Keeping the kids entertained as a single parent isn’t easy, so if you are looking for single parent holidays that will keep them entertained, why not take them on a city trip to London? London boasts attraction for all ages that are surely going to keep your kids entertained, whether you’re trying to entertain toddlers, young teens, or a combination of both. So, without further ado, here are some of the best activities for single parents visiting London with kids:
Natural History Museum
If you are looking for educational activities to entertain your children, the Natural History Museum is one of the best places in London with kids. Like all other museums in the city, it is free to enter which makes it a great activity for those trying to keep costs down – not something that’s easy to do in the UK’s capital!
If you are travelling by Tube, South Kensington Tube station is your closest stop and a mere five-minute walk from the museum. Once you are inside, galleries include Dinosaurs, Volcanoes, and the Evolution Timeline – the perfect way to keep kids entertained while simultaneously filling their heads with useful information about ancient history.
London Pantomime
If you are visiting London with kids during the panto season, you aren’t going to be short of options in the capital. Popular venues for London pantomimes include the London Palladium, Marylebone Theatre, and the Lyric Hammersmith, but you will find a whole host of shows across the city’s many theatres.
This year, some of the best pantomimes include Robin Hood, Aladdin, and Jack and the Beanstalk, with the majority running from early December to early January. This can be a popular activity with both locals and tourists, so it is recommended that you book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
The Harry Potter Studio Tour
One of the must-visit attractions in the UK is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, a where you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the wizarding world of Harry Potter. If your kids are fans of the famous film franchise, this will surely keep them entertained for more than a few hours, so allow a half day or more for your visit. You and your children will be amazed by recreations of the set as well as actual costumes and props that were used in the movies. If you are visiting near Christmas, you’ll be fortunate enough to experience Hogwarts in The Snow where the tour takes on a wintery look between November and January.
If you are visiting London with kids in the summer, be warned that you need to book super early, as tickets during school holidays are often booked up months in advance. You should also be aware that Warner Bros. Studio Tour is located outside of London. If travelling by public transport, take the train from London Euston to Watford Junction where you can hop on a shuttle bus which is included in your ticket price.
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is one of the world’s most famous wax museums, and it’s a great way to keep kids of all ages entertained if you’re visiting London. London’s Madame Tussauds is located within walking distance of London Euston train station.
The waxworks inside are constantly changing to display the latest celebs and characters. At the time of writing, Paddington Bear has just arrived at Madame Tussauds London where he’ll be surrounded by regulars, including members of the Royal Family and A-list celebrities.
The Tower of London
One of London’s crown jewels is the Tower of London. If you are exploring London with children, visiting the Tower of London will be both interesting and educational for your little ones. Entry is not cheap, at £34.80 for adults and £17.40 for children aged 5 to 15 but once inside, you can join a tour led by the Tower’s guards, also known as Yeoman Warders.
Whatever you do, don’t call the guards ‘tour guides’. The 32 warders are all drawn from the Armed Forces and unbeknown to many, live on the grounds of the Tower full time.
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
If you’ve got the task of trying to entertain a young animal lover and don’t want to splash out on a day ticket to London Zoo, head to Battersea Park Children’s Zoo. With over 100 animals, there is plenty to see here, at the fraction of the price of its famous counterpart.
The zoo is centred around providing the perfect experience for families and children, with opportunities to come face-to-face with the zoo’s animals with the help of the zookeepers. There are also play areas to keep your kids entertained beyond the animals. The zoo offers single parent tickets for adults with up to three children while those under two go free. Animal encounters are slightly more expensive but are definitely worth considering if you are in London for a special occasion such as your children’s birthday.
Getting around
There are plenty of ways to get around London. Some places are easily reached on foot if your kids are used to walking. On other days, your family might feel tired, so taking a bus, the London Underground, or a London sightseeing bus will save those little feet from aching. If you have come from outside of London, it’s also worth checking out the different city centre car parks before using public transport to avoid London’s busy roads. Just beware of the Congestion Charge and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges if you drive in London.
There are so many places to see in the capital, whether it’s your first time visiting London with kids or your fifth! And many attractions don’t cost a penny, such as London’s free museums and parks or its most iconic sights, such as Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street. Don’t forget to check the times for the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and nearby St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks, whilst you are there.
About the author:
Single Parents on Holiday is the UK’s only tour operator offering group holidays for solo travellers and single parents and their children. Our holidays for singles include beach and ski holidays whilst our wide range of trips for single parent families include city breaks, beach holidays, activity breaks, and ski holidays.
