Top Activities for Kids in England

You might be familiar with the saying, 'children should be seen and not heard.'

This phrase hails from 15th-century England, and as you might expect, many things have shifted since then. While there are still a few curmudgeons who frown upon children in pubs or sigh at the sight of a stroller with a chatty toddler on public transport, the general sentiment towards kids in England is now quite welcoming.

Is England a Family-Friendly Destination?

One of the great perks of traveling with kids in England is that most of the top museums feature permanent collections that are free to explore, and they nearly always offer some form of child-focused activity, from coloring tables with markers to more engaging experiences like treasure hunts.

Many mid-range pubs and restaurants offer a children’s menu featuring classics like nuggets, pizzas, burgers—served with chips (fries)—and pasta. While gourmet or healthy options for kids are rare, if you have a more selective young diner, it’s worth inquiring about half-portions from the adult menu.

A relatively recent improvement in many newly opened or renovated venues is that baby changing facilities are no longer confined to a cubicle in the ladies’ restrooms, allowing caregivers of any gender to manage diaper changes.

On the transport systems across England, you may encounter family-unfriendly quirks, like steps or bus gangways that aren’t stroller-friendly, but you’ll find wide accessible ticket barriers at every train station and designated storage for strollers on long-distance trains. In older cities, cobbled streets can also make you wish for a baby carrier instead of a fancy stroller.

What are the top destinations in England for family travel?

If you're fortunate enough to enjoy pleasant weather (which locals love to mention), you'll be thrilled by England's ten national parks and numerous Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), offering expansive landscapes just waiting for you and your children to explore.

Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy spending time at the beautiful beaches, where they can gaze up at towering cliffs, dig in the sand or pebbles, and explore rock pools. If the natural coastal scenery isn’t enticing enough, the bright lights of amusement arcades lining many seafronts and the classic piers extending into the sea usually capture their attention.

Families seeking more educational experiences should visit the major cities. Locations like London, Manchester, Newcastle, and Birmingham boast a wealth of museums, theaters, and art galleries, ideal for those wanting to immerse their families in culture. Plus, since England is relatively compact, it’s easy to blend a city trip with a visit to the coast or countryside.

Top activities for kids in England

We’ve categorized these activities by age to help you find the perfect adventures for your little explorers, but honestly, whether you're off to a boat ride, a theme park, or a castle, each location is likely to have something that excites all age groups. So, let the kids be lively and enjoy their freedom—running, splashing, digging, climbing, and discovering as they learn.

From infants and toddlers to young kids, tweens, and teens, here are the ultimate family experiences in England.

The best activities for babies and toddlers: beaches, museums, and raves

Babies, what do they understand? They definitely missed the memo about being seen and not heard. Fortunately, they’ll follow you wherever you go, whether it's to the soft sandy beaches of a shallow cove in Kent or a special baby morning at the Museum of Liverpool’s Little Liverpool gallery. To engage them with light and sound, don't miss the cheerful family-friendly raves hosted by Big Fish Little Fish at venues across England.

Top activities for young children (ages 4 to 11): theme parks, wildlife experiences, and museums

There are several major theme parks throughout the country, with popular options including Legoland near Windsor, Alton Towers in Staffordshire, and Paultons Park (home to Peppa Pig World) near Southampton. Be sure to check out the still-relevant tourist brochures displayed in the reception lobby of your accommodation to discover some local hidden gems.

While small-scale attractions may lack massive roller coasters, they offer unique experiences you won't forget. A standout is Diggerland, with four locations across England, where anyone taller than 110cm (43in) can take the wheel of a JCB Skid Steer Loader, maneuvering through water and terrain, or operate a hefty 5280kg (5.2-ton) digger, lifting dirt in a mesmerizing way.

Kids who love animals will have a fantastic day at some of England's top wildlife parks or zoos, like those in London and Chester. Alternatively, they can embark on boat trips to observe birds and marine life along the coast. Spot puffins on Lundy Island off the North Devon coast or seek out minke, sei, and fin whales on a cruise from Whitby with Whitby Coastal Cruises.

What if the weather turns rainy? No need to fret; this is when England's interactive museums shine, sparking the imagination. Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by London's Natural History Museum and awed by the Eden Project in Cornwall, where they can explore environmental topics in stunning, futuristic greenhouses.

Other highlights in science and technology include London's Science Museum (visit the Wonderlab on the top floor for hands-on experiments or the Garden in the basement for water play, ideal for younger children); Bristol's We the Curious (currently closed for restoration after a fire, with plans to reopen by January 2024); the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester; and the National Space Centre in Leicester.

Top activities for tweens and teens: historic sites and stadium tours

Teens, known for their challenging tastes, along with slightly more amenable tweens, may initially seem indifferent to your suggestions. However, if you guide them to the intriguing aspects, they might find some of England's historic sites surprisingly engaging.

Think the Tower of London is dull? Challenge them to discover what became of the two princes in the Bloody Tower. Planning a visit to Hampton Court Palace? The drama of royal conflicts and betrayals there rivals the most captivating soap operas (and is even more sensational than the tabloids about the current royals).

With thousands of castles, each boasting its own gripping or intriguing tales, there's much to explore. Alternatively, they might recognize Alnwick Castle or Durham Cathedral from the Harry Potter films, or be enchanted by the legends of King Arthur at Tintagel.

If you have a soccer (football) enthusiast in your family, consider taking a tour of one of the many Premier League stadiums. These tours typically explore the club's history and achievements, providing behind-the-scenes access to areas like the changing rooms, press room, commentary box, and the tunnel leading to the pitch. Wembley in London serves as the home for the England national football team and hosts various tournaments and finals.

Other notable stadiums include Liverpool's Anfield, Manchester United's Old Trafford, and Manchester City's Etihad. In London, check out Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, Chelsea's Stamford Bridge, and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Apologies to the kids: if you're looking for Ryan Reynolds' and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham, you'll have to cross into Wales, just a few miles from the England border.

Essential tips for traveling in England with kids

Children aged 0 to 4 can travel for free on trains across the UK, provided they are accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Once your child turns 5, train tickets are usually half the price of an adult fare, although some train companies offer a Kids for a Quid promotion. Travel costs for children within cities can vary by network, so it’s best to check locally. For long-distance train travel, booking three months in advance can help you secure the best prices.

While many pubs are quite family-friendly during the day, not all venues cater to children, especially in the evening. If you want to bring your little one along later, it's wise to check with the bar staff before you sit down. Licensing regulations can differ, and it may not always be clear where and when children are permitted.

Glossary: Diapers are referred to as nappies. Pacifiers are known as dummies. Strollers might be called prams, pushchairs, or buggies.