Things to do in London with kids who are thrill-seekers

London is a city brimming with opportunities for adventure and excitement, making it the perfect playground for kids who are thrill-seekers. If your children are constantly seeking out new ways to get their hearts racing, London offers a plethora of activities designed to provide an adrenaline-filled experience for those seeking thrills. From climbing high above the cityscape to speeding along the Thames, there’s no shortage of exhilarating fun to be had. Whether your kids love climbing, sliding, or high-speed rides, this guide will help you discover the best spots in London where your young adventurers can indulge in their passion for adventure. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through some of the city’s most exciting attractions, guaranteed to leave your children buzzing with excitement.

Ride a speedboat on the Thames

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience London is by taking a trip on the Thames RIB speedboat. Suitable for children over 15kg, this adrenaline-filled outdoor activity will have your kids’ hearts pounding as they zoom along the iconic River Thames at high speeds. The RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) offers an extreme ride, complete with sharp turns and thrilling bursts of speed, making it a perfect activity for young thrill-seekers. As the boat races past famous landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye, children will not only get a unique view of the city’s skyline but also an unforgettable memory of excitement and fun.

Choose either an ‘experience’ trip, bringing you a full 25 minute guided commentary through Central London, including up to 45 minutes of high speed, or a ‘blast’ trip which prioritises adrenaline, including up to 35 minutes of high speed and a short commentary about sights seen along the way. To kick things up a gear, choose the 40 minute Tower Beast Ride that focuses on speed and thrills.

The combination of speed, and stunning sights guarantees an action-packed experience that will be the highlight of your family’s London adventure.

Go Ape in Battersea

For kids who love climbing, swinging, and zipping through the trees, Go Ape in Battersea Park offers an adrenaline-filled adventure that’s hard to beat. Nestled in one of London’s most beautiful parks, the treetop adventure courses are designed to challenge and excite young thrill-seekers. The courses features a variety of exhilarating obstacles, including rope bridges, Tarzan swings, and a series of zip lines that soar above the park’s scenic landscape. With different routes and levels of difficulty, Go Ape ensures that children of all ages and abilities can test their limits and enjoy the thrill of conquering the treetops.

Climb the roof of the O2 arena

For an exhilarating adventure that offers both thrill and spectacular views, take your kids to Up at the O2. This unique experience involves climbing to the top of one of London’s most iconic landmarks, the O2 Arena, located in Greenwich. Equipped with a climb suit, boots, and harness, your young thrill-seekers will embark on an adrenaline-filled journey across the roof of the O2. The ascent involves scaling a 52-metre-high walkway. Once at the top, your children will be rewarded with 360-degree views of the London skyline, spanning landmarks like Canary Wharf, the Thames Barrier, and historic Greenwich. The combination of physical challenge and awe-inspiring scenery makes Up at the O2 an unforgettable adventure that will leave your kids buzzing with excitement and pride.

Dare to step over the Edge

For an unparalleled thrill in the heart of North London, take your kids to experience The Dare Skywalk and The Edge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This state-of-the-art venue offers adrenaline-filled adventures that will leave young thrill-seekers exhilarated. The Dare Skywalk challenges children to climb to the top of the stadium, navigating a series of steps and platforms until they reach the summit, before stepping out onto a glass walkway. Standing 46.8 metres above the pitch, they’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of London and the chance to feel like they’re on top of the world.

For those seeking an even more extreme experience, The Edge takes the adventure to the next level. Here, kids can brave a controlled descent from the roof of the stadium, harnessed and guided by experienced instructors. This heart-pounding drop offers an unforgettable rush as they step off the edge and glide down to the ground below.

These adventures at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are perfect for kids aged 8+ (minimum height 1.2m) who crave high-altitude excitement and the thrill of conquering heights, providing a unique way to see London and make incredible memories.

Take cycling skills to the next level at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

For kids who crave high-speed excitement and love to pedal, taster sessions at the London VeloPark are a must-try. Located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the VeloPark offers young thrill-seekers the chance to experience the exhilaration of cycling on world-class tracks. Whether your children choose to test their skills in the iconic Velodrome or tackle the challenging BMX track, these sessions are designed to provide an adrenaline-filled introduction to these extreme sports. In the Velodrome, children aged 12+ (minimum height 4ft 9in) can feel the rush of riding on the same track where Olympic champions competed, with professional coaches guiding them through the basics of track cycling. Alternatively, for children aged 7+ (minimum height 4ft 2in) the BMX track offers a rugged adventure, with jumps, bumps, and tight turns that promise a heart-pounding ride. These taster sessions are perfect for children eager to push their limits and experience the thrill of high-speed cycling in a safe and supportive environment.

Slide down the world’s tallest tunnel slide

Although closed until early 2025, if you are visiting London in 2025, consider taking your kids to the Slide at ArcelorMittal Orbit in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

This attraction boasts the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide, spiralling down the UK’s tallest sculpture. Standing at 114.5 metres tall, Anish Kapoor’s ArcelorMittal Orbit offers breathtaking views of the London skyline before you embark on an adrenaline-filled descent. The slide itself is an exhilarating 40-second journey through a series of twists, turns, and transparent sections.

Walk on a glass floor over Tower Bridge

For younger thrill-seekers, walking on the glass floors of the Tower Bridge walkways offers an exhilarating experience that combines excitement with a touch of history. Suspended 42 metres above the River Thames, the glass panels provide a heart-pounding sensation as kids look down to see buses, pedestrians, and boats moving below. Spanning the high-level walkways, this adventure allows children to feel like they’re walking on air while also learning about the bridge’s fascinating history and engineering marvels through interactive exhibits and informative displays. The stunning views and the unique thrill of walking on glass make Tower Bridge a must-visit for any young adventurer in London.

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=1Den8zb19tmG1sSy7cHROTbeZ_uwfSag&ehbc=2E312F&w=640&h=480]

Have any other things to recommend? Drop a comment below.