Planning a day out in the City of London and looking for fun things to do with your kids? The City of London, also known as the Square Mile, is home to some of the most iconic landmarks and museums in the UK, as well as plenty of hidden gems that are perfect for families with kids of all ages.
In this post, we’ll explore the best things to do with kids in the City of London, from climbing to the top of the Monument to exploring the Museum of London. So grab your little ones and get ready to discover the best family-friendly activities in the heart of London!
Suggestions for things to do with kids in City:
For centuries London was the City. The City of London is the oldest part of London, founded by the Romans in AD50 and in constant development ever since. The modern high-rise buildings of the City overshadow the relatively few remaining older buildings surviving the Great Fire and the Blitz. However, if you know where to look, you’ll find a wealth of historical landmarks fascinating for kids as well as adults.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s also an excellent destination for families with kids. Children will be amazed by the grandeur of the cathedral, and parents will appreciate the guided tours and family-friendly activities that are available. Kids can learn about the cathedral’s history and architecture while exploring the crypt, climbing to the top of the dome, and participating in interactive exhibits.
St Pauls Cathedral
Sky Garden
The Sky Garden is a stunning indoor garden with panoramic views of the city, and it’s a great place to take kids for a unique and educational experience. Kids can explore the gardens, see the plants and wildlife, and spot iconic landmarks like the Shard and the Gherkin. The Sky Garden also offers a range of family-friendly activities, including nature walks, storytelling sessions, and hands-on gardening workshops.
Sky Garden
Museum of London
The Monument
The Monument is a 202-foot-tall column built to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666. Kids can climb the 311 steps to the top of the column for stunning views of the city. The Monument also offers a range of family-friendly activities, including guided tours, interactive exhibits, and special events throughout the year.
Looking up at the Monument
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is a covered market with ornate Victorian architecture, boutique shops, and restaurants. Kids will enjoy exploring the market’s narrow alleys and admiring the colourful shop fronts. The market is also home to a range of family-friendly activities, including food and drink tastings, craft workshops, and storytelling sessions.
Leadenhall Market
Activities for families visiting City of London:
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The Sky Garden in the City of London, commonly known as The walkie-talkie building, is a landscaped garden on level 35 of 20 Fenchurch Street. This attraction is the tallest …
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Once there was more than 100 City of London churches within a square mile. The Great Fire, Victorian modernisation and Hitler’s bombs have done most to reduce that figure. Today, …
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Exploring the impressive St Paul’s Cathedral with kids is both fun and educational. In this post, we’ll give you tips to make the most of your visit when bringing the …
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St Dunstan in the East is a hidden gem in the heart of London that’s perfect for a family outing exploring the City. This beautiful church, which was first built …
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Update: The Museum of London is now closed to visitors while relocating the museum to the Smithfield area next to Farringdon (planned to open in 2026). Until then, you can …
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Visiting the Monument with kids can be a fun and educational activity. But is it safe? And worth the ticket price? In this post, we’ll take a look at the …
As a London-based family with three energetic youngsters, we originally made this treasure hunt map to keep our kids engaged while exploring the City of London. With this map in …
Guildhall in the City of London is a fascinating place to take your kids. Not only is it steeped in history, but it’s also a great way to help them …
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A few cool facts about the City of London
Did you know that the City of London is not the same as London? It is a small area within Greater London that has its own history, culture and governance. Here are some cool facts about the City of London that you might find interesting:
- The City of London is the oldest part of London, founded by the Romans in 43 AD as Londinium. It covers only 1.12 square miles (2.9 square km) and has a population of about 9,000 people. However, it is also the centre of London’s finance industry, with over 500 banks and more than 40% of the world’s foreign exchange transactions .
- The City of London has its own local government, called the City of London Corporation, which is independent from the Greater London Authority. The City of London Corporation has its own mayor, called the Lord Mayor of London, who is different from the Mayor of London. The Lord Mayor is elected annually by the members of the livery companies, which are trade associations and guilds that date back to medieval times.
- The City of London has some of the most iconic landmarks and buildings in London, such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the Monument. It also has some of the most modern skyscrapers, such as The Gherkin, The Cheesegrater and The Walkie Talkie. Some of these buildings have nicknames based on their shapes or functions.
- The City of London is home to some of the oldest and most unusual traditions and ceremonies in London, such as the Lord Mayor’s Show, the Swan Upping and the Trial of the Pyx. These events showcase the history and culture of the City and its institutions.
- The City of London has some of the most hidden and quirky attractions in London, such as the Museum of London, which tells the story of London from prehistoric times to the present day; the Temple Church, which was built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century; and Postman’s Park, which has a memorial to ordinary people who died heroically.