Landmarks in London through little eyes – a toddler’s guide
Exploring London with a toddler can be one of the most magical—and unpredictable—adventures! London is filled with historic landmarks and iconic sites, but viewing them through your little one’s eyes brings a whole new level of wonder and joy. Toddlers have a unique way of transforming every outing. To them, the city exists as a giant playground where every bridge, building and bus ride becomes an exciting form of play.
In this post, I’ll share how you can introduce your toddler to ten of London’s most famous landmarks in a way that feels engaging, accessible and memorable. Included are toddler-friendly sights and sensory activities, as well as helpful tips for navigating each spot. So whether visiting for the first time or rediscovering familiar places, make this your go-to list for experiencing London with your little explorer.
1. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is a ‘must do’ for tourists and Londoners alike, and for good reason. As the official residence of the British monarch since 1837, it is an historic London landmark steeped in reverence and tradition. From its glittering golden gates and grand entrance to its picturesque gardens and state rooms, the building and its grounds captivate visitors of all ages.
Why toddlers will love it:
The 45-minute Changing of the Guard ceremony is a world-famous event. Full of bright uniforms, lively music and rhythmic marching, it is perfect for capturing toddlers’ imaginations. During the summer months, you can also book tickets to visit the palace gardens, which comprise 39 acres. More than enough space for your little ones to stretch their legs (and for you to enjoy the scenery)!
Toddler tips:
The Changing of the Guard ceremony does not take place every day, so it would need to be planned carefully into your trip. It normally begins at 10:45am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with the actual handover at 11am. You can find the confirmed schedule here. Arrive early to find a good viewing spot, where little ones can see the action without getting lost in the crowd. Bring a small flag for them to wave, and make it a fun game by counting the guards or spotting different uniform colours.
When it’s out of season for the palace gardens, head to nearby St. James’s Park instead. This is perfect for a picnic and some toddler-friendly playtime with the ducks and swans by the lake.
2. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge, completed in 1894, is one of the city’s most famous and beautiful bridges. It is known for the distinctive shape of its twin towers as well as its blue-and-white suspension design. Often mistaken for London Bridge, which sits a little further upstream, Tower Bridge opens to allow tall ships to pass through — a sight that never fails to fascinate onlookers.
Why toddlers will love it:
The glass floor walkway, 42 meters above the river, adds an extra thrill for little ones. From this height, children can peer down at buses and cars on the bridge or boats cruising along the river. The towers also offer interactive displays and fun, hands-on exhibits that keep young minds engaged.
Toddler tips:
Bring along a small toy boat or car and turn it into a game of spotting the real versions below. Similarly, have them count the number of red buses and black taxis they can see from the glass walkway. Then, as boats pass under the bridge, encourage toddlers to “sail” their toy boats along with them. For an added treat, time your visit with a scheduled bridge lift, so your toddler can witness the mechanical magic of Tower Bridge in action.
3. The Natural History Museum
Opened in 1881, the Natural History Museum is not only a treasure trove of natural wonders but also a masterpiece of Victorian architecture. Known for its towering arches, intricate terracotta façade and stained glass windows, the museum has earned the nickname “The Cathedral of Nature.” Inside, it houses over 80 million specimens, ranging from ancient fossils to glittering gemstones and, of course, awe-inspiring dinosaur skeletons.
Why toddlers will love it:
The giant skeletons, especially that of the famous blue whale suspended from the Hintze Hall ceiling, are thrilling for young eyes. Interactive exhibits scattered throughout the museum also allow toddlers to touch and explore natural wonders. The sensory and tactile experiences make science fun, sparking curiosity as they learn about this planet’s wonders. The Museum also very recently opened its Gardens, which look beautiful and make the trip even more appealing for energetic toddlers who love running around outside!
Toddler tips:
Don’t forget to visit the recently refurbished Mammals Gallery, packed full of lifelike animal models, including towering elephants and a gigantic blue whale. Another engaging area is the Creepy Crawlies exhibit, with colourful displays of insects and bugs. For a quieter experience, the Minerals Gallery offers sparkling gemstones sure to capture the interests of all ages.
This museum gets super busy, with school groups on weekdays and families on weekends, so plan to visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds. I go into more detail about our visit to the Natural History Museum here, back when our son was a crawling baby. Although it wasn’t the most accessible museum for him then, it is a great place for him to visit now as a walking, talking, curious toddler.
4. SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Nestled on the South Bank of central London, SEA LIFE London Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. It is part of the SEA LIFE network, a global collection of marine life centers prioritising conservation and education.
Opened in 1997, the place captivates visitors with its impressive collection of marine life and beautifully designed exhibits. Inside, a range of ecosystems are represented: from Antarctic penguins to the tropical coral reefs’ vibrantly-coloured, unusual fish.
Why toddlers will love it:
SEA LIFE London Aquarium is full of exhibits that keep toddlers engaged, especially the underwater tunnel where they can walk “under” the ocean. Yet the mesmerising installations don’t stop there. Colourful coral reefs, playful penguins and interactive rock pools, where little ones can gently touch starfish, also create a thrilling sensory experience.
Toddler tips:
Plan your visit during quieter times, such as weekday mornings, to avoid the larger crowds that can build up on weekends and school holidays. After taking in the wonders of SEA LIFE, leave some time to explore the rest of the exciting South Bank area.
Across the way, Jubilee Gardens is a great spot for a picnic or snack break, and its wide-open lawns and pathways are perfect for toddlers who need to stretch their legs or have a bit of free play. The playground within the gardens features slides, climbing frames and shaded seating for parents, making it a popular spot for young families.
5. Hyde Park and the Diana Memorial Playground
Hyde Park is one of London’s Royal Parks: 350 acres of lush green space in the heart of the city. Established in the year 1536 as one of King Henry VIII’s hunting grounds, it opened to the public in 1637. Since then, it has served as a beloved retreat for Londoners and visitors alike.
The Diana Memorial Playground is located to the north of the park’s royal residence, Kensington Palace. It opened in the year 2000 to honour Princess Diana’s love for children, quickly becoming a favorite spot for families. Inspired by the stories of Peter Pan, it is an enchanting space for adventure, imagination and play.
Why toddlers will love it:
With open spaces, shady trees, and picnic-friendly lawns, Hyde Park is ideal for both energetic and relaxing family excursions. The Diana Memorial Playground takes things to the next level for toddlers with an immersive fantasy experience.
Whether it’s the giant pirate ship, totem poles and teepees, extensive sand play areas, Lost Boys’ fort or musical sculptures, invitations to play are everywhere. Gentle sensory elements like water, sand and wooden structures offer an enchanting and safe environment for imaginations to run wild.
Toddler tips:
Bring along a bucket and spade for the sandy play areas, where your little one can dig, build, and create. You’ll also want to equip them with hardy shoes suited to the numerous terrains and hidden pathways throughout. There’s a small café for refreshments by the playground entrance. Alternatively, with seating all around the area, you could pack a blanket and some snacks for a family picnic.
The playground is gated and staffed by a security guard, ensuring that only those with children can enter. Even so, it gets busy. Arrive early to make the most of the quieter morning hours before the playground fills up with other eager explorers.
6. Greenwich and the Cutty Sark
Greenwich is a charming London neighborhood famous for its rich maritime history and breathtaking views along the Thames. It’s home to the Cutty Sark, an iconic clipper ship launched in 1869 and one of the fastest of its time. Today, the Cutty Sark is carefully preserved as a museum where families can step aboard and learn about life on the high seas.
Greenwich also boasts the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory, where you can stand on the Prime Meridian line. The latter is situated in the sprawling Greenwich Park, where lookout points offer spectacular views of the London skyline.
Why toddlers will love it:
Greenwich has a perfect blend of wide-open spaces and fun attractions to keep little ones entertained. The Cutty Sark is especially exciting for toddlers, who can climb aboard a real ship and imagine life as a sailor. The ship’s lower decks feature kid-friendly displays, interactive exhibits, and even some sensory play elements.
Afterwards, you can head to the nearby Greenwich Park, where toddlers can enjoy the expansive grassy areas or park playground. Fun fact: this playground shares a number of design elements with the Diana Memorial Playground.
Toddler tips:
The Cutty Sark has engaging, hands-on displays to keep young minds interested, so plan a bit of extra time to explore each level of the ship. For a full adventure, ride one of the modern Thames Clippers along the Thames to get to Greenwich. It’s a thrilling way for toddlers to start their day of exploration. You can also visit the National Maritime Museum, which has a number of child-focused activity zones. Their dedicated children’s gallery, AHOY! (for ages 0-7), will reopen in Summer 2025.
7. Kew Gardens
Established 1759, Kew Gardens is a world-renowned botanical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts over 50,000 different plants across 300 acres of land, and offers a unique blend of beauty, history and nature. From the iconic Temperate House, the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world, to the enchanting Japanese Garden, there’s plenty for families to explore. All in all, it’s a wonderful place to escape the bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by greenery.
Why toddlers will love it:
The vast, open green spaces and scenic walking paths provide plenty of room for toddlers to roam, explore, and burn off energy. The Treetop Walkway, for instance (18 meters above the ground), gives little ones a fun new perspective on the parkland below. It makes for a gripping yet safe experience. The gardens are also full of seasonal flowers and wildlife, like ducks and butterflies, for toddlers to discover along the way.
Toddler tips:
The Children’s Garden at Kew is one of the best things on offer for families with young children (aged 2-12). This dedicated play area offers a range of activities, from sand pits and water play to climbable structures inspired by plants. Accordingly, bring a change of clothes or a towel, and plan some time to relax nearby while your toddler explores. There are also plenty of family-friendly cafés throughout Kew Gardens, perfect for snack breaks in between all the excitement.
8. Hampton Court Palace
Built in the early 16th century, Hampton Court Palace is a magnificent slice of British history. It is famously known as King Henry VIII’s residence, with impressive Tudor and Baroque architecture, sprawling gardens and historic charm. Over the centuries, Hampton Court has become a favorite destination for families, renowned for its beautiful gardens and hedge maze.
Why toddlers will love it:
Hampton Court’s vast gardens are ideal for toddlers to explore and play in, with gentle pathways perfect for little feet. The hedge maze is a big hit, encouraging toddlers to find their way through its countless twists and turns. Meanwhile, the nearby kitchen gardens give toddlers the chance to see vegetables growing.
The palace’s playful atmosphere and interactive zones ensure there’s always something to capture their curiosity. The Magic Garden, for instance, is a vibrant, interactive play area designed specifically for young children. It is packed with slides, towers, tunnels, and even a water play zone.
Toddler tips:
The Magic Garden is set within a safe, enclosed area, allowing parents to relax while little ones explore. Bring a change of clothes for water play, and plan ahead to enjoy a picnic nearby while you take in the scenic surroundings. The perfect way to end a day of royal adventure.
9. Regent’s Park and the ZSL London Zoo
Regent’s Park, designed by renowned architect John Nash in the early 19th century, is one of London’s elegant Royal Parks. The site offers 395 acres of manicured gardens, open spaces, and scenic walking paths.
Within the park is ZSL London Zoo, the world’s oldest scientific zoo, established in 1826. The zoo is home to over 750 species, from majestic big cats to playful otters. With its mix of lush greenery and fascinating wildlife, the park and zoo provide a balance of relaxation and adventure.
Why toddlers will love it:
Regent’s Park is ideal for a leisurely stroll with plenty of wide paths for little ones to explore. The London Zoo adds excitement, allowing toddlers to get close to animals they might only know from picture books. From the tall, gentle giraffes to the beautiful butterflies, there’s always something new to capture their attention. The zoo’s layout, with animals easy to spot and accessible pathways, makes it especially toddler-friendly.
Toddler tips:
Be sure to visit the Animal Adventure children’s zoo area. Here, toddlers can get up close with small animals, pet friendly creatures, and burn off energy on climbing structures and slides. There’s also a fun splash zone, so consider bringing a towel or change of clothes. You can also take a well-earned break in one of the zoo’s many family-friendly cafés. Or, if you’re done for the day, pack a picnic to enjoy in the park.
10. The London Eye
Built in 1999 to celebrate the new millennium, this 135-metre tall addition to the London skyline was intended to be only temporary. However, its popularity made it a mainstay among the city’s tourist attractions. It is now one of the most iconic London landmarks.
Situated on the banks of the River Thames, this giant Ferris wheel provides a unique perspective over the heart of London. The 32 pods take 30 minutes to complete their smooth and stately rotation, and offer a fully panoramic perspective. On a clear day, you can see sweeping views of other iconic landmarks up to a distance of 40km. This includes the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.
Why toddlers will love it:
For little ones, the London Eye is like taking a gentle “flight” over the city. The slow, steady ride allows them to look down at the river and city buildings. This can feel like a magical bird’s-eye view. Toddlers will love spotting familiar landmarks from high above, making it a calm yet exciting adventure. The enclosed glass capsules also make it easy for toddlers to move around the viewing platform safely, keeping them engaged throughout the ride.
Toddler tips:
Before the ride, talk with your toddler about the famous buildings they’ll see so they can look out for them. Once you’re in the capsule, play a game of “I Spy” with major landmarks like the towering Tate Modern or with boats and cars crossing below. Arrive early to avoid queues, and consider bringing a snack or toy for the line if visiting during peak times.
Conclusion
Every landmark on this list holds its own special charm for us as adults. When explored with a toddler, we see those qualities and others through a fresh, wide-eyed perspective. Some days out will be filled with giggles and boundless energy. Others will be spent embracing curiosity and fascinated discovery.
Traversing London with a toddler has been one of the most rewarding adventures of my parenting journey. Each outing, from the towering heights of the London Eye to the quiet moments feeding ducks in St. James’s Park became a shared experience. An experience that continues to deepen our connection to both the city and each other.
