- Of all the countries I've been to, I think London is the best place for kids of any age.
- My husband and I took our son to the city when he was a baby, a preteen, and a teenager.
As a travel writer, one of my greatest loves is experiencing a new country, region, or city with my son. But one place has always been our favorite: London.
The city, which is projected to be the top summer travel destination in 2024, is popular among tourists due to its iconic sites, gardens, and history. But if you ask me, London is also the best spot to bring your kids, especially if they range in age.
I've been to over 30 countries, and out of all of them, London is the place we chose to bring our child when he was a baby, a preteen, and a teenager.
From the city's amazing architecture to its bustling museums, there are plenty of activities to catch any kid's attention. Here's why I'll always believe London is a terrific destination for children of any age.
Transportation in London is usually a breeze
In my experience, arriving in and getting around London is pretty easy. The Heathrow Express, an airport rail link operating from London Heathrow Airport, can transport passengers to Paddington Station in 15 minutes or less.
Once in the city, we take the Tube, a rapid underground transit system, to get to the big sights. Children under 11 travel for free when accompanied by an adult, and discounts are available for older kids.
When my son was 11, he loved the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus, a touristy but fun experience that takes passengers to major city sights like Big Ben and the Tower of London. Passengers can get off the open-top double-decker vehicle anytime, take a tour, grab a bite to eat, and then continue their journey when the next bus comes.
I recommend getting a 48-hour pass because you can get a great city overview on the first day and then dig deeper into certain spots on the second.
Finally, in an emergency like an infant meltdown or a toddler tantrum, Ubers are almost always accessible.
The city is full of parks for children to play in
London has incredible green space for such a large city. Many of the city's parks are free to the public and are wonderful spots for kids to picnic, sightsee, and burn off energy.
Regent's Park has gorgeous gardens, a playground, and a lake. At Hyde Park, families with two adults and up to four children can swim in the Serpentine Lido for only £15, or about $19.
Greenwich Park is another one of our favorites because it offers beautiful views of the River Thames and an expansive lawn surrounding the Royal Observatory and Prime Meridian.
There's no need to worry about a language barrier
I'm a seasoned traveler, but language barriers can still throw me for a loop. I always try to learn a few simple phrases, but not understanding a language and juggling a kid can cause a lot of stress.
In London, there's no need to worry about a language barrier. Though over 300 languages are spoken in the city, most people know English.
There might be different words for various objects — like "nappy" or "diaper" — but I've easily communicated with the people around us in London.
London is full of kid-friendly eateries
Each time we've traveled to London, I've seen terrific restaurant options for palates of all ages. For example, Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen offers a deal so children 8 and under dine for free when ordering off the kids' menu.
Delicious international foods, such as Italian, Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian cuisine, are also available all over London. Fast-food chains like Simit Sarayi and Yo! Sushi are also located throughout the city.
We loved taking our son to sample sweets at Harrods' Food Halls and enjoy sandwiches and scones at St. Martin-in-the-Fields' Café in the Crypt in Trafalgar Square.
There are tons of entertaining museums that offer free admission
London offers nearly 200 museums for patrons to soak up the city's culture and history. They're the perfect places to seek shelter from rain or serve as quiet, interesting respites for a napping baby.
On our first family trip, we strolled our then 8-month-old son through several wings of The British Museum as he peacefully slept. When he was 11, we hit The British Library to marvel at the Magna Carta and checked out the artwork at the National Portrait Gallery.
On our most recent excursion, we watched as our 16-year-old perused the masterpieces at Tate Modern. Most of these museums offer free admission, great kids' activities, hands-on exhibitions, and terrific gift shops.
London is close to tons of easy day-trip options
If you're a traveler who needs a change of pace or scenery every few days, London is a gateway to several day-trip destinations. Places like Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, Birmingham, and Brighton are only a bus ride away.
Visiting cities like Paris, Brussels, and even Amsterdam in a single day is doable thanks to the Eurostar train, which runs through several Western European countries.
The bottom line: London's fun, full of great transportation options, and offers endless activities to entertain the entire family. It's truly a winner for kids of all ages.