London is one of the world’s best cities for family travel – and especially welcoming for little ones. With a wealth of indoor play spaces, toddler-friendly museums, fun outdoor adventures, shows for toddlers and soft play centres, it’s easy to plan enjoyable days out with your youngest without stress.
This carefully curated list of things to do in London with toddlers has been put together by Visit London’s editorial team, specialists in London attractions, culture and family travel, with decades of combined experience exploring the city with children from one to three years old. From interactive exhibits and gentle walks to hidden green spaces and seasonal activities, every recommendation is chosen for its quality, safety and toddler appeal.
This guide is informed by Visit London search trends, family visitor insights and first-hand editorial visits, helping parents plan toddler-friendly days out with confidence.
What not to miss in London with toddlers
- 🚌 London Transport Museum – Best for hands-on fun with buses and trains
- 🎨 Young V&A – Best for free interactive museum play
- 🚂 Postal Museum – Best for London toddler train ride
- 🎭 Puppet Theatre Barge – Best for toddler's first theatre experience
- 🌳Children's Garden at Kew – Best for outdoor water and nature play
How we chose the best things to do in London with toddlers
If you’re scratching your head, wondering what to do in London with toddlers, then you’ll be pleased you’ve found our expertly curated list. These toddler-friendly experiences have been selected using a mix of first-hand visits from our editorial team, insights from London attractions and family-focused venues, and an understanding of what’s popular among parents when planning days out with under-fives.
We draw on our long-running presence in the city, working closely with tourism partners and using the latest information on new openings and updates to keep this list current. Many of these places are ones we grew up visiting and now return to as adults with young children, giving us a multi-generational perspective on what truly works for toddlers.
Our London toddler activities balance free and paid options, indoor and outdoor activities, and experiences across different London neighbourhoods, ensuring there is something for every family, whatever the season or budget.
Things to do in London with toddlers
Indoor attractions and museums
London Transport Museum – Best interactive museum in London for toddlers
Where: Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden (Piccadilly)
When: Daily, 10am-5pm
Duration: 1-2 hours
One of our favourite toddler days out in central London, the London Transport Museum is built for hands-on discovery. From the moment you arrive, staff greet little ones with stamp trails and point families towards the most toddler-friendly spaces, with buggy parking and accessible toilets right by the entrance.
Taking the lift up to Level 2 sets the scene with an immersive journey back in time, before toddlers come face-to-face with full-size buses and trains – something that never fails to get a big reaction. Throughout the museum, children are encouraged to climb aboard vehicles, steer wheels, press buttons and explore freely, while adults can dip into the history of how transport shaped London’s streets and neighbourhoods.
The All Aboard gallery is the main under-fives zone, with wooden play vehicles, soft play elements and plenty of space to move, though it can get busy during school holidays.
Best for: Little transport fans and toddlers who love climbing, pressing buttons and imaginative play
Good to know: Arrive early in busy periods and head straight to All Aboard. Buggy parking is near the entrance, lifts serve all floors, and there’s plenty of baby-changing and seating for breaks. The museum can get lively during holidays but there’s enough space to explore at your own pace.
Natural History Museum - Best for dinosaurs and animals
Where: Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD
Nearest Tube: South Kensington (District, Circle, Piccadilly)
When: Daily, 10am-5.50pm
Duration: 1-3 hours (choose one or two galleries for toddlers)
When it comes to choosing fun indoor activities for toddlers in London, the Natural History Museum is one of London’s most iconic spots and is free to enter. As it’s a vast space, we recommend using the coloured zones to choose one or two areas for little ones to explore. In the Green Zone, toddlers can encounter the dinosaur trail – a perennial favourite.
In the Red Zone, there are dramatic Earth simulators and an erupting volcano, which are better suited to confident little explorers. For those who love animals, the Blue Zone offers the chance to spot everything from monkeys to giant mammoths, and of course Hope, the famous blue whale.
If your toddler prefers quieter spaces, the gemstone gallery tends to be calmer, with plenty of sparkling displays to capture their attention. For something more structured, Adventure Babies’ sensory storytime sessions introduce little ones to the natural world through songs, storytelling and messy play (without the clean-up).
Best for: Curious toddlers who love animals, dinosaurs and sensory storytelling.
Good to know: Baby-changing facilities and accessible routes are available throughout. Although entry is free, booking a free ticket in advance can reduce queue times. The museum is large, so focusing on one or two areas works best for shorter visits. There is seating for packed lunches, plus nearby Kensington Gardens for a picnic.
Young V&A - Best free museum in London for under-fives
Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green (Central)
When: Daily, 10am-5.45pm
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours without workshops
A three-minute walk from Bethnal Green Tube, Young V&A is one of the most hands-on museums we’ve visited with toddlers. Instead of simply looking at objects, children are invited to build stories – choosing where they’re travelling, who they’ll meet and what they’ll take with them – turning the galleries into an imaginative playground.
The Imagine gallery is the standout space for younger visitors, with role-play houses, costumes and storytelling prompts, while the bright red performance stage encourages movement and creative play. There are also reading corners, bookable sensory sessions, and plenty of seating, making it easy to pause when little legs need a rest.
During busy periods such as half term, smaller play areas fill up quickly, so we recommend arriving early and checking the workshop timetable first, then exploring the galleries in between.
Best for: Imaginative toddlers who enjoy role play, storytelling and free-roaming play spaces.
Good to know: Buggy parking is available at the entrance and lifts serve the building, though planning your route helps. Workshops and sensory sessions often need to be booked in advance. Visit mid-week or later in the afternoon for a calmer experience.
Pattern Pod at the Science Museum – Best sensory play space for toddlers
Where: Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD
Nearest Tube: South Kensington (District, Circle and Piccadilly)
When: Daily, 10am-5.40pm
Duration: 45-60 minutes
The Science Museum has plenty to offer toddlers, but one space not to miss is the Pattern Pod. This small sensory area for children aged eight and under, located on Level 0, encourages collaborative play through mini-experiments, digital pattern-making, robot trails and interactive screens. It’s bold, bright and designed for parents and children to explore together.
Although aimed at slightly older children, we would pair Pattern Pod with The Garden – a hands-on area for younger children featuring water play, light, sound and shadow activities.
If you want to explore more, follow one of the family trails, including the museum’s “Top 5 things to see for under-7s”, which helps navigate the space quickly with little ones.
Best for: Toddlers who enjoy light, sound and interactive play.
Good to know: Buggy parking areas are available near Pattern Pod and The Garden. Some galleries have limited space for pushchairs. The museum does not provide waterproof aprons for The Garden, so bring a spare top or your own apron.
Mudlarks family gallery at the Docklands Museum – Best indoor play for toddlers
Nearest Tube: West India Quay (DLR) or Canary Wharf (Jubilee, DLR and Elizabeth)
When: Tues-Sun: 10am-5pm
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
The docks are brought to life through this interactive play space for under-eights, which supports early development while introducing elements of London’s maritime history. It’s a playful way to learn what life might have been like for sailors and dock workers.
At Mudlarks at the London Museum Docklands ittle ones can drive a DLR train, move ships along the water table, and use wheelbarrows to transport cargo around the play area.
Best for: Toddlers who like hands-on, imaginative play in a quieter museum setting.
Good to know: Sessions must be booked in advance and last 45 minutes. A bell sounds five minutes before the session ends. The museum is buggy-friendly and everything is accessible by lift.
AHOY! at the National Maritime Museum – Best for energetic play
Nearest Tube: North Greenwich (Jubilee)
When: Daily, 10am-5pm
Duration: Approx. 45 minutes
This dedicated space at the National Maritime Museum for little ones is inside one of London’s most family-friendly museums, and gives toddlers the chance to explore maritime-themed play through sensory zones and role-play. It’s a great way to bring the stories of Maritime Greenwich to life in a format that works for under-fives.
Once they’ve discovered the basics in the main galleries, toddlers can put their sailor skills to the test – firing the cannons, sneaking through cabins, hauling ropes and stoking the boilers. It’s an energetic, hands-on space where everyone can get involved.
Best for: Toddlers who love role play, climbing and imaginative storytelling.
Good to know: AHOY! is ticketed on weekends, school holidays and bank holidays. Weekday term-time entry is free, but booking ahead is recommended for guaranteed access. Buggy parking and step-free access make it an easy visit with little ones.
FRAMELESS – Best immersive sensory experience for toddlers
Nearest Tube: Marble Arch (Central)
When: Tues-Sun: 10am-5pm
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
Step into a world of colour, light and music at FRAMELESS, where giant moving artworks fill the walls and floors, and little ones are free to wander, dance and explore at their own pace. The open gallery spaces give toddlers plenty of room to move, while the ever-changing projections keep curious eyes engaged.
The dedicated Parent & Toddler ticket offers a relaxed way to experience the galleries together, with a calmer atmosphere and time to explore without rushing. There are also 20-minute multi-sensory tots classes featuring singalongs, storytelling and tactile props – perfect for introducing younger children to art through play.
Best for: Creative toddlers who love lights, music and space to move freely.
Good to know: Some rooms are darker than others, so morning sessions tend to feel more relaxed. Buggy parking is available at gallery entrances, and shorter visits work well for younger children.
Outdoor activities and adventures
Children’s Garden at Kew – Best outdoor nature play space for toddlers
Nearest Tube: Kew Gardens (District and Overground)
When: Daily, 10am-5pm (seasonal – check ahead of visiting)
Duration: Approx. 90 minutes
Designed with younger children in mind, the Children’s Garden at Kew is a vibrant natural play space – roughly the size of 40 tennis courts – where children aged two to 12 can explore the outdoors through interactive activities. Little ones can climb through the giant treehouse, walk along the canopy and cool off in the water play areas.
We recommend booking one of the quieter sessions during busier months, which are particularly helpful for children with special educational needs and disabilities who may benefit from a calmer environment.
Best for: Nature-loving toddlers who enjoy climbing, splashing and outdoor play. It’s also great for families with kids of all ages, so the whole family can enjoy themselves.
Good to know: Kew Gardens is buggy-friendly, with largely flat, paved paths. There are no specific time slots to book for the Children’s Garden but it can be busy during school holidays, so midweek term-time visits tend to be quieter.
Mudchute Farm – Best free animal experience for toddlers
Nearest Tube: Mudchute (DLR)
When: Tues-Sun: 10am-5pm
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
We love Mudchute for a slower-paced day out but still boasting plenty of fun outdoor activities for toddlers in London. This 32-acre working farm lets toddlers get close to sheep, goats and horses, all with the Canary Wharf skyline in the background. Seasonal activities such as lamb feeding and harvest celebrations make each visit feel a little different.
It’s also a great one to pair with the nearby Millwall Park playground if you’ve got a toddler who still has energy to burn.
Best for: Animal-loving toddlers who enjoy open space and gentle exploration.
Good to know: It’s a working farm, so daily routines can vary – check ahead for animal feeding schedules. Baby-changing facilities are available, and while most areas are accessible, paths can get muddy after rain.
Hyde Park – Best for open space and toddler bike rides
Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly) or Marble Arch (Central)
When: Tues-Sun: 10am-5pm
Duration: Flexible
Hyde Park is one of our go-to spots when toddlers just need space to run. In summer, the Serpentine Lido paddling pool is perfect for cooling off, while pedalos and rowing boats offer gentle family activities.
Come autumn, the wide paths are ideal for scooters and balance bikes, and in winter the park transforms with festive rides at Winter Wonderland.
Best for: Active toddlers and budget-friendly days out in central London.
Good to know: Entry is free, though some attractions are paid. Toilets and accessible facilities are dotted around the park, several Tube stations sit along its edges, and parking is available nearby.
Diana Memorial Playground – Best playground in London for toddlers (currently closed for refurbishment)
Nearest Tube: Queensway (Central)
When: Open daily, times vary seasonally (typically from 10am)
Duration: Approx. 1-2 hours
It won’t be long before you fall for the Diana Memorial Playground as much as we have. A magical place where kids can just be kids – the Peter Pan-inspired play area is all about having as much fun as possible, for little ones and big kids who just don’t want to grow up.
The playground is currently closed for a major £3 million renewal and will reopen for summer 2026. The newly renovated site promises to keep its character while becoming even more accessible and inclusive, so children of all abilities can enjoy it together.
Visitors can expect a new galleon ship with a crow’s nest to spy on your enemies, a new multi-level treehouse including wheelchair-accessible areas, plus a larger-than-life crocodile (sorry, Hook!) lurking in the redesigned water play zone.
A special area for under-threes will feature a new sandpit with plenty of toys, including play ships, timber houses, a seesaw and an epic climbing structure with a slide. Check back for the latest updates on the playground’s redevelopment.
Best for: Little ones with big imaginations. Pair with the nearby Natural History and Science Museums for the ultimate toddler day out in London.
Good to know: The new playground will have improved facilities for children of all ages and needs, and it will remain free to enter when it reopens.
Toddler-friendly shows and performances in London
Polka Theatre – Best theatre and play in London for toddlers
Nearest Tube: Wimbledon (District and National Rail)
When: Show times vary
Duration: Typically, 30-60 minutes for toddler shows
Polka Theatre is one of London’s few venues dedicated entirely to children, with two performance spaces and a year-round programme of toddler-friendly shows. Productions often include sensory elements, familiar props and interactive moments, and there are also performances designed for parents to enjoy with their babies, so grown-ups get something out of the experience too.
The building itself is designed with families in mind, featuring indoor and outdoor play areas, reading corners, a café and a small toy shop. A big bonus is that the play spaces are free to use – you don’t need a ticket for a show, and you can stay as long as you like. Regular drop-in creative sessions also run during the week, which are great for testing the waters with a future performer.
Best for: Toddlers experiencing theatre for the first time and families looking for a relaxed, play-led visit.
Good to know: Level access throughout, lift to upper floors, buggy parking, baby-changing facilities and a sensory garden. The indoor play spaces make it a good rainy-day option. It’s also one of London’s “Warm Welcome Spaces” during the winter months for anyone who needs it.
Little Angel Theatre – Best puppet shows for toddlers in London
Nearest Tube: Highbury & Islington (Victoria, Overground)
When: Show times vary
Duration: Approx. 45 minutes
A heartwarming space in Highbury and Islington, the Little Angel Theatre introduces toddlers to storytelling through puppetry. The 100-seat auditorium creates an intimate setting that works well for younger audiences.
Known as the “Home of British Puppetry”, the theatre presents tailored performances, workshops and festive shows with themes ranging from adventures in the Wild West to gentle tales with life lessons.
Plus, if you want to take the fun home with you, the theatre also offers puppetry training for adults!
Best for: Toddlers who enjoy visual storytelling and calm, cosy theatre spaces.
Good to know: Performances are short and relaxed, but it’s best to book in advance as shows often sell out. Limited buggy space inside, so allow time to park outside before the performance.
Puppet Theatre Barge – Best small, interactive theatre for toddlers
Nearest Tube: Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo) for Little Venice / Richmond (District and Overground)
When: Seasonal programme – check ahead
Duration: Approx. 50 minutes
A puppet show on a traditional Thames barge – we can’t get enough of the whimsy. The floating Puppet Theatre Barge has been entertaining children for more than 40 years from its converted barge, creating a truly memorable setting for a first theatre trip.
Shows feature marionettes in colourful, playful productions that combine movement, music and humour. Classic tales such as The Hare and the Tortoise and The Ugly Duckling sit alongside more unusual stories such as The Enormous Turnip, all told in a way that keeps younger audiences engaged.
Best for: Toddlers who enjoy colourful characters and gentle, short performances in a cosy setting.
Good to know: Seating is close to the stage, which works well for little ones. Space is limited for buggies, so plan to park them outside where possible. Check the barge’s location before visiting, as it moves between Little Venice and Richmond.
Soft play and sensory fun
Discover Children’s Story Centre – Best storytelling and soft play for toddlers
Nearest Tube: Stratford (Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth, DLR and London Overground)
When: Reopening June 2026 – check back for updates
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Discover Children’s Story Centre is where children aged up to 12 can get lost in a fairytale world, spanning two floors of immersive play through magical installations.
Currently closed until 20 June 2026, the Discover centre is growing and becoming greener. Visitors can expect a brand-new play gallery for children up to two years old, a reimagined café, an updated bookshop and an accessible Story Tree.
We’ve been given special access once the new site opens, so check back closer to June for a first look after the makeover.
Best for: Imaginative toddlers who enjoy books, role play and sensory storytelling.
Good to know: Timed sessions help manage crowd levels. Buggy parking, baby-changing facilities and a café are available on site.
MOME – Best modern soft play for toddlers in London
Nearest Tube: Angel (Northern) and King's Cross (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria)
When: Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm, Sat: 9am-6pm and Sun: 10am-5.30pm
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
A creative play café with themed zones for children up to four years old, MOME is known for its inclusive and thoughtfully designed play space. It blends art, movement and storytelling, allowing parents to relax with a coffee while little ones explore.
From cooking up a storm in the Kitchen Corner to building a masterpiece in the Art Garage, the focus is on sparking curiosity and imaginative play.
Best for: Families with younger toddlers where parents can unwind while children stay engaged.
Good to know: Sessions are bookable in advance. Parent lounge seating, buggy space and free Wi-Fi are available for caregivers.
Gambado Chelsea – Ultimate soft play party spot in London
Nearest Tube: Fulham Broadway (District)
When: Mon-Fri: 10am-5.45pm, Sat-Sun: 10am-6pm
Duration: Sessions last 1 hour and 45 mins
A jam-packed soft play space in west London, Gambado is a great option for high-energy toddlers and special occasions. Little ones can run, climb and slide across one of the city’s largest soft play frames, with plenty of space to explore. There’s also a calmer sensory room for under-twos if things get a little overwhelming.
While some areas such as laser tag are better suited to older children, the main soft play zones are ideal for younger visitors. We think this spot will make for a memorable birthday with themed party options. From make-a-bear to slime workshops, it’s a popular celebration destination that lets parents relax while the kids play.
Best for: High-energy toddlers and birthday celebrations.
Good to know: Sessions vary depending on capacity and should be booked in advance. Food packages are available, and pricing is based on children’s ages.
Useful information for travelling to London with toddlers
Looking for more ways to plan a stress-free family day out? Explore our guides to the best family-friendly restaurants in London, top things to do with kids, free museums, and step-free travel tips to make getting around the city with a buggy easier. We also share where to stay in London with children, from central neighbourhoods near major attractions to family-friendly hotels with extra space and practical amenities.
