London with kids: family favourites

London's museums make value possible, but the city is large. Group days by area and allow a park between major indoor stops.

Parent tip: Free general admission does not cover every exhibition; book popular experiences and check TfL child rules.

Read our London family guide: areas, where to stay and tips

1. Natural History Museum

   A grand South Kensington museum known for its dinosaur galleries, the blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall and its earth and volcano displays. It is big and popular, so focus on a few galleries and take breaks.

   All ages · about 3½ hours

2. Science Museum

   A large South Kensington museum covering space, engineering, flight and medicine, with interactive galleries for younger visitors. It sits next to the Natural History Museum, but one museum is plenty for a single visit with small kids.

   All ages · about 3½ hours

3. Tower of London

   A historic castle and fortress on the Thames, home to the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and the Yeoman Warders who lead tours. Much of the visit is outdoors on walls and courtyards, so plan for walking and some stairs.

   School-age kids and teens · about 3½ hours

4. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

   A walk-through tour of the real sets, costumes and props from the Harry Potter films at Leavesden, outside London. Mostly indoor and best for fans; tickets must be booked ahead for a set entry time.

   School-age kids and teens · about 4 hours

5. London Transport Museum

   Transport history and interactive exhibits make this a strong match for train, bus and vehicle interests.

   All ages · about 3 hours

6. Young V&A

   Design-led exhibits and play suit creative younger children.

   Little ones and school-age kids · about 2½ hours

7. London Zoo

   London's historic zoo in Regent's Park. Families can see gorillas at Gorilla Kingdom, Asiatic lions at Land of the Lions, Sumatran tigers through floor-to-ceiling glass, England's biggest penguin pool at Penguin Beach, a walk-through rainforest with sloths and monkeys, a butterfly house and meerkats.

   All ages · about 4 hours

8. Kew Gardens

   Royal Botanic Gardens with great Victorian glasshouses, a Treetop Walkway 18 metres up in the canopy and a Children's Garden with trampolines, climbing frames and a 4-metre-high canopy walk where children learn how plants grow. Plenty of lawn and woodland for a long, unhurried day.

   All ages · about 4 hours

9. London Eye

   A city-view moment without filling a whole day.

   All ages · about 1½ hours

10. British Museum family trails

    The museum offers family trails and age-aware visit resources; a parent described it as a surprise hit.

    All ages · about 2½ hours