London with Littles: A Toddler-Friendly Guide

Where to stay: The Flemings Mayfair

We absolutely loved our stay at The Flemings Mayfair. The location couldn’t have been more perfect, tucked on a quiet street in Mayfair, just a short walk to Buckingham Palace, Green Park, and St. James’s Park. It made it so easy to fit in sightseeing between nap times and playground runs.

After arriving on a red-eye flight, the staff went above and beyond. Even though our room wasn’t ready yet, they gave us access to a temporary room so our toddler could nap right away—such a thoughtful touch after a long night of travel. When we checked in, we were greeted with the most incredible fudge as a welcome gift. My son loved it so much that when I asked where I could buy more, they simply handed us another box!

The room was elegant yet practical for families, complete with a pack-and-play, which meant we didn’t have to worry about bringing one from home. The staff also arranged seamless airport transfers, and every single person we interacted with was genuinely kind and welcoming. It’s one of those hotels that makes you feel cared for in every detail—truly a standout stay.

Find the parks!

When in doubt, find a green space—London has them everywhere.

Our mornings often started at Hyde Park, where we’d watch the ducks. The Diana Memorial Fountain is a great splash spot if traveling in the warm months.

Just next door in Kensington Gardens, the Princess Diana Memorial Playground feels like a dream for kids—a huge wooden pirate ship surrounded by sand and sensory play areas. It’s enclosed and free, so parents can relax a little while littles burn energy.

We also loved St. James’s Park for its swans and postcard-perfect views of Buckingham Palace! St James's Park has another great playground with swings, climbing areas, and a sand pit.

Toddler-friendly museums & zoos

The Natural History Museum with towering dinosaurs is a hit with kids of all ages. The wide hallways and big exhibits mean it never feels too crowded for a stroller.

For any vehicle-loving kids, the London Transport Museum is a must. They can climb aboard double-decker buses, drive pretend trains, and explore colorful exhibits all right in Covent Garden.

Meet the animals at the London Zoo

Located in Regent’s Park, the London Zoo is one of the oldest in the world and perfect for families. With interactive exhibits, a children’s zoo, and easy walking paths, it’s a great way to spend a few hours outdoors.

Getting around London with kids

We found that a lightweight travel stroller was key!

The hop-on, hop-off bus is a great way to cover major sights without tiring everyone out—and lets you get off for snack breaks or playground stops.

If your little one can handle sitting still for about 30 minutes, the London Eye is worth it. The slow spin gives incredible views, and our toddler loved pointing out the tiny red buses and boats below.

Iconic London at toddler pace

You can still do the classic sights, just at a slower pace.

At Buckingham Palace, we watched the Changing of the Guard and then let our toddler run free in Green Park. At Westminster, we strolled past Big Ben and the Thames and stopped into the Westminster gift shop for a little red bus to bring home.

Extra tips for parents

Snacks, always—they saved us during long walks.

Stay central if possible. Being close to parks and major sights means less time commuting and more time exploring.

Slow down your pace. You won’t see everything, but you’ll experience the charm of London in a more relaxed, family-friendly way.

End your days early. London evenings can be lively, but an early dinner and cozy hotel bedtime kept everyone happy.

Whether it’s waving at Big Ben, spotting royal guards, or meeting monkeys at the zoo, London is full of wonder for tiny travelers.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our London page.