London with toddlers: 7-day itinerary

Planning a trip to London with toddlers can feel daunting. Will they enjoy the historical landmarks? Is the Tube stroller-friendly? What happens if it rains? We’ve asked all those questions ourselves, but we’re here to tell you: London with toddlers is not just doable, it’s absolutely fantastic!

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Forget rushing through crowded museums or struggling with public transport; our meticulously crafted 7-day London itinerary focuses on maximizing joy for your little explorers (and minimizing stress for you!). From world-class playgrounds that spark imagination to interactive museums designed for tiny hands, and from excellent dining experiences to navigating the city with ease, we’ve covered everything you need to know.

We’ll share practical tips on exploring London with toddlers. Get ready to discover a London that embraces family adventures, where every corner holds a new surprise for both you and your curious toddlers!

Day 1: Arrival and St James Park

• Morning: Arrive in London, check into your hotel and settle in. Take it easy on your first day to avoid overwhelming your little ones.
• Lunch: Check out Giraffe! An international restaurant with several locations across the city, you’re sure to find something your toddler will eat.
• Afternoon: Head to St. James’s Park Playground, widely considered one of London’s best for toddlers. It features a variety of equipment suitable for different ages, including swings, slides, climbing frames and a sandpit. The park itself is beautiful for a stroll afterwards.
• Dinner: Enjoy a family-friendly meal at The Two Chairmen, a pub just to the south of St James Park.

Day 2: Dinosaurs, Science and Jubilee Gardens

• Morning: Take the Underground to South Kensington and visit the Natural History Museum. Head straight for the Dinosaur Hall where your toddlers will be captivated by the towering skeletons, including the famous T-Rex. Focus on this section to maximize their engagement before moving on.
  • Entry to this museum is free! Booking free timed entry tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak times.
• After the dinos, check out the Science Museum, which is right next door to the Natural History Museum. While the entire museum might be too much for toddlers, the dedicated “Pattern Pod” (for under 8s) and “Garden” (for ages 3-6) are fantastic. These interactive spaces allow children to explore science through hands-on play.
  • Also free entry!
• Lunch: There are cafes within both museums, or you can find family-friendly options in the South Kensington area. Try Farm Girl or Cocotte.
• Afternoon: Take the Underground or a bus to the South Bank. Explore the Jubilee Gardens Playground, located right behind the London Eye. It’s a fantastic, large playground with plenty of space for toddlers to run around and let off steam before the more confined London Eye experience. You’ll also find street performers along the South Bank to entertain.
• After burning off some energy, enjoy a leisurely ride with panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks on the London Eye. The slow, gentle rotation is perfect for toddlers to take it all in. You can purchase London Eye tickets specifically, or it’s also included in the Go City: London Explorer Pass (the best deal!).
• Dinner: The South Bank area has many family-friendly restaurants, from casual eateries to larger chains with kid’s menus. Try Boulebar or Okan for Japanese food!

Day 3: Peter Pan and a Spot of Tea

• Morning: Take public transport to Kensington Gardens. Explore the Diana Memorial Playground, a fantastic Peter Pan-themed playground with a large pirate ship, teepees and sensory trails. Afterwards, enjoy a walk through the beautiful gardens.
• Lunch: Kid-Friendly Afternoon Tea! There are two different options here, depending what day of the week you wish to enjoy a spot of tea.
  • Friday through Sunday, check out The Queen’s Gate Hotel with their “Animal Kingdom Afternoon Tea,” designed with little ones in mind. It’s just a short walk (approx. 5-7 minutes) or quick public transport ride from Kensington Gardens/South Kensington.
    • Hours: Afternoon Tea is generally served Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. (Booking ahead is highly recommended!)
  • For a weekday tea, check out The Milestone Hotel and Residences with their delightful Children’s Afternoon Tea. It’s located directly opposite Kensington Gardens, making it incredibly convenient after your morning play. They offer a children’s menu with bite-sized sandwiches, scones and pastries suitable for little ones, along with a choice of milkshake, hot chocolate or soft drink.
    • Hours: Available daily, usually from 1:00 PM onwards, but specific times may vary so booking in advance is essential and highly recommended to confirm availability, especially for the children’s tea.
• Afternoon: Buckingham Palace (Changing of the Guard): While you won’t go inside with toddlers, if the Changing of the Guard ceremony is scheduled (check the British Army website in advance), you can witness part of it from designated public viewing areas near Buckingham Palace (accessible by a short tube ride or walk from South Kensington, depending on your exact starting point). Be prepared for crowds and a potentially long wait, and have an exit strategy if your toddler gets restless.
• Afterwards, walk along The Mall, a ceremonial road leading from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. Here are some toddler-friendly things to do that offer variety and are easily accessible:

1. Pelican Feeding in St. James’s Park
   • St. James’s Park, which borders The Mall, is home to a colony of pelicans. There’s a daily pelican feeding between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM daily that’s absolutely fascinating for little ones. It’s a simple, free, and memorable experience. Arrive early to get a good spot.
   • Location: Near Duck Island Cottage, within St. James’s Park.
2. Spotting Mounted Guards (Horse Guards Parade)
   • Just off The Mall, you’ll find Horse Guards Parade. Even when there isn’t a full Changing of the Guard ceremony, there are often mounted guards on duty. Toddlers are usually captivated by the horses and the stoic guards. You can get reasonably close to observe them (but remember not to touch the horses or guards!).
   • Location: Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX. It’s just a short walk from the Buckingham Palace end of The Mall.
3. Wandering through St. James’s Park
   • Beyond the Diana Memorial Playground, St. James’s Park offers wide paths perfect for a toddler in a stroller or for them to safely toddle along. There are ducks and swans on the lake, beautiful flowerbeds (seasonal), and plenty of open space. It’s a wonderful place for a relaxed stroll or a quick run around.
4. A quick peek at Wellington Arch
   • At the very end of The Mall (at Hyde Park Corner) stands Wellington Arch. While you won’t go inside with toddlers, it’s an impressive landmark to see from the outside. You can talk about the horses on top and its grand scale.

• Dinner: Head to a restaurant in the Victoria area for dinner. Check out Rail House or The Palm House Victoria Bar & Restaurant.

Day 4: River Bus, Greenwich Park & Farm Visit

• Morning: Take public transport to the Embankment pier and enjoy a Thames River Bus (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers) ride. Toddlers will enjoy seeing the city from the water. You can purchase tickets at the pier. Consider a Visitor Oyster card or Travelcard for potential discounts.
• Take the river bus to Greenwich to explore Greenwich Park. It offers stunning views of London, a deer enclosure and a decent playground. You can also see the Cutty Sark from the outside, a historic tea clipper ship. If your toddler seems interested, Cutty Sark is included in the Go City: London Explorer Pass.
  • Thames River Bus: Various piers along the Thames (check the Thames Clippers website for locations). Timetables vary, tickets can be purchased online or at the pier.
  • Greenwich Park tickets: Free
  • Cutty Sark tickets: buy in advance online if you plan to go inside. Otherwise, Cutty Sark is included in the Go City: London Explorer Pass.
• Lunch: Greenwich has a variety of family-friendly eateries, including cafes and pubs near the Cutty Sark. Check out Old Brewery or Bill’s.
• Afternoon: From Greenwich, take the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) a short ride to Mudchute Park and Farm. This is a wonderful, free urban farm and park with over 30 acres of countryside right in the heart of East London. Toddlers will love seeing over 100 animals, including sheep, pigs, goats and llamas, and exploring the open spaces. There are also stables and occasionally animal feeding times (check their schedule on arrival). It’s a fantastic contrast to the more structured museum visits.
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner in the Canary Wharf area (easily accessible from Mudchute via DLR). Try Gallio or Caravan.

Day 5: Transport Museum and Toys

• Morning: Visit the London Transport Museum. While the entire museum might be overwhelming, toddlers will enjoy seeing the old buses, trains, and interactive exhibits designed for younger children in the “All Aboard” play zone.
  • Tickets need to be purchased in advance online and are valid for a year, or this museum is also included in the Go City: London Explorer Pass.
• Lunch: Covent Garden has numerous cafes and restaurants offering various options for lunch. Check out Vasiniko or Seven Dials Market.
• Afternoon: Head to Hamleys, the famous toy store on Regent Street. Even if you don’t plan on buying much, the sheer spectacle of the store and the demonstrations will be a treat for toddlers.
• Dinner: Find a family-friendly restaurant in the Regent Street or Oxford Street area. Casa do Frango or Scarlett Green are both great options.

Day 6: Hyde Park, Picnic and Story World

• Morning: Explore Hyde Park (yes, the same Hyde Park from your Regency novels). Enjoy a leisurely walk, let your toddlers run around and perhaps rent a pedal boat on the Serpentine lake (weather permitting).
• Lunch: There are cafes within Hyde Park, but I’d suggest you pack a picnic. There are several Waitrose markets near the park if you didn’t pack lunch before leaving your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Discover Children’s Story Centre. This is a fantastic place designed specifically to spark children’s imagination through storytelling and play. It has an indoor Story World and an outdoor Story Garden, encouraging creative play. It’s a truly unique and engaging experience for toddlers.
  • Purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended.
• Dinner: Find a local eatery in the Stratford area. Check out FIGO or Lokma Westfield.

Day 7: Kew Gardens and Coram’s Fields

• Morning: Head to Kew Gardens. While it’s a bit further out, it’s easily accessible by public transport (Underground and Overground). Focus on Kew’s Children’s Garden, designed specifically for toddlers and young children. It has four different zones to explore (Air, Earth, Sun and Water), all with interactive play features that encourage learning and exploration.
  • Booking tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak times. Also included in the Go City: London Explorer Pass.
• Lunch: There are several cafes and restaurants within Kew Gardens. The Family Kitchen & Shop is designed with children in mind, offering healthy and tasty options.
• Afternoon: Take the train back into central London and head to Coram’s Fields. This unique park is exclusively for children (adults are only allowed entry if accompanying a child). It features a large playground with equipment for all ages, a city farm, a sandpit and plenty of open space. It’s a perfect place for toddlers to run, play and burn off energy on your last day in the city.
• Dinner: Enjoy a final London dinner near Coram’s Fields. Try Nonos, or head back to Seven Dials Market and try a new eatery.

Rainy day play options

As you are probably aware, the only thing predictable about London weather is that it’s unpredictable. Blue skies can quickly be taken over by a raincloud. In addition to the many wonderful museums that London has to offer for toddlers, here are two excellent options for indoor playgrounds.

1. Babylon Park (Camden) This is London’s first underground indoor amusement park with rides, arcade games, and most importantly, a dedicated soft play area for toddlers and young kids. It offers a unique and exciting experience if you need to escape the weather.
   • Address: 8 Castlehaven Rd, Camden, London NW1 8QU
   • Tickets: can be purchased on their website
2. Gambado Chelsea Gambado is a popular indoor soft play and party center with large play frames, slides, climbing walls and dedicated toddler zones. It’s a classic option for burning off energy.
   • Address: 7, Station Court, Townmead Rd, London SW6 2PY
   • Tickets: can be purchased on their website

Sometimes the rain is unavoidable, but don’t let it ruin your vacation in London! Find all the rain gear you need in our UK rain gear packing list.

London Travel Essentials for Families

Preparing your packing list for London with toddlers means thinking about comfort, convenience, and contingency. Here’s a checklist of essentials that will make your trip much smoother:

• Compact, Travel-Friendly Stroller: While London is generally stroller-friendly, a lightweight, easily foldable model will be your best friend. It’s easier to navigate crowded Tube stations (when using step-free routes!), get on buses, or carry up a few unexpected stairs.
• Ergonomic Baby/Toddler Carrier: For those moments when the Tube isn’t step-free, or you’re navigating a particularly busy market, a carrier offers incredible flexibility. It also allows your little one to be up high, away from the bustling crowds.
• Portable Charger & UK Travel Adapter: Keep your phones charged for maps, tickets, and photos! A UK Type G adapter is essential for all your electronics. Check out our UK Travel Plugs guide to get the right gear!
• Reusable Water Bottles & Snack Containers: Staying hydrated and having familiar snacks on hand is crucial for happy toddlers (and parents!). London has plenty of places to refill water.
• Small, Packable Entertainment: Books, small toys, or coloring supplies for bus rides, museum queues, or restaurant waits. A tablet with downloaded shows is also a lifesaver for longer journeys.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes (for everyone!): You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so supportive, waterproof footwear for the whole family is non-negotiable.
• Lightweight Rain Gear & Layers: London’s weather is famously unpredictable. Pack light rain jackets for everyone and dress in layers so you can easily adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day. Read our UK Essential Rain Gear guide for everything your toddler needs.
• Basic First-Aid Kit: Include any prescription medications, pain relief (for adults and children), plasters (band-aids), antiseptic wipes, and any specific items for allergies.
• Travel Insurance Documents: As we discussed, a vital safety net for any unexpected turns! Keep digital and physical copies handy.

Where to Stay

Choosing the right base for your family in London is key to a smooth and enjoyable trip. The areas of Westminster, South Bank, and South Kensington are highly recommended for their perfect blend of convenience and family-friendly attractions. Staying here puts you within easy reach of parks, iconic landmarks, and interactive museums, often within a short walk. This central location also offers excellent public transport links, making it a smart choice for minimizing travel time and maximizing your precious vacation moments.

For more options, check out our guide on the best London hotels with kids.

Premier Inn London County Hall (Budget)

A fantastic choice for families seeking a great location and a reliable stay. Premier Inn is known for its spacious “family rooms” with a comfortable double bed and two pull-out beds for the kids. The best part? Kids eat a full breakfast for free with a paying adult. Its location is a huge plus, as it’s in the same building as the Park Plaza, putting you right next to the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, and the Jubilee Gardens playground. Book on Trip.com.

The Collingham Serviced Apartments (Midrange)

If you prefer more space and the option to cook, serviced apartments are a great budget-friendly alternative. The Collingham offers apartments with fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas, making it feel like a home away from home. While not as cheap as a hotel room, the ability to prepare some of your own meals can drastically reduce your overall travel budget. Its location in South Kensington puts you within walking distance of some of the city’s best free museums. Book on Trip.com.

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge (Midrange)

Offering the perfect mix of value and amenities, this hotel is a top pick for families. Its location is unbeatable, placing you just steps away from the London Eye, Jubilee Gardens playground, and the South Bank’s vibrant atmosphere. The hotel’s spacious family rooms and the bonus of an indoor swimming pool provide essential space for toddlers to relax and burn off energy after a day of sightseeing. Book on Trip.com.

Cheval Three Quays at The Tower of London (Luxury)

If you’re looking for a special, high-end experience, Cheval Three Quays is a fantastic option. As a luxury serviced apartment complex, it provides an abundance of space with separate living areas and fully equipped kitchens, which is ideal for families with toddlers. Its prime location next to the Tower of London and just a stone’s throw from Tower Bridge offers breathtaking views and a brilliant base for exploring the city’s historic heart. Book on Trip.com.

Strollers in London with toddlers

• Choose a compact/lightweight stroller: a compact, easily foldable and lightweight stroller will be your best friend. This makes navigating stairs (if unavoidable), buses and crowded spaces much easier. For an in-depth look at the best cobblestone friendly strollers, check out our guide on the top travel strollers for navigating Europe.
  • You can also read more about the logistics of traveling with strollers!
• Bring a baby carrier: having both a stroller and a baby carrier is the most flexible approach. Use the carrier for quick hops on busy Tube lines, in very crowded areas or on older cobblestone streets, and the stroller for longer walks, parks and attractions.
• Plan your route: use the TfL Journey Planner and filter for “step-free” routes when using the Tube. Prioritize buses for shorter journeys or if you prefer an easier boarding experience.

Toddler-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes

Dining out with toddlers in a new city can be a challenge, but London offers a fantastic array of options that welcome little ones with open arms. Beyond the specific suggestions in our itinerary, here’s a general guide to finding great places to eat:

• The Power of the Pub Lunch: Don’t dismiss traditional British pubs! Many are incredibly family-friendly, especially during lunchtime. Look for pubs with outdoor seating, or those advertising a “kids menu” or “family welcome.” They often have high chairs and offer hearty, comforting food.
• Reliable Chains are Your Friends: London boasts many well-known chains that consistently cater to families.
  • PizzaExpress / Franco Manca: Pizza is always a hit! Both offer dedicated kids’ menus, high chairs, and activity packs.
  • Giraffe: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse international menu with excellent children’s options.
  • Bill’s: Offers a relaxed atmosphere with a good brunch, lunch, and dinner menu that includes appealing choices for children.
  • Wagamama: A popular pan-Asian chain where kids often enjoy the noodles and rice dishes, and they have children’s chopsticks!
• Museum Cafes: As seen in our itinerary, many of London’s major museums (Natural History, Science, V&A, Transport) have excellent, spacious cafes with child-friendly food, high chairs, and often plenty of room for strollers. They are perfect for a convenient pit stop.
• Market Food Stalls: For a quick, casual, and often delicious bite, explore London’s markets (like Borough Market or various street food markets). You can grab something to eat on the go or find a bench in a less crowded area.
• Afternoon Tea with a Twist: As highlighted on Day 3, several hotels now offer themed children’s afternoon teas. These can be a memorable and special treat, providing a seated, relaxed experience that’s still engaging for little ones.

Remember to check online reviews for recent family experiences and always book ahead if you have your heart set on a particular spot, especially for afternoon tea.

Important tips for traveling in London with toddlers

• Use public transport: London’s public transport is generally toddler-friendly. Consider purchasing a Visitor Oyster card for easy travel. Buses are great for sightseeing at a slower pace, and many Underground stations have lifts or escalators.
• Get an Explorer Pass: Bundle and save with the Go City: London Explorer Pass.
• Plan for downtime: don’t over-schedule your days. Toddlers need breaks and naps, especially when in a new environment. Make sure you allow for flexibility.
• Pack snacks and drinks: having familiar snacks and drinks on hand can be a lifesaver during travel and while out and about. Make sure you bring my favorite toddler water bottle to stay hydrated!
• Bring entertainment: pack small toys, books, or drawing materials to keep your toddlers entertained during travel or waiting times.
• Prioritize Parks: London’s green spaces are an absolute lifesaver. From world-class playgrounds to wide-open lawns and even wildlife spotting, they offer free entertainment and essential space for toddlers to run, play, and unwind.
• Pack wisely: it’s easy to overpack when traveling to London with toddlers, but try to only bring what you need. Check out our UK family packing list to get started!
• Embrace flexibility: be prepared to adjust your plans based on your toddlers’ moods and energy levels. The most important thing is to have a fun and memorable trip!

Wrapping it up

This city, with its blend of history, culture, and endless green spaces, is surprisingly welcoming to even the smallest travelers. Armed with a compact stroller, a sense of adventure, and this guide, you’re ready to unlock the magic that awaits in London with toddlers.

Did you find this itinerary helpful? Do you have your own tips for exploring London with little ones? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! And if you know another family dreaming of a London getaway, please share this post with them – let’s help more families discover the joy of London with toddlers!

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