Fun With the Little Ones: Top Activities for Toddlers in London

Explore London’s charming attractions with your curious toddler.

Published: March 28, 2025
london toddlers

London welcomes you and your little ones to a world full of discovery and excitement. The city offers an array of wonderful experiences perfect for toddlers that are sure to delight curious little minds. From exciting play zones to fascinating museums, London is a treasure trove for young explorers. Join us as we uncover the best spots to create magical memories with your toddler in this bustling metropolis. 

London Zoo 

London Zoo offers an enchanting world where toddlers meet fascinating creatures. Set in the lush surroundings of Regent’s Park, this zoo houses an incredible variety of animals. Little ones love the Land of the Lions, where they can see the majestic cats up close. The meerkat enclosure brings endless smiles with its scurrying residents. Don’t miss the Penguin Beach, where curious eyes follow the playful antics of these charming birds. The zoo's hands-on experiences and interactive displays make it an educational delight. It's the perfect place for toddlers to explore nature’s wonders with you by their side. 

Diana Memorial Playground 

Inspired by the tales of Peter Pan, the Diana Memorial Playground is a captivating wonderland designed just for children. In the heart of Kensington Gardens, this playground offers endless entertainment with a pirate ship as its centrepiece. Toddlers can explore the ship, dig in the sand, and enjoy musical instruments dotted around the area. The setting, surrounded by lush trees and beautiful landscaping, creates a serene and safe environment. It’s a magical spot where children’s imaginations run wild, offering hours of free play and adventures. 

Natural History Museum 

Natural History Museum 

Step into the Natural History Museum, where little explorers uncover ancient stories of dinosaurs and more. The impressive dinosaur gallery captures the imagination with its towering skeletons and roaring animatronics. Wander through the enchanting wildlife garden and spot butterflies fluttering amidst vibrant plants. The museum also offers a dedicated children’s area with hands-on activities to inspire curiosity. It’s a place where history comes alive, inviting toddlers to delve into the wonders of our planet. 

Coram’s Fields 

Coram’s Fields is a beloved seven-acre park and playground where children can play freely and safely. The area boasts a petting zoo, paddling pool, and an adventure playground designed for young adventurers. The park's soft play spaces ensure a safe environment for toddlers to explore and have fun. The tranquil setting provides a perfect escape from the city's hustle, allowing parents to unwind as children enjoy the spacious surroundings. 

Science Museum 

The Science Museum provides an engaging day of discovery tailored for young, inquisitive minds. Enjoy the interactive exhibits at The Garden, specially designed for the museum’s youngest visitors. Water play, sound experiments, and sensory activities ensure toddlers are entertained while learning. The museum’s hands-on approach encourages exploration and sparks curiosity in even the littlest scientists. The captivating displays and lively atmosphere create a memorable day for families. 

London Transport Museum 

london transport museum

Discover the fascinating world of iconic red buses and trains at the London Transport Museum. Located in Covent Garden, this museum brings the history of London’s transport to life. Little ones can explore the All Aboard play zone, a special area designed for young visitors to climb aboard mini vehicles and experience the thrill of being a driver. The museum's large collection of vintage transport offers delightful opportunities for exploration and fun-filled learning. 

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo 

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo presents an intimate and engaging animal experience tailored for toddlers. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this zoo offers close-up encounters with a variety of adorable animals. From otters to monkeys, children delight in watching playful antics. The farm area allows toddlers to interact with friendly goats and pigs. The family-friendly environment ensures a relaxed and enjoyable visit, where young ones engage with wildlife while having fun. 

Hamleys Toy Store 

Visit Hamleys, the legendary toy store on Regent Street, where dreams become reality for little ones. With several floors filled with toys, games, and interactive displays, Hamleys is an adventure in itself. Enthusiastic staff engage children with magic tricks and toy demonstrations. The colourful and vibrant atmosphere invites toddlers to explore and play. It’s not just a shopping trip; it’s an exciting journey into a world of fun and imagination. 

Hyde Park 

Discover a world of adventure in Hyde Park, a sprawling green space perfect for toddlers to explore. The Diana Memorial Playground offers endless fun with its pirate ship and sandy areas. Take a leisurely stroll along the Serpentine, where little ones can watch ducks and boats glide by. Enjoy a family picnic on the expansive lawns, or let your toddler splash around in the nearby Lido. Hyde Park is a haven for families seeking fresh air and outdoor play in the heart of London. 

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Kew Gardens 

Kew Gardens

Explore the lush beauty of Kew Gardens, a botanical paradise that delights toddlers and parents alike. Wander through the vast gardens, where vibrant plants and flowers captivate young explorers. The Children’s Garden offers imaginative play areas with climbing structures and water features. Treetop Walkway provides a thrilling adventure above the canopy. Kew Gardens combines natural beauty with engaging activities, making it a perfect spot for family days out in London. 

V&A Museum of Childhood 

Step into the V&A Museum of Childhood, a treasure trove of toys and games guaranteed to captivate young minds. The museum houses an impressive collection of dolls, trains, and storybooks from different eras. Interactive exhibits allow toddlers to engage with educational games and hands-on activities. The museum’s relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely exploration with little ones. Discovering toys from past generations sparks joy and curiosity, creating a delightful experience for all. 

For more kid-friendly London fun, check out our guide to the city when the sun’s out, and keep it regal with the capital’s best palaces! 

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Famous London Film Locations: A Movie-Lover's Guide

Lights, camera, action! Trace your way around the capital with these famous London film locations. London is an iconic city for its architecture, culture and general ‘vibe’. What’s more though is that the capital has been immortalised on screen throughout the years and portrayed in many different lights from the mystical and magical, to the nail-biting and thrilling. The city itself has a variety of personas to be discovered on a film tour of London. Let’s take a look at the changing landscapes of London and the iconic scenes from some of our best loved films that have captured London at its best. James Bond James Bond: the world's favourite action hero and Mi6 spy. Okay, we'll give you this as perhaps a bit of an obvious connection London. With offices based on the banks of the Thames, his HQ is frequently featured in the popular series Fleming created so many decades ago. A memorable moment was Pierce Brosnan’s speedboat chase along the Thames in The World is Not Enough. Later, in Skyfall, Daniel Craig symbolically stands on a rooftop in central London with some of the most iconic sights on the horizon, including Big Ben and the tops of the houses of Parliament, with bronze topped domes of local churches in the foreground. Spot some of London's iconic "Bond spots" with a trip down the Thames on a Hop On Hop Off Thames River Cruise - you'll even spot the famous MI6 and MI5 buildings on the rivers-edge to leave you shaken and a bit stirred... with awe. Notting Hill Probably one of the best pop-culture films of the 1990s, Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, takes you on a tour of London like a local, as lived by a group of thirty-somethings. Grant’s iconic tiny house with the blue door can be found at 280 Westbourne Park Road. Although be warned, you ardent 'grammers, the owners of this house have since painted and changed the façade. His travel bookshop lives at 13-15 Blenheim Crescent. It’s even been renamed Notting Hill Bookshop in homage to the film. While you're wandering around the area, why not check out some of our neighbourhood hot spots courtesy of our Notting Hill area guide. Bridget Jones This much-loved protagonist will always have a soft spot in hearts all of the world, even those who found her antics a bit on the ridiculous side. With an objectively hilarious life and full of love dramas, she was the lovable character of Helen Fielding’s creation. Her quirky flat moved South of the river for the film, from its original location in Holland Park in the books. For those with a keen eye who’ve visited Borough Market, you’ll recognise her black front door beside The Globe pub on Bedale Street. That's a DARN good beady eye for London film locations, well spotted! And those of us with colossally powerful memories might even remember the scene where Darcy and Daniel have their bare-fisted battle and smash through the Greek restaurant. Well, that's now a wine merchant called Bedales, just around the corner in the popular marketplace. Only steps away from this iconic market area, you'll see The Shard soaring into the air, casting a pointy shadow over Bridget's flat. Harry Potter Do you like magic? Do you like train stations that are missing a quarter? Then you'll love Harry Potter and his magical world, based in London. Fans of the books might recognise some architecture featured heavily in the film. The Ministry of Magic was filmed outside Scotland Yard and the street shots (you’ll remember from Diagon Alley) combined Borough Market and Leadenhall Market. Even though they’re not even remotely nearby... And who can forget platform 9 3⁄4 in Kings Cross. The station represents the portal into the magic world to catch the Hogwarts Express train, which is signposted in the actual Kings Cross station. You can even go and get your photo taken there. There's a number of wizarding places scattered across London, from dedicated Harry Potter fan stores to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour where the magic happens to the shaky bridge Voldemort destroys in the last film. Check out our master Harry Potter guide to London - and don't forget to bring a Potterhead or two. Paddington Bear Now a Hollywood Blockbuster, Paddington Bear is one of London’s most famous mascots. This fictional character has been around since 1958 when Michael Bond’s series of books plucked him from the depths of the Peruvian jungle. And placed him into the home of the Browns. Those travelling in and out of Paddington station will be able to purchase a small bear as a memorabilia at this iconic London film location. Make sure you don't feed it marmalade sandwiches unless you like your stuffed bears fossilised, though. Les Miserables (2013) As the film reaches its revolutionary peak, the cast of Les Miserables takes to the barricades. This, shockingly, wasn't set in Paris but in Greenwich nearby the Old Naval College. According to The Telegraph, the set designers spent a month scouring the city for period furniture before knitting it altogether to form the impressive wall at which Enjolras and the revolutionaries make their impressive last stand. The buildings surrounding the college also played a part in the film. It's all down to Greenwich's quaint charm, so pat yourself on the back Greenwich. While it's not entirely relevant to Les Miserables, a stroll through the park and a visit to the Royal Observatory is always a great shout, with its breathtaking view over the Thames river. Hugh Jackman would absolutely approve. Elsewhere in this lovely corner of London, where the narrow and windy streets seem to resemble and English fishing village, you'll find the 19th century ship Cutty Sark and the fantastic National Maritime Museum that overlooks the Thames. Wimbledon Fun fact, the film Wimbledon was actually shot at The Queen's Club, out in South Kensington. This grand club actually hosts an impressive tennis tournament of their own called The Queen's Club Championships. Despite its pretty unambitious name is one of the big qualifiers leading up to Wimbledon. However if you're looking to really get into the technical nitty gritty behind the Kirsten Dunst romcom, it's worth jumping over to Wimbledon itself where you can tour the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Want to get a truly behind-the-scenes look at some of the top London film locations? Join a Brit Movie Tour, included with your London Pass. Pick up a London Pass® and set foot exploring your favourite movie locations in our awesome city. You'll make great savings vs. paying at the gate on the best London attractions around!
Suz Pathmanathan
Hampton Court gardens
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The Best Summer Music Festivals In London

And the god of summer said, let there be music. And wristbands. Lo, the humble music festival was born. To this day, millions of people have flocked to huge speaker stacks, food trucks and oxygen tents. Yes, festival season is well and truly upon us. But fear not, Londoners. You don't need to drive two hundred miles and sleep in a tent to get your fix of heavenly grooves. London has some of the best around, no matter your musical desires. Have a little scroll down to check out some that are right on your doorstep. Here are some of the best summer music festivals in London. Lovebox 12th July – 13th July, Gunnerbury Park If you’re a London resident, you’ve probably already heard of Lovebox. It’s one of the capital’s most renowned music festivals. Even though it’s now moved to Acton, you can still expect the same mix of eclectic music, alongside sponsored tents pumping out relentless beats, and more food and drink than you could reasonably be expected to consume in a lifetime. This year, Beyonce’s sister Solange and Chance the Rapper headline, alongside hip-hop behemoths Cypress Hill, Kaytranada, and London’s own Loyle Carner. Citadel 14th July, Gunnerbury Park If you prefer your music a little more chilled out, then head west to Gunnerbury Park for Citadel. It’s on a Sunday, so expect a more laid-back experience with acts like Friendly Fires and Bastille headlining the bill. And if you want to give your ears a rest, there’s lots more to see and do. Take in a comedy show, attend a workshop, or sit down for a lovely bite to eat. It's the perfect way to end the weekend, and definitely one of the best summer music festivals in London.
Dom Bewley
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Tower of London

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