Looking for fun things to do in London with kids in 2026? Whether you’re planning a weekend day out, half term activities, summer holiday adventures or just need fresh after-school ideas, this guide brings together some of the best family-friendly attractions across the capital.
London is packed with incredible experiences for children of all ages — from immersive indoor attractions and hands-on museums to active play spaces and outdoor parks perfect for burning off energy. Whether you’re visiting as a tourist or live locally and want new inspiration, there’s always something exciting happening in the city.
I haven’t included prices, as they can change frequently throughout the year. Instead, I recommend checking each attraction’s official website before visiting for the most up-to-date ticket information and availability.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in London with kids — and I’ll continue updating this list throughout 2026 as we discover even more.
1. Brixton Recreation Centre
If you’re in South London and need somewhere indoors where kids can burn off energy, Brixton Recreation Centre is a great option. The soft play area is ideal for younger children, especially on rainy days when outdoor plans don’t quite work out.
It’s simple, easy and doesn’t require planning weeks in advance — sometimes those are the best kind of days out.
2. Sobell Leisure Centre
Sobell Leisure Centre in North London is brilliant if you’ve got children who need something more active. Alongside the soft play, they also have a Multi-Active Zone, which is perfect for older kids who want something a bit more energetic and interactive.
It’s one of those places that works well for siblings of different ages because there’s more than one option under one roof.
3. Paradox Museum London
If your kids love optical illusions and interactive spaces, the Paradox Museum is one of the most talked-about immersive experiences in London right now.
Expect upside-down rooms, visual tricks and installations that make you question what you’re seeing. It’s just as entertaining for adults as it is for children, which is always a win when you’re planning a family day out. Use my discount code: KIDDOADVENTURES10.
4. Bubble Planet
Bubble Planet is colourful, sensory and completely immersive. From giant bubbles to playful interactive rooms, it’s particularly popular with younger children who love bright spaces and movement.
It’s also a good option when you want something different from a traditional museum visit. Use my discount code: KIDDOADVENTURES10.
5. Natural History Museum
You can’t talk about days out in London with kids without mentioning the Natural History Museum. The dinosaurs alone are enough to get most children excited, and the giant blue whale in Hintze Hall never gets old.
It’s educational without feeling boring, which is why it’s stayed popular for so many years.
6. Science Museum
Right next door, the Science Museum is packed with hands-on exhibits and interactive galleries. If your child loves space, inventions, experiments or anything that involves pressing buttons and making things move, this is the place.
It’s one of those museums that works for a wide age range too.
7. Young V&A
The Young V&A in Bethnal Green is designed specifically with children in mind. There are creative play spaces, interactive exhibits and plenty of opportunities for kids to explore through imagination.
It feels more tailored to families than many other museums, which makes a big difference.
8. Sorted! at The Postal Museum
The Postal Museum is home to Sorted!, an indoor role-play town where children can sort parcels, drive mini vans and take on different postal jobs. You can also ride the underground Mail Rail train, which adds something completely unique to the experience.
It’s interactive, hands-on and a bit different from your usual London attraction.
9. Hamleys on Regent Street
Hamleys isn’t just a toy shop — it’s an experience. Staff demonstrations, themed floors and constant energy make it feel more like a mini attraction than a store.
If you’re already in Central London, it’s always worth popping in.
10. Disney Store Opening Ceremony
One of the most special experiences at the Disney Store is the opening ceremony. The first person to arrive gets to open the store using the a huge Key — and they receive a smaller version of the key to keep.
It’s such a simple concept but feels genuinely magical for little Disney fans.
11. Richmond Park
If you want fresh air and space, Richmond Park is perfect. Children love spotting the deer (from a safe distance), running across open fields and just having room to explore.
It’s one of the easiest ways to spend a day outdoors without spending anything at all.
12. Twist Museum
Twist Museum focuses on illusions and interactive installations. While it’s not my personal favourite, I know plenty of families who really enjoy it, especially if their kids love photo opportunities and visual tricks.
It’s centrally located too, which makes it easy to combine with other plans.
13. AirThrill Catford
AirThrill in Catford is a brilliant option if you’ve got energetic kids who love climbing, bouncing and testing their balance. It’s packed with inflatable obstacles, wipeout-style challenges and climbing elements that make it feel more like an adventure zone than a standard soft play. It works especially well for older children who need something high-energy rather than a toddler-focused space.
14. Oxygen Activeplay at The O2
Oxygen at The O2 is more than just a trampoline park. Alongside interconnected trampolines, there are ninja-style obstacle courses, climbing walls and high-energy activity zones that keep kids moving the entire time. Its location at The O2 also makes it easy to combine with food or other attractions, which is always helpful when planning a full day out in London.
15. Clip ‘n Climb
Clip ‘n Climb is perfect for children who love a challenge. With colourful climbing walls designed in all sorts of creative shapes and themes, it feels fun rather than intimidating. There are multiple London locations, including at The O2 and in Wandsworth, making it a great indoor activity option across different parts of the city. It’s ideal for building confidence and burning energy at the same time.
16. Britannia Leisure Centre
Britannia Leisure Centre is well worth mentioning, especially for families with younger children. The splash area for kids is fantastic, offering a safe and playful water environment that’s ideal for little ones gaining confidence in the pool. If you’re looking for a swimming option that feels child-friendly rather than lane-focused, this is a great choice.
17. Kidspace Croydon
Kidspace Croydon is one of the largest indoor play centres in South London and works brilliantly for children who need space to run, climb and explore. With multi-level play frames, slides, ball pits and dedicated areas for younger children, it’s the kind of place where kids can easily spend hours. It’s especially useful during school holidays or on rainy weekends when outdoor plans aren’t an option.
18. Hobbledown Heath
Hobbledown Heath offers a mix of outdoor adventure, animals and imaginative play, making it feel more like a full day out than just a quick activity. Children can explore climbing towers, tunnels and play villages before meeting farm animals and smaller creatures along the way. It’s a great balance between active play and nature, and it works well for a wide age range.
19. Flip Out Canary Wharf
Flip Out in Canary Wharf is slightly different from what you might expect, as this particular location doesn’t have trampolines. Instead, it focuses on a variety of interactive activity zones that still make it great fun for kids. From soft play-style areas to skill-based challenges and energetic obstacle features, there’s plenty to keep children entertained. It’s a good option if you’re in East London and want something active indoors without it being trampoline-focused.
20. Ahoy! at the National Maritime Museum
Ahoy! at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is a fantastic indoor play space designed especially for younger children. The maritime-themed area encourages imaginative play, with mini boats, trading stations and interactive elements that let children explore the world of ships and sea life in a hands-on way. It’s particularly well suited for toddlers and early primary ages, and because it’s located inside the museum, you can easily combine it with a wider visit to explore the rest of the galleries. It’s a lovely balance of learning and play in a space that feels safe and thoughtfully designed for families.
