With the worst of the virus behind us, we made a beeline this summer for our favourite place – London! Having studied in this beautiful, cosmopolitan city, I consider it my second home. In fact, my husband jokes I’m more at ease alone in London than I am alone in Delhi! Fortunately, since part of my husband’s family also lives there, it is a city we visit often (pandemic permitting of course!). My 6-year-old son has visited London with us twice before the pandemic, but this trip was the first one where he was at an age to really appreciate the place and everything it had to offer. So, if you are planning a trip to London, here are the things to do in London with kids.
On my last visit in the summer of 2018, I had extensively covered London with kids. Much of the information shared there remains the same, so I’m writing a brief description of each, and adding on newer discoveries. This will allow you to have everything in one place when you are planning the things to do in London with kids.
If you know of other activities targeted at children in the city of London, please add them in the comments below! Now, without further ado:
THINGS TO DO IN LONDON WITH KIDS:
- STAY A NIGHT AT THE LONDON ZOO:
This was easily one of the most exciting, and interesting, experiences I have ever had on a trip. Not because it was adventurous or strange, but because it was so unique and sweet! I wrote about my trip for Mint Lounge. Though the digital version of that article is not currently available, I will add it in as soon as it is.
- VISIT THE LONDON AQUARIUM:
Sea Life, as it is known, has an amazing selection of sea creatures divided as per their natural habitats. The interactive tours are also very engaging. Plus, it’s centrally located right next to the London Eye, Westminster Pier, and Shrek’s Adventure, so you can combine all these activities if you are short on time.
- MAKE THE MOST OF THE BEAUTIFUL PARKS:
Delhi is a city of parks and gardens, but it is not a patch on London in this regard. The sheer variety and plethora of activities make the many parks of London an attractive proposition for visiting with kids. The beautiful summer weather is an added bonus. Click here to know about the best parks and playgrounds in London.
- EAT DELIGHTFUL CUISINES TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT
London is a foodie’s delight! One can find all kinds of cuisines at every corner, and even the most stubborn children will melt at the sheer variety on offer. Here’s a post on the most child-friendly places to eat in London, and a fun article I wrote on the similarities of British and Indian cuisines!
- TAKE A SIGHTSEEING TOUR
You may feel this is boring for kids, but trust me, in a city that gives its own history such importance, there is something to appeal to everyone! Whether you take an open-top bus tour, a boat cruise around the Thames, or simply savour the sights on London Eye, you will be spoilt for sightseeing choice. Here’s my round-up of the best sightseeing in London.
- TAKE TO THE STREETS TO SHOP:
Malls and crowded marketplaces are often the bane of a child’s existence. And there is nothing worse than a cranky child when moms are on a mission to shop! Fortunately, London has a vibrant and thriving street market and farmer’s market culture, allowing kids to run around and enjoy delicious treats while mothers can take their time to shop. Here’s a selection of the best street markets in London.
- VISIT THEIR AMAZING KID-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS:
Kids and museums don’t always go well together, but in London, the museums are Fun with a capital F. Whether it’s seeing a life-size automated model of a T-Rex, or discovering the beauty of the universe, your children will be spoilt for choice. Fret not, because I’ve picked the top five museums they will love.
- WATCH A SHOW ON THE WEST END:
London has some of the best musicals and live shows to offer, and watching a show is a must-do on every visit. The amazing sets, fabulous music and dance, and beloved stories appeal to people across ages. Tickets are expensive but depending on which show you choose you can find reasonably priced ones too. We watched Matilda on my son’s request and absolutely loved it!
- GET YOUR EXERCISE IN:
In the summer, it is a pleasure to walk around London. If you feel your kids won’t be able to keep up with the vigorous walking, rent or buy a scooter for them. Older children and adults can also rent bikes which are readily available throughout the city.
So, this is my selection of the things to do in London with kids. Have you tried any of these? Would you recommend them too? Tell me in the comments below! And if you found this post useful, do share it with others who may find it useful too!
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This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
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*This is not a sponsored post.
**Copyright in pictures and content belongs to nooranandchawla.com and cannot be republished or repurposed without express permission of the author. As I am a copyright lawyer by profession, infringement of any kind will invite strict legal action.
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