The Little IA Family Travel Guide: London

London - the city I experienced all my formative years, and still call home till this day. This Travel Guide is extra meaningful, as it is pretty much my yearly blueprint, which I update here and there and share with so many close friends. Whether you're visiting London for the first time or returning with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, we've rounded up the best experiences for a joyful family trip - with something for everyone, including a few treats just for parents. Every heading is linked, taking you directly to the spot. Safe travels and enjoy!

Tiny Explorers (Ages 1–5)

Diana Memorial Playground, Kensington Gardens (FREE)
Inspired by Peter Pan, this dreamy playground features a pirate ship, teepees, and sensory play. Completely fenced with sand underfoot = peace of mind. Side note, like any London public space it is not the cleanest, especially if going bare-foot - come prepared with lots of wipes and maybe an extra change of clothes and socks.

Battersea Children’s Zoo (£)
A smaller, more manageable zoo perfect for toddlers. It is somewhat of a hidden gem, as it is not heavily marketed and offers up close and personal animal experiences. Spot lemurs, pigs, otters, and more, plus there is a little playground and cafe. Located within  Battersea park, it is a beautiful area for a picnic - don't miss the Asian gardens.

Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour (££)
Hop on a Peppa-themed double-decker and enjoy themed treats with Peppa stories along the route. It’s every preschooler’s dream come true. Pro-tip, go hungry - they serve you a lot of food on the tour, which luckily they are able to pack in a takeaway package if you don't finish. 

Willows Activity Farm (£)
Located just outside London, this farm is truly one of my favourite activities. It has tractor rides, animal feeding, a soft play, character meet-and-greets, even a real-life maze through a cornfield. Plan in advance and aim to spend at least 3-5 hours there. 

Hyde Park Boat Ride (£)
Gentle pedalo rides or rowing boats available near the Serpentine. A cute activity, perfect for preschoolers and toddlers. 

Curious Kids (Ages 5–10)

Go Ape Battersea Zip Line (££)
A thrilling adventure for slightly older kids - tree top rope courses and a zip line across the park (min height applies).

Natural History Museum (FREE)
A dino-lovers paradise. Don’t miss the earthquake simulator and blue whale skeleton. Bonus: It’s walking distance to...

The Science Museum & IMAX (£ for IMAX only)
Hands-on galleries, interactive zones, and one of the best kid-focused IMAX experiences in the country. The Wonderlab is a must.

MinaLima Bookshop (FREE)
No words can describe the maghic of a MinaLima book - it has to be experienced. And if your child is a Harry Potter fan, do not miss going here! Tucked behind Carnaby Street, this Harry Potter design house has prints, original artworks, and illustrated classics including the first four of the Harry Potter books. It is pure magic for any bookworm, and located in the heart of upbeat Soho, filled with interesting stores, incredible bakeries and some of my favourite restaurants in the city (Bone Daddies, Hoppers, Wingmans, Venchi - to name a few). 

Garsons Farm / Parkside Farm (£ by weight)
You cannot go to England in the summer without going strawberry picking. Not only is it a fun activity, but nothing quite beats a British strawberry in season. 

Hamleys (FREE entry)
Still magical at any age, this seven-floor toy wonderland has retro games, puzzles, collectibles, and magic shows. Pro-tip, go prepared with the knowing that your child will want something - it is pricey and to avoid tantrums, consider setting a budget with a child before going in!! 

🧢 For Tweens & Teens (10+)

Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter (£££)
A must-do for any Potterhead. From Diagon Alley to the Hogwarts Express, this is a full-day experience just outside London. Book well in advance - tickets are hard to find for groups, especially during peak seasons like summer and Christmas. Pro-tip, don't miss trying the butter-beer! To really get your money's worth, you do need 4-5 hours here minimum, as there is so much to explore, so plan accordingly. 

Camden Market (FREE entry)
A vibrant spot full of street food, vintage finds, music, and pop-culture treasures. Teens will love the stalls, the vibe, and the selfies. Combine with the Camden Virtual Reality Experience for a techy twist. Pro-tip, this is a very touritsy area and muggings are known to be rife here - be vigilant!

Frameless Immersive Art (££)
Not just for little ones - older kids will appreciate the digital drama and surreal scenes. Interactive and very Instagrammable!

Flip Out, Battersea (££)
An indoor trampoline park with laser tag, inflatables, and obstacle courses - perfect to burn off that teen energy.

Science Museum: Wonderlab (£)
While general entry is free, Wonderlab is ticketed and ideal for older kids who want to dive deeper into hands-on science.

Ravenscourt Park Skate Bowl (FREE)
Got a skater in the family? This west London spot is teen-approved and completely free.

Westfield White City VR Gaming & Bowling (££)
An afternoon of high-tech gaming, shopping, and family-friendly food all under one roof.

Family Days Out

Frameless Immersive Art Experience (££)
Located near Marble Arch, this digital art show mesmerises all ages with motion, sound, and colour. Perfect for a rainy afternoon.

The Camden VR Experience (££)
London’s latest immersive gaming centre. Just be mindful of age/height limits - the starting age is around 6+

The Notting Hill Stroll (FREE)
Explore pastel houses, indie toy shops, and Portobello Market. Stop at Biscuiteers to ice your own biscuit - perfect for a rainy day activity. Plus, a few stores down is the infamous Notting Hill Book Shop, one of my favourite places to get a children's book. Plus the romantic feel of the store never gets old. 

Windsor Great Park (FREE, parking £)
A stunning green space near Windsor Castle, with long walks, gardens, and incredible outdoor playgrounds. Bring scooters or bikes.

Cobham Adventure Park (£)
This indoor/outdoor activity centre has sensory rooms, climbing zones and interactive storytelling. Ideal for kids of all needs and abilities.

Marlyebone Farmers Market(£)
Open every Sunday, this is a foodie's paradise with local produce from all over the country. Do not miss it!

🍽️ For Parents: A Foodie's Dream List

For Lunch / Dinner (book ahead):

• Dinings SW7 – arguably one of the best Japanese meals in London
• Straker’s – Modern British with a buzzy crowd and incredible produce
• The Barbary (Notting Hill) – Mediterranean small plates, a great buzz and unbelievable food
• Zephyr – A beautiful Greek spot in Notting Hill with phenomenal food
• Gymkhana – Michelin-starred Indian, date-night worthy
• Wild Tavern – Italian gastropub, a local favourite
  
• China Tang - located in The Dorchester hotel, this is a favourite of many Londoners, offering great Chinese in a relaxed but beautiful setting
• Royal China (Baker Street) – for the best dim sum lunch, you won't find me anywhere else on a Sunday
• Birley Bakery - get your bread, croissants and chocolates in the heart of Chelsea, a local's favourite and truly some of the yummiest pastries around
• Egg Slut - one of the best breakfast spots in town, for the greatest cheat meal

🛌 Staycation Gems (for long weekends or family getaways)

• Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire (£££) – rustic chic with family cabins and bikes, an on-site farm and a brilliant kids club for resident hotel guests only

• Beaverbrook, Surrey (£££) – Indoor cinema, Japanese bathhouse, and a storybook treehouse are a few highlights of this perfect country escape

• Chewton Glen, Hampshire (£££) –  magical treehouse suites and a huge kids’ club makes this a family favourite

• The Lakes by Yoo, Cotswolds (£££) – private homes located around a lake, paddle boarding, and nature trails - limited dining options, great if your looking for something remote, and want to cook yourself

• Estelle Manor (£££) - a chic countryside escape, with exceptional wellness and dining options

🧳 Our Travel Must-Haves from Little IA

Make the journey easier (and cuter) with our travel favourites:

• The Munch & Mist Bottle – Sip, snack, and spray. One bottle. Three functions.

• Personalised Travel Pouches – Keep snacks, crayons, wipes, and toys sorted.

• Swim & Play Bag – Ideal for park days, pool stops, and everything in between.

• Customisable Travel Journal – Document all your adventures in the most creative way. 

📸 Don't forget to tag us on your London adventures @littleiaworld!

We’d love to feature you in our next travel round-up.

#FamilyFirst #LittleIATravel #LondonWithKids