What to do with kids in London: the South Bank and Bankside
London’s South Bank and Bankside areas offer a vibrant, family-friendly playground along the Thames, packed with attractions and activities that will delight visitors of all ages. This bustling riverside stretch, extending from Westminster Bridge to London Bridge, seamlessly blends culture, history, and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for families exploring the capital. Whether you’re looking to ignite your children’s imagination with art and theatre, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere and stunning river views, this guide will help you navigate the wealth of family-oriented activities available in this dynamic part of London. Get ready to create lasting memories as we explore the best that the South Bank and Bankside have to offer for kids and parents alike.
About the area
The South Bank and Bankside areas, located along the southern bank of the River Thames in central London, are vibrant cultural hubs renowned for their iconic landmarks and family-friendly attractions. Stretching from Westminster Bridge to London Bridge, these areas are famous for the London Eye, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Bordered by the historic boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark, the South Bank and Bankside offer a mix of artistic, recreational, and educational experiences.
Families visiting with kids will enjoy the scenic riverside walks, engaging museums, interactive exhibitions, and diverse dining options, making it a perfect destination for a fun-filled day out.
What to do on the South Bank and Bankside with children?
Let’s dive into some of the best attractions and experiences that make the South Bank and Bankside a fantastic destination for families visiting London.
Take a ‘flight’ on The London Eye
A ‘flight’ on the London Eye is a thrilling experience offers families a bird’s-eye view of the city’s iconic skyline. The 30-minute ‘flight’ in a spacious, air-conditioned pod gives plenty of time for kids to spot famous landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
A visit to Shakespeare’s Globe offers children a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the world of the Bard in a tangible, engaging way. This faithful reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre brings Shakespeare’s plays to life in their intended setting, making what might seem like dry text in the classroom into a vivid, three-dimensional experience.
The theatre offers various family-friendly tours , helping children understand the historical context of Shakespeare’s works and the theatrical practices of his time.
Attending a performance at the Globe can be a transformative experience, allowing students to see how the plays they’ve read in school are meant to be performed.
See the city from the river
Viewing London from the Thames offers a unique perspective that captivates both children and adults alike. There are several options for river experiences, catering to different preferences and thrill levels.
Sightseeing river cruises
Traditional river cruises, operated by companies like City Cruises and Thames River Sightseeing, provide a leisurely journey along the river, passing iconic landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London.
These boats often have outdoor decks and indoor seating, making them suitable for all weather conditions. Audio guides or live commentaries help children learn about the city’s history and architecture in an engaging way.
Uber boat
Taking an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is an alternative to a sightseeing cruise. Although these boats do not offer commentary, they do offer a cheaper way to take a boat ride and see the city’s sights from the water. With outdoor rear decks for warmer weather and a large interior, these boats offer a flexible way to travel.
RIBs
For families seeking more excitement, Thames Rockets offer high-speed adventures on rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) from the London Eye. These exhilarating rides combine sightseeing with an adrenaline rush as the boats zoom along the river, performing twists and turns that older children particularly enjoy.
Whichever option you choose, a river journey provides a welcome break from walking, offering tired little legs a rest while still taking in the sights. Remember to consider the weather and your children’s preferences when choosing between a relaxed cruise or a high-speed adventure.
Walk across the Millennium Bridge
Walking across the Millennium Bridge is a must-do activity for families visiting the South Bank and Bankside areas. As you stroll across its 325-meter span, children will be thrilled by the panoramic views of London’s skyline, including St. Paul’s Cathedral to the north and Tate Modern to the south.
Harry Potter fans may recognise the bridge from the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The bridge was destroyed in early scenes in the film.
What makes this walk even more intriguing for kids is the quirky chewing gum art that lines the bridge’s deck. Artist Ben Wilson has transformed thousands of discarded pieces of gum into tiny, colourful paintings. This unusual art gallery underfoot turns an ordinary walk into a fun treasure hunt for different designs.
Visit the Tate Modern
The Tate Modern offers a surprisingly kid-friendly art experience that can spark creativity and curiosity in young minds. This former power station turned world-class modern art museum boasts vast turbine halls and interactive exhibitions that children find fascinating.
Admission to the main collection is free (certain exhibitions are at an additional cost), allowing you to tailor the length of your visit to your family’s attention span and energy levels. The museum offers free family-friendly suggestions for enjoying the Tate Modern.
Browse books at the Southbank Centre Book Market
The South Bank Book Market, nestled under Waterloo Bridge, is a treasure trove of secondhand and antiquarian books, where young readers can discover everything from classic children’s stories to colourful picture books and young adult novels.
The market’s unique setting, with the Thames flowing nearby and the bustling South Bank as a backdrop, creates a magical atmosphere that turns book browsing into an exciting urban expedition. The South Bank Book Market is a perfect pit stop for families looking to take a break from sightseeing and dive into the world of books.
Play at the playground at Jubilee Gardens
Jubilee Gardens, nestled at the foot of the London Eye, offers a welcome respite for families exploring the bustling South Bank. The playground here is a hidden gem that provides an excellent opportunity for children to burn off energy and enjoy some outdoor fun.
Designed with various age groups in mind, the playground’s centrepiece is an impressive timber climbing structure that challenges and excites children. Its prime location means you can easily incorporate some playtime into your South Bank itinerary.
Learn about punishments of the past at the Clink Prison Museum
Pay a visit to the Clink Prison Museum, which recreates life inside Southwark’s notorious Clink Prison. Felons, debtors and even hecklers from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre were imprisoned in the Clink Prison back in 1144.
Kids will enjoy learning about harsh punishments like being stretched on the rack. It provides an eye-opening educational experience about crime and punishment in medieval times!
Check out the street art and try your hand at graffiti at Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel
For a vibrant and ever-changing art experience, families should venture to the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel. This 300-meter long underground walkway beneath Waterloo Station is a sanctioned graffiti area, offering a kaleidoscope of street art that transforms almost daily.
For a hands-on experience, check out the workshops occasionally offered by Leake Street Arches. These family-friendly spray-painting sessions, led by experienced street artists, allow children (and adults) to try their hand at creating their own street art in a safe and legal environment.
Scare yourself at the London Dungeon
The London Dungeon offers a thrilling, if slightly macabre, journey through the capital’s dark history that older children and teenagers often find captivating. This immersive attraction combines live actors, special effects, and interactive rides to bring to life some of London’s most gruesome historical events and characters.
Visitors are guided through a series of shows and scenes that are equal parts educational and entertaining. While the experience can be intense and might frighten younger children, for those aged 12 and up, it’s usually a memorable highlight of their London visit. Be prepared for some jump scares, dark spaces, and occasional loud noises.
Visit the Golden Hinde
Step back in time and embark on a maritime adventure by visiting the Golden Hinde, a full-size reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s 16th-century galleon docked near London Bridge.
This living history museum offers children a hands-on experience of life aboard a Tudor ship. Young visitors can explore the decks and peek into the captain’s cabin. The ship’s knowledgeable guides, often dressed in period attire, bring the era to life.
For families with older children and younger teenagers, ‘Escape From the Golden Hinde‘ offers a thrilling twist on the traditional ship tour. This immersive escape room experience takes place on board the Golden Hinde and combines historical education with puzzle-solving excitement. With its atmospheric setting in the ship’s authentic-looking quarters, the experience provides a unique blend of historical immersion and modern entertainment.
Look out for free events at the Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre is a sprawling arts complex along the Thames. Throughout the year, but especially during school holidays, the centre hosts a diverse range of activities designed to engage and inspire young minds.
Check the Southbank Centre’s website – you might see anything from a family-friendly dance workshop to a kid’s comedy show or a mini-science fair, all at no cost.
If there’s nothing on that takes your fancy, check out the skaters at the Undercroft Skate Space for some free entertainment.
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:
Found something else to do with kids on the South Bank and Bankside that other readers should know about? Let us know in the comments!