London with Teenagers: 14+ Fun & Teen-Approved Things to Do

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Planning a trip to London with teens and wondering what will actually keep them interested (and off their phones for a while)? The good news is that London has a lot to offer for everyone! From royal landmarks and world-class museums to trendy markets, street art, and unique city views, this city will impress even the hardest-to-please teenagers.

In this guide, you’ll find a mix of classic attractions and cool, hands-on experiences that our family enjoyed the most during our recent trip to London with three teens. These are not your typical “kids’ activities,” but things that both parents and teenagers will genuinely enjoy together.

Good to know: The list includes a bit of everything – some of the must-see sights, cultural experiences, quirky attractions, local food, and even a few hidden gems. I strongly believe that variation is key when traveling with teens, and London makes it easy to combine a wide variety of experiences in one trip.

If you’re visiting from abroad, as we did, you probably don’t want to spend time on things you could do at home, like bowling or go-karting. So this guide focuses on activities that are teen-approved and uniquely London – experiences that will make your family trip to the UK’s capital truly memorable.

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in London

In random order, here are some of the best things we recommend in London with teenagers:

1. Fun Attractions

Before diving into museums and landmarks, let’s start with some of the most exciting and unique experiences in London that teens will actually love.

London has so many fun attractions, and many of these will appeal to teens and tweens much more than traditional sightseeing. Depending on your kids’ age and interests, here are a few cool options to consider:

• Harry Potter Studio Tour. The most popular day trip near London (book well in advance). Immerse yourself in the wizarding world as you explore the real sets, props, and costumes from the beloved film series.

• Frameless Immersive Art Experience. A cool and interactive way to experience art by Van Gogh, Monet, Dalí, and other masters. It’s one of those rare art experiences that actually gets teens excited.

• Squid Game Experience London. One of London’s newest immersive attractions, inspired by the hit Netflix series. The whole family can take part in fun, non-violent challenges similar to the show, complete with themed sets, costumes, and plenty of photo ops. The only downside is that it’s quite far from the center.

• O2 Arena Rooftop Climbing Experience. A fun family challenge with amazing city views from the top of one of London’s most iconic venues. Definitely a teen favorite!

• Madame Tussauds. A classic London attraction and a great place to take photos with your teens’ favorite celebrities and historical figures.

• Paradox Museum London. A mind-bending experience full of optical illusions and photo-worthy exhibits. Teens love it for the interactive setups and social-media-ready backdrops.

• Silent Disco Adventure. A unique musical dancing tour through the streets of London. Expect laughter, good vibes, and lots of curious looks from passersby.

• Sandbox VR. Step into a fully immersive virtual-reality world with motion capture and haptic feedback. Teens can play together as a team in fantasy, sci-fi, or zombie-themed adventures – perfect for gamers.

These are just a few examples of the many cool things to do in London with teens. Give your kids a few suggestions and see what piques their interest – you’re sure to find something everyone will enjoy.

2. Musicals & Shows

London’s West End is renowned for its world-class theatrical productions and no trip to London would be complete without seeing at least one musical or a show.

From the iconic “The Lion King” or “The Phantom of The Opera” to recent additions like “Back to the Future”, there is a show to suit every taste, also for families with teenagers. No matter what you choose, your teens will be impressed by the magic of live theater and captivating performances.

Our experience: We have been to London many times, also with our kids when they were younger, so we have seen most of the classic musicals before. On a recent trip with our teens, we opted for two musical shows: “TINA” at Aldwych Theatre and “ABBA Voyage” at their specially-built arena outside the city center (we booked tickets that included a bus transfer). On yet another occasion, our teenager went to see Mamma Mia! on a school trip. He said all the girls loved it, and by the end, most boys were dancing too.

You might think that the music of Tina Turner or ABBA wouldn’t necessarily resonate with younger generations, but to our surprise, our teenagers thoroughly enjoyed both shows. They were particularly captivated by the ABBA digital avatars; we all were! As for TINA, it was simply the best!

Every time we go to London, we try to see as many shows as we can possibly fit into our itinerary. If your schedule and budget allow, book a few musicals, shows, or theater performances – you won’t be disappointed!

TIP: Here you can see an overview of the best musicals currently running in London. Some of the teens’ favorites include Mamma Mia! and Back to the Future.

3. Tower of London & Tower Bridge

No trip to London would be complete without visiting some of its most famous landmarks. On this trip, we decided that the kids were old enough for an introduction to the rich but also dark history of the Tower of London.

A visit here truly takes you back in time. In its 1000 (!) years the Tower served as a fortress, royal palace, and prison. You can see the old execution site, explore the Bloody Tower, the Torture Chamber, and many others. The Crown Jewels are not to be missed and even the most skeptical teenagers will be impressed by the world’s largest diamond and the stunning crowns of Britain’s monarchs.

Our experience: Since the Tower of London is one of the most visited tourist attractions and the crowds are insane, we opted for this early-access tour. It brings you inside before it opens to the public. An additional perk was meeting some of the Beefeater guards, watching an Opening Ceremony, and seeing the Crown Jewels without any wait. The same tour company also has an amazing after-hours tour, but our evenings were already filled with shows and musicals…

TIP: If you decide to visit the Tower of London on your own, reserve tickets online (and well in advance!). If you can get your teens out of bed early in the morning, opt for the earliest time slot and head straight to the Crown Jewels. Later in the day, the wait time to see them can easily be an hour or even longer.

Afterward, visit the iconic Tower Bridge which offers plenty of photo opportunities for your teen’s social media.

4. London Eye

Treat your teenager to a bird’s-eye view of London’s iconic landmarks aboard the London Eye, Europe’s tallest observation wheel and the UK’s most popular ticketed tourist attraction.

Of all the places that offer elevated views of the city, the views from London Eye are the most impressive. From Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster to Buckingham Palace, the entire central London is right at your feet.

We have been on the London Eye before (and even featured it as the #1 attraction in London with kids), but it never gets boring. Our teens enjoyed it just as much now as in the past.

TIP: For the best rates and availability, book London Eye tickets on the official site in advance. Walk-up tickets are a lot more expensive! Also, consider getting fast-track tickets. It will save you lots of time, especially in the high season and on weekends.

5. Street Art

If you are looking for something different to do with teens in London, get a bit off the beaten path and discover the vibrant street art scene.

There are quite a few places where you will find street art in London. One of the most impressive locations – The Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel, aka The Vaults – is very easy to add to any London Itinerary. You can find this colorful graffiti tunnel just 5 minutes walk from the London Eye.

The tunnel was ‘founded’ by Banksy and the ‘exposition’ here changes all the time. You can often see some artists at work too. Our teens loved this short detour and I’m sure your kids will be impressed as well.

If you have more time, consider visiting London’s East End, where colorful murals and graffiti adorn the walls of Shoreditch and Brick Lane. This is a very dynamic -and Instagrammable – neighborhood that young people will likely appreciate more than the main tourist sights.

TIP: If you don’t know where to start and don’t feel like aimlessly wandering around London looking for a few random murals, book one of the popular street art tours. There are walking tours and bike tours, and some of them even include a ‘workshop’ where you can create your own piece of art.

READ ALSO: Best FREE Things to Do in London for Families

6. Sky Garden & Other Skyscrapers

Unless you live in a city full of high-rise buildings, your teens will really enjoy visiting some of London’s impressive skyscrapers. No matter which building you choose, it will give you a chance to see a different side of the city and provide a great contrast to the city’s historic landmarks.

If you are looking for dazzling city views seen from a very unique setting, we highly recommend visiting Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie Building. It’s located just 10 minutes walk from the Tower of London, so it’s really easy to plan a short visit here. The toughest part is securing the free tickets which are usually booked up the day when they get released on their website about three weeks in advance.

TIP: If you can’t get free tickets to Sky Garden, reserve a table at Darwin Brasserie which is located on the 36rd floor, at the upper level of the indoor garden. The food is not cheap but it’s very good and they have some family-friendly options. We came here for lunch after our Tower of London morning tour. Our teens were impressed.

Alternatively, visit London’s tallest building, The Shard. From Western Europe’s highest viewing platform on the 72nd floor, you can enjoy unparalleled 360° views. The Shard is located on the other side of the river, about 15 minutes walk from Tower Bridge. You will need to book timed-entry tickets here as well (these are not free, unfortunately).

In addition, there are several other skyscrapers that you can visit in London City financial district. Some examples include The Garden at 120 on Fenchurch Street, Horizon 22 on Bishopsgate, or simply look for some rooftop bars or restaurants online.

READ ALSO: Best Views in London

7. London Dungeon

If you are looking for some fun attractions for teens in London, check out the London Dungeon.

This immersive experience introduces you to the darker side of London’s history and brings the city’s gruesome past to life. From Jack the Ripper to the Great Fire of London, your teenagers will be thrilled by the interactive exhibits, live actors, and spine-tingling special effects that recreate the macabre events of centuries past.

Our experience: I wasn’t sure what to expect from our visit to the London Dungeon, but I kept on seeing it recommended as one of the best attractions for teenagers. Since the Dungeon is located right next to the London Eye (and you can get multi-attraction tickets that make it all a lot more affordable), we decided to check it out. It certainly didn’t disappoint, and the actors were amazing. All our teens thoroughly enjoyed the experience and said it was well worth it.

Good to know: London Dungeon is best suited for teens, according to the official site from 12+. While it’s not nearly as scary as we expected, some younger kids might find it a bit too much. That said, younger kids are allowed and it really depends on the child. When we visited, our group had a few children of about 7-8 years old and they were having the best time.

Also here, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance (it’s cheaper too). You need to foresee about 1.5 hours for a visit. Please also note that photos are not allowed inside so put your phone and your camera away and let this experience transport you to the dark past of London.

8. Windsor Castle & Royal Guard

Every trip to London should include a visit to at least one Royal site. While you can see Crown Jewels at the earlier-mentioned Tower of London, it’s not exactly the royal palace your teenagers might have expected of the British Monarchy.

So if you want to visit a real royal castle in the UK that is used by the Kings and Queens of current generations, we highly recommend venturing beyond the city limits and visiting the famous Windsor Castle.

The oldest and largest inhabited castle, Windsor Castle is the best place to get acquainted with Britain’s Monarchy. You will likely recognize it from countless TV series and films, and of course, Royal weddings and funerals.

You can visit the beautiful St George’s Chapel and lavish State Apartments, and see Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Inside the chapel, you can also see the tombs of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Philip, among many other monarchs. In addition, you can witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Our teenagers were impressed with the guards and the castle, but even more so by a royal helicopter that took off in front of our eyes.

How to visit: Windsor Castle can be reached by a direct train from London Waterloo and the journey takes about one hour. You will need to book timed entry tickets for the castle in advance! Train tickets can be bought at the station. Alternatively, you will also find many guided tours that include a visit to Windsor Castle in their itineraries, usually in combination with Bath, Stonehenge, or Oxford.

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from London

Alternative: If your time in London is limited, you can also see Buckingham Palace in the city center. However, the State Rooms are only open to the public for a few months a year, usually from mid-July through September (see here for opening dates and tickets). For the rest of the year, you can only see the palace from the outside, witness the Change of the Guard ceremony, or visit the Royal Mews.

9. Traditional Pubs & Markets

Whether you want to try traditional British food or discover international cuisine, London truly has it all! One of the best ways to immerse in London’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is by visiting traditional pubs and local food markets.

If you are looking for an authentic British pub experience, you will be glad to know that the portions are usually large and the prices quite affordable (perfect for families with ever-hungry teens). You can find English pubs all over the city; simply open Google Maps on the phone and search for pubs nearby. However, if you want to have dinner at a popular pub, it’s best to do some research and reserve a table in advance.

Another must-do is wandering through some local food markets where you can sample local delicacies, interact with vendors, and experience the vibrant culinary scene. Some of our favorites include Borough Market, Camden Market, Spitalfields Market, and Greenwich Market.

Good to know: Borough Market is the easiest to add to any London itinerary since it’s within walking distance of the Tower Bridge area and also quite close to many other landmarks (we walked to the London Eye from here in a bit over half an hour). Greenwich Market is a great place for lunch if you are visiting Greenwich attractions. And Spitalfields Market could be combined with one of the street art tours in that area. Camden Market requires a separate trip by metro but teens will love Camden Town.

TIP: On our recent visit to London with teens, we did this highly-rated Borough Market & Southwark tour. What we love about this tour is that it brings you to one of the oldest neighborhoods in London, visits the bustling market, passes a few hidden gems along the way, and includes tastings of various classic dishes with a modern twist. Sausage rolls and apple crumble were the very best we ever had, to mention just a few. And there was plenty of food to keep our teenagers happy. They even tried oysters – something they would never eat at home!

READ ALSO: British Food: Best Traditional Dishes to Try in the UK

10. Hip Neighborhoods

In addition to all the tourist areas, be sure to take your teens to one or a couple of London’s trendiest neighborhoods.

Whether your teenager is into fashion, music, or art, London surely has some cool neighborhoods that will appeal to them. Even if you just visit one, it will make your trip so much more memorable.

Notting Hill and Soho are great places to find hip cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Camden Town has an alternative, bohemian vibe, with diverse music venues and the earlier-mentioned Camden Market.

Shoreditch is the place to be for street art lovers. And the (much more touristy) Covent Garden area is a great place to see street entertainers and find some trendy restaurants.

TIP: Do some research on things you can do in the specific area before deciding where to visit. As already mentioned before, taking a guided tour can be a great way to discover more of the local neighborhoods. But if you spend some time mapping out some cool attractions, shops, or cafes, you can easily explore on your own.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Camden Town

11. River Cruises & Boat Trips

A boat trip on the River Thames is a good way to take a break from walking and see more of the city from a different perspective. On the way, you will pass many iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, HMS Belfast, and Tower Bridge, to mention just a few.

There are many different boat trips to choose from: sightseeing river cruises to hop-on hop-off boats, speedboat tours, afternoon tea or dinner cruises, etc.

The most popular are hop-on hop-off sightseeing river cruises that run between Westminster Bridge (London Eye, Big Ben, etc.), Tower Bridge, and Greenwich. Depending on the ticket you choose, you can hop on/off at any of these locations, so it’s also a very convenient mode of transportation between some of the main tourist hotspots.

TIP: If you are looking for something fun and a bit unusual to do in London with teens, consider a RIB boat tour. It’s so much fun! Also here, you can choose from several different options and starting locations. Check out this highly-rated speedboat tour with a comedian guide on board. A touch of British humor will only make this exhilarating experience even more fun for the whole family.

12. Best Museums

If you’re looking for more traditional attractions to visit in London with your teens, you’re spoiled for choice. London has some of the world’s best museums – many of them free to visit – and several are particularly engaging for families with older kids.

One of the top museums for families is the Natural History Museum. From towering dinosaur skeletons to fascinating exhibits about space, volcanoes, and the oceans, it offers a mix of education and entertainment that appeals to all ages.

If your teens are into art, don’t miss the Tate Modern on the South Bank. Its bold modern and contemporary collections, combined with large-scale installations and riverside views, make it one of the coolest art museums in London. Alternatively, the National Gallery and/or National Portrait Gallery at Trafalgar Square showcase timeless masterpieces — and both have free permanent collections.

If your teens are interested in ancient civilizations, the British Museum is also well worth a visit. It houses world-famous artifacts like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies, and it’s free to enter. While some exhibits can feel a bit traditional, focusing on highlights or taking a themed guided tour can make it much more engaging for teenagers.

For something more interactive, the London Transport Museum near Covent Garden is a hit with kids and teens alike. They can see old trains, double-decker buses, and taxis, while learning how London’s transport evolved through the centuries.

History lovers will appreciate the Churchill War Rooms — the underground headquarters where Winston Churchill directed Britain’s WWII operations. It’s atmospheric, immersive, and particularly interesting for teens who enjoy history or politics.

Our teens’ top pick: For modern and street art fans, the Moco Museum London offers a fresh and colorful alternative to the big traditional galleries. With works by Banksy, Kusama, Basquiat, and more, it’s compact, vibrant, and perfect for teens who prefer something different.

13. Hidden Gems

In addition to world-famous museums and major landmarks, London has countless cool spots and lesser-known gems that most tourists completely overlook.

We already mentioned street art and several hip areas, but there are so many hidden gems to be found all over the city. From tucked-away gardens and town squares to quirky museums, your teens will love discovering the lesser-known treasures of London.

Even if you add just a few of these unusual places to your itinerary, it will make your trip so much more special and memorable for everyone in your family!

For inspiration on where exactly to go, check out our detailed guide to some of the best hidden gems of London!

14. Cool Shops

Whether your teens love shopping or just enjoy exploring unique places, make sure to include a few of London’s coolest shops and boutiques in your itinerary.

From flagship stores on Oxford Street and Leicester Square to vintage finds in Covent Garden and the quirky, colorful shops of Camden Town, there’s something for every taste and budget. You’ll also find plenty of fun markets and independent stores where you can pick up truly unique souvenirs.

When we visited London with the kids when they were little, some of their favorite stops were the M&M’s World Store on Leicester Square, Harrods, and Hamleys Toy Store on Regent Street – all London icons that never get old, no matter your age. They loved visiting them again this time as teenagers, but now they also appreciated the smaller, quirkier boutiques just as much.

So, this is our guide to London for families with teens. We hope that it helps you plan a truly fun and memorable trip!

For practical information and good-to-knows, make sure to read our tips for visiting London for the first time. If you are wondering where to stay, check out our guide to the best areas to stay in London.

TIP: Did you find this guide helpful? Bookmark this post for later, share it with your friends, and save it to Pinterest to inspire your next trip.