7 Fun Ideas for Toddler Days Out in London

Thinking about taking your toddler out for a fun day in London? It can be tricky to find fun things to do that are inexpensive and ideal for toddlers, but we’ve got you covered with this guide to family-friendly activities in the capital.

 

1. Watch the Street Performers along Southbank

When visiting the Southbank, there is no doubt you’ll stumble upon many street performers, including magicians, singers and even stunt performers! An added bonus is that the whole area is step-free, so it’s extremely buggy-friendly. 

Your little one will love watching the performers and frolicking in the public fountains. There is even a great view of the Thames and London Eye as you watch. And the best part, it’s free!

Top Tip: When it comes to London’s most popular attractions along the Southbank – such as the London Eye – most of them are free to enter for children. The London Eye has a free entry up to three years of age, the Tower of London has a free entry up to five years of age, and SEA Life Aquarium has a free entry up to three years of age.

 

2. Visit the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is filled with exciting specimens from various segments of history. Your toddler will be amazed by the enormous size of the dinosaurs, and all the other exciting exhibits.

There are many family-friendly tours to complete within the museum, but there are also children only sections filled with games to keep your toddler entertained.

 We recommend the Investigate area, which has lots of specimen trays with insects, bones, shells, and animal skins to touch and feel, as well as microscopes for smaller children to use. A great option for budding archaeologists! 

3. Eat at the Rainforest Cafe

You might find yourself getting peckish on your day out, and there is no better place to take your toddler than the Rainforest Cafe!

This cafe is decorated as if you are sitting in the rainforest, with lots of fun rainforest animals and plants surrounding you. Your child will love spotting their favourite animals around the restaurant whilst you devour some tasty American food.

4. Look round London on the hop-on-hop-off bus tours

If you’re really looking to show your little one all of London’s amazing sights, then the hop-on-hop-off bus tours are a great place to start. It can be tiring for your toddler to walk around London, especially on busy streets, so a bus is a perfect solution.

You can sit upstairs whilst a tour guide takes you through some of London’s best sights, and the best part is you can jump off at any moment if something catches your eye or if your little one starts to get restless.

5. Take a splash in Hampstead Heath Lidos

This one is definitely for a sunny day, as the Hampstead Heath Lidos are uncovered and unheated. However, it is the perfect place to have a splash on a hot day. There is even a kid’s paddling pool that would be perfect for your little one.

6. Learn something new at the Science Museum

The Science Museum is an enjoyable experience for all ages! There are lots of games and things to play with throughout the whole museum, but there are also sections specifically for preschool children.

Make sure you head to the Garden, as this is the most exciting part for children aged 3 – 6. It is an interactive space where children can play and explore. There are giant tubes, flying saucers and so much more that can help your child discover science through play.

7. Have a wander through Hyde Park

You can never go wrong with a family walk, and Hyde Park is an excellent choice if you want to make the most of London’s green spaces. 

There is a lido here, or you could have a splash in the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. You also don’t want to miss the massive pirate ship in the Diana Memorial Playground, as your toddlers will love exploring its different nooks and crannies whilst playing with the sand.

Either way, going on a stroll is always a nice way to spend quality time together as a family, so there’s no doubt that Hyde Park is a good option for a day out. If it’s sunny, you could even bring a picnic along with some of everyone’s favourite snacks.

Outdoor Adventures at Maryam’s Nursery

Learn more about the variety of outdoor adventures we offer at Maryam’s here.