If you’re going to take a family vacation to a European city, London should be at the top of the list of places to go. The city has appeal for children of all ages, and adults won’t be bored either. The city is easy to navigate on foot or via public transit, Americans won’t have to worry about a language barrier, and many of the popular sites are free or low cost, so families can enjoy more of what London has to offer than they might be able to in a more expensive city. Children will enjoy standard London highlights like Big Ben and the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, as well as some of these kid-friendly activities.
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The London Zoo. If you’re looking for a day out with the kids that is both fun and educational, the London Zoo is a great option. This is the world’s oldest scientific zoo, and it’s home to over 700 different animal species. Your children will learn without realizing it while they explore Penguin Beach, Tiger Territory, and Rainforest Life. There are daily demonstrations for different types of animals including fish, tropical birds, and spiders. For children 11 and under, there are events scheduled throughout the day at Animal Adventure, the children’s zoo.
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Muggle Tours. Are your children Harry Potter enthusiasts? Then London is right up their (Diagon) alley. You can take the Harry Potter studio tour where you can visit the sets used in the movies, including the Hogwarts Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, as well as check out the costumes, props and special effects that made the movies great. If that’s not enough, you can also take a walking tour of London that points out all of the real sites that made appearances in the series These inexpensive tours require no reservation. You’ll stop by Downing Street, the Scotland Yard, Piccadilly Circus, and the Thames, among other magical locations.
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Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School. For the family of daredevils, or for anyone who’s ever wanted to run away and join the circus, the Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School at Regent’s Park and Battersea Park is the place to go for a day of outdoor activity. Children from ages 8 and up will get a kick out of learning to do simple tricks and working up to being caught by another trapeze artist on a swinging bar. Parents can join in as well. While this is definitely an activity for those inclined to be adventurous, it is still safe. Participants wear a safety belt and there is always a soft safety net underneath.
- Crystal Palace Park: Also known as Dinosaur Court, this park is located in South London, where you will find some full-size dinosaur models lurking in the trees. There is also a children’s play area, fishing and boating lake, cafe and a children’s farm.
If these aren’t enough to fill your days while you’re visiting London with your kids, have no fear, there are still plenty of other activities. The Horniman, British and Natural History Museums are definitely worth a look, all with free admission, and children who want rides will be thrilled with a trip on the London Eye or a visit to Legoland Windsor. There are some unique toy shops including Hamley’s established in 1760 and Benjamin Pollock’s, which opened in 1856. There is no shortage of ways to entertain your children in London.
Popular London family tours for 2014 include:
Globus Journeys: London & Paris: A Tale of Two Cities Family Vacation
Trafalgar Tours: Magic and Make Believe
Monograms Vacations: London Getaway
Collette Tours: London & Paris Family Adventure
