Best things to do with kids on a trip to the United Kingdom

Whether you are planning a quick trip or an extended holiday, the United Kingdom offers a lot when it comes to things to do with kids. From outdoor activities, sports, cultural experiences and historic sites, you will find a nearly endless list of options that are sure to have the kids excited and engaged. With an impressive range of major cities, small towns and charming villages, as well as a vast array of natural landscapes, the UK is a great spot for family activities. With this said, these are our top 12 picks for the best things to do in the United Kingdom with kids!

The London Science Museum

Located in the south London area of Kensington, the Science Museum is one of the top-rated things to do in the United Kingdom with kids. From topics like civil engineering to the exciting world of robotics, this incredible museum offers a nearly endless list of galleries that are sure to engage the minds of inquisitive young people. Kids and the entire family are sure to have their visit enhanced by the IMAX movie presentations that are put on daily!

The National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum is one of the can’t-miss things to do in the UK with kids. Located in York, the museum features an impressive hall of historic train engines that are sure to capture the attention and imagination of your kids. Top attractions include a train engine cross-section that shows children how these incredible machines work.

Stonehenge

Located in Wiltshire, there can be no doubt that Stonehenge is one of the most ancient and enigmatic sites in all of the UK. It is also renowned as one of the best things to do in the United Kingdom in family groups. This imposing stone circle is sure to create a sense of awe when you first see it, regardless of your age. With that said, there is a certain type of magic and wonder that your kids are bound to experience if they get the pleasure of visiting at a young age!

The Jurassic Coast

Dorset’s famed Jurassic Coast is known for offering some of the most stunning coastal scenery anywhere in the world, and it is also ranked as one of the best spots for family holidays in the United Kingdom. Some of the top areas to explore are Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, as well as incredible beach cities like Weymouth and Bournemouth. Your kids are sure to have an incredible time fossil hunting along the coastline in this exciting part of the UK!

Alton Towers

The entire family is sure to have an amazing time during a visit to Staffordshire’s popular Alton Towers theme park. There is something for kids of all ages in this fantasy land that features more than 40 rides. It is one of those family getaways that is sure to be a hit with your kids, whether they are toddlers or teens. The truth is, there are plenty of rides and attractions that even adults will love experiencing as well!

LEGOLAND

Located in Windsor, LEGOLAND is an attraction that captures the minds of visitors, ranging from young children to seniors. This is a place that is sure to bring up a sense of nostalgia for parents while it inspires wonder in children. It is a great choice if you are looking for a trip with the kids in this part of the United Kingdom. The park features a range of lego models, themed rides and building workshops that target kids from ages 3 to 12.

The Chester Zoo

Located in Upton-by Chester, the Chester Zoo is an excellent option for travellers wondering where to go with kids in the United Kingdom. There are more than 20,000 amazing animals that live in this popular attraction, which is on a 128-acre plot of land. Your kids are sure to have an unforgettable experience that is a lot of fun and highly educational when they visit this top-rated family experience!

Cardiff, Wales

When it comes to the best cities to visit in the United Kingdom with kids/children, Cardiff is always near the top of any list. Though London is a bit of a given in terms of offering a vast array of things to do as a family, you might be surprised with just how much Cardiff offers as well. One of the great things about visiting this acclaimed Welsh city is the fact that its centre is so accessible and walkable, with plenty of pedestrianised roads that make it easy to explore with young children. The city itself offers attractions that include Cardiff Castle, Bute Park and an array of museums that focus on different areas of interest. The Cardiff Bay area also offers plenty for kids to do. Techniquest is a top-rated attraction that is perfect for a day out with the whole family!

Dover Castle

Dover Castle is located on a site that has seen continuous use for the past 2,000 years. It is one of the top spots you can visit in the UK with your kids if you are looking for opportunities to teach them about the long and storied history of the region. Top highlights include the secret wartime tunnels and the great tower, as well as the remains of a Roman lighthouse that dates back to AD 50!

The Giant’s Causeway

Located in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is one of the most iconic natural features found in the United Kingdom. It is renowned for the basalt rocks that make up its unique structure. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway is an incredible experience for the whole family and is one of those sites that is sure to wow the kids!

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Located in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh and close to popular sites, like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions attraction is one of the UK’s most interesting locations and is great for kids. You, the kids and the whole family will venture through 5 floors that are packed with more than 100 mind-blowing illusions. The experience ends on the property’s rooftop, where you will enjoy one of the best views of the city that can be had!

Warner Bros. Studios

Is the United Kingdom child friendly/a good place to visit with kids? We think that this list proves that this is an undeniable fact. Our final entry continues to demonstrate this point. Located in Hertfordshire, Warner Bros. Studios is one of those spots where you can truly let your imagination run wild. You and the kids will love the world-class tour of this attraction that includes plenty to see and do from the world of Harry Potter. Your kids will feel like they have stepped out of normal reality and entered into a realm of magic!