Football-related things to do in London with your child
London is a paradise for football enthusiasts of all ages, offering a wealth of experiences that go beyond just watching a game. Whether your child dreams of walking in the footsteps of their favourite players, exploring iconic stadiums, or simply enjoying a kickabout in the city, there’s something for every young football fan. From guided tours of world-famous arenas to interactive football experiences, London provides countless opportunities to celebrate the beautiful game. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of football-related things to do with your kid in London, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s greatest football cities.
Attend a live match
Attending a live football match in London with your child is an electrifying experience that brings the thrill of the game to life.
The city boasts several top-tier clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, and Fulham, each offering a unique matchday atmosphere. But, getting tickets to Premier League matches will be very difficult unless you’re a member/season ticket holder of the club or are willing to pay for expensive hospitality tickets. As an alternative, consider lower league matches, or a Women’s Super League match.
From the roar of the crowd to the excitement of watching star players in action, attending a live match immerses children in the passion and energy of football.
Tour your favourite club’s football ground
If you can’t attend a live match, why not tour your child’s favourite club’s grounds? Touring your favourite football club’s ground is a dream come true for young fans and an unforgettable experience for families.
In London, each club’s stadium is a treasure trove of history, excitement, and behind-the-scenes access that will delight any football enthusiast. Whether you’re exploring the the iconic stands of the Emirates or the historic charm of Stamford Bridge, these tours offer a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the clubs.
You’ll walk through players’ tunnels, visit dressing rooms, and even stand pitchside, making it an immersive way to connect with the sport and create lasting memories with your child.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the must-visit football stadium tours in London, ensuring a fantastic day out for every football-loving family.
The Emirates Stadium
Touring Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium is a thrilling experience for young football fans and their families. Located in North London, this state-of-the-art stadium offers a tour that takes you behind the scenes of one of England’s most iconic football clubs.
Children will be excited to explore the players’ dressing rooms, walk through the tunnel onto the pitch, and sit in the dugout where their favorite players and managers strategise during matches. The tour also includes access to the Arsenal Museum, filled with fascinating exhibits and memorabilia that celebrate the club’s rich history and legendary players.
With interactive displays and knowledgeable guides, the Emirates Stadium tour provides a captivating glimpse into the world of professional football, making it a must-visit for any young Arsenal supporter.
Stamford Bridge
A tour of Stamford Bridge is a must-do activity for young Chelsea fans. In the heart of West London, this historic stadium offers a variety of tour options that provide a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the Premier League’s most successful clubs, including the players’ dressing rooms. You will also get access to the Chelsea Museum, which showcases the club’s illustrious history through a collection of trophies, jerseys, and interactive exhibits.
With its blend of modern facilities and rich heritage, a tour of Stamford Bridge offers an exciting and educational experience, making it an essential outing for any young Chelsea fan.
London Stadium
Touring West Ham United’s London Stadium is a thrilling adventure for young football fans and their families. Situated in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this impressive stadium offers an engaging tour that dives into the rich history and vibrant present of West Ham United.
Kids will be excited to explore behind the scenes, from the players’ dressing rooms to the press areas and the manager’s dugout. Walking through the iconic players’ tunnel and standing pitchside where Premier League action unfolds is an unforgettable experience.
The tour also highlights the stadium’s Olympic legacy, allowing you the opportunity to run on the original warm up track from the 2012 Olympics, adding an extra layer of historical significance.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Fans of Tottenham Hotspurs can avail themselves of a variety of tour experiences of their stadium in North London.
A unique alternative to the standard tour is the Dare Skywalk, an adrenaline-pumping adventure that lets families ascend to the stadium’s roof for breathtaking views of London. Participants can walk along a glass walkway and even lean out from the edge, providing a thrilling experience that combines football excitement with high-altitude adventure. Thrill-seekers can also add on The Edge as an option, a rope descent from the stadium, a bit like abseiling, but with the option of descending forwards as well as backwards!
Tour Wembley Stadium
Touring Wembley Stadium is a unique and unforgettable experience that stands apart from visiting any club’s ground. As the home of English football and the venue for major national and international events, Wembley offers a grandeur and history that is unmatched.
The tour takes you through iconic areas, you will have the chance to take your picture in Europe’s largest press conference room, find the shirt of your favourite England player in the dressing rooms, and line up in the players tunnel before following in the footsteps of legends and walking out pitch-side. Children will be awestruck by the sheer size of the stadium and the significance of standing pitch-side where historic moments have unfolded.
A tour of Wembley encapsulates the spirit of football in England, celebrating both the sport’s heritage and its greatest achievements and is ideal for football fans, whichever team they support.
Shop for merchandise
Shopping for football merchandise in London is a thrilling experience for any young fan eager to sport their favourite team’s colours. The city is home to numerous official club stores, where you can find a vast array of gear, from the latest kits and scarves to memorabilia and collectibles. Major clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur have flagship stores located at their stadiums, offering exclusive items that you won’t find anywhere else.
Stores like Lillywhites in Piccadilly Circus provide a wide range of football merchandise from various clubs, making it a perfect stop for fans of all teams.
If you’re in the market for something a bit different, try Classic Football Shirts in Aldgate for retro and rare football shirts from clubs and national teams around the world.
Enjoy a game of table football
Playing table football at Cafe Kick is an exciting and fun-filled activity for kids and parents alike, perfect for a football-themed day out in London. Located in Exmouth Market, Cafe Kick is renowned for its lively atmosphere and numerous table football setups, making it a haven for fans of the game.
Note that children are allowed in the premises if accompanied by an adult before 6pm. Unfortunately under 18 years olds are not allowed in the premises without an adult, or after 6pm.
Enjoy a kick about in London’s green spaces
Playing football in London’s parks is a fantastic way for children to burn off energy and enjoy the sport in a natural setting. The city’s parks, such as Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, Victoria Park and Clapham Common, offer vast open spaces perfect for a kickabout.
The fresh air, green surroundings, and freedom to run make playing football in London’s parks a fun and healthy activity for children of all ages. It’s an excellent way to experience the beautiful game while enjoying the beauty of London’s outdoor spaces.
If you didn’t bring a ball with you, you can buy a football in London at sports stores like Sports Direct, branded stores like Nike Town, general stores like Argos, or the official club shops of major football teams.
Play football games at TOCA Social
TOCA Social at The O2 in Greenwich, combines cutting-edge technology with the excitement of football in a unique social entertainment experience. Kids of all ages will love the interactive football games that test their shooting, passing, and accuracy skills using digital targets and real footballs. With large screens and upbeat music, the environment will keep everyone engaged.
Besides the fun games, TOCA Social offers a fantastic menu of food and drinks, ensuring an enjoyable outing. It’s the perfect place for families to bond over their love of football while enjoying a modern twist on the traditional game.
Note that as at May 2024, under 18s are allowed in the venue accompanied by an adult during the following times: Monday to Thursday – before 7pm, Friday to Saturday – before 4pm, and Sunday – all day.
How do I find all of these places?
Want easy access on the go to all of these ideas about football things to do in London? We’ve created a Google Map with everything marked for you:
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/embed?mid=1XixxHb5BAtNF0bRz9Si1mwOyuDWL7ow&ehbc=2E312F&w=640&h=480]Have any other places to recommend? Drop a comment below.