What to do with kids in London: Covent Garden and Leicester Square
Planning a family trip to London and wondering what to do with kids in Covent Garden and Leicester Square? These bustling neighbourhoods in the heart of the city offer a plethora of activities and attractions that are sure to delight both children and adults alike. From the lively street performances and interactive museums to the vibrant entertainment options, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to catch a world-class show, explore unique shops, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere, these iconic areas promise a memorable experience for all the family.
About the area
Covent Garden and Leicester Square, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, are vibrant destinations brimming with attractions perfect for families. Covent Garden is renowned for its historic market, street performers, and the Royal Opera House, offering a lively mix of culture and entertainment. Adjacent Leicester Square is famous for its cinemas, including the iconic Odeon where many film premieres are held, and its proximity to major theatres. These areas are bordered by the bustling neighbourhoods of Soho, Holborn, and Westminster making them accessible hubs of activity.
Visitors with kids will delight in the variety of street entertainment, interactive museums like the London Transport Museum, and family-friendly eateries, ensuring a memorable day out in one of London’s most dynamic quarters.
What to do in Covent Garden and Leicester Square with children?
Let’s dive into some of the best attractions and experiences that make Covent Garden and Leicester Square a fantastic destination for families visiting London.
Visit the London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum, located in the heart of Covent Garden, offers an engaging and interactive experience for children fascinated by trains, buses, and the history of London’s iconic transportation system. This family-friendly museum brings the story of London’s transport to life, from the 19th century to the present day and beyond. Kids can climb aboard real buses and trains from different eras. These includ a red Routemaster bus and a Victorian steam locomotive.
The museum’s ‘All Aboard’ play zone is perfect for children up to the age of 7. It features mini-vehicles to play on and transport-themed puzzles. Throughout the museum, interactive displays and hands-on exhibits keep children engaged, teaching them about the evolution of London’s transport network in a fun and accessible way. The museum frequently hosts family events and workshops during school holidays, offering additional activities for young visitors. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop, which is full of transport-themed souvenirs and toys. With its central location and all-day entertainment value, the London Transport Museum is an excellent addition to any family’s Covent Garden itinerary.
For children fascinated by trains, see our post with more ideas on what to do in London. We also have a post with ideas for car and bus enthusiasts.
See world-class art at the National Gallery
Situated on the edge of Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery offers families an incredible opportunity to explore some of the world’s most famous paintings. Children can come face-to-face with masterpieces that they may have only seen in books or online – from Vincent van Gogh’s vibrant Sunflowers, Claude Monet’s Water-Lilies, John Constable’s The Hay Wain, Jan van Eyck’s The Arnolfini Portrait, to Rousseau’s Surprised!. Regular family events and workshops, particularly during school holidays, offer hands-on activities inspired by these famous works. Entry to the permanent collection is free, allowing families to tailor their visit to their children’s interests and attention spans.
See the street performers at Covent Garden
Watching the street performers in Covent Garden is a must-do activity for families visiting London. The bustling piazza comes alive with an eclectic mix of entertainers. Acrobats, jugglers, magicians and living statues, provide endless entertainment for children of all ages. The performances take place throughout the day, both inside the historic market building and in the open square, so there’s always something to see. It’s a great opportunity for families to take a break from sightseeing, have a snack, and enjoy street entertainment for free. Remember to bring some cash to show appreciation for the performers. Also, make sure you keep an eye on your belongings while you watch the performers. Distracted tourists in a busy area are easy targets for pickpockets.
Check out the film character statues at Leicester Square
Leicester Square, known as the heart of London’s cinema scene and home to film premieres, offers a delightful surprise for film-loving families with its ‘Scenes in the Square’ trail. This outdoor exhibition features larger-than-life bronze statues of iconic film characters scattered throughout the square. Children will be thrilled to spot familiar faces from beloved movies. These include Paddington Bear enjoying a marmalade sandwich, Mary Poppins floating with her umbrella, and Mr. Bean. Each statue is accompanied by a plaque providing interesting facts about the character and the film, turning the experience into an educational scavenger hunt. The trail is free to explore and accessible 24/7. It is the perfect activity to combine with other attractions in the area. Pose with your favourite characters for family photos. There is also a short audio tour available on Spotify.
Visit the National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery, recently reopened after extensive renovations, offers families a fascinating journey through British history and culture through the medium of portraiture. Located just off Trafalgar Square, this gallery is an excellent addition to your Covent Garden and Leicester Square itinerary. Children will be intrigued by the diverse array of faces staring back at them, from Tudor monarchs to contemporary pop stars.
The gallery offers specially designed family trails and activity sheets that turn the visit into an engaging treasure hunt, encouraging kids to look closely at the artworks and learn about the subjects. Regular family-friendly workshops and events, particularly during school holidays, provide hands-on experiences that bring portraiture to life. Entry to the permanent collection is free, allowing you to tailor your visit to your family’s interests and attention spans. The gallery’s proximity to other attractions in the area makes it easy to combine with other activities for a full day of exploration and learning.
Explore Chinatown
Exploring Chinatown, nestled between Leicester Square and Soho, offers families a vibrant and culturally rich experience. As you step through the ornate gates on Wardour Street, children will be immediately captivated by the colorful lanterns, dragon motifs, and bustling atmosphere. The area is a feast for the senses, with aromatic scents wafting from restaurants and bakeries, and eye-catching displays in shop windows. For a tasty adventure, try dim sum – the small portioned dishes are perfect for little people and adventurous taste buds. If you aren’t stopping for a full meal, make you look out for snacks and sweet treats like bubblewraps and taiyaki.
Check out the art on the Fourth Plinth
The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, just a stone’s throw from Covent Garden and Leicester Square, offers a unique and ever-changing platform for art. This empty plinth, originally intended for an equestrian statue, now hosts a rotating series of contemporary art installations. Taking your kids to see the latest artwork can be an excellent way to spark discussions about art, creativity, and public spaces. The often bold and sometimes whimsical nature of the installations tends to appeal to children’s imaginations. Encourage your kids to share their interpretations of the artwork and what they think it might mean. It’s completely free and you can easily combine it with other nearby attractions.
Attend a concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields
Attending a concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields offers families a unique cultural experience in the heart of London. This beautiful 18th-century church, located on the corner of Trafalgar Square, is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and diverse musical programme. While classical concerts dominate the schedule, the church also hosts jazz nights and family-friendly events that can introduce children to live music in a magnificent setting. Many concerts are held during lunchtime or early evening, making them accessible for families with younger children. For families with older children or musically inclined youngsters, attending a concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields can be a memorable addition to your London itinerary, providing a peaceful respite from the bustling streets of Covent Garden and Leicester Square.
Visit the Lego Store
A visit to the Lego Store in Leicester Square is a must for families exploring the area with kids who love Lego. This flagship store is not just a shop; it’s an immersive Lego experience that will captivate children and adults alike. Spanning two floors, the store features impressive Lego sculptures including London landmarks and Harry Potter sculptures. Don’t miss the opportunity to create your own minifig, selecting each aspect of their design from buckets of Lego. The interactive displays and sheer variety of Lego sets available make this a wonderland for Lego enthusiasts of all ages. Check the store’s opening hours and prepare to queue, especially during weekends and school holidays.
Visit the M&M’s Store
A visit to the M&M’s Store in Leicester Square (just across the street from the Lego Store) is a colourful and engaging experience that’s sure to delight children of all ages. Spanning four floors and covering 35,000 square feet, it’s the world’s largest store dedicated to M&M’s.
You’re greeted by a riot of colours as soon as you enter. The vast array of M&M’s merchandise, from clothing and kitchenware to oversized character sculptures perfect for photo opportunities, is amazing. Interactive elements like the personalised printer where you can put your face on an M&M add to the fun. While the store can be quite crowded and the products are on the pricier side, the spectacle and experience make it a memorable stop on your family’s London adventure. Consider setting a budget or purchasing limit beforehand to manage expectations, as the temptation to buy can be strong for both kids and adults alike.
See a show
Seeing a show in the Covent Garden and Leicester Square area is a quintessential London experience that can be magical for children. This vibrant theatre district, often referred to as the West End, offers a wide array of family-friendly productions to suit various ages and interests. From long-running classics like The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre to newer hits like Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre, there’s something to captivate every young theatregoer. Many shows offer matinee performances, which can be ideal for families with younger children. The dazzling costumes, elaborate sets, and catchy musical numbers provide an unforgettable experience that can inspire a lifelong love of theatre.
Go shopping
Shopping in Covent Garden offers families a diverse and entertaining experience that extends well beyond the famous covered market. The wider Covent Garden area is a pedestrian-friendly shopping haven, with a mix of well-known brands and unique boutiques lining its charming cobblestone streets. Long Acre, the main shopping thoroughfare, hosts familiar high-street favourites that appeal to both parents and kids. Neal Street is perfect for teenagers with its range of shops including Brandy Melville and Mango, while Seven Dials, with its seven intersecting streets, offers a more eclectic mix of independent shops and quirky finds.
Covent Garden caters to a wide variety of interests. For young ballet and dance enthusiasts, check out Bloch and Capezio. For young artists, the London Graphic Centre is the ideal place to stock up on supplies. Anime and manga fans will love Forbidden Planet.
Remember, the joy of shopping in Covent Garden often lies in the experience itself, with its vibrant atmosphere and unexpected discoveries around every corner.
Watch old films at The Prince Charles Cinema
The Prince Charles Cinema, tucked away just off Leicester Square, offers a unique movie-going experience that’s perfect for families looking for something beyond the typical multiplex. This independent cinema is known for its eclectic programming, which includes a mix of current releases, classics, and quirky themed events (including sing-a-longs and movie marathons). The vintage charm of the cinema itself, with its red velvet seats and old-school concession stand, adds to the magical feeling of stepping back in time. Prices are generally more affordable than mainstream cinemas.
Look out for seasonal events
Covent Garden and Leicester Square are hubs for seasonal events and exciting pop-ups that add an extra layer of magic to family outings throughout the year. During the summer, keep an eye out for outdoor screenings in the piazza, for example Wimbledon matches. The area transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season, with a giant Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and often ‘snow’ in the heart of Covent Garden. In winter check out nearby Somerset House for a magical ice rink in a beautiful courtyard setting.
Street food festivals frequently pop up, offering a chance for young foodies to sample diverse cuisines. School holidays also often bring special activities. To stay informed about these temporary attractions, check the Covent Garden website and Leicester Square website or social media channels before your visit. These ever-changing events and pop-ups ensure that each visit to the area can offer a unique experience, keeping the excitement fresh for returning families and providing delightful surprises for first-time visitors.
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:
Do you have an idea of what to do with kids in Covent Garden and Leicester Square that other readers should know about? Let us know in the comments!