6 Unique Things To Do in London with Kids

There’s a whole bucket list of classic London tourist attractions that everyone feels they ‘need’ to visit. I get that. But if it’s not your first time in the capital, or you’re looking for an experience that’s a little more authentic, then you’ll love these suggestions for unique things to do in London.

If you’re traveling internationally with kids, prioritising fun, play and relaxation is so important. Remember that kids get tired easily, so they’re more likely to enjoy something outdoors, or a really unique experience, rather than just ticking off the traditional tourist sights.

My favorite haunts in London are places you haven’t been to before, and they’re not likely to appear on any tourist’s bucket list. While the rest of the world is visiting Big Ben (pretty dull actually), Leicester Square (so touristy) or Covent Garden (unbearably crowded) you’ll be enjoying fresh new spaces and recommendations that the kids will love.

6 Unique Things To Do in London with Kids

1. Camden Market

A super inspiring, vibrant spot that older kids and teens will love. At its core, it’s a street market selling punk-inspired clothing, accessories and (some) trashy tourist gifts. But it’s much more than that! The whole scene is bustling, with punks strutting around in unique outfits, music spilling out of venues, independent shops and street food stalls. It’s also home to live music venues Koko and Roundhouse – book ahead to see what gigs are on.

It’s also the place to visit for Babylon Park – the indoor amusement park featuring soft play areas, indoor rollercoaster rides, arcade games and more.

While you’re there… follow the canal paths down to London Zoo – it’s walkable from here.

2. Greenwich Park

One of the city’s most historic attractions, but not the easiest place to get to. You’ll need to get the train out of central London to this south-east neighborhood, but once you’re here you can spend the whole day exploring beautiful sights. The park itself is vast and beautiful, with THE best views over the city. You can also visit the Greenwich Observatory (get a Greenwich Museums Day pass) and see the Meridian Line (to stand on both sides of the world at the same time).

My favorite spot here is the Maritime Museum, which is super kid-friendly and free to enter (although a private tour is a lot more educational!). There’s also a fantastic playground outside the museum, and more play areas in the park, to keep the kids happy.

While you’re there… wander into historic Greenwich to see the beautiful cobbled streets, quirky covered markets and the famous Cutty Sark boat. You can even walk underneath the Thames via the foot tunnel, which leads from Greenwich to the Docklands.

3. Battersea

Not far from the popular tourist streets of Chelsea, this south-west corner of the capital is having a resurgence. The new Battersea Power Station is a great attraction for families, with shops, eateries and play areas, while the vast Battersea Park is the perfect afternoon stop for younger kids. You’ll find a huge adventure playground, petting zoo, sports courts and heaps of pretty walking/scooting paths that run alongside the River Thames.

While you’re there… if you get up early enough, you can visit the conversely-named New Covent Garden Flower Market, which opens 4am to 10am, where the city’s florists get the very best stems.

4. Brick Lane

Brick Lane, one of the most unique things to do in London.

Visiting this vibrant part of East London seems a world away from the sophisticated streets of Kensington and Chelsea. On one side, the gentrified Spitalfields Market (opposite Liverpool Street Station) is still pretty fun for kids, with space to run around, quirky eateries and boutiques.

Wander over to Brick Lane and you’ll find the capital’s coolest pop-up stores, street food, live music and some of the best street art and graffiti you’ll see anywhere in the world. This is one of the areas in London that teens will love!

While you’re there… try one of Brick Lane’s most famous exports: food. Brick Lane Beigels (at the top near Shoreditch High Street Station) has been there since 1855, while the rest of the street is known for its endless curry houses.

5. Horniman Museum

An exhibit about robots at the Horniman Museum in London.

Another spot that’s worth the train ride and a great option if you’re traveling to London on a budget. Journey into south London (Forest Hill Station) for this unique natural history museum that feels wholly designed for kids and toddlers. The main hall focuses on animal taxidermy, while the temporary exhibitions feature dinosaurs, lego, robots and more. There’s a hands-on musical instrument area, beautiful gardens to explore, mini aquarium, and a butterfly hot house outside. Probably one of the most unique museums designed for kids that you’ll visit.

While you’re there… visit Crystal Palace Park, half an hour’s walk or a short taxi ride away from the Horniman. This historic park has a trail of Victorian dinosaur statues, a boating lake, a skate park and a great cafe.

6. Brixton Village

One of the most unique things to do in London, especially for older kids and teens. This multi-cultural south London spot originated as a food market, and while some traditional stalls still remain for fresh ingredients, it’s now also transformed into the best street food village you can imagine. While the world’s tourists are crowding around Borough Market, you could be here sampling amazing global cuisine, living like a local and soaking up this diverse and vibrant scene.

If your kids aren’t into experimental eating, you can still opt for an independent version of pizza, pasta or burgers!

While you’re there… jump in an Uber down to Brockwell Park, where there’s an outdoor lido pool, cute pizza restaurant and a fun kids playground.

Planning a Trip to London with Kids?

If you’re heading to London for the first time with your family, you might want to hit some of those classic tourist attractions first and build up to the more unique things to do in London if you have more time to explore the city. Check out our recommendations for things to do in London with kids or download our Kid & Coe Passport to London for an easy 3-day itinerary mapped out for you.

If you want more help for your trip planning, including a dedicated travel advisor to plan, book and curate the perfect family vacation, check out our Premier travel planning service.