Family Days Out near to London
Westminster Abbey (< 1km)
Westminster
Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey is one of the most visited churches in all the world. It remains primarily a place of Christian worship and pilgrimage.
Tate Britain (< 1km)
London
Tate Britain Tate Britain is the national gallery of British art, offering over 500 years of British art all for free! Tate Britain has everything you need for a family day out enjoy the galleries together, get exploring with free discovery trails and join in our special weekend and holiday events.
Buckingham Palace (1km)
St.James Park
Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of Her Majesty The Queen and serves as both home and office. Use the special family audio guide to explore the Palace and then answer quizzes whilst following our garden activity trail.
House of Parliament Tour (1km)
Westminster
House of Parliament Tour During the Summer Recess the Palace of Westminster, home to the House of Lords and the House of Commons is open for a one hour guided tour, which includes both Chambers and other great State Rooms. The tour starts at Victoria Tower and ends in Historic Westminster Hall. (follow weblink) Out of season contact your MP for a tour.
Sunday Stroll Skating (1km)
Hyde Park Corner
Sunday Stroll Skating A mass skate on Sundays, which is designed for beginner skaters and kids accompanied by an adult, where the music is vetted to ensure no profanity/adult content appears (unlike the Friday Night Skate).
Hamleys (2km)
Regent Street
Hamleys An iconic flagship toy store that has developed an international reputation for its magical, atmosphere, choice of products and spectacular window displays.
The National Gallery (2km)
Trafalgar Square
The National Gallery Plenty of talks, workshops, and holiday fun for all ages. A great place to go - really exciting when you are a little one walking around looking at the fab old pictures - and there's trafalgar square outside - and it's free!!
The Cartoon Museum (2km)
Russell Square
The Cartoon Museum From Dennis the Menace and Rupert to Andy Capp, Giles and Steve Bell the Cartoon Museum has something for all the family. It shows over 200 original British cartoons, cartoon strips and comics ranging from There is a regular programme of changing exhibitions. In the Young Artists� Gallery there are tips on how to draw cartoons and anyone can have a go.
British Museum (2km)
Great Russell Street
British Museum Explore the world under one roof - whether you come to the British Museum for the whole day or just a couple of hours, there is always something free for families to do together.
London Transport Museum (2km)
Covent Garden
London Transport Museum There's more than ever for you and your family at London Transport Museum. See a bus so old it was pulled along the street by horses. Get behind the driver's seat of our tube train simulator, experience journeys of a bygone era.. Your only problem will be trying to fit it all in!
The National Army Museum (2km)
Chelsea
The National Army Museum Discover how Britain's past has helped to shape our present and our future, and the impact our Army has had on the story of Britain, Europe and the world. With four gallery displays, a changing range of exhibitions, events and activities, plus the interactive Kids Zone.
Saatchi Gallery (2km)
Chelsea
Saatchi Gallery The Saatchi Gallery is specifically geared towards introducing a younger audience of art students and enthusiasts to contemporary art. The facilities - at the Gallery, via the website and in the Gallery classroom for schools - endeavor to ensure that teachers and parents receive the best on-site and outreach support possible for children.
Science Museum IMAX 3D Cinema (3km)
South Kensington
Science Museum IMAX 3D Cinema For the ultimate movie-going experience visit the Science Museum IMAX 3D Cinema. With a screen taller than four double-decker buses and 3D effects you'll be totally immersed in the action! A great place for a kids day out in London.
The Natural History Museum (3km)
Kensington
The Natural History Museum - promotes the discovery, understanding, enjoyment and responsible use of the natural world. Explore our world-class collections, fantastic exhibitions and cutting-edge research online, or visit our landmark building.
Science Museum (3km)
South Kensington
Science Museum Where can you entertain adults and children alike with exhibitions, events and films, all under one roof? At the Science Museum you can do all this and more! Catch a 3D movie, jump on a simulator, visit an exhibition, and encounter the past, present and future of technology in 7 floors of galleries!
Victoria and Albert Museum (3km)
Kensington
Victoria and Albert Museum m has lots of exciting events and activities for families every holiday and many weekends. Activities are free and most do not need to be booked, which means you can stay for as long or as short a time as you like.
St Paul's Cathedral (3km)
St.Pauls
St Paul's Cathedral St Paul's is the spiritual focus for the nation. This is where people and events of overwhelming importance to the country have been celebrated, mourned and commemorated. Visit Nelson's Tomb, test the unique acoustics of Whispering Gallery and climb up to the Golden Gallery to enjoy a panoramic view of London that is second to none.
Corams Fields (3km)
Bloomsbury
Corams Fields Coram's Fields has a wide variety of activities including extensive lawns for free play (and very suitable for family picnics), artificial turf sports pitches, a paddling pool, sandpits, a flying fox and other slides, a pets corner (with sheep, goats, ducks, hens and much more), vegetarian cafe, a nursery and drop-ins for under 5's as well lots of other organised activities.
The Merlin Entertainments London Eye (3km)
Westminster
The Merlin Entertainments London Eye Family days out in London? - you should start here. At 135 metres, theLondon Eye is the world's tallest observation wheel with 40 kilometre panoramic views on a clear day.
London Dungeon (3km)
London Bridge
London Dungeon The London Dungeon brings the darkest chapters of local and national history back to life, combining authentic set design, stunning special effects and live performance to recreate history's horrible bits.
Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition and Tour (3km)
Bankside
Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition and Tour The Globe Theatre is a faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse. Throughout the year, a fascinating guided tour of the theatre is included in your visit to Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition, bringing this extraordinary space to life. Fantistic idea for a family day out in London.
HMS Belfast (3km)
Tooley Street
HMS Belfast HMS Belfast is unique as she is now the last remaining big-gunned warship to have seen action in WWII still moored in European waters. She was launched in 1938 and served with distinction in both the Second World War and the Korean War.
BFI London IMAX Cinema (3km)
Waterloo
BFI London IMAX Cinema The state-of-the-art cinema shows 2D and 3D films on the largest cinema screens in the UK, transporting viewers to the world's greatest places, from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space. A great london kids day out.
Sea Life London Aquarium (3km)
Westminster
Sea Life London Aquarium - is home to one of Europe's largest collections of global marine life and the jewel in the crown of the 28 Sea Life attractions in the UK and Europe. Situated in the heart of London, the experience takes visitors on an immersive and interactive journey along the Great Oceanic Conveyor.
The Golden Hinde (3km)
London Bridge
The Golden Hinde Sample a taste of Tudor life on board The Golden Hinde this bank Holiday Weekend with our Family Pirate Fun Festival. The Golden Hinde is a replica of Sir Francis Drake's warship, which offers visitors an unforgettable living history experience.
Imperial War Museum (3km)
Lambeth
Imperial War Museum From Flanders to the Gulf the Imperial War Museum London tells the story of 20th century conflict, complete with smells and sound effects.
London Duck Tours (3km)
Waterloo
London Duck Tours London Duck Tours is no ordinary sightseeing tour, you get a guided tour by road including a trip along the river, without ever leaving the comfort of your seat. Nothing compares to the thrill of driving from the road straight into the Thames. A great idea if you are looking for family days out in london.
London Bicycle Tour Company (3km)
South Bank
London Bicycle Tour Company Do you know all the beautiful things you're missing every day when using the underground? Riding a bike will enable you to discover London from a different angle. All the family will enjoy plenty of beauty during great and sunny days with one of the oldest mean of transport.
Tower Bridge Exhibition (3km)
London Bridge Stn
Tower Bridge Exhibition Learn all about the bridge and the history behind it while inside the famous bridge and enjoy the great panoramic views from the walkways high above the river Thames.
Britain at War Experience (3km)
London Bridge
Britain at War Experience Get the closest possible insight into what life was really like. The Britain at War Experience recreates the London Blitz in all its fury with special effects highlighting the sights and sounds, the artifacts, and even the dust and smoke of an air raid at its height.
BFI Film Funday (3km)
South Bank
BFI Film Funday Film Funday kicks off with a series of themed workshops; kids can enjoy an array of activities from film-making and creating their own storyboards, to face painting and fancy dress. The fun follows with a special screening each month.
Huntfun Westminster Treasure Hunt (3km)
South Bank
Huntfun Westminster Treasure Hunt A great fun way to explore in your own town or when visiting somewhere new. Fun for all the family and something a bit different getting everyone out and about in the fresh air for a few hours.
London RIB Voyages (3km)
Southbank
London RIB Voyages Fast, fun sightseeing speedboat trips for all ages. Kids will love this fast paced adventure whilst our comedian guides make learning about our great city entertaining for all ages. Family sightseeing adventure at its best. Toddlers, children and their grannies will all love this capital experience.
London Bridge Experience (3km)
London Bridge
London Bridge Experience and the London Tombs are set in the historic surroundings of the tombs under the London Bridge. The London Bridge Experience is an attraction with a difference with a multi-educational purpose- practical and theoretical.
Tate Modern (3km)
Bankside
Tate Modern -s the most popular gallery of modern art in the world. Located on the Thames, it is a landmark site for everyone visiting London. But did you know that it is not only child friendly but encourages families and children to visit with free activities and art trails?
Queens Ice and Bowl (4km)
Bayswater
Queens Ice and Bowl If you are looking for family days out in London, with ice skating being on TV all the time why not go for a session down at Queens where they have ice skating and bowling all under one roof. Great idea if you're looking for things to do with kids in London.
Princess Diana Memorial Playground (4km)
Kensington
Princess Diana Memorial Playground Over 70,000 children enjoy this free playground each year. Kids love to play, explore, dash about, and let their imaginations soar in this magical space. There is a sensory trail, teepees, a beach around the pirate ship and various toys and play sculptures.
Battersea Park Children's Zoo (4km)
Battersea
Battersea Park Children's Zoo invites you to check on the monkeys, crawl down the tunnel to see the meerkats, talk to the parrots and mynah birds, on to the farm to say hello to the goats, sheep, donkeys, pigs, turkeys, emus etc. Playground games and climbing frames etc.
Broadgate Ice Skating (4km)
Liverpool Street
Broadgate Ice Skating Ice Skating rink right in the middle of London.
Museum of London (4km)
Barbican
Museum of London Museum of London is one of the world's largest urban history museums and cares for over two million objects in its collection. The lower galleries are currently undergoing major redevelopment work which will see spectacular new galleries opening in spring 2010 telling the story of modern London from 1666 to the present day.
London Zoo (5km)
Regents Park
London Zoo has incredible daily animal displays and many animal magical moments, including feeds and keeper talks. Get closer at London Zoo. Visit the new exhibit "Into Africa" and come eye to eye with some of Africa's most unusual amimals. There is also "Meet the Monkeys" an exciting monkey walk-through experience and the new Butterfly Paradise. A great kids day out in London.
Madame Tussauds (5km)
Baker Street
Madame Tussauds Filled with 12 exciting, interactive zones, Madame Tussauds London combines glitz and glamour with incredible history with over 300 wax figures. Strike a pose with the Beckhams, be knighted by The Queen, test your kids in the Chequered Flag Challenge and take a taxi ride through London's history. There is something for everyone at Madame Tussauds. So, who do you want to meet?
Original London Sightseeing Tour (5km)
Baker Street
Original London Sightseeing Tour The ORIGINAL TOUR is the only tour operator to offer commentaries specially designed for children. History made fun - for kids, by kids ... plus the voice of the ghost of London! Every child also gets a 'passport' to London and a fantastic free fun pack with activity/quiz book.
Tower of London (5km)
Tower Hill
Tower of London Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066-7 and enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, today the Tower of London is one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house. A great kids day out in London.
London Canal Museum (5km)
Kings Cross
London Canal Museum London Canal Museum invites families to discover the fascinating facts and history of the city's hidden waterways. Take part in fun activity days, set sail on the Regent's canal and hear the stories of those who have lived and worked on the canals since the 1820s brought to life.
Pottery Cafe (5km)
Fulham
Pottery Cafe - you can decorate your own colourful hand made pottery in our studios in London
Gambado (5km)
Chelsea
Gambado Gambado is family entertainment with a twist!
Giant play-frame, dodgem cars, didi cars, carousel ride, free weekly activity classes, reading corner, and LOADS more!!! All this plus lots comfortable seating with free internet and wireless, regular email discounts for our members!
Coffee and Crayons (5km)
Fulham
Coffee and Crayons Coffee and Crayons is a fabulous new child-friendly cafe offering a unique environment particularly for those with children. Great idea if you're looking for things to do with children in London.
Smarty Paints (6km)
Wandsworth
Smarty Paints We offer a fun day out painting ceramics and pottery. We have a studio cafe based in the Wandsworth/Clapham area. We also do parties, foot & hand prints, kid's activities & classes and commissions/gifts. People of any age are welcome and no artistic skills needed!
Museum of Childhood (6km)
London
Museum of Childhood Houses the national childhood collection which includes: dolls' houses, dolls, puppets, toys and games, children's clothes and furniture. The galleries are designed to be accessible to both adults and children of all ages. A great london family day out.
Thanks for all the great places to go when visiting Greater London you keep sending in. Now the christmas holidays are upon us, we're trying to find as many things to do with kids as possible, especially cheap and free family friendly places to visit this year - theme parks, waterparks and swimming pools, museums, indoor soft playcentres, petting farms, wildlife parks and zoos, castles, railways, pottery making and ceramic cafes, roller and ice skating rinks, dry and indoor ski slopes, climbing walls, ten pin bowling alleys and other attractions as possible.
Also teachers may find the site useful for ideas for places to take their classes on school journeys.
So, if you've been for great days out with the kids, or a school trip, which isn't listed above, just send in an email and we'll add it on so people on holidays and all the other children in Greater London can enjoy the day out as well.
If you're looking for fun places for kids when visiting america on vacation, go to our new site familydaysoutusa.com
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