Curator’s statement
London is a surprisingly magical city for kids, especially if you skip the lines and lean into unexpected experiences. From ancient artifacts and bunkers to musicals and molecular gastronomy, this trip showed our whole family how history and culture come to life when you’re not afraid to mix highbrow and silly. London with kids doesn’t have to mean playgrounds and fish and chips—though we certainly had plenty of those, too.
The Fora Difference
Book with Lilly to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting Lilly to book your trip.
London’s deep history and layered cultural life make it a fascinating destination for kids—and adults—when done right. With several kids in tow, we opted for immersive, curated experiences that kept everyone engaged, and avoided the worst of the crowds.
One highlight: the British Museum with Dr. Lawrence Owens. As a working archaeologist and anthropologist, his private tour made the vast, overwhelming museum feel focused and fun. He knew just how to engage young learners, and we left with the kids talking about mummification and the Rosetta Stone like pros. Booking him made the British Museum feel like an adventure instead of a chore.
Private tour magic: Dr. Owens brought ancient Egypt to life with humor, props, and just enough mummy talk to keep the kids hooked.
We also splurged on Science Afternoon Tea at the Ampersand Hotel, which absolutely delighted the kids (and adults). Between beakers of lemonade, dinosaur biscuits, and edible experiments, it was one of the most joyful and photogenic meals of the trip. Our 7-year-old summed it up perfectly: “Excuse me, I LOVE this.”
Another surprise hit? Churchill War Rooms. Booking a membership to the Imperial War Museums ahead of time let us skip the long lines. If you can swing it, the behind-glass tour was exceptional. The kids wandered through bunkers with audio guides, ducked into corridors, and soaked up WWII history in a truly engaging way.
We also managed to catch SIX, the musical, and were stunned by the intimacy of the theater—even our back-row seats felt close to the stage. This is a great pick for tweens and older kids—it’s catchy, clever, and just the right length.
A fun, fast-paced West End show that’s perfect for families. Big voices, bold costumes, and no intermission!
We stayed at the Andaz London Liverpool Street, which was perfectly located next to the train station and a taxi stand. It made zipping around the city a breeze, and the breakfast spread (included with Hyatt Privé perks) made mornings smooth and satisfying for the whole crew.
The Andaz lobby: come for the art, stay because your child collapsed dramatically in front of it.
Need to know
British Museum tip: Book Dr. Lawrence Owens privately to avoid burnout and boredom—he’s a game-changer.
Ampersand Hotel Tea: Be sure to book the Science Afternoon Tea in advance. It’s themed, theatrical, and very kid-friendly.
Churchill War Rooms: Skip the line by buying a family IWM membership ahead of time—it’s well worth the £25. The audio guides are excellent.
Transport: The London Underground is fast but loud—it’s helpful to prep younger or sensory-sensitive kids ahead of time.
Theater tickets: Book early if you want to see SIX.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our London page.
Travel Advisor
Lilly S.
Get in touch with Lilly
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Lilly within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).