tower Bridge Tour
You will want to buy tickets to Tower Bridge before your trip. You can book tickets here. Occasionally, there are special family events. You can see if one of these events is occurring during your family’s visit to London here.
In the tour, you walk up the north tower, walk across the bridge, walk down the south tower, and then head over to the engine room. The whole tour usually takes around 90 minutes.
It is filled with fun, kid-centric activities. The main event is a scavenger hunt, where your kids answer questions and collect stamps along the way. There’s also a cat that can be found hiding all along the tour path.
The bridge has sections with glass floors, which my kids found fun. You end up looking down on the traffic passing over the bridge. There is a path around them, though, if that sort of thing makes your heart beat too quickly.
If you want to time it just right, you could finish your tour and then head to Potters Field Park and watch the bridge open for a boat after your tour. You can check the Tower Bridge lift schedule here.
PM Options - Day 4: Covent Garden or Uber Boat to Greenwich
Indoor Option: Covent Garden Markets
Covent Garden is a whole neighborhood in London. But what I’m talking about are the Covent Garden Markets. You can pick the Jubilee Market, Apple Market, and East Colonnade Market. They are mostly covered, so in my mind count as an indoor activity!
The Markets of Covent Garden - Which one to go to?
The Jubilee Market features antiques on Mondays. From Tuesday to Friday, you can find anything from souvenirs to beauty products to gardening goods. On the weekends, it turns into an arts market, with local sellers of all kinds setting up shop on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Apple Market is also home to antiques on Mondays. All other days of the week, it’s home to handmade goods of all kinds… soaps, jewelry, paintings, and more.
The East Colonnade Market seems to be a bit of a hodge podge. It has crafts alongside candy and home goods.
Outdoor Option: Uber Boat to Greenwich
The Uber Boat is a form of public transportation that happens to take you for a boat ride down (or up) the Thames from one part of London to the other. It’s the most affordable way to actually get out on the water and to see the sites of London from the Thames.
The actual boat has an indoor section, but I don’t know how much you would see of the sites from the inside. For more information on how to take the Uber Boat in London with kids, check out the section “Tips for Taking an Uber Boat in London With Kids” in this article. (Coming Soon!)
Head to Greenwich
One possible destination is Greenwich. There is a small part of town with cute shops and some nice dining options.
There is also Greenwich Park that houses a playground so kids can let off some steam. If you climb to the top of the observatory on a clear day, you’re bound to get some fantastic views of London. Plus, the Ranger’s House on the west side of the park is home to the Bridgerton House!
Enjoy an afternoon exploring, and then head back on the Uber Boat, or opt for the Tube this time.
Day 5 of 6 - London Itinerary With Kids
- AM Option 1 - The Royal Mews
- AM Option 2 - Movie Tour
- PM (Outdoor) - Regents Park
- PM (Indoor Option 1) - Afternoon Tea
- PM (Indoor Option 2) - Young V&A
AM - Day 5 - Royal Mews or Movie Tour
AM Option 1 - Day 5: The Royal Mews
The Royal Mews option is for the horse lovers in your family or the fans of the royal family.
The Royal Mews is the stables of Buckingham Palace. It also houses all the famous carriages that are used in processions and celebrations. See the carriages that have transported the royal family in the past and some that still do today!
You and your family will get the chance to see real royal horses, engage in kid-friendly interactive activities like tacking up a wooden horse, and even climb aboard a carriage for a quick photo opportunity.
You will want to book tickets ahead of time here.
AM Option 2 - Day 5: Movie Tour
If anyone in your family loves Harry Potter, there are so many tour options available in London. But you cannot go wrong with this Harry Potter London Tour for Muggles. It’s kid-friendly, the tour guides are trained actors, and it’s two hours long - perfect for kid attention spans.
In addition to Harry Potter, it’s also possible to see sites from Paddington Bear, Mary Poppins, and even the Parent Trap! For more information on finding sites for these movies, check out the section “Check Out Landmarks From Movies” in this article.
"7 Pembrook Lane" from The Parent Trap
PM - Day 5: Regents Park - Afternoon Tea - Young V&A
Outdoor Option: Regents Park
Regents Park is home to the London Zoo. It also has a fantastic playground called the Marylebone Green Playground. There is a rose garden to admire. And you can climb to the top of Primrose Hill for fantastic views of the London skyline.
The view from Primrose Hill
Plus, you’re just a short walk to Camden, home to fantastic unique dining options. And also home to the best vegan pizza and mac n’ cheese I’ve ever had at Purezza.
Indoor Option 1: Afternoon Tea
Can you get more English than afternoon tea? If you have little ones that would appreciate dressing up and acting “proper” for an afternoon, afternoon tea is a fun option.
The Shard has an afternoon tea that is Peter Pan themed. Complete with a pirate ship serving platter, a treasure chest bread box, and of course, fantastic views of London.
This article from Wanderlux features other kid-friendly afternoon options in London. Tea with themes like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, dinosaurs, and Mad Hatter Tea.
Indoor Option 2: Young V&A Museum
The main Victoria and Albert Museum is a museum featuring art, design, and performance pieces. It does have some family-specific activities to keep it interesting for kids. But the Young V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum will probably capture your kids’ interest a bit more.
The Young V&A is filled with interactive exhibits featuring building and creating, imaginary play, as well as art and design. You don’t need to book tickets ahead of time for this museum, either. So it could be a last minute decision if needed.
Day 6 of 6 - London Itinerary With Kids
Your sixth and final day of your London trip is a flex day.
Is there anything that you missed because the weather wasn’t cooperating? Is there something you want to go back to? Do you need a morning to pack and the afternoon to enjoy one final day in London?
If you need help filling in the blanks, here are a few additional activities that would be fantastic activities in London with kids.
St James Park
Additional Kid-Friendly London Activities
If you're looking for all free activity options for kids in London, check out Free Things to Do in Central London With Kids: Family Fun on a Budget.
Additional Indoor London Activities that are Kid-Friendly
Westminster Abbey
- Westminster Abbey is a famous church most known for housing royal events like weddings and coronations. You can buy tickets to Westminster Abbey here.
A Show at the Opera House
- If your kids would be down for some opera, there are sometimes free lunchtime shows. Check out availability here.
Last minute tickets to West End Shows
- You can buy affordable, last minutes tickets to shows like The Lion King, Frozen, or Wicked on sites like TodayTix.
- Note: All shows have an age minimum! My two year old was not allowed into any West End shows! Check the details of each specific show for details.
Harrod’s
- Harrod’s is a famous, huge, luxury department store in London. There will be a store for everyone, plus free toilets!
Other Museums
- Read more information about London museum options for kids in this article. But some other museums you may want to consider with kids include the National Maritime Museum (and playground!), the London Transport Museum, or the Tate Modern.
Sky Garden
- The Sky Garden is a free place to get a fantastic view of London. You do need to book tickets three weeks to one month out, though!
- For more information about Sky Garden and other free London viewpoints, check out the “Sky Garden” section of this article.
Another ride on a double decker bus
Additional Outdoor London Activities that are Kid-Friendly
Camden Market
- Head to Camden Market for unique shopping, inspired restaurants, and walks along the canal
Other Playgrounds
- London is filled with fantastic, free playgrounds. You really can't go wrong with a playground visit when kids need to just be kids. Check out more information about playgrounds in London in this article.
Other City Farms
- In addition to Spitafields City Farm, you could also head to Hackney City Farm, Mudchute Park and Farm, or Vauxhall City farm. If your kids are animal lovers or need a bit more "nature", any of these could be a great option!
Cool Off at a Splash Zone
- Summer is short in London. But if you're visiting when it's hot, there are a surprising number of splash zones and fountains for cooling off. For more information on where to find these, check out this article.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was home to the 2012 summer Olympics.
- Today, visitors can explore the gardens and playgrounds, visit the aquatics center, cool off in the splash pad, or rent a bike and enjoy a leisurely stroll or have a go at the Velopark.
A walk along the canal near Camden Market
Final Thoughts: 6 Day London Itinerary for Families With Kids
Hopefully I've provided you with enough direction and enough flexibility in this 6 day London itinerary for kids so you can plan the perfect trip for your family! From museums to playgrounds to historical landmarks and markets, there is something for everyone to enjoy in London.
If you’re planning a trip to London, you’ll want to check out these other helpful articles:
- Free Things to Do in Central London With Kids: Family Fun on a Budget
- Preparing for a Trip to Europe With Kids: Don’t Forget These Steps
- Tips and Tricks for Visiting London With Kids (Coming Soon!)
- London With Kids Packing List (Coming Soon!)
My Favorite Family Travel Resources
And finally, here is a list of my favorite family travel resources - tools and companies that I use all the time when traveling with my own kids!
- Accommodation: Booking.com because you can view reviews across multiple platforms, find hotels or vacation rentals, often find free cancellation policies, and frequently find sales.
- Tours: Viator because of the wide range of tours, upfront reviews and pricing, and its one stop platform for tours across multiple cities and locations.
- eSIM: Holafly because of its unlimited data, affordability, fast connection, and straight-forward installation process (even for the technologically challenged).
- Travel Insurance: SafetyWing because of its comprehensive coverage, affordability (kids are free with each paying adult!), and easy claims process.
- Digital Protection: Surfshark because of its affordability, ease of use, and ability to connect it with unlimited devices (which is especially important when factoring in kids!).