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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This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

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The London skyline at night, including The Shard
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Observation Decks in London

Gazing across the London skyline now, it’s difficult to believe that St Paul’s Cathedral – a shrimp at 364 feet – held the title of tallest building in town for over 250 years, only being superseded in the 1960s when the likes of the BT Tower and Millbank Tower sprang up. Nowadays, of course (and especially following the noughties’ skyscraper boom), you can barely throw a stone without hitting some sort of superstructure. The race ever skywards may not look so pretty from ground level, but one happy side effect is the proliferation of observation decks it has spawned, from the View from The Shard to the ArcelorMittal Orbit and, of course, the London Eye. Got a head for heights? Climb aboard for our tour of the best observation decks in London. The London Eye The South Bank’s massive Ferris wheel requires very little introduction. Once the world’s tallest, it was later ousted from its perch by the likes of the Singapore Flyer, Las Vegas’s High Roller and, perhaps most notably the Ain Dubai, which stands at almost twice the London Eye’s 443 foot height. None of which diminishes its impact as one of the best observation decks in London (ok, so it’s a wheel, not a deck, but let’s not split hairs). Step aboard one of the 32 capsules for the half-hour rotation, which promises unparalleled views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and, on a clear day, even the distant turrets of Windsor Castle. Lift 109 After years in decay and disrepair, Battersea Power Station has been reborn as a thriving community hub packed with green spaces and hip new shops, bars and restaurants. But the main event at this revived icon of the industrial age is Lift 109. Board the elevator in the stunning Art Deco turbine hall for a thrill ride that launches you to the top of one of the iconic chimneys faster than a puff of smoke. Your destination: a 360-degree glass observation deck with far-reaching views across Battersea, Lambeth and beyond from more than 350 feet up. Up at the O2 If you prefer to work for your views, we have just the thing for you. Up at the O2 is a 90-minute experience that requires you to scale – yes, scale – the Greenwich landmark. A guide will ensure you’re suitably well versed in safety procedures, as well as being suited, booted and harnessed before you begin the ascent to a not inconsiderable 170 feet above terra firma. Intrepid climbers are rewarded with sweet views of Canary Wharf, the Olympic Park, Greenwich and Old Father Thames, which look particularly magical on sunset climbs, with city lights illuminating the skyline. Tower Bridge At over 130 years old, Tower Bridge is one of the oldest London observation platforms on our list – and also the most photogenic. Pap your souvenir snaps from the banks of the Thames then make for the glass-floored walkways up top of this extraordinary feat of Victorian engineering. Not only do these provide views of the red double decker buses and black London cabs crossing the bridge far beneath your feet; time it right and you might even get a bird’s eye view of the bridge’s bascules rising to let a boat pass through. You can also expect fine views of landmarks including the Tower of London, HMS Belfast and St Paul’s Cathedral.  Entry to the glass platforms at Tower Bridge is included with The London Pass, which can save you money when taking in multiple London attractions, tours and activities over a few days. ArcelorMittal Orbit Britain’s largest piece of public art, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the looping, swirling Anish Kapoor-designed behemoth that forms the centerpiece of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. Ascend 260 feet up to the observation deck for views that take in the Shard, Big Ben and the O2 Arena, as well as the very tracks where Olympic records were made back in 2012. But you don’t go to the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit for the views alone. No! You can also take the fast lane back to ground level via the planet’s tallest and longest slide, an awesome 12-loop beast designed by maverick German artist Carsten Höller. Those of a more delicate constitution may of course choose to descend via the stairs or elevator. The Sky Garden London’s highest public garden is free to enter, but you’ll likely want to book your slot in advance to avoid disappointment. This one’s up top of The Fenchurch Building (better known as the Walkie-Talkie due to its distinctive shape), and couples lush greenery with panoramic London views that include Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, The Shard and many more. Grab a sundowner at the Sky Pod Bar or treat yourself to a posh fish dinner at the fine-dining Fenchurch restaurant, and note that guests with restaurant reservations need not book a time slot! Monument Built in the 1670s to commemorate the Great Fire of London, the Monument stands 202 feet tall, the same as the distance from its base to the spot where the devastating 1666 blaze began on Pudding Lane. Complete the 311-step climb to the observation platform near the top of of this Portland stone monolith, where you’ll be rewarded with fine views across the city and Thames, as well as an official certificate to prove you made it all the way to the top! Entry to this, London’s oldest ticketed attraction, is included with a London Pass. View from The Shard Well, whaddya know: we’ve saved the loftiest for last. And what better way to conclude this list of the best observation decks in London than with one of the best on the entire planet? Scoot up to the 72nd floor of the UK’s tallest building in just 60 seconds and, once you’ve got your breath back, step out onto the partially open-air deck that towers an epic 1,000 feet (give or take) above the streets of Southwark. This architectural masterpiece (or monstrosity, depending who you ask) contains some 11,000 panes of glass and 36 elevators as well as boasting, on clear days, panoramic views that stretch for up to 40 miles, taking in the Thames Estuary, the South Downs and everything in between. Epic and also, it just so happens, included with The London Pass. Save on London Activities, Tours and Attractions Save on admission to 90+ London attractions with The London Pass. Check out @LondonPass on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
The London Eye
Tower of London

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Tower Bridge
St Paul’s Cathedral