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The Ultimate Family Day Out in London

  • Friday 30th October 2026

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Planning a family day out in London can feel like a project in itself. Finding fun things to do in London with kids needn’t feel overwhelming though.

This blog focuses on London’s South Bank, home to a cluster of Merlin attractions within a few minutes’ walk of each other, including SEA LIFE London Aquarium. We’ve also added a parent-approved shortlist of other well-loved options across the city, to help you plan the best family day out London has to offer without the guesswork.

London’s Best for Families: At a Glance

If you’re short on time, here’s the shortlist:

A South Bank Family Day Out: Four Highlights in Easy Reach

Four of London’s best-known family attractions sit within a short walk of each other on the South Bank: SEA LIFE London Aquarium, The London Eye, Shrek’s Adventure! London, and The London Dungeon. Together, they’re some of the most visited Merlin attractions London has to offer, and each one can be booked online ahead of your visit.

If your family plans on seeing more than one, a Merlin multi-attraction pass can work out cheaper than buying separate tickets, and most give you several days rather than just one to fit everything in.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

SEA LIFE London Aquarium sits inside County Hall on the South Bank and is one of Europe’s largest aquariums. Inside, you’ll find sharks gliding overhead, a colony of Gentoo penguins and the glowing Ocean Invaders jellyfish zone.

Because it’s entirely indoors, it’s one of the more reliable indoor attractions London has for families, and a solid pick for rainy day activities London weather can’t spoil. You can check aquarium tickets online before you go.

 

The London Eye

The London Eye stands 135 metres above the Thames and turns slowly over a 30-minute rotation, giving everyone on board clear views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Each of the 32 glass capsules is spacious and unhurried, making this one of the calmer choices on this list – and just as suitable for toddlers as it is for teenagers. London Eye tickets can be booked directly online. 

Shrek’s Adventure! London

Shrek’s Adventure! London takes families on a 4D flying bus ride to Far Far Away, followed by live shows and interactive sets featuring DreamWorks characters throughout.

It suits younger children particularly well, regularly featuring on lists of fun things to do in London with kids for that reason. You can find current show times through Shrek’s Adventure tickets. 

The London Dungeon

The London Dungeon takes you through 1,000 years of London’s darkest history, with live actors and the Drop Dead ride adding a genuine scare factor.

It’s better suited to older kids and teens – the recommended minimum age is 12, and under-5s aren’t permitted. Among London attractions for kids, it’s one of the few built specifically with that age group in mind. More details are available through London Dungeon tickets.

3. Audio Tour Boy With Headset

More Must-See London Attractions for Kids

Beyond the South Bank, London has plenty of other options too, many of them free.

World-Class Museums & Learning

The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and British Museum are all free to enter. They’re popular with families looking for London family activities that combine a day out with a bit of learning – great options after visiting Merlin attractions on the South Bank when looking for variety across a longer trip.

 

Royal Parks & Outdoor Play

Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and the Diana Memorial Playground are all free, easy additions if the weather’s on your side.

Unique London Experiences

The Tower of London and a ride on the London Eye River Cruise are both popular one-off additions to a family itinerary, and easy to combine with a day on the South Bank.

 

Planning Your London Family Activities: Top Tips

A few practical points to sort out before you set off:

  • Book online in advance for all four South Bank attractions – it’s usually cheaper and can save time at peak times. 

  • Under-11s travel free on the Tube and buses when with a paying adult, which helps on a full day out.

  • A Visitor Oyster card covers the Tube, buses and river boats, and can be set up online before you arrive.

  • If you’re visiting more than one South Bank attraction, compare a Merlin multi-attraction pass against buying tickets separately – you’ll typically have several days to use them all, rather than needing to fit every attraction into one visit.

 

Start Your London Adventure

London’s South Bank, combined with a Merlin multi-attraction pass, makes it one of the easiest places in the city to fit several family attractions into a single day. SEA LIFE London Aquarium, The London Eye, Shrek’s Adventure! London and The London Dungeon all sit a short walk apart, making this one of the strongest clusters for things to do in London with kids. Booking ahead makes planning family day out London trips much simpler.

Plan Your Family Activities

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