2 days in London with kids: the perfect itinerary

Looking to spend 2 days in London with kids in tow?

Here is an easygoing, kid-friendly London itinerary for two days filled with iconic attractions and activities that incorporate culture, history, art, theatre and a whole lot of play. I also include recommendations on where to eat in London with kids near the attractions to help you plan the perfect weekend stay with ease.

There are of course many ways to do London with kids. In this post I will share the easy way. For a less overwhelming travel experience I have grouped activities and attractions that are closer together and within walking distance. Getting around will be a breeze with very limited use of public transport and I’ve included breaks along the way for a stress-free travel experience with young children.

London travel tips

London can be busy and overwhelming. To save time from waiting in line and unnecessary hassle purchase tickets to the attractions ahead of time; as a bonus there is often a discount when booking in advance. I also advise making restaurant reservations in advance especially on the weekends. Specifically, afternoon tea and Sunday Roast lunch will require reservations especially for larger parties of more than 2 people.

The ultimate 2 day weekend itinerary in London with kids

You may wonder: is two days in London enough? There is a lot to see, do and eat in London, I’m not sure you can really ever cover it all. But two days is enough time to give the kids a great impression of what the city has to offer and leave lasting fond memories.

Here are my recommendations on how to do London in 2 days with kids which will maximize your family trip covering many iconic attractions and activities for children that are often under the radar.

Day 1: Tower Bridge | Southbank | Shakespeare Globe Theatre | Tate Modern | Borough Market | Shard

MORNING

• Breakfast at White Mulberries in St. Katherine Docks
  If you are not having breakfast at your hotel then start the morning at White Mulberries for good coffee and a quick breakfast at St Katherine Docks. I love it for its relaxed atmosphere and their banana bread is not to be missed. Afterwards it is a 5 minute walk to the Tower Bridge.
  
  
• Tower Bridge Walkway and family activity; paid entry
  The Tower Bridge is a truly iconic landmark of London but don’t just admire it from afar, buy tickets or a guided tour to explore inside Tower Bridge. They also host a family activity day once a month on a Saturday that is open to all ages but perfect for ages 6 to 10, included in the price of entry.
  
  The Tower Bridge offer beautiful panoramic views of London and the kids will love looking down the glass floor walkway and see London transport come to life with red buses and black cabs zooming past.
  
  Allocate around an hour at Tower Bridge then head to Tower Pier – a 10 min walk – for a scenic thirty minute Uber Boat ride down the Thames to London Eye (Waterloo).
  
  
• London Eye (paid entry) or Jubilee Gardens Adventure Playground (free)
  London Eye is well worth visiting (I’ve been twice) for that incredible bird’s eye view of the imposing Houses of Parliament. With that said, the 30 minute ride in an enclosed space might not be the most appealing to younger kids who think 5 minutes is an eternity.
  
  So I leave you here with another option: the Jubilee Gardens Adventure Playground which is right behind the London Eye. It is a great open green space for kids to run around and have a play/snack break. Budget an hour for this activity.
  

MIDDAY

• Afternoon tea with a view at London Marriott Hotel County Hall
  There is nothing like indulging in a quintessential afternoon tea experience with the perfect London backdrop of the Elizabeth Tower with Big Ben. The London Marriott Hotel County Hall afternoon tea is held in The Library, a beautiful setting in a calming atmosphere, and a great space to soak in the Victorian tradition. Reservation for the afternoon tea experience is recommended.
  
  For a more relaxed setting, and specifically for kids, there is also a Roald Dahl themed afternoon tea at the Marriott hotel available but this comes without the view. Allot about an hour and a half for afternoon tea.
  
  Next up is a stroll down the bustling South Bank.

AFTERNOON

• Southbank along the River Thames
  Take a stroll down the Queen’s Walk and you’ll see a hum of activities. There’s a lot of excitement at the Golden Carousel especially for younger kids.
  
  For a unique urban art activity head to Leake Street Arches, an open and free tunnel space that actively encourages graffitiing, for the kids own makeshift street art session (you’ll have to bring your own paint for this).
  
  Walk further down the Queen’s Walk on any given weekend and you’ll find food stalls, street performers and pop-up shops. In the undercroft of the Southbank Centre is the famous Skatepark where talented and daring skateboarders show off their skills to the kids and adults watching in awe.
  
  On Saturdays the Southbank Centre hosts Saturday Sessions (best for 5 to 10 year olds) that include performances, workshops and ends with a ballroom boogie. Saturday Sessions are free to the public and start at 1PM until around 3:30PM, there is no need to book in advance, just drop in between those times at your leisure.
  
  Then head down the Southbank Boardwalk or along the Thames Beach for the next stop.
  
  
• Coffee/Snack break
  It is time for a break. You can grab a coffee, hot chocolate and Crosstown Donuts at Coffee Academy in the Oxo Tower. Or head to the Seacontainers for a cocktail and juices for a more relaxed break. From here it is a 10 minute walk to the Shakespeare Globe Theatre.

• Shakespeare Globe Theatre (paid entry) / Tate Modern (free)
  The Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is a great stop for families exploring London, especially with kids who has a love for stories, history, or theater. The Globe Theatre, with its open-air, circular structure and thatched roof, is a modern replica of the original Elizabethan playhouse where many of Shakespeare’s plays were first performed.
  
  If there’s s a show on at the Shakespeare Globe Theatre, do not miss it. The Shakespeare Globe Theatre offer shows that are suitable to children, usually ages 5+. They also run workshops for different age groups too throughout the year. Be sure to look at their schedule to see what might suit your family. It is both an engaging and unique way to experience London with children.
  
  Alternatively, the Tate Modern is a great option to visit for families. The museum’s vast spaces and striking installations offer plenty of opportunities for kids to explore. There is often a Tate Play activity or workshops available on the weekends that are free and do not require booking.
  
  Be sure to take advantage of the Tate Modern free entry to see their incredible collection of modern art. Plan on spending about an hour here. Just note that the Tate Modern closes at 6PM.
  
  Then from here it is a 10 minute walk towards Borough Market by London Bridge.
  

EVENING

• Borough Market / Shard
  The market itself is closed at this time of day but the surrounding area of Borough Market has a lot of wonderful dining options.
  
  Elliot’s, a restaurant that focuses on seasonal cooking and sources their produce from Borough Market, is my pick for a great meal paired with a wonderful atmosphere and strong wine list. Pizza is on the menu which of course is usually a win with the kids. Reservations at Elliot’s is highly recommended especially on weekends. No highchairs or baby changing stations though so it is really only suitable for 3+.
  
  For more casual family dining options try: Padella for incredible handmade pasta, Franco Manca for pizza, or Casa do Frango for Portuguese piri-piri chicken.
  
  For a more upmarket dinner with incredible views of London to end the evening head to the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe. My preference for dining at the Shard is Hutong which focuses on Northern Chinese cuisine or Oblix with a very extensive menu that can suit different preferences. A dining experience in the Shard is particularly worthwhile in the summer months when you can see the sun setting over London from above.

Day 2: Buckingham Palace | Trafalgar Square | Covent Garden | Chinatown | Hamley’s | Carnaby Street

MORNING

• Start the morning at Timmy Green in Victoria.
  Timmy Green is known for its modern Aussie-inspired menu. I love it for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and perfect for a relaxed breakfast that include the likes of blueberry buttermilk pancakes and their award winning banana bread sandwich. From here it is a short 8 minute walk to the playground.
  
  
• St James’s Park Playground for a play, free
  St. James’s Park Playground is a fantastic pit stop if you have some time before the Changing of the Guards ceremony for the little ones to burn off some energy. The area is small but equipped with swings, slides, and climbing structures, offering something for kids of varying ages along with benches for resting.
  
  
• Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace or the Mall, free
  Make your way to Buckingham Palace between 9:45AM to 10:00AM to witness the Changing of the Guard, one of London’s most iconic and lasting traditions.
  
  The changing of the King’s guards at Buckingham Palace starts at around 10:45AM but I recommend getting there earlier so you do not run the risk of missing it and for a better view. The ceremony outside Buckingham Palace lasts for around 45 minutes and is held every Mon-Weds-Fri-Sun, weather-permitting. Be sure to check the Changing of the Guard schedule for updates.
  

• Trafalgar Square
  The best route is to walk through St James’s Park with lots of London landmark sightseeing opportunities and also coffee kiosks for those in need of a boost. It is a 20 minute walk from Buckingham Palace to Trafagar Square but a scenic one.
  
  Trafalgar Square is one of London’s most famous and visited public spaces, located at the heart of the city. Home to the iconic Nelson’s Column that is guarded by four lion statues, and surrounded by impressive wide fountains, it is a great spot for families visiting London. I also love being able to catch the view of Big Ben peaking out in the back and kids love running round in that open space.
  
  While at Trafalgar Square be sure to check out the extensive art collection at the National Gallery; at times they run free, drop-in guided 45 min tours for kids. Check the National Gallery website for upcoming events.

MIDDAY

• Sunday roast at Blacklock Covent Garden
  For visitors to London I will always insist on going for a Sunday Roast. From Trafalgar Square it is an 8 minute walk to Blacklock Chophouse, known for its high-quality steaks, chops, and irresistible Sunday roasts. While their menu is meat-intensive they do offer vegetarian options.

AFTERNOON

• Covent Garden / London Transport Museum / Covent Garden Playground
  Covent Garden is known for its lively atmosphere with street performers, including magicians, musicians, and acrobats, providing free, outdoor entertainment that will captivate the whole family.
  
  Visit the London Transport Museum for interactive and hands-on exhibits for children of all ages. While London has a lot museums that offer free entry, the London Transport museum is not free. You will have to purchase the annual pass for £24.50 for an adult ticket but kids under 17 can go for free accompanied by an adult.
  
  There are also a ton of shopping opportunities at the outdoor markets within Covent Garden, our favorite is the Moomin Shop.
  
  The new Covent Garden Playground at Drury Lane is nearby and a great spot for a rest and play. Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours in Covent Garden, there is so much to see and do!
  

• Chinatown
  From Covent Garden it’s a 5 minute walk over to Chinatown to see the eye-catching red lanterns above. Bubblewrap egg waffles is great street snack for kids and adults. Grab a bubble tea at Cuppaccha then start the walk towards Piccadilly Circus to Regent Street.
  
  
• Hamleys, the “joy emporium” for the kids
  Walk down Regent Street and head to the iconic Hamleys to visit the oldest toy store in the world. Surely the kids have been very well behaved and wouldn’t mind a memento from their London trip?

EVENING

• Carnaby Street
  Then head to the colorful Carnaby Street which is a wonderful pedestrianized area for shopping. There is always some sort of art installation to peruse as well.
  
  For dinner you can find many options in Kingly Court, the three story courtyard in Carnaby Street. From burgers at Paradiso, to ramen at Shoryu and Pizza Pilgrims there is something for everyone.

An easy 2 day London itinerary with kids

This 2 day London itinerary with kids offers the perfect mix of fun, culture, food and adventure for the whole family.

From exploring iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace to enjoying interactive museums like the London Transport Museum, there’s something for everyone. With stops at family-friendly attractions like Covent Garden and the Southbank, you’ll experience the best of London’s lively atmosphere while keeping kids entertained and engaged.

I hope you will find that whether you’re immersing in London’s history, enjoying the outdoor spaces and playgrounds, or indulging in delicious food, this itinerary ensures a memorable and relatively stress-free trip for the whole family. London is truly a city that kids will love and remember for years to come!

While you’re here check out my post on my favorite stress-free dining with kids at restaurants hack and a recent free London art exhibit we enjoyed by Yayoi Kusama in North London.