A (Printable) London Packing List for Families: Everything You’ll Need With Young Kids in London

A Complete London Packing List for Families With Young Kids

When it comes to a London Packing List, if you take away one thing, it’s - Pack Layers! London weather is unpredictable and varied… even in summer months. Beyond that, read on for more London-specific items to add to your suitcase. 

London-specific items to pack include things like... your printed Buckingham Palace tickets, water-resistant shoes, and a purse or bag that meets the size requirements for certain sites.

As a note, this is not a list of what to bring on an airplane. So I won’t be putting items like a passport holder or any neck pillows on this London Packing List for Families. 

I’ll be creating another article for overnight flights with kids… stay tuned if that’s the type of information you’re looking for 🙂

In the meantime, if you're planning a trip to London with kids, you'll want to check out these other helpful articles:

• Preparing for a Trip to Europe With Kids: Don’t Forget These Steps
• London With Kids: Tips and Tricks You’ll Need to Know
• A 6 Day London Itinerary for Families With Kids: Activities That are Fun for Everyone
• Free Things to Do in Central London With Kids: Family Fun on a Budget
  

Printable London Packing List for Families With Kids

Download the PDF Here

Download the Printable PDF Here

Toiletries to add to your family's London packing list

I’m going to breeze through most of these toiletry items, as most of them aren’t specific to your family London trip. They’re just common sense… but you also really don’t want to forget your contacts or EpiPen. So I’ve included everything.

Wash cloth

In the UK, it isn’t a given that a washcloth will be included at your accommodation! If this is something you require for your everyday routines, make sure you pack your own.

Melatonin or Other Sleep Aid

If you plan on using melatonin to help with jet lag, make sure you test it out before your trip! In a select few individuals, melatonin has the opposite effect and can make you wired rather than tired! And for some people that struggle with restless legs, it can make restless limbs worse!

Pro packing tip: When packing vitamins and supplements, you don’t need to pack the whole bottle! You could buy a pill dispenser (like this one) and siphon some of each bottle off into the separated sections. Or, (what I do), just label plastic bags like you see below.

Small First Aid Kit

You can get anything you would need in London if someone gets sick or hurt. But it’s always a good idea to have enough to at least get you started until you can make it to a chemist (aka pharmacy).

Things that could be helpful to include in your first aid kid are antihistamines, band aids (aka plasters), ibuprofen, and an EpiPen if needed.

Also, if your kids are prone to ear infections, I recommend getting a Digital Ear Scope. This saved me on a recent trip, when my daughter’s ear drum burst. I was able to verify the issue, take photos, send them to a virtual doctor at Doctorsa, and get a prescription all from my hotel room.

Laundry Sheets

Laundry sheets are a great way to do a quick sink wash when needed. Or if you have access to a washing machine, laundry sheets take up zero space and weight in your suitcase.

Hair Tools

This could be as simple as a comb or a brush. But if you plan on bringing heated hair tools, keep in mind that the voltage is different in the UK than in the US. If you absolutely require your specific hair tools, make sure you bring a power converter, not just an adapter!

Soap

Depending on where you’re staying (and how particular you are with what you use), this may not be needed. Check with your accommodation if soap is provided!

Glasses

Contacts and Contact Solution

Makeup, Facewash, and Other Skincare

Feminine Hygiene Items

Shampoo and Conditioner

Razor

Toothpaste, Toothbrush, and Floss

Sunscreen

Hair Product

Hair Ties, Etc.

Deodorant

Jewelry

Outerwear to remember to put on your family's London Packing List

When it comes to London, be prepared for anything! We were in London in early September (still technically summer)… we definitely needed our warm jackets and rain gear!

Purse

You’ll want to bring a purse that you have easy access to, but pickpockets don’t! I’m a fan of the crossbody, especially one that has zippers you can clasp shut.

This anti-theft crossbody has zippers that lock and is RFID blocking to protect your credit cards. It’s compact, but large enough to fit your phone, any tickets you have, passports, etc.

Museum Bag

If you’re going to be visiting Buckingham Palace (and a few other places), and you’re a mom like me that needs to be prepared with more than just credit cards… Think diapers, waters, umbrellas, snacks, maybe a change of clothes, etc… you’re going to want to make sure your “gear” bag isn’t too big!

For more information on everything you'll need to know about going to Buckingham Palace with kids, check out this article: London With Kids: Tips and Tricks You’ll Need to Know.

My regular trusty backpack is too big to bring into places like Buckingham Palace. Plus, if you have a backpack, you have to wear it on your front.

I bought this larger crossbody bag that fits an incredible amount of gear, and is still within the size limitations of Buckingham Palace… and it has even become my regular everyday purse back home!

Backpack

For all the other days, when you want to bring it all, having a comfortable backpack is key. You’ll want to allow space for everyone’s rain jackets, umbrellas, snacks, diapers, changes of clothes… you get the picture.

Umbrellas

London lives up to its reputation as far as rain goes. But unlike places like Seattle, it doesn’t seem offensive to carry an umbrella when it starts raining in London. Bring along a compact umbrella that can easily fit in your purse or backpack and just have it on you at all times.

In London, your accommodation may have umbrellas available for your use. They likely won’t be as portable, though. So you can choose to take up more room in your suitcase, or more room in your purse while in London.

Waterproof shoes

No one likes soggy feet. Even if it isn’t currently raining, there will be puddles if it has rained recently. Your feet will get wet. 

My favorite waterproof travel shoes are Lems. These boots are stylish, waterproof, and weigh just 9oz! Plus, they fold down incredibly small into your suitcase. 

Rain Jacket

For days when it’s going to be raining all day, or when you’re going to be outside all day, you’ll be grateful to have a rain jacket. 

Umbrellas don’t keep you completely dry. Plus, you have to hold them all day (obvious, I know). So when juggling kids’ hands, bags, and keeping track of your payment methods, an umbrella isn’t always the most convenient option for the entire day.

Consider a rain jacket like this one that has its own pouch for easy packing and carrying around. And make sure whatever you bring is waterproof (seams and all) and not just water repellent!

Comfortable Walking Shoes

London is big. You’re going to be doing a lot of walking. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes. No one wants some blisters or to trigger an old foot injury to ruin your day out in London. 

Above I talked about my love for Lems waterproof travel boots. But I also love their lightweight tennis shoes while traveling!

To minimize walking in London, taking public transportation is essential. For all the ins and outs of taking public transportation in London with kids, check out London With Kids: Tips and Tricks You’ll Need to Know.

Sunglasses

Okay, so the sun does actually come out sometimes in London. When it does, you may want to have your favorite pair of sunnies with you! Add a pair to your London Packing List just in case.

Light Jacket (Spring, Summer, Autumn)

Even in summer, you’re going to want to have a jacket with you. For the cool mornings, or even some overcast afternoons, having this layer available is a necessity to pack for your family trip to London.

Winter Jacket (Autumn, Winter, Spring)

Bundle up! You don’t want the cold to stop you from seeing all that London has to offer. Bonus points if your winter jacket is waterproof!

Hats, gloves, scarves, etc.

For the colder months, sometimes a hat can make the difference between getting chilled to the bone and being ready to go all day. It’s small. It’s easy to throw in a bag. Just bring it. 

And don’t forget about gloves! Bonus points if they’re the type that still allow you to use touch screens. That way, you can continue using your CityMapper app without taking them off.

For a full list of all the apps (like CityMapper) you're going to want to download before your trip to London, check out Preparing for a Trip to Europe With Kids: Don’t Forget These Steps.

Clothing to bring to London with your family

The clothing you bring to London will greatly depend on the season you’re planning to visit. But no matter what the season, you’re going to want to bring layers! And clothing that will dry quickly.

And how much you pack depends greatly on how long your trip is, and if you’ll have access to laundry during your family’s visit to London.

I’ll let you check out the forecast for your specific trip, but here are a few items to get you started.

Shirts

Both long sleeved and short sleeved shirts are a must no matter the season in London.

Sweatshirts or Sweaters

Yes, even in summer. Pack something to keep you warm.

Nice Outfit

With kids, you likely aren’t eating at fancy restaurants in London. But you may find yourself getting some last minute tickets to West End Shows. There isn’t a dress code, but you may want to level up your outfit for this or an Afternoon Tea.

Having Afternoon Tea with your little "princess" (or prince) is one of the family-friendly activities I've included in this 6 Day London Itinerary for Families With Kids.

Base Layers

In the winter, you may want to consider bringing some long underwear to keep warm while checking out Christmas markets or ice skating at Hyde Park.

Watch

When traveling, I love wearing a watch. That way, I don’t need to pull my phone out every time I want to check the time. This is the watch I have.

It’s simple, has a bit of style, and it’s waterproof enough for snorkeling! Obviously, not in London. But it will certainly withstand London's precipitation.

Slippers

Obviously, this is optional. But I love having something warm to slip on my feet after being out in wet, chilly weather. These travel slippers are lightweight and incredibly cozy looking.

Swimsuits and Towels

If you plan on visiting in the summer and think your kids may want to explore some of the splash parks and fountains, you may want to bring along some swimsuits and travel towels.

Travel Towels like this pack down really small and can easily be stashed in a purse or backpack.

For a list of more than 20 free activities in London for kids (like splash parks), check out Free Things to Do in Central London With Kids: Family Fun on a Budget.

Pants

Shorts

Dresses

Pajamas

Socks, Underwear, and Bras

Electronics you won’t want to forget to add to your family's London Packing list

Headphones

Include headphones for each kid in your family to your London Packing List. Not just for some peace and quiet if you’re using screens in the hotel room. A lot of museums have kid-friendly audio guides. But the audio guide headphones are still adult-sized! Especially for really little ones, constantly readjusting headphones can get annoying.

Make sure the headphones you bring are wired and not Bluetooth for these audio guides! This pair fit toddler heads and come in some cute designs. 

Power Adapters and Converters

A power adapter simply allows you to have the correctly shaped plug. It is a definite necessity when traveling outside of the United States.

A power converter allows you to use devices that require a specific voltage to work. Check your devices before deciding if you need one or not. I once destroyed a baby monitor, not realizing it required a power converter to use abroad.

Necessary Headphone Connectors

Things I always travel with are the connectors to allow my iPhone headphones to connect to regular headphone jacks and a headphone splitter (so two people can connect their headphones to the same device).

I also always bring a car charger if I’m renting a car and I’m not sure if there will be a USB connector in the car. Usually, they do. But just in case. I don't recommend renting a car for Central London, but if you're traveling elsewhere in the UK and renting a car, you won't want to forget a car charger!

eSIM

You’re going to want to stay connected on your trip to London. Although it isn't a physical item for your London Packing List, "bringing" an eSIM is essential for London.

Whether it’s figuring out whether to take the bus or the tube, finding the nearest kid-friendly restaurant, or finding last minute West End tickets - you’ll want data to access the internet on the fly.

I recommend using Holafly for an eSIM. They offer unlimited data, affordable plans, fast connectivity, and step by step instructions that make the process foolproof.

Apps

Okay, you don’t actually pack apps. But I would recommend downloading all necessary apps before your trip.

Especially because for certain apps like Gett (the taxi app for London), they wanted to text me a confirmation code to activate my account. I would not have been able to receive that code had I been trying to activate my account after I was already in the UK.

For everything you're going to want to remember to do before your trip to London with kids (like activate the Gett app), check out Preparing for a Trip to Europe With Kids: Don’t Forget These Steps.

Here are some apps I would recommend downloading before your trip to London with kids:

• Google Maps
• CityMapper (to help you navigate public transportation)
• Gett (London Taxis)
• Holafly (to activate your eSIM)
• Surfshark (VPN to protect your digital information on Wifi)
• WhatsApp (to communicate with London businesses and people back home)
• Radical Storage App (if you’re going to need to store your luggage on your arrival or departure day)

Portable charger

If you’re going to be out and about all day using all that unlimited data from Holafly, you may end up needing a portable charger. 

A way to keep your phone dry

Most phones are now water resistant enough to handle some rain. But know your phone’s limits, and come prepared for London weather.

Phone Charger

Tablets and Chargers

Baby and Kid-Specific Items that you’ll want to pack for London with your family

Sound Machine

My kids usually sleep with a box fan for white noise. But when we’re traveling, we use this cute penguin sound machine. It’s simple, but it does the job of creating that familiar white noise. Plus, it helps to block out strange noises in new places and hotel rooms.

A Travel Crib

Check with your hotel, but obviously you’ll want a plan for how your little ones will sleep. I love the Baby Bjorn travel crib because it is incredibly easy to use, durable, and lightweight.

A Travel High Chair

Some restaurants may have high chairs available. And your hotel likely has high chairs available for breakfast. 

But if you’re self catering lunch, getting takeaway for your room, at an Airbnb, or going to restaurants without high chairs, I would strongly consider bringing a travel high chair.

I love having my Inglesina Travel High Chair with a tray. The tray is a game changer for containing messes. It packs down really small into a suitcase. And even though it says handwash only, I’ve always washed the fabric in the washing machine with no problem (no dryer, though!).

I’ve attached my Inglesina Travel High Chair to restaurant tables, AirBnb tall eating counters, and even hotel room desks. Don’t forget the splat mat and bibs! You can also use one of those disposable bed pads that I mention below as a travel splat mat.

Stroller (Maybe)

If your little one is okay with a carrier, this is probably the better option for your London trip. Not all tube stations and hotels have elevators, strollers are clunky to get on and off of buses, and not all cafes and restaurants will have space for strollers.

If you are going to bring a stroller, make sure it’s easily collapsible. I love my Baby Jogger Citi Mini GT2. It is so so so easy to collapse. And it can handle cities along with light off-roading. Or you could go for a stroller that you can gate check at the airport easily.

Baby Carrier or Sling

Like I said above, a carrier is probably the better option for carting little ones around London if your shoulders and back can handle it. 

I'm sure you already have your favorite carrier, so just don't forget to add it to your London Packing List.

Wet Bags

Wet Bags come in handy for dirty or wet clothes. You don’t want to be changing your kids’ dirty outfits and then putting them straight into your backpack next to your snacks. I also use Wet Bags as travel laundry bags. 

I like when wet bags like these have separate sections for clean and dirty items.

Baby Monitor (Maybe)

If you’re staying in an Airbnb with separate bedrooms, don’t forget to add a baby monitor to your London Packing List! 

Also, don’t make the same mistake I did. I destroyed a baby monitor by not using a power converter with the receiver. Luckily, it was only this affordable V-Tech monitor that I always travel with. So it was easily replaced once I was back home.

Diapers and Wipes

To save room in the suitcase, only bring what you need to get you started. Then, you can head to the local supermarket and restock your supply.

Disposable Bed Pads

I always travel with a few disposable bed pads. Whether your kid is potty training or at risk of leaking diapers, I like knowing that I won’t destroy a hotel bed.

I also use them as travel change mats and splat mats for eating in the hotel room. Add some to your London Packing List and I'm sure you'll find a use for them.

Hotel and Restaurant Activities

Some quiet activities other than screens are always a good idea for confined spaces. Think things like coloring, stickers, Polly Pocket, travel Legos, etc. For older kids, you could also consider some card games like Uno or Spot It.

And in London, don’t forget you can always head to Hamley’s - the oldest and largest toy store in the world. Pick out a new toy at the beginning of your trip. You have both a novel toy for the hotel room and a souvenir to take home.

That's why I put Hamley's toward the beginning of your trip in this 6 Day London Itinerary for Families With Kids.

Lovies and Comfort Items

Obviously, like on any trip, you don't want to forget any lovies or comfort items for your kiddos (like "Old Ted" seen on the bed in the above photo. Jet lag is hard enough. You don't want to be doing it without the lovies.

Do yourself a favor and just add Lovies to your London Packing List so you don't overlook this very important item!

Food Related items to pack for London with your kids

Whether or not you bring these food items along with you to London depends on your eating plan, of course. I like to eat breakfast at the hotel, self-cater lunches, and eat out or get takeaway for dinner.

For a fantastic hotel breakfast (and affordable rates), I highly recommend Premier Inn Waterloo. You can read more about why I love this hotel in this article (not sponsored). 

For the self-catered lunches, you’re going to want some basics like a cutting board and knife, basic cutler, and something to eat out of or a way to carry the food with you.

Even if you get takeaway for dinners, some extra napkins and plates could also be helpful.

Napkins

You can obviously pick these up at a London grocery store. But if you're on a quick trip, and don't want to bother with stopping at a store, you add napkins to your London Packing List.

Straws

I like to bring some reusable straws to more easily share drinks with little ones that haven’t quite mastered the cup yet. And for little ones that like to crush disposable straws with their first sip, I bring metal straws. I like the straws with silicone ends to protect little teeth like these.

Bibs

I'm sure you have your favorites, but I'm always a big fan of the bibs with food-catching pockets. Anything you can do to minimize messes at restaurants and in hotel rooms.

Grocery Bags

Reusable, packable grocery bags come in handy for carrying lunches around, or if you head to the grocery store and need an additional bag to put everything.

Cutlery

If you're self-catering lunches, you'll probably want some cutlery. Use the knife to spread peanut butter on sandwiches, use the spoon for that microwave cous cous, and use the fork for a grab-n-go potato salad.

If you really want to go lightweight for packing purposes, look for camping sets made from titanium like this cutlery set.

If you're looking for some hotel-friendly meals (that only require a microwave) check out Vegan Travel Food: Pro Tips and Easy Meals You Can Make Anywhere.

Stasher Bags

If you're going to be packing snacks and sandwiches, something like Stasher Bags are your perfect reusable option. You don't need to find room in your suitcase for bulky containers, you don't need to worry about all that single use plastic, and stasher bags are leak free!

Knife and Cutting Board

I don't know about yours, but my kids would be perfectly happy with a meal of veggies and hummus. Of course, I'd throw in some more variety. But still, to keep you from having to search out pre-cut veggies, bring along a knife and cutting board!

I have a "travel knife" that is simply a chef's knife with a sheath (so it doesn't cut my clothes in the suitcase). And then any lightweight cutting board will do.

Plates

You'll need something to eat off of in your hotel room or at your picnic lunch! You can always buy some disposable plates once in London, though.

Water Bottles

Leak-free water bottles are key! My favorite kids water bottle that is leak-free and mostly plastic-free is the Hydroflask kids water bottles that have the rubber bottom.

Bottle Opener

For most bottle openers, make sure they're in your checked bag, or it will be confiscated at security! So far, I've lost two bottle openers because I’ve completely forgotten they were in my “food bag”, which of course goes in my carryon on plane days.

Don't be like me. Either pack it in a checked bag, or buy a TSA Compliant bottle opener like this one.

Disposable Placemats 

Not only do these help with mess, but you can get disposable placemats that are like big coloring pages. This is perfect for waiting at restaurants - just don't forget the markers!

Travel Related items to pack for London with your kids

Your Itinerary

You’re going to want a plan coming into your trip to London with kids. Some activities need to be booked months in advance. And you don’t want to spend your entire trip researching what to do next.

For an example 6 Day London Itinerary for Kids, check out this article.

Contactless Credit Cards

Make sure your credit cards don’t have foreign transaction fees. And if you’re going to have multiple paying adults or kids older than 10 riding public transportation, you’re going to want a separate card for each of them.

For more information on how to navigate public transportation in London with kids, check out this article.

Debit Card with ATM Reimbursement

Double check on your debit card’s foreign transaction fees as well. You probably won’t need any cash in London. But just in case, make sure your debit card will work abroad. And bonus points if you have one that reimburses you for ATM fees.

Hotel Safe

I stash backup credit cards, keys for home, and passports in this portable safe that can be attached to something permanent in the hotel room.

Ski Lock

If you’re going to be doing any train travel and juggling a lot of suitcases. Or if you need to be killing time at a cafe with all your luggage, you could consider bringing along a ski lock.

Thieves will sometimes grab one bag, tempting you to run after them and leave the rest of your bags unattended. If you attach all of your luggage together with a ski lock, it would take a lot of effort for them to get away with any of your suitcases.

Printed Buckingham Palace Tickets

If you’re visiting Buckingham Palace on your London family trip, print your tickets!

Upon exiting, you can get your tickets stamped and they become an annual pass. That way, if you missed anything or want to return during your trip, you can do so for free. But you need that printed ticket!

Also because of this perk, make sure you plan your trip to Buckingham Palace earlier in your trip. Which is why I have Buckingham Palace scheduled on the first full day in this 6 Day London Itinerary for Families.

Set Up Your VPN

Okay, so this is more something you’ll just want to set up on your phone and other devices before your trip. But a VPN protects your digital information when you’re on public WiFi. Plus, you can set the VPN to be from the USA so your kids can stream all of their familiar shows while at your hotel in London.

My favorite is Surfshark. It’s incredibly affordable, easy to use, and allows for unlimited devices! Perfect for a family with multiple phones, laptops, and tablets.

For everything you're going to want to remember to do before your trip to London with kids (like set up a VPN), check out Preparing for a Trip to Europe With Kids: Don’t Forget These Steps.

A List of Resources and Emergency Contacts

Having all the "just in case" information in one place can be a game changer when something doesn’t go to plan. Emergency contacts, travel insurance information, and even resources like Doctorsa. 

Doctorsa is a service that (very affordably) provides virtual appointments with a local doctor. That’s important because (if needed), they can provide a prescription script that can easily be fulfilled at a local pharmacy in London.

Luckily, in London I didn't need to use Doctorsa. But it was a life saver when my daughter had an ear infection in Spain. I could speak (nearly immediately) to an English-speaking, in-country doctor who was able to provide the appropriate prescription (nearly immediately) that I could fulfill just down the street.

Travel Insurance

Sure, your credit cards have some travel protection. But if something were to happen medically, credit card insurance coverage tends to be pretty limited. 

I love using SafetyWing for their comprehensive coverage and affordability. For every paying adult, a child is covered for free!

Passports

Obviously, don’t forget your passports!

Also, don’t forget to have copies of everyone’s passports available. This is best done virtually. Store the photos somewhere you can access online, just in case something happens to your phone.

Luggage Scale

After all that souvenir buying, and the inevitable suitcase explosion (seriously, how do things seem to double in size throughout your trip??), you’re going to want to make sure you still fit within the airline’s weight limitations before you get to the airport. Bring a luggage scale.

AirTags

I always travel with AirTags in all of my suitcases, purses, passport holders, etc. I keep them in multicolored AirTag holders. Then, on my phone, I can note which color corresponds to which suitcase or item. 

Some families also choose to attach an AirTag to each child. Especially in busy places with distractible attentions, this could come in handy for the just-in-case moments.

IDP

I definitely wouldn’t recommend renting a car for London. But if you’re going elsewhere in the UK, an International Driving Permit is necessary to bring along. Get one at your local AAA. If you don’t have a AAA near you, you can apply via mail.

An IDP is valid for one year. So if you had one for a previous trip, make sure you check the expiration date!

What NOT to bring on your London trip with kids

A Lot of Cash

It just isn’t needed. Nearly everywhere accepts credit cards. Buses, taxis, restaurants, markets, etc. Instead of bringing cash, bring a debit card you can use abroad just in case you need cash.

Bulky Stroller

Sure it may be more comfortable than your everyday stroller, but like we discussed earlier, not everywhere has elevators (aka lifts) and not every cafe has room for a large stroller!

Uncomfortable Shoes

I don’t care how cute they are! London requires a lot of walking. Do yourself a favor and find a happy medium of comfort and style. 

Unrealistic Weather Expectations

If you’re visiting in the summer, sure you’ll want to include some cute sundresses. Maybe even a bathing suit. But please also pack layers for the inevitable cold morning or rainy afternoon.

If you’re planning a trip to London with kids, don’t forget to check out these articles:

• A 6 Day London Itinerary for Families With Kids: Activities That are Fun for Everyone
• Preparing for a Trip to Europe With Kids: Don’t Forget These Steps
• London With Kids: Tips and Tricks You’ll Need to Know
• Free Things to Do in Central London With Kids: Family Fun on a Budget

My Favorite Travel Resources for a Family Trip to London:

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!).