Older kids and teens (11–16) in London need a hook - escape rooms, indoor climbing, big museums and proper days out that feel grown-up enough to keep them engaged.
Battersea Power Station · London
The newly opened Battersea Power Station has free interactive installations, riverside walks, and child-friendly dining all in one striking riverside location.
Chislehurst Caves Ltd · London
Explore miles of mysterious man-made caves and tunnels beneath Chislehurst on a lamp-lit tour. Guides share stories of druids, Romans, and wartime shelters. Children love the underground adventure and spooky atmosphere in these ancient chalk mines.
London Borough of Bromley · London
This historic Victorian pleasure ground features life-size dinosaur sculptures from the 1850s on an island in the lake. The huge playground includes a dinosaur-themed area and the fantastic new skateboard zone. The park combines heritage, play, and wide green spaces.
Royal Museums Greenwich · London
Climb aboard the world's last surviving tea clipper and explore beneath its gleaming hull suspended in glass. Children discover what life was like for Victorian sailors, handle cargo, and stand where the ship's wheel once turned. The setting in Greenwich is perfect for a full day out.
Transport for London · London
Soar above the Thames on London's only cable car, connecting the O2 Peninsula to the Royal Docks. A short but memorable ride with brilliant views across the city.
Florence Nightingale Museum Trust · London
Next to St Thomas' Hospital, this museum tells the story of the Lady with the Lamp through interactive exhibits and her personal belongings. Children try on Victorian costumes, discover real nursing history, and learn about this remarkable woman's life and legacy.
The Royal Parks · London
Stand on the Prime Meridian, roll down the famous hill, and explore the free park with stunning views of Canary Wharf. Combine with a visit to the Cutty Sark nearby.
City of London Corporation · London
This vast ancient parkland offers woodland walks, swimming ponds, and stunning London views from Parliament Hill. Families can fly kites, spot wildlife, explore hidden trails, and enjoy one of London's most natural green spaces. The playgrounds scattered across the heath suit all ages.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London · London
Behind-the-scenes tour of the Warner Bros. Studio with original sets, costumes and props.
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea · London
This elegant park combines woodland trails, formal gardens, and a beautiful Japanese Kyoto Garden with peacocks roaming freely. The adventure playground is excellent, and the park's varied landscapes make every visit feel different. Summer opera in the ruins adds magic.
English Heritage · London
This elegant Georgian mansion on Hampstead Heath's edge houses Old Master paintings in stunning rooms. Children enjoy the sweeping grounds, woodland walks, and large playground. Summer concerts on the lawn are magical family evenings.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew · London
World-famous botanic gardens with the Treetop Walkway and Children's Garden.
ZSL London Zoo · London
Home to over 700 species from gorillas to penguins, London Zoo is a full-day adventure for animal-loving families. The new Land of the Lions is a highlight.
Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising · London
This Notting Hill museum displays 12,000 items of consumer culture from Victorian times to today. Parents delight in nostalgic brands from their childhood while children discover how toys, food, and fashion have changed. The time-tunnel layout makes history feel tangible and fun.
Museum of London · London
Trace the story of London from prehistoric times to the present day through vivid interactive galleries. Free entry and well-suited to primary-age school trips and family visits alike.
Natural History Museum · London
Marvel at dinosaur skeletons and interactive nature exhibits across one of London's most iconic free museums. Brilliant for curious kids of all ages.
The Postal Museum · London
Ride the miniature underground railway that once transported mail beneath London's streets for 75 years. Above ground, the museum explores 500 years of postal history through interactive exhibits. Children love the tiny train ride through secret tunnels.
London Legacy Development Corporation · London
The transformed Olympic site offers adventure playgrounds, waterways, gardens, and sports facilities. Children scramble over the Tumbling Bay playground's timber structures or splash in the water play area. The park connects to the Copper Box Arena and Lee Valley VeloPark.
The Royal Parks · London
London's largest Royal Park feels like true countryside, with over 600 free-roaming deer, ancient trees, and wide open spaces. Families cycle the Tamsin Trail, spot wildlife, and enjoy some of the capital's best autumn colours. The Isabella Plantation is a woodland garden wonderland in spring.
Royal Air Force Museum · London
Over 100 aircraft fill vast hangars in Colindale, from WWI biplanes to modern jets. Children climb into cockpits, try flight simulators, and discover aviation history. The interactive galleries make it engaging for all ages, not just plane enthusiasts.
Science Museum · London
Hands-on galleries covering space, technology, and the human body make this a must for inquisitive minds. Younger children love the dedicated Wonder Lab.
Land Securities · London
London's highest public garden offers 360-degree views from the top of the Walkie Talkie building. The indoor landscaped garden with Mediterranean plants creates an unusual combination of nature and skyline. Free to visit but booking essential.
Southbank Centre · London
This riverside arts complex runs year-round family festivals, concerts, and workshops alongside free outdoor spaces for skateboarding and games. The Wonderground festival garden and weekend markets add to the buzz. Even just wandering the riverside terraces feels special.
Tate Modern · London
The vast Turbine Hall hosts changing large-scale art installations that spark conversation and imagination. Free entry and always something unexpected to discover.
Thames RIB Experience · London
A high-speed rigid inflatable boat ride along the Thames past iconic landmarks. Exhilarating for older kids and teenagers who want something beyond a standard river cruise.
Historic Royal Palaces · London
Explore 1,000 years of history, see the Crown Jewels, and meet the famous Beefeaters. Older children are gripped by the stories of executions and royalty.
Wellcome Trust · London
This free museum near King's Cross explores medicine, life, and health through fascinating and sometimes unusual objects. The Medicine Man gallery displays everything from Napoleon's toothbrush to Peruvian mummies. Older children find it wonderfully weird and thought-provoking.
Victoria and Albert Museum · London
This completely reimagined museum in Bethnal Green celebrates design and creativity for young people. Three galleries explore play, imagination, and design skills through stunning objects and hands-on activities. Everything is touchable, climbable, or interactive.