Best attractions for kids in London and nearby – practical 2026 guide

Summer and weekends with children in London do not have to mean boredom or an empty wallet. Below is a practical, detailed guide to attractions that really work – both in London itself and within easy reach of Ealing, Acton, Southall or Greenford. Approximate current prices (August 2026) and what you actually get for your money are included.

Free must-sees to start with
Natural History Museum (South Kensington)
Absolute number one. The huge blue whale skeleton in the main hall, the dinosaur gallery with the animatronic T-Rex, the mammals hall and the earthquake simulator. Completely free entry (book a timed slot online). Perfect for 3–4 hours. Children of all ages are usually thrilled.

Science Museum (right next door)
Highly interactive. Planes, rockets, robots, space gallery. Permanent galleries are free. Optional paid Wonderlab (around £13–15 per person) – hands-on experiments children can do themselves.

Diana Memorial Playground (Kensington Gardens)
Free, large playground with a pirate ship, tunnels, sandpit and water play in summer. Ideal for toddlers and children up to about 12. Entry only with a child.

Young V&A (Bethnal Green)
Designed specifically for children. Play, Imagine and Design zones, sandpits, costumes, interactive exhibits. Free entry.

Paid London attractions worth the money
London Zoo (ZSL)
A classic. Penguins, lions, gorillas, newer reptile exhibits. Online tickets from roughly £30–40 for adults / slightly less for children (check current deals). Best to arrive in the morning.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Shark tunnel, touch pools, penguins. Online tickets from about £25–30. Good for 1.5–2 hours, especially on rainy days.

The Paddington Bear Experience
Interactive adventure with Paddington. Children (2–15) around £24, adults around £34. Very popular with younger children.

Best day trips from Ealing and west London
LEGOLAND Windsor (approx. 40–50 min by car or train + shuttle)
Heaven for children aged 3–12. Miniland, rides suitable for younger kids, water area in summer, Lego building. Advance online tickets can start from around £30 (much more expensive at the gate). A real favourite.

Chessington World of Adventures (closer, south-west)
Theme park + zoo + water attractions combined. Jumanji, Gruffalo, roller coasters and animals. Online tickets from about £30–35. Good for a wider age range.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter (Leavesden, approx. 40–50 min)
For Harry Potter fans – real film sets, the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Hogwarts Express. Tickets around £45–56. Book well in advance.

Hampton Court Palace
The maze, gardens, Tudor kitchens and Henry VIII stories. Good mix of history and space to run around. Adult tickets roughly £30–35, children cheaper or free below a certain age.

Practical tips

Children under 11 travel free on London public transport when accompanied by an adult.

Always buy tickets online in advance – the price difference can be huge.

In summer bring snacks and water (prices inside attractions are high).

Combine attractions: museum in the morning, playground or park in the afternoon.

London and the surrounding area offer a huge choice – from completely free options to bigger full-day adventures. Plan well and the children will come home happy without completely emptying the family budget.