The WeeWander Edit: Our Ultimate 3-Day London Itinerary

Welcome to Europe! Oh, you’ve already been? If the last time you visited the continent known for avant-garde fashion, decadent food, and centuries-old palaces was in your mid-20s, take note. Everything is a wee bit different when you travel to Europe with kids. That’s why we created the Wee Wander Edit: a series that will inspire you to go back and see European cities through sticky, toddler-sized fingerprinted lenses. Our London itinerary follows. It’s chock-full of kid-friendly activities, sights, restaurants, and hidden gems. For families keen to explore the royally fabulous city on the other side of the pond—there’s nowhere quite like London.

London: By the Numbers

London is over 2000 years old—one of the oldest cities in Europe. With a population of over 9.7 million, it’s also one of the largest. A testament to its inherent diversity, these 9.7 inhabitants speak over 300 languages, including Mandarin, Punjabi, Hokkien, and Bengali. London has nearly 1000 bookstores and over 325 public libraries, including the British Library, which houses the Magna Carta. One of the world’s greenest cities, London has a whopping 3,000 parks covering 47% of the city. While these numbers are impressive, they’re merely the beginning of why London is such a goldmine for visitors with kids.

Looking for things to do in England’s capital city with kids? You’ve come to the right place. Our 3-day London itinerary will ensure you don’t run out of ways to entertain your family. 

London: Edited for Kids

Taking kids to a large European city requires advanced thought. Flying by the seat of your pants is relaxing and freeing when traveling solo or with a partner. But when kids are involved, the tighter the planning, the better. This isn’t to say your days should be jam-packed with activities—downtime is always your BFF when traveling with kids. Downtime creates space for both parents and kids to recharge. As we all know, being prepared will always mitigate chaos when traveling with kids.

Wondering what to do in London with kids? Read on for three days of activities and ideas for kid-friendly travel. Each day includes various activities and ideas, so feel free to pick and choose based on your family’s interests. If your family’s style is slow and steady, divide each day into two. If you prefer fast and furious, take advantage of our add-ons. There’s no wrong way to explore London.

Day One: London Itinerary With Kids

The ideal place to begin a tour of London is Buckingham Palace—the royal’s city residence. Located in Westminster with over 750 rooms, families can explore the Palace with a multimedia tour designed with kids in mind. The tour is narrated by Alice the Footman and Rex the Corgi, delightful tour guides for your kids to learn about the royal family.

Time your visit to coincide with the Changing of the Guard ceremony. This uber-popular traditional event is where the New Guard replaces the Old in front of the Palace. It takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11am. Always check The Household Division’s website, as times are subject to change. And, plan to arrive early so your little ones can see the ceremony without masses of tourists blocking their view.

Depending on your kids’ ages and attention spans, head to the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. The Royal Mews is responsible for the Royal family’s travel and transportation. Kids will love admiring the historic royal carriages, including the ones used for King Charles III’s 2023 and Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 Coronations. The horse stables are not to be missed, as they are some of the world’s finest.

After a bit of touring, the kids will need to release some energy. Thankfully, St. James Park is nearby. Considered the most ‘royal’ of the Royal parks, it’s a natural spot to picnic or enjoy fresh air, flowers, and greenery. While meandering around the lake, play a game of ‘I Spy,’ as the park is known for its famous pelicans, who have called St. James Park home since 1664. Who in your family will spot them first?

Should anyone feel peck-ish, St. James’s Café offers lake views with light bites, including British classics like eggs on toast. Parents will welcome a chilled glass of wine before returning to the bustling city streets.

At this point, enjoying a sight that doesn’t require physical exertion will feel good. On your way to the London Eye, splurge and take an iconic black taxi past England’s most important structures, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. Built in 2020, the London Eye is one of the city’s most popular attractions. At just over 440 feet and with enormous state-of-the-art pods, the London Eye is the world’s biggest cantilevered observation wheel.

The London Eye is worthwhile, rain or shine. Plan your trip to include this architectural wonder by reserving tickets in advance. The Flexi Fast Track Ticket allows families to visit the London Eye anytime on a chosen day—guaranteed priority entrance to see the spectacular views according to your schedule (and the weather forecast).

Ready for dinner? Walk-ins are welcome at St. Stephen’s Tavern. Located near the London Eye, with views of Big Ben, this traditional English pub is one way to ease into the evening after a day of sights. Don’t miss the fish and chips—a classic British meal if there ever was one.

Day Two: London Itinerary With Kids

Kensington Palace is the birthplace of Queen Victoria and has been the residence of England’s modern royals for over 300 years. Located in Kensington Gardens, a trip to this magnificent palace is a beautiful way to begin the day. Consider buying tickets in advance to save time, then spend a few hours walking in the footsteps of royalty. Tour the Queen’s State Apartments and climb the King’s Staircase. The lavish interiors will captivate even the youngest in your group.

After wandering the ornate apartments and rooms of the palace, head outdoors to Diana Memorial Playground and let the kids run, jump, and play to their heart’s content. A wooden pirate ship takes center stage at this free playground that honors Princess Diana. Kids can let their imaginations run wild as they amble around the teepees and sculptures, all set against a lovely, lush garden-filled backdrop.

All that running and jumping will create hearty appetites. Stroll through Kensington Gardens, passing the whimsical bronze statue of Peter Pan along the way, and head to world-famous Harrods for retail therapy and to experience a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea. It’s wise to make advanced reservations, so plan your day accordingly, allowing time for bathroom breaks and rest stops as needed. Harrods’ Bear Tea Party menu will be a treat for kids with decadent delights like classic scones and strawberry jam, garden cucumber sandwiches, and frozen fruit popsicles. This kid-focused tea party will provide ammunition for a few more hours of sightseeing.

End your action-packed day with a stop at the Natural History Museum. Learn about volcanoes and earthquakes—the amazing natural forces that literally shape the planet. Come face to face with a T. Rex and Triceratops in the Dinosaur Gallery, or unearth precious gemstones and gold nuggets in the Earth’s Treasury Gallery. Entry is free. But be warned, budding paleontologists and geologists may never want to leave.

Day Three: London Itinerary With Kids

With its famous dome and intricate spires, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most recognizable cathedrals in the world. Originally built in AD 604 and completed in 1710, a visit to St.Paul’s is a tranquil way to begin day three of your London itinerary. Various guided tours are available if your kids are interested in seeing the cathedral beyond the main floor. The Highlights Tour takes only 20-30 minutes, while the cathedral floor and underground crypts are 60-90 minutes. 

Walk the south bank of the River Thames via Millennium Bridge. Kids will have a proper giggle over this pedestrian suspension bridge’s nicknames—‘Wobbly Bridge’ and ‘Wibbly Wobbly.’ When the bridge was first built in 2000, pedestrians were alarmed by its noticeable swaying motion, hence the nickname. The bridge was promptly closed, repaired, and reopened in 2002. Alas, it wiggles and wobbles no more.

Once safely on the south bank, take some time to explore The Tate Modern, one of London’s most important art museums. Admission is free, and there’s plenty there to excite kids of all ages. This link provides fun family games and activities to enjoy while visiting. Whether you enter the Tate or just admire it from afar, you won’t be disappointed.

Getting hungry? Be sure to avoid hangry kids at all costs! Walk along the river’s edge towards trendy and historic Borough Market. The kids will pick up strong Harry Potter vibes at this 1000-year-old market with food stalls to satisfy every craving. Once a wholesale marketplace, it’s now a destination for sustainable food production. Eat through the cavernous stalls with dozens of temptations, including Taiwanese street food, Indian dosas, and freshly baked French bread. Be sure to save room for a scoop of Italian gelato or a warm slice of pie.

Don’t blame me if you can’t muster up the energy for another site. But if you have any petrol left in the tank, The Tower of London won’t disappoint. In London’s most iconic castle and a World Heritage Sight, visitors can gawk at the ever-brilliant Crown Jewels and meet the legendary Beefeaters and the resident ravens who guard the tower. One especially kid-friendly activity is a hands-on experience shooting arrows and brandishing swords in the White Tower. Be sure to wander the grounds and take photos of one of the most Instagrammable sights in the city, London Bridge. 

The London Itinerary: Getting Around Town

London may be a large, cosmopolitan city, but it’s surprisingly easy to navigate with kids. Plan your day and route, and opt for off-peak travel times to avoid crowds.
Children travel free on most mass transit, including the Tube (the metro or subway to us in the USA), buses, and trams. Kids between 11 and 15 can get a discounted fare. Another option is to pay as you go when you purchase Oyster Cards in advance for the family. Many Tube stations are stroller-friendly, too. But the best way to get around, whenever possible, is by walking! This will be great for your health and a wonderful way to immerse yourselves in the city.

What to do in London Without Spending a Pound

Not everything in England’s capital city costs money. Aside from the sights noted earlier, here’s a short kid-centric list of the many free things to do in London. Whether seeking a Harry Potter adventure, a water park to cool off, or a hidden gem, this list will give your family options galore!

• Science Museum
• British Museum
• The V&A Museum
• Battersea Park
• Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
• Mudchute Farm and Park
• Camlet Street Natural Park
• Barnard Adventure Playground
• LEGO Store, Portobello Road Market
• Harry Potter Walking Tour including 9 ¾ King’s Cross Station
• Paddington Bear book and film locations
• Covent Garden
• Granary Square Fountain
• Hamley’s Toy Store

Top of the Morning

Ready to cross the pond? London may be over 2000 years old, but it’s a timeless option for a family vacation. Perhaps no other city can combine history and modernity with such grace and ease. London has it all—from royal sights to royal tea parties, concrete skyscrapers to wide green spaces, Harry Potter to Paddington Bear. From the fantastic to the fantastical, it’s a city that will forever be imprinted in your children’s minds. Whether you have three days or a fortnight, London will be just your cup of tea.