The following recommendations on the best things to do in London with kids are based on reviews by local experts and recommendations by London parents, and are aimed at children of all ages, in particular preschoolers and primary-aged children.

Bear in mind that many entrance tickets are considerably cheaper when bought online in advance. Then all you need to do is choose what to see first! Many of the attractions in our list have a full MadeForMums review, so you can read about our parenting journalists' experiences in-depth, with tips on how to make the most of your visit and find the best ticket discounts.

We've covered attractions across the whole city, so plan ahead and consider whether you want to hop on the tube or a bus, to visit different parts of London in one day – for littles ones, the bustling trains and shiny escalators of public transport can be an adventure in themselves.

Alternatively, pick an attraction-packed hotspot such as South Kensington (great for museums) or the historic sights of leafy Greenwich, and break up the day with a picnic in the surrounding parks.

If you're looking for accommodation in London, check out our round up of the best family hotels in London.

• Jump to our list of the best family days out in London

Best family days out in London at a glance

• Best for dinosaur lovers: Natural History Museum, Natural History Museum, Picniq, and TripAdvisor
• Best for natural beauty: Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens and Picniq
• Best for curious minds: Science Museum, Science Museum and Picniq
• Best for immersive activities: Cutty Sark, Cutty Sark and Picniq
• Best for primary-school children: Discover Children's Story Centre, Discover Children’s Story Centre and Picniq
• Best for a special treat: The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre and TKTS
• Best for on a budget: Horniman Museum And Gardens, Horniman Museum and Picniq
• Best for time in the Great Outdoors: London Wetland Centre, WWT London Wetland Centre and Picniq
• Best for children of varied ages: The Postal Museum, The Postal Museum and Picniq
• Best for a history lesson: Tower Of London, Tower of London and Picniq
• Best for visitors with mobility issues: ZSL London Zoo, ZSL London Zoo and Picniq
• Best for celebrity-savyy teens: Madame Tussauds, Madame Tussauds and Picniq
• Best for an underwater adventure: Sea Life London, Sea Life London and Picniq
• Best for rainy days: Shrek’s Adventure, Shrek’s Adventure and Picniq
• Best for preschool-aged children: London Transport Museum, London Transport Museum and Picniq
• Best for thrill seeking older kids: iFly, iFly

1. Natural History Museum, South Kensington

— Best for dinosaur lovers

Free admission I Best for ages 3+ I All-weather attraction I NeaQueen's Gate parking 0.4 miles I South Kensington station 0.2 miles I Book a timed museum slot in advance

One of London’s most famous museums is also one of the best for children. The museum first opened its doors in 1881 and while the history might be lost on kids, they might recognise the iconic building from the original Paddington movie. There is lots to see here and you can easily spend an entire day exploring; there are a handful of cafes or you can bring lunch to eat in the designated picnic area on the lower ground floor.

MFM reviewer Gabrielle says it's “enjoyable and educational in equal measure” and “offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the history of our planet and discover the fascinating story of evolution through engaging and interactive galleries and displays”.

Some of the can’t miss highlights include the Dinosaur Gallery, home to an enormous animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex (be aware that very young children might find it a little too realistic), followed by the earthquake simulator in the Earth Hall. Primary-school aged children will recognise Andy’s clock from the CBeebies show Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures.

TripAdvisor users rated it the no.2 museum for kids in London, with one saying they “spent almost 4 hours in the museum and loved the many displays of dinosaurs, mammals, birds, Darwin and more. I believe this museum to be the best in the world, certainly the displays are top-notch, for both adults and children”.

Pros: Beautiful building, enough to see for a full day; free entry

Cons: Can get very busy during school holidays and on rainy days

Read the full MFM Natural History Museum review

Tickets from the Natural History Museum, Picniq, and TripAdvisor

2. Kew Gardens

— Best for natural beauty

Family ticket from £41.25 I Best for ages 2+ I Best on sunny days I Restricted street parking nearby I Kew Gardens station 0.7 miles

If you’re looking to let curious minds blossom while also letting little legs run off some energy, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew are a great option. Founded in 1840, it is now London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a large range of plants, trees and fungi. Covering 132 hectares, you would need days, if not weeks, to explore all they have to offer. Put aside a full day, however, and you will certainly enjoy Kew’s main highlights.

MFM reviewer Anna says: “My kids love running around, so the wide open spaces and differently arranged gardens were heaven for them. We liked that there are so many different areas that you can explore, where you can get away from the main crowds and let the kids roam.”

For younger ones there’s the magical children’s garden (tickets are free for 60-minute sessions but must be booked in advance) as well as the brilliant Treetop Walkway that travels through the tree canopy at a height of 18 metres. Other must-sees include the historic Palm House with its exotic rainforest; Kew Palace, the former summer residence of King George III, and The Hive, a multi-sensory experience designed to highlight the extraordinary life of bees.

Regular family events take place at Kew Gardens, particularly during the school holidays. Don't miss the fantastical light trail at Christmas.

Some 75% of almost 9,000 reviews on TripAdvisor rate it very good or excellent, with one saying: “We recently visited with our adult children, our 3-year-old granddaughter and long-time friends. The children's play area is wonderful! There is an indoor and an outdoor section, with plenty of creative, plant-themed play structures. A stroll through the gardens, a meal at the Orangerie, a visit to the Kew Gardens gift shop and perhaps dinner in the evening at a pub in Kew Village adds up to a perfect day's outing!”

Pros: Easily a full day of activities, a fun playground, family events during the school holidays

Cons: Food options can be expensive, the large gardens can be tiring for little legs

Read the full MFM Kew Gardens review

Tickets from Kew Gardens and from Picniq

3. Science Museum

— Best for curious minds

Free I Best for ages 3+ I All-weather attraction I I NeaQueen's Gate parking 0.4 miles | South Kensington station 0.3 miles I Book a timed museum slot in advance

Undoubtedly one of London’s best museums for kids, the Science Museum is full of scientific discoveries from across the ages - there are over 250,000 objects to explore, including the space suit belonging to Helen Sharman, the first Briton in space. Visitors to this very hands-on museum can learn about everything from aviation and art to technological development and what it feels like to fly a jet in the Fly 360° flight simulator.

As MFM reviewer Elizabeth says: “This is not the kind of museum where you’re barred from touching anything or simply browse boring wall-hangings. The layout and atmosphere of the museum invites engagement, play and touch. There are experiments, live shows and more.”

The Science Museum caters for all ages too. The Garden, designed for toddlers and preschool -aged children, is a multi-sensory environment where children can play with sound, water and light. Other highlights include the Exploring Space exhibit, home to a full-scale Apollo 11 Eagle model and Flight, which charts the most important aeroplanes in history.

While entry is free, some of the paid-for activities that are well worth the price too, such as the 3D films at the IMAX cinema and the Wonderlab, which is a brilliant space filled with experiments and demonstrations.

It’s also right next to the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and Hyde Park, so there’s plenty more to explore in the unlikely event of the kids covering it all in one morning.

Pros: Easy to spend a full day here, excellent Wonderlab exhibit for hands-on activities

Cons: Can get very busy during school holidays and on rainy days

Read the full MFM Science Museum review.

Tickets from the Science Museum and Picniq

4. Cutty Sark

— Best for immersive activities

Adult from £15, child £7.50 I Best for ages 6+ I All-weather attraction I Cutty Sark Gardens Car Park 0.1 mile | Cutty Sark station (DLR) 0.1 miles

Once upon a time the Cutty Sark was one of the fastest tea clippers in the world, carrying everything from tea to over 10,000 tons of coal across the high seas at maximum speed. Today she's the world's only surviving extreme clipper and a fun morning out with older children aged 6+.

The iconic sailing ship sits in the borough of Greenwich in South East London, and has plenty for kids to enjoy while absorbing a spot of history. There's an audio guide that shares fun facts and thrilling tales as well as interactive exhibitions.

One of the best things about a visit to the Cutty Sark, however, is the chance to meet some of the characters from the ship's past. Depending on when you visit you might get to meet James Robson, the cook, or Captain Woodcut, the longest serving master of the Cutty Sark. This is a fun way for kids to immerse themselves in the ship's history.

MFM reviewer Sonali says it’s a magnificent sight, and a fascinating trip out for primary-aged kids, although perhaps not as suitable for toddlers (“running around after one meant I missed a lot of the interesting bits), although her 4-year-old enjoyed it.

A new experience, the Cutty Sark Rig Climb, invites visitors aged 10 years and older to climb up the ship's rigging, just as hundreds of sailors did during the Cutty Sark's time at sea.

Family reviewers on TripAdvisor also particularly praised the helpful and welcoming staff on the ship, and the “well thought out” interactive spaces.

The ship is part of the Royal Museums Greenwich collection, which also comprises the nearby National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House and Royal Observatory.

Pros: A fascinating historical insight; great activities for 6+ up to teens.

Cons: Doesn’t take long to see the ship, limited fun for preschoolers

Read the full MFM Cutty Sark review.

Tickets from the Cutty Sark and Picniq

5. Discover Children’s Story Centre

— Best for primary school children

Family tickets from £27 I Best for ages 0 - 11 I All-weather attraction I Westfield Shopping Centre parking 0.5 miles I Stratford station 0.2 miles

Enter a wonderful world of stories and make believe at the Discover Children's Story centre. The aim of the centre is to help kids develop a love of literature, language and stories, through creative play spaces and exhibitions.

At the heart of the centre is the Story World and Story Garden, which have been designed to spark children's curiosity and imagination - they can creep through caves, jump over alligators and visit a treehouse with chicken legs. Families can make up tall tales in the centre's Story Factory or listen to storytelling sessions (there are sessions dedicated to all ages).

MFM reviewer Janet said that she was “able to see improvements in how my 5-year-old interacts with books, her literacy and use of imagination” after their visit.

The centre also hosts interactive exhibitions where families can immerse themselves in the worlds of authors including Oliver Jeffers, Dr. Seuss and Julia Donaldson. Make sure to book in advance if you want to visit the exhibitions or join a storytelling session.

Family reviews on TripAdvisor rate the attraction highly, with ones saying: “A really amazing place for young children. Recently I visited with my 4-year-old nephew who absolutely loved it. Friendly staff, interesting storytelling experience, amazing outdoor play area and lots of fun indoor activities. Great to see books that show diverse people and families.”

Pros: Will keep kids occupied for hours, peak and (quieter) off-peak sessions available

Cons: Tickets are released on Mondays and must be pre-booked, can be confusing as there are different types of tickets

Read the full MFM Discover Children’s Story Centre review

Tickets from Discover Children’s Story Centre and Picniq

6. The Lion King

— Best for a special treat

Tickets from £23.50 I Best for ages 6+ (under 3s not allowed) I All-weather attraction | Q-Park Covent Garden 0.3 miles | Charing Cross station 0.4 miles

London is not short on family-friendly theatre shows and one of the best options for kids is The Lion King. The show first opened in 1999 and has gone on to become one of the most successful musicals of all time.

Yes, your kids might know the story from the Disney movie, and sure, you can all sing along to almost all the songs but nothing can quite prepare little ones for the sheer theatricality of this performance. From the moment the curtains go up, they are immersed in an incredible world where elephants lumber through the stalls, birds swoop and a rhinoceros ambles across the stage.

The Lyceum Theatre hosts a wonderful performance of a much-loved tale and it’s an experience all the family will love.

Some 79% of the more than 12,000 reviews on TripAdvisor rate the show as very good or excellent, with family visitors raving about the spectacular songs and costumes, calling it “a magical night my kids will remember” and “A truly unforgettable experience”.

However, advertised tickets at £23.50 are rare, making it an expensive family trip so best for a special occasion the whole family will remember.

Pros: Exciting and spectacular show, feel-good fun for all the family

Cons: Expensive

Tickets from the Lyceum Theatre and TKTS for discounted tickets

7. Horniman Museum and Gardens

— Best for a budget day out

Free, with some paid-for exhibitions I Best for ages 2 - 11 I All-weather attraction I Local parking very limited I Forest Hill station 0.4 miles

For a brilliant and budget-friendly day out in London, head south of the River to the Horniman Museum. Located in Forest Hill, South East London, this is one of London's best museums for kids but it is relatively unknown.

Founded in 1890 by Frederick Horniman, the museum started as a collection for all the artefacts and artworks that he discovered across the globe. Today it features taxidermy animals (including a very famous walrus), a huge collection of musical instruments and a permanent gallery dedicated to African, Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian art.

There are also paid-for exhibitions and attractions include an aquarium and a butterfly dome, plus there’s a beehive and a small animal enclosure in the museum gardens. As MFM reviewer Christy says, “It was so nice to find somewhere with indoor attractions mixed with plenty of outdoor space so they could run around after lunch.” Plus her girls “absolutely loved looking at all the taxidermy animals inside.”

Reviewer Sonali, who visited with her children aged 19 months and 4 years, adds: “It’s a brilliant way to spend a day. Not only is it hugely enjoyable for children, but it is also great for adults – so you won’t be bored!”

Pros: Lots of free things to see and do, you can easily spend the day here

Cons: The Butterfly Dome is quite small and pricey

Read the full MFM Horniman Museum review.

Tickets from the Horniman Museum and Picniq

8. WWT London Wetland Centre

— Best for time in the Great Outdoors

Family ticket from £41.50 I Best for all ages I Best on a sunny day I Free onsite parking I Barnes station 0.8 miles

It's hard to believe that you're just 4 miles from Central London when standing in the middle of the London Wetland Centre. This nature-focused escape is the perfect way for city-dwelling families to escape the bustle of town, or for those visiting the capital to break up a schedule full of museums.

The 105-acre wildlife haven is an oasis of ponds, wildflower gardens, pools and meadows that are home to some 150 species of wildlife. There are 300 varieties of butterfly, 20 types of dragonfly and four species of bat, as well as grass snakes, water voles, otters and more.

This is a wonderful escape to the Great Outdoors without having to leave the city and a fantastic way for children to learn more about the natural world. There are lots of fun activities for all ages including, as MFM reviewer Eddi discovered, “interactive games, activities and playgrounds”. There are also night safaris, bat walks, Junior Wetland Ranger programmes, a fun adventure playground and regular, child-focused events during the school holidays.

GoPlaces, on TripAdvisor, says: “The WWT London is a brilliant day out for all the family. There is a wide variety of birds to spot throughout the reserve and going to see the otter is a must! You always see something different every time you visit so it's never boring. There is also a lovely playground for younger children that is sanitised during the middle of the day.”

Pros: Educational as well as fun

Cons: Tickets aren’t cheap so make the most of it and spend the day here, exit is via the gift shop

Read the full MFM WWT London Wetland Centre review.

Tickets from the WWT London Wetland Centre and Picniq

9. The Postal Museum

— Best for children of varied ages

Adult from £16, child £9 I Best for all ages I All-weather attraction I YourParkingSpace 0.2 miles I King’s Cross station 0.8 miles

Looking for an activity to suit kids of different ages? There’s something for everyone at the Postal Museum, a fun and family-friendly museum that explores the history of the postal system over the last 500 years. The main museum is divided into five zones starting with the creation of the Royal Mail (when letters were delivered by Mail Coach and you had to be on guard for lions!) to the present day and how communication has changed over the years. There are lots of hands-on and interactive exhibits as well as the chance to dress up.

For younger children up to the age of 8 there's Sorted! a brilliant indoor postal-themed play space (costs £4 extra) where kids can deliver letters, sort parcels and work in a Post Office.

For older kids there's the chance to ride on the Rail Mail, an underground train that once transported letters and parcels across the city from Paddington in the west to Whitechapel in the east. But, as MFM reviewer Eddi says “the mail train ride could be a bit scary for toddlers.”

Pros: play area for younger kids, lots for older children too, tickets are valid for a year’s unlimited visits, great value for Londoners

Cons: Session times in the play area limited to 45 minutes, not great food options

Read the full MFM Postal Museum review.

Tickets from The Postal Museum and Picniq

10. Tower of London

— Best for a history lesson

Family ticket from £52.50 I Best for ages 8+ I All-weather attraction I Tower Hill Coach and Car Park 0.3 miles I Tower Hill station 0.2 miles

One of London's most iconic sights, the Tower of London is a must-see on any London itinerary. As MFM reviewer Gabrielle says: “The sense of ceremony and majesty is tangible as soon as you enter through the gates – even stroppy teenagers will be awed by the towering ancient brick walls.”

Standing on the banks of the Thames next to Tower Bridge, this ancient fortress boasts a history dating back over 1,000 years filled with tales of treachery, torture and treason. It was also home to various wild animals, including lions belonging to King John and a polar bear that was brought to the tower under the orders of Henry III.

There is plenty to see here and you can easily spend an entire day exploring - just make sure to head to the Crown Jewels in the morning to avoid the huge crowds that appear later in the day. You can join in a tour led by one of the Yeoman Warders (better for older kids) or simply explore at your own pace. Family-friendly events take place during the school holidays and are usually great fun.

TripAdvisor users rate it as London’s top attraction, with family visitors calling it “an absolute must” and “great for all ages”.

We’d suggest this one is best for ages 8+ – toddlers will love the spectacular site of the tower, but the cobblestones and stairs make visiting with a buggy a challenge, and some parts may be scary for younger kids.

Pros: Iconic London landmark, the Yeoman Warder guided tours are great for older children, spectacular Crown Jewels

Cons: Limited accessibility for pushchair and wheelchair users, limited fun for younger children

Read the full MFM Tower of London review.

Tickets from Tower of London and Picniq

11. ZSL London Zoo

— Best for people with mobility issues

Adults from £26.50, child £17.25 I Best for all ages I Best on a sunny day I Paid onsite parking | Camden Town station 1 mile I Super saver tickets available Nov - Feb

London Zoo has been welcoming visitors since 1828, which makes it the world's oldest scientific zoo. And although you can still see the iconic penguin pool enclosure by modernist design pioneer Berthold Lubetkin, much has changed since then ­– making this a hugely popular attraction for children.

Today the 36-acre park puts animal welfare and conservation at the heart of everything it does. There are some 20,000 animals kept here, ranging from creepy crawlies in the Bug House and sunbathing lemurs to slow-moving sloths, cheeky monkeys and magnificent Asiatic Lions.

Tickets are not cheap but you can easily spend the entire day here and kids love it. As MFM reviewer Liz says: “Our day at the zoo was absolutely awesome – one of our best days out ever! There was so much to see and so many ‘wow’ moments.”

Daily events include talks and feeding times and there are always fun family activities taking place during the school holidays.

Pros: Great for children of all ages, easy to get around with buggies and wheelchairs, full day of fun, lots of picnic tables

Cons: Animals might be sleeping or hiding, tickets are expensive

Read the full MFM London Zoo review.

Tickets from ZSL London Zoo and Picniq

12. Madame Tussauds

— Best for celebrity-savvy teens

Family ticket £31 per person | Best for 8+ | All-weather attraction | NCP London Marylebone Road Car Park 0.2 miles | Baker Street station 0.1 miles

Seeking a fun option for a family full of entertainment buffs and selfie pros? Sculptor Marie Tussaud’s eponymous museum has been filled with waxwork figures modelled on celebrities from the world of sport, art, entertainment, politics and more since 1835.

Today the museum is home to more than 400 waxworks separated into different categories, where older kids are likely to spot their favourite stars as well as historic figures. You can meet the Queen, get up close and personal with Mo Farah and have your photo taken with Dua Lipa. And it’s not just people either, Madame Tussauds is even home to a waxwork figure of Internet sensation, Grumpy Cat.

The museum is hugely popular and it’s also very impressive when you consider that it takes over 800 hours to make just one waxwork figure ­­­– do check out the area explaining the craft behind the creations.

MFM reviewer Puneet says: “If you visit as a family it is a memorable experience and if you combine it with another one or two London sights, it will make for a lovely day out.”

Just make sure that you book tickets in advance and consider paying extra for the Fast Track tickets if you want to avoid the never-ending queues.

Pros: Impressive waxworks, fun for older kids and adults

Cons: Expensive, long wait times, often crowded

Read the full MFM Madame Tussauds review.

Tickets from Madame Tussauds and Picniq

13. Sea Life London

— Best for an underwater adventure

Adult from £28, child £25 I Best for 3+ I All-weather attraction I Waterloo Car Park 0.3 miles | Waterloo station 0.4 miles

As far as aquariums go, the Sea Life London aquarium might not be the biggest but it's always a big hit with kids, particularly primary-school aged children.

This colourful aquatic world sits on the capital’s attractive South Bank, near the London Eye, and is home to all manner of wonderful sea creatures including sand eels, green sea turtles and clownfish.

MFM reviewer Neve, who visited with children aged 3 and 6 years, says that “the fish are displayed in imaginative and exciting ways with lots of interactive games for all to enjoy”.

One of the highlights is undoubtedly walking through Ocean Tunnel, while fish glide above you, and seeing sharks in the Pacific Wreck gallery. See if you can time your visit with a feeding session to see the sea creatures in action.

The Ray Lagoon, a huge open tank of shallow water where you can watch sting rays swimming up close, is another thrill for little ones, even if they have to practice their turn-taking skills when it’s busy.

There's also a Rainforest Section, home to piranhas, poison dart frogs and Cuban crocodiles; Ocean Invader where kids can learn more about jellyfish; and Penguin Point, which is home to ridiculously cute Gentoo Penguins.

Kids of all ages will love this, from babies hypnotised by the aquatic views to fact-absorbing teens, but it’s a special experience for preschool and primary aged children in particular.

Pros: Lots of wildlife, fun and educational, an easy one-way system keeps crowds to a minimum.

Cons: It’s an expensive day out, add-ons such as face painting are pricey, not very buggy friendly.

Read the full MFM Sea Life London review

Tickets from Sea Life London and Picniq

14. Shrek’s Adventure

— Best for rainy days

Adult from £24, Child £19 | Best for 5+ | All-weather attraction | Waterloo Car Park 0.3 miles | Waterloo station 0.4 miles

Join Princess Fiona, Donkey and Shrek on this brilliantly bonkers interactive and immersive walkthrough experience. Based on the modern classic movie of the same name, it’s a fun, and silly afternoon out for primary aged kids.

Your journey begins on a classic London Routemaster bus that takes you from the banks of the River Thames to the land of Far Far Away via some very clever virtual reality technology and live stage performances.

MFM reviewer Emma says “The staff are great at getting everyone into the mood and their enthusiasm was infectious. I actually caught myself with my mouth wide open during it and tugging on my 5-year-old's sleeve and pointing things out like an excited child”.

Once you arrive in Far Far Away, you'll then have to help the bright green ogre defeat Rumpelstiltskin by solving clues, singing songs and generally getting involved as much as possible.

There are plenty of laugh out loud moments (many of them centring around toilet jokes) and lots of opportunities to see some of your favourite characters from the movies, including Puss in Boots, Pinocchio and the Gingerbread Man.

If Puss in Boots is your little one’s favourite, visit before 4 September to enjoy the new interactive trail, where they can complete an activity sheet and collect stamps in a rustic taverna before meeting the adorably feisty cat.

We just wish the whole attraction lasted a little longer - the whole experience takes only around two hours so worth combining with a trip to the nearby Sea Life, or London Eye for a full day out.

Pros: Must-see fun for Shrek fans, great rainy-day option

Cons: Expensive, doesn’t last all day

Read the full MFM Shrek’s Adventure review

Tickets from Shrek’s Adventure and Picniq

15. London Transport Museum

— Best for preschool aged children

Adults annual pass from £21, child under 17 free | Best for all ages | All-weather attraction | Urban Parking Shelton Street 0.3 miles | Covent Garden station 0.2 miles

Nowadays London visitors can zip around the city on the tube or jump aboard a Routemaster bus but did you know that the city's first licensed public transport was the sedan chair? Or that 1,000 tonnes of horse dung once dropped on London streets daily owing to the horse-drawn omnibus vehicles that once plied the city streets?

These fascinating facts may not catch your toddler’s attention, but there’s plenty to keep vehicle-loving little ones amused, all for a very reasonable entry fee in the heart of Covent Garden.

The museum traces the 220-year history of the city's world-famous transport museum and there are lots of fun and interactive displays to amuse kids of all ages. Step into a tube train simulator, hop on board a double decker bus or "fly" through the sky on an Emirates cable car.

MFM reviewer Elizabeth says that the “museum’s layout is clever, working like a timeline” for kids to follow and that “interactivity is key, there's a lot to touch, play on and play with."

There is a dedicated play area, All Aboard, for children aged 0-7, with mini vehicles for kids to clamber into and play on, plus a dress up area. MadeForMums Consumer and Commerce Editor, and mum of 1, Gemma Cartwright, says: ""The London Transport Museum is one of my favourite places as it offers so much for different ages. Older kids can collect stamps and go on the vehicles, while younger ones are catered for with the amazing All Aboard play areas which – as mum of a 2.5 year old – are worth the ticket price alone. With the annual pass, we've definitely got our money's worth!"

There's also the Baby DLR, a space dedicated to the museum's youngest visitors. Fun events and activities take place on weekends and during school holidays.

Pros: Suits wide range of ages, excellent value

Cons: Can get busy during school holidays.

Read the full MFM London Transport Museum review

Tickets from London Transport Museum and Picniq

16. iFly London at The O2

— Best for thrill seeking kids and teens

Tickets from £39.99 | Best for 10+ (but ages 3+ allowed!) | All-weather attraction | O2 parking onsite starts from £7 for 2 hours | North Greenwich station (Jubilee line) 0.1 miles

If you’re looking for a wholly different but unforgettable day trip experience and your kids have always fancied a go at skydiving or flying, look no further than iFly. An indoor skydiving experience, it’s suitable for thrill-seeking kids and adults. The family will get to experience skydiving or flying, with your own personal instructor, in a giant wind tunnel. Is it scary? Yes! Is it exhilarating? Also, yes!

The team behind iFly are wonderful and it all feels safe and secure; you’re in your flight suit and helmet, and your instructor is with you every part of the flight, guiding you to how to move your body to get the best flight.

MFM reviewer Dani took her 2 children, aged 10 and 14, and said “this is the perfect gift for the teenager who has everything or a child who loves an adrenaline rush. My youngest daughter found this experience tricky, but her elder sister was literally blown away by it.”

While it is a costly day out with prices starting at almost £40, iFly is located within London’s O2, so there is plenty to see and do around the location with a huge number of places to eat and drink. Plus, The O2 now has an outlet shopping level within the centre, so once you’ve had your flight, you can shop til you drop, or even pop over for a ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car . There is a Lindt chocolate shop within the O2, and Dani’s kids were almost as excited to try each flavour Lindt ball as they were to iFly!

Hot tip: if you decide to drive and park at the O2, if you spend £35 or more within the outlet stores, you can claim back your parking costs.

Pros: Exhilarating, great for thrill-seekers, good for teens

Cons: Expensive, quite a short experience

Tickets from: iFly and buyagift