The Ritz Guide to Family Fun in London

We are proud to be one of London’s most family-friendly hotels. As part of that, we always look for new and exciting ways to keep your little ones entertained during your trips to London! When staying at The Ritz, children become members of our Kidz@TheRitz programme and receive their very own VIK (Very Important Kid) card, which offers a multitude of perks throughout the hotel. But for when you are out and about, here are a few of our handpicked suggestions for family fun in London.

Night at the Museum

Experience a sleepover like no other with Dino Snores at the Natural History Museum. Once night falls and the museum has closed to the public, you have the unique opportunity to discover the exhibits by torchlight. Also, children can learn about the curious creatures on display in a workshop with the museum’s very own scientist. After all that fun has worn you out, it’s time to settle down to sleep under the incredible blue whale in the famous Hintze Hall. You’ll have a whale of a time!

Travel in style

There’s no need to tackle the tube when there are many more thrilling ways to get around the city and see the sights! Why not take to the Thames on an Uber boat by Thames Clipper? You can see London’s most famous landmarks from a whole new perspective on the water, whilst on the way to your next fascinating destination. Alternatively, fly high in the Emirates Air Cable Car, a truly unique way to get from A to B. Finally, don’t forget you can treat your little ones to a guided tour of London in the Ritz Rolls-Royce Phantom, taking in all the wonders of the capital in complete luxury.

Did somebody say ice cream?

For the ideal pit stop whilst out and about, a spot of ice cream always does the trick. If it’s authentic Italian gelato that you’re after, you can’t beat La Gelateria, tucked away on a side street in Covent Garden, with a whole host of tempting flavours. Meanwhile, look no further than Milk Train for an ice cream with a real wow factor. Expect lavishly decorated soft-serve ice cream floating on a bed of candy floss. Of course, you can always get unlimited ice cream at The Ritz with your VIK card as part of our Kidz@TheRitz experience.

Row, row, row your boat

Many of London’s beautiful parks, including Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Victoria Park, have tranquil boating lakes for you and your family to enjoy on a warm, sunny day. Hire a traditional rowing boat, or for the more adventurous among you, why not try a pedalo? You won’t believe you’re in central London when you’re out on the water, surrounded by nature!

Popcorn at the ready

Try one of London’s outdoor cinemas, which are located in various stunning open spaces around the city, from the grounds of royal palaces to Westminster Abbey. Whether you’re singing along to Grease or The Greatest Showman, you’ll have time to watch your cinema favourites under the stars.

No ordinary playground slide

Try the ArcelorMittal Orbit slide in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for a real adrenaline rush. Designed by Sir Anish Kapoor and Carsten Höller, it is the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide and a work of art, visible for miles around. Stunning views of the iconic Olympic Park and the city skyline await you from the top of the slide. Are you brave enough?

Enter the Wizarding World

No matter their age, the phenomenon of Harry Potter has enthralled children for almost 30 years. If the books and films have left you wanting more, step into the Wizarding World at the Warner Brothers Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter to experience the magic for yourself. Walk through the Forbidden Forest, taste the mouth-watering Butterbeer, ride the Hogwarts Express and even hop on a broomstick! What’s more, if you visit during the festive season, your favourite sets undergo a wintery transformation for Hogwarts in the Snow.

Say hello to London’s four-legged friends.

London is home to all kinds of weird and outstanding members of the animal kingdom, who are bound to brighten up your trip to the capital. From the legendary ZSL London Zoo of Regents Park to the smaller, independent petting zoos, such as Battersea Park Children’s Zoo and Spitalfields City Farm, a day surrounded by animals is fun-filled and fascinating.

After spending time at these top family destinations in London, your little ones are sure to have worked up an appetite for our special Children’s menu in the Two Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant before heading to bed with Arlington Bear. More adventures await in the morning!