Things to do in London with kids

1.Natural History MuseumFree

Dinosaurs, a moving T. rex and the blue whale. Free, and children's favourite museum in London.

2.Science MuseumFree

Space and flight galleries are free; the hands-on Wonderlab is paid and worth it for ages 7 and up.

3.Diana Memorial PlaygroundFree

A pirate ship and sandy beach in Kensington Gardens. Free; adults only with children.

4.London Zoo

In Regent's Park, with gorillas, tigers and a walk-through lemur enclosure.

Tip: Walk there along Regent's Canal from Camden.

5.Young V&AFree

A free museum of play, design and toys in Bethnal Green, reopened in 2023.

6.The Tower of London

Crown Jewels, armour and the ravens; the Yeoman Warders' tours are great for older children.

7.Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory

Walk under a tea clipper's hull and stand on the Prime Meridian.

8.Uber Boat river trip

A cheap river tour on the commuter boats between Westminster, the City and Greenwich.

9.Coram's FieldsFree

A playground and petting farm where adults can only enter with a child. Free.

10.Changing the GuardFree

Bands and bearskins outside Buckingham Palace on scheduled days. Free.

11.Sea Life London Aquarium

Sharks and penguins by the London Eye; a good rainy-day option.

12.Warner Bros. Studio Tour

The Harry Potter sets and props, a 20-minute train ride from Euston plus a shuttle bus.

Tip: Book weeks ahead; it sells out.