Top Ten Places to Takes Kids in London

1. See London from above on the London Eye:

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The London Eye is Europe’s tallest ferris wheel and provides the best views 360 degree views of London. The way the London Eye works is that you step into one of the 32 glass capsules and gradually move making it a 30 minute ride. Each capsule features displays with interactive guides providing you with information about some of the attractions you will see.

2. Watch the Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace:

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If you are already in the royal city of London, you must watch a changing of the guards ceremony. The one at Buckingham Palace takes place daily at 11:30 AM during the summer and every other day for the rest of the year. The ceremony itself is about 45 minutes, but you should definitely go early to get a good spot with a view as the ceremony attracts immense crowds of tourists. The best spots to watch the ceremony are next to the railings of Buckingham Palace, the steps of the Victoria Monument, and Spur Road.

3. Tour Westminster Abbey and view Big Ben:

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Westminster Abbey and the Big Ben are some of London’s most famed attractions. Westminster Abbey is a church filled with history and is the burial place for many of the nation’s most significant leaders. What is unique about Westminster Abbey is that they provide a free fun scavenger hunt for kids that after completing they can then return to the gift shop for a reward. After your visit to Westminster Abbey you are just steps away from the Big Ben.

4. Attend a show in London’s Theater District:

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London’s West End theater is like Broadway to New York; the highest level of commercial theater. The district has around 40 different theaters with performances ranging from musicals and plays to comedy shows. Most of these are kid-friendly so you and your children are sure to be entertained.

5. Enjoy traditional British fish and chips:

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The British are known for their delicious fish and chips and your children will be sure to savor this meal. The restaurant Poppies is unique as it offers the authentic taste and has an original diner ambiance with live music on weekends. Whether or not it’s from Poppies, you can’t leave London without sampling this iconic meal. Although not served in actual newspapers anymore, do not be surprised to find your fish and chips served in a “newspaper” wrapper. It has been a long time tradition to serve this meal in newspaper as it helped absorb grease, but the ink from the print became a health concern.

6. Enjoy a proper afternoon tea time:

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A trip to England is not complete without experience a proper afternoon tea time. The service is a very elegant experience featuring fine chinaware, silver teapots, silver milk jugs, and a strict dress code (check online before visiting). Adding to the ambiance, many venues enhance their ambiance with live music such as the Ritz which has a resident pianist and harpist. In case your children to not enjoy tea, afternoon tea also includes chocolates, pastries, and sandwiches so your children will be spoiled regardless.

7. Tour the Globe Theater:

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Whether you come to watch a play or just tour the theater, Shakespeare’s Globe is a great way for kids to get a glimpse of 17th century Elizabethan Theatre. Overall, The Globe is an authentic replication of the original Globe. Shakespeare’s Globe is very family friendly and even hosts various events throughout the year such as Family Literary Festival and Kids Week Theatre Tour. Besides the tour of the main theater, there is an interesting exhibition about Shakespeare’s life.

8. Go on a shopping spree at Harrods’ Toy Kingdom:

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Harrods’ Toy Kingdom is a wonderland for kids. It offers everything a kid can imagine from alien space pods, to fairies, to helicopters, and even a candy store. The best part is that you don’t actually have to pay to play there. The staff add to the excitement by performing routine dances in the store and having candy making demonstrations. If you are in London with your kids, you must stop here!

9. Spend the day with dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum:

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Key word: dinosaurs. If your kids like dinosaurs then they will love this museum. London’s Natural History Museum is unlike any other museum with dinosaur displays. This museum allows you to walk by some of these skeletons eye-level with epic lighting and roaring sound effects. It may sound scary, but don’t forget that this museum after all was made with the intention of having young visitors. Besides dinosaurs, the museum has other exhibits featuring things such as insects. In addition to free admission, your kids can borrow an explorer backpack with items such as binoculars, an explorers hat, and drawing materials, for free during your visit.

10. Get lost in the Sea Life London Aquarium:

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Think of a marine animal in your head and the Sea Life London Aquarium probably has it! From sharks to rare turtles, the aquarium is home to over 600 different species of marine life and features 17 themed zones. From strolling across glass floors to walking through an Ocean Tunnel, you will go on one of the greatest aquatic journeys of your life at the Sea Life London Aquarium without actually getting a drop wet. Along the way, you will come across staff enthusiastic to teach you about the creatures you see. This is definitely a memorable, fun, interactive, and educational experience for guests of all ages.