What to Do in London in Winter with Kids

London is such a lovely place for a family city break year-round. And, as you can just as easily wake up to a beautiful sun-painted day in London in mid-January as in mid-June, winter is as good a time as any to visit. If you come in winter you’ll expect it to be cold and maybe rainy — those sunny days are a bonus. Fortunately, regardless of weather, there are many family-friendly things to do in London in winter.

What to Do in London in Winter: Best Family Activities

Because the weather here is so unpredictable, there are plenty of things to do with children in London, rain or shine. South Kensington tube station is the first place I’d head if it looks like a storm is brewing. This station is linked to an underground walkway that will take you practically to the door of the Science, Natural History and Victoria & Albert museums, which are all among our favorite museums in London. Should the weather improve later in the day, you’ll be well located to play at Hyde Park, enjoy its Winter Wonderland at Christmas, or even pop into one of London’s famous department stores, Harrods.

The Science Museum

When a museum website has a ‘See and Do’ page that’s divided up by age groups, from under-5s to 6 to 11-year-olds to 12 to 16-year-olds, you know that the whole family is in for a treat. I’m going to tease you by passing you on to the very informative website for the specifics because the exhibitions change regularly, but you could easily spend the whole day here and still not have seen or done everything you wanted to do.

The Natural History Museum

If dinosaurs are popular in your house, you will archaeologically dig this place. Some of the animatronic dinosaurs can be pretty scary, so you might want to prep the little ones first. For slightly older kids, there’s the Volcanoes and Earthquakes Gallery, where you can really feel the ground move; there’s the Visions of Nature mixed-reality experience that imagines how Earth could look a hundred years from now; and there is the chance to follow the story of how life on Earth has changed over time in the new gardens, which take you from the prehistoric age through to today.

The Victoria and Albert Museum

Like the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert museum (or the V&A, as it’s known), is housed in a beautiful building — the sort that makes you crane your neck up and drop your mouth open. And inside it’s just as awe-inspiring. This treasure trove of art and design used to be all about staring at the contents of glass cabinets, but they have done a lot of work recently on bringing these artifacts to life and getting children and young people interested in what’s on offer. It is worth booking one of the many family workshops on everything from fashion to crafting to make sure your kids really enjoy their time here.

Theatre

If you’re all museumed out, consider a show. Many central London theatres put on family or child-oriented shows regularly. For a list of the latest productions, visit the Official London Theatre website. The Unicorn is a purpose-built children’s theatre center by London Bridge, which has a great, ever-changing selection of shows. And if you don’t want to book, head to Covent Garden to enjoy the very high-calibre street performances.

Experiences

Sealife London Aquarium

At the Sealife London Aquarium, kids can walk through the UK’s largest living coral reef, get up close with sharks and go on an augmented reality polar adventure. If you don’t book in advance, be prepared for a long wait in the booking hall.

London Eye

Just opposite the aquarium by London’s Southbank Centre is the London Eye. Board a pod to see London as a tiny toy-town world. Again, it’s worth booking in advance online. During Christmas, there’s a fun Christmas market along this stretch of the Thames. Pick up a mulled wine to sip as you watch the kids enjoy the carousel and street performers. There is also a yummy year-round street food market, so always arrive here hungry.

Once you’ve seen the city from above, you can admire it from the river with a London Eye River Cruise. In just 40 minutes you get to see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, perfect for little people’s short attention spans. Or you could travel down the river like a local on the London Transport River Boat service, which has a stop by the London Eye. This will take you down to London’s Docklands, where you will find the new London Museum and Greenwich, two more must-sees.

Football

If you have sports fans in your party, a Premier League football game (just don’t call it soccer) is an experience you will never forget. This is something you will need to book way in advance, as tickets are hard to come by.

Shopping

If you’re lucky enough to be in London before or around Christmas, you’re in for a treat, as the main areas for Christmas shopping will be strung up with thousands of sparkling Christmas lights. Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden are all favorite stops. Give the kids a bit of spending money to enjoy at Hamleys, the famous London toy store. While Camden Market will scratch any teen’s vintage itch, Spitalfields on the outskirts of the City of London is a great covered market for street food, interesting market stalls and individual shops.

Afternoon Tea

You can’t visit London without enjoying an afternoon tea. And, to do it justice, have a large breakfast and no lunch and book tea for around 2 pm, because afternoon tea is a multi-course affair. It’s finger sandwiches and savouries first, followed by scones, jam and cream and then a selection of cakes and gateaux, and they often refill those plates as soon as they’re empty. Lots of afternoon team rooms do special themed children’s afternoon teas too. I’ve seen Beauty and the Beast, Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties and fairy-themed teas.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly hotels and things to do in London on Ciao Bambino

52 tips for traveling in England with kids

10 iconic Christmas activities in London with kids

Where to stay in London with kids: 5 fantastic neighborhoods

Best restaurants in London for families

Best playgrounds and parks in London for kids

The best London museums for families

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.