What to do with kids in London: Soho
Although not traditionally regarded as the most child-friendly area of London, nowadays, Soho offers a variety of attractions that cater to all ages. From interactive museums to toy stores, there’s something to captivate every member of the family. This guide will offer ideas on what to do with kids in Soho.
If you’re looking for ideas about where to eat with kids in Soho, check out our separate post with ideas.
About the area
Soho, a neighborhood in the heart of London’s West End, is renowned for its eclectic mix of entertainment, shopping, and dining. Nestled between the bustling areas of Covent Garden to the south east, Mayfair to the west, and Fitzrovia to the north, Soho is a cultural and commercial hub. It’s famous for its theatres, lively nightlife, and diverse array of restaurants and shops.
Soho has a storied past, once known for its slightly seedy reputation characterised by adult entertainment venues and a vibrant, if not notorious, nightlife. However, over the years, Soho has undergone a significant transformation, shedding much of its old image while retaining its spirit.
Despite its past reputation, Soho offers plenty of family-friendly attractions, making it an ideal destination for a day out with kids.
What to do with children in Soho?
Dive into our curated list of ideas for making the most of your time with children in this dynamic and eclectic area.
Visit Hamleys toy store
A visit to Hamleys toy shop is an absolute highlight for kids exploring Soho (although perhaps not so much of a highlight for your wallet).
Situated on Regent Street, just a short stroll from the heart of Soho, Hamleys is the oldest and largest toy store in the world, spanning seven floors. Each level has a vast array of toys, games, and interactive displays for children of all ages.
From classic teddy bears and the latest action figures to hands-on demonstrations and live entertainment, Hamleys offers an experience that makes toy shopping an adventure in itself. For families in Soho, Hamleys is a must-visit destination.
Explore Carnaby Street
Exploring Carnaby Street with kids is a lively and colorful adventure that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Soho. This iconic pedestrianised street, just off Regent Street, is famed for its rich history, vibrant street art, and eclectic mix of shops and eateries.
Families can wander through the cobbled lanes, discovering quirky boutiques, trendy fashion stores, and unique souvenir shops. Whether you’re hunting for the latest fashion trends, indulging in sweet treats, or simply soaking up the vibrant ambiance, Carnaby Street offers a delightful experience for families exploring Soho.
Visit the immersive digital spaces at the Outernet
Visiting the immersive digital spaces at the Outernet in Soho is a free experience that will kids and adults alike will love. Situated near Tottenham Court Road, the Outernet is a cutting-edge entertainment district featuring expansive digital screens and immersive content installations.
Families can explore the vibrant, ever-changing digital displays that blend art, technology, and storytelling. A highlight for kids is the Butterfly Trail, an enchanting interactive experience where they can follow a path of digital butterflies, discovering hidden secrets and interactive elements along the way. But also look out for other special featured displays.
Whether you’re marvelling at a digital art exhibit or embarking on the Butterfly Trail, the Outernet is sure to leave a lasting impression on the entire family.
Take Harry Potter fans to visit the House of MinaLima
Located on Greek Street, the House of MinaLima is a gallery and shop that showcases the graphic art and design work of Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the duo behind the iconic visuals of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
Families can explore multiple floors filled with original artwork, limited edition prints, and a variety of merchandise. The whimsical displays, including recreations of famous props like the Marauder’s Map and The Daily Prophet, provide a glimpse into the creative process behind the films.
Huge Harry Potter fans may also want to consider seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre in Soho. Spread across two parts, the play follows the next generation of wizards.
Visit Liberty of London
A visit to Liberty is a must when exploring Soho with kids. This iconic department store, housed in a stunning Tudor-style building on Great Marlborough Street, is a treasure trove of unique finds and exquisite designs.
While parents can admire the beautifully crafted home goods and fashion, Liberty’s dedicated children’s section offers a curated selection of toys, books, and clothing, ensuring there’s something special for everyone in the family.
Near Christmas time, Liberty has a wonderful Christmas department, offering beautiful baubles and decorations, which would make for a special souvenir. See our TikTok for a look at Liberty’s 2024 Christmas shop.
Take photos at Life Four Cuts
Taking photos at Life Four Cuts in Soho is a fun and memorable activity that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Located on Brewer Street, Life Four Cuts is a photo booth studio inspired by the popular Korean concept of instant photo strips.
Families can choose from a variety of fun props, step into the booths, choose backgrounds, and create unique photo strips to capture their Soho adventure. The high-quality prints make for great keepsakes, and the experience itself is entertaining for children, who will love posing and experimenting with different looks.
By selecting the QR code option, families will also get a short video that accompanies each frame taken. Life Four Cuts offers a way to document your family’s day out in London and take home a tangible memory of your visit.
Go shopping
Soho is bordered to the North by Oxford Street and to the West by Regent Street, both streets famous for their shopping.
Regent Street, renowned for its elegant architecture and flagship stores, features popular spots like Hamleys, Lululemon, and the stylish Apple Store.
Just a short walk away, Oxford Street is a shopping haven with over 300 shops, including high-street favourites like Zara, H&M, and the expansive Primark. Teenagers will enjoy exploring the latest fashion trends, tech gadgets, and accessories.
How do I find all of these places?
Want easy access on the go to all of these ideas? We’ve created a Google Map with everything marked for you:
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/embed?mid=12dZKbqdptrPCZR-OwwWo43D-rsWlaJo&ehbc=2E312F&w=640&h=480]Do you know of something in Soho that we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments!