Things to do in London with teenagers

There is something in London that will capture the imagination of every visitor, no matter their age. But, for teenagers, London offers a world of possibilities. Whether your teenager is a musical theatre buff, more of the daredevil type or simply enjoys a bit of retail therapy, there is something for all. In this guide we will provide ideas for things to do in London with teenagers that are sure to create memories (and social media posts)!

Get your hearts racing

Whilst London’s most famous attractions might be its historical landmarks and museums, it’s also somewhere where thrill-seekers and adventurers can find things to satisfy their daredevil tendencies. From scaling the roof of the O2 Arena for breathtaking views to zipping through the city on a high-speed RIB boat on the Thames, there’s no shortage of excitement to go around.

Whether your kids are into heights, speed, or other experiences, London has something to get their pulses racing. Check out our guide to thrilling things to do in London with ideas that will make your family’s visit unforgettable and give your kids stories to tell their friends.

Go shopping

London is a shopaholic’s paradise, especially for fashion-forward teenagers keen to indulge in the latest trends. Even though everything can now be obtained easily over the internet, there’s still something about shopping in real life that cannot be beaten, not only do you get to see things in real life, but shopping is also excellent bonding time with your teen.

Although perhaps not as good for shopping as it was in the early 2000s, Oxford Street still plays home to a range of shops, including Nike Town, Zara and H&M. Try Brick Lane on a weekend for vintage clothes and pop-up stalls. Window shop at Harrods and Selfridges. Browse Covent Garden for atmosphere and experience stores like Glossier. For all your shopping needs under one roof, head to Westfield White City shopping centre (it has one of the few Sephora shops in the UK, which will please any skincare/make-up lover).

Whether your teens are looking for the latest streetwear, vintage gems, or high-end designer pieces, London’s shops have something to satisfy every style and budget.

Eat something new

With teenagers hopefully being a bit less fussy than perhaps younger children might be, the options you have for eating out open up to you. Although British food used to be regarded by some with a degree of scepticism, over the past few decades, London’s culinary scene has exploded.

Almost whatever your culinary tastes, you’re bound to find something in London to eat that will tickle your tastebuds. Why not try something new? Maybe try a new cuisine, or a new food experience – bimbimbap, cheese conveyor belt, soup dumplings, or pasta served from a wheel of cheese perhaps? Whether you’re eating at a restaurant or trying one of London’s excellent street food stalls, your teens will love the chance to try something they might not get the opportunity to try at home.

Whatever your teen’s tastes, London provides endless opportunities to discover new flavours and cultivate a more adventurous palate.

Head out in the evening

While having younger children means early bedtimes, visiting London with teenagers means that you can continue to explore the city and its offerings after dark. London is generally a safe city and so there’s no reason to stop enjoying it after the sun sets. There are a whole host of things that you could do with teenagers in the evening, including late night museum openings, shows or perhaps even the Ceremony of the Keys. For ideas on how to keep your teens entertained in the evening, see our post on things to do in London in the evening.

Enjoy the views from high up

It can be hard to impress teenagers, but if there’s one thing that is sure to impress even the most jaded teen (even if they won’t admit it), it’s the view from one of London’s viewing platforms. These public spaces at the top of or high up in London’s tall buildings offer panoramic views across the city. Not only do these viewing platforms offer amazing and unique selfie opportunities, they also provide a way to understand London’s layout from a bird’s eye view. A whole host of options are available to you, including Horizon 22, The Lookout, The Shard, The London Eye and the Garden at 120. For a comparison of the various options, see our post to help you decide which is the right viewing platform for you.

Take a tour of London’s street art

Taking art out of the galleries and into the public domain, street art appears throughout London but in Central London it is perhaps most concentrated in the East London neighbourhoods of Shoreditch and Spitalfields. A walk around these neighbourhoods will reveal an ever-changing outdoor gallery of street art, ranging from huge murals to tiny pasted pieces. For a tour that takes in the main spots for street art, try our self-guided walking tour of Shoreditch and Spitalfields.

Enjoy an evening musical or show

London’s West End is famous for its shows and visiting London with a teenager means that you can take in an evening show without worrying about the impact on your next day’s activities or the risk of a younger child falling asleep in the second half.

Whether your teenage enjoys musicals such a Hamilton, Six or Wicked, or is more of a theatre buff, there’s something for everyone. If you are visiting in the summer you could even take advantage of cheap standing tickets at the Globe and see some Shakespeare.

Getting into the swing of things with mini golf

Mini golf in London isn’t your average mini golf experience. Here there are no simple putting greens, but instead themed experiences that are perfect for entertaining teenagers. Venues like Swingers, Puttshack and Junkyard Golf Club bought mini golf to London’s adults and at certain times and certain venues they also allow under 18s (check each company’s website for details).

The competitive nature of mini golf will appeal to a teenage sense of fun and rivalry, while the inventive themes and designs provide plenty of photo opportunities for social media.

Indulge in afternoon tea

If you’re looking for a quintessential British experience, lovely food and some quality time spent with your teenager, you could do worse than booking an afternoon tea. With plenty of food, even the biggest bottomless pit of a teenager will find themselves full after a round of sandwiches followed by scones and sweet treats. Whether you decide to dress up and go full on fancy hotel or whether you go for a slightly less formal option (or perhaps even somewhere that does a twist on afternoon tea), you’re sure to enjoy a wonderful meal and time with your teen. It might even be deemed special enough for a social media post.

Experience spooky/creepy/macabre things

There are a lot of things in London that are interesting for tourists, but which aren’t necessarily suitable for all children. For example, there are various spooky/creepy/macabre things that teenagers might find interesting but which younger children might not be old enough to understand or to deal with.

Teenagers who are history enthusiasts or fans of creepy things might enjoy a tour of Highgate Cemetery. Highgate Cemetery with its gothic tombs and mausoleums is the last resting place of many famous people. Along similar lines, the Hunterian Museum offers a somewhat gruesome collection of anatomical specimens, including pickled remains of humans and animals. For those interested in the history of London, a Jack the Ripper tour might be appropriate (if they are able to deal with the subject matter). Alternatively, for a more spiritual experience, consider a ghost tour.

Let them take the lead

Why not let your teenager take the lead in planning a day in London for you? Let them decide what you see, where you will eat and stop off over the course of the day and how you will get there. You might find yourself discovering hidden gems and secret spots that you might not otherwise have found for yourself. Maybe they’ve seen something on TikTok they want to see, maybe they have a real passion for something, maybe you’ll find out that they have an interest in something you never would have expected.

By following their lead, you’re not only ensuring they will stay engaged and excited throughout the day, but you will also gaining insight into their world and interests. This approach will help them to develop independence, decision-making skills, and hopefully boost their confidence.

Have you visited London with a teenager? What things did you do in London with teenagers that went down well? Share your experiences in the comments!