Enjoying a prime position on the edge of the River Thames, the South Bank packs a lot into an easily walkable area making it an ideal destination for a family day out. Here, we pinpoint the best family-friendly restaurants, top attractions and cultural delights for a day out with the kids.
What to do in the South Bank with kids
Start your day with a trip to some of London's top attractions. Reach great heights on the London Eye – one of the world's highest observation wheels – or see the wonders of the deep at SEA LIFE London aquarium, where you can take a behind-the-scenes tour to discover fun insights into how the hundreds of species are cared for.
Take a short stroll from the aquarium and you’ll find The Paddington Bear Experience, located inside the historic County Hall building. Kids will love the themed rooms, familiar faces, and sights and sounds from the Paddington stories. Prepare to be transported from the Brown’s House at Windsor Gardens to the rich jungle of Peru in this truly immersive experience. Anyone for a marmalade sandwich?
For something historical, London Dungeon is a great choice with its costumed actors, special shows, and thrilling rides that bring the dark side of the city's history to life.
Shrek fans won’t want to miss Shrek’s Adventure! The 75-minute experience offers live shows, classic sets from the films – including the iconic smelly swamp – and a mirror maze. Plus, little ones can get involved in an exciting game show with plenty of dramatic special effects.
Free attractions in the South Bank for kids
After lunch, head along the Thames towards Bankside. Kids and culture don't always go hand-in-hand, but at Tate Modern there's a range of free activities for families and children. Budding artists can learn all about modern art in the dedicated Family Zone.
Wander further along the Thames and you'll come to the full-scale reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake's world-famous galleon, The Golden Hinde. Create your own swashbuckling adventures as you tread the boards on a self-guided tour of this magnificent ship.
Sticking with the nautical theme, HMS Belfast is also well worth a visit. With free entry for under fives, this WW2 cruiser is a floating museum with nine decks to explore. Its busy events programme includes many family activities, so climb aboard to have some fun.
Kid-friendly places to eat in the South Bank
The Southbank Centre is an excellent place to stop for a bite to eat with many family-friendly restaurants such as Wagamama and Giraffe. Kids love sampling the dim sum at Ping Pong – the tasty parcels are perfect for little fingers.
If the sun's shining, enjoy a picnic in nearby Bernie Spain Gardens, or if it's raining, enjoy packed lunches in Royal Festival Hall's picnic area on level three. Alternatively, dine alfresco at Gabriel's Wharf, where you'll find a range of cafes and restaurants offering savoury delights and sweet treats.
Try Borough Market for the best street food from all over the world at reasonable prices. Strada is a great option for those seeking a meal with a view – it has a great value menu and fantastic location overlooking Tower Bridge. Many of the pizzas and pastas are available in child-friendly portions, and there's plenty of outdoor seating if the sun's still shining.
Head to Wahaca and sample a special kids’ menu offering smaller portions, toned-down spices and little extras to finish. Or try nearby Las Iguanas, which is also kitted out with a full children's menu and free baby food for their youngest guests.
Discover more kid-friendly tips with the top things to do in London for families and don't miss our guide to the 101 best things to do in London with kids.
