Teenagers aren’t easy to please and may not even go on vacation with you if they feel the destination is void of interest.
Yes, adolescents are moody and unpredictable. So, why will London attract them? Because it has a bit of everything. Whether it’s culture, entertainment, shopping, or iconic landmarks, there’s something to do for everyone.
Without further ado, we’ll reveal the top 30 things to do in London with teenagers so they don’t get bored to death or make a fuss about a generational gap between you and them and why they aren’t with their friends RIGHT NOW!
The Top 30 Things To Do In London With Teenagers
Amusement And Thrill
Almost every teenager loves excitement and adventure, what rides and heart-pumping adventures promise. Here are three different events that will leave your kid energetic and inspired:
1. Southbank’s Undercroft Skate Space
Image by freepik
Are your teenagers skateboarding amateurs or enthusiasts? Well, introduce them to this skateboard playground once and they won’t want to leave. It’s been around for five decades and is free to visit.
And of course, after an exhausting day indulging in this thrilling activity, your teens will want to grab a bite. Luckily, you’ll find great street food, coffee, and cocktails there. It’s not just about skateboarding, Undercroft is a rich culture focused on creating and bonding.
2. Go Ape
Feel like a monkey for a day! Go Ape is a must-do while in London for all the sporty teens out there who don’t have acrophobia. It’s at five locations in North, Central, and Greater London.
The high rope and zip lining adventure will give them an adrenaline rush as they zip-line from above the London skyline to the ground.
Breathtaking views and amazing activities in a natural setting await you at one of the five Go Ape spots.
3. Escape Entertainment
Work in a team, use problem solving skills, and race against time to unlock mysteries in a playful environment at Escape Entertainment’s escape rooms.
It’s more than just an experience, it tests your collaboration and how well you do in high-pressure systems. Choose from among three themes and get started!
Markets
London’s a street food hotspot, but that’s not all you’ll find at these elaborate markets. Visit them to understand why tourists and locals just can’t get enough!
4. Portobello road market
One of the most popular street markets in the world, your teenagers will love its ambiance and vintage vibe. Located in West London, the market extends from Westbourne Grove to Golborne Road where you’ll find different antiques, food stalls, and clothing at bargain prices. Sounds like a plan!
5. Borough Market
Borough Market in South London is not your average food street. Every stall and vendor has a story to tell and recipes to share. The tale started 1000 years ago and has evolved into a sustainable venture focused on human connection.
If your kids love to explore delicious cuisine in a friendly and charming atmosphere, they’ll love it!
6. Camden Market
Camden Market is a rich venue that combines great food, unforgettable experiences, intricate fashion and soulful music. Variety and creativity oozes out of this place and you’ll find plenty to do at festivals, workshops, and events to engage all senses.
Parks
Being a tourist can be draining. What better way to regain energy than to visit one of these peaceful parks, giving you a break from the concrete jungle.
7. Hyde Park
Located in the heart of the city, Hyde Park is where all Londoners go to breathe fresh air and enjoy themselves amongst trees, wildlife, and birds.
But that’s not all. The park organizes numerous events throughout the year like the Winter Wonderland, the half marathon in autumn, and summer concerts.
Special cycle lanes are dedicated for bicycle enthusiasts, and if you love lakes, you can go cold water swimming or enjoy relaxing boat rides.
8. The Regent’s Park And Primrose Hill
Regent’s isn’t just a park, it’s a combination of nature, food, sport, intriguing history and an open-air theater.
The Queen Mary’s Gardens offer splendid horticulture while 12,000 roses fill the air with perfumed scents in the summer. The Avenue Gardens display vibrant flowers, trees, and fountains.
But nature doesn’t end with flowers. You’ll find plenty of wildlife like hedgehogs and birds, and the world’s oldest scientific zoo, ZSL.
The more sporty teens can head to The Hub to play rugby, cricket, football, or lacrosse.
Reserve Primrose Hill for the end for panoramic views of the city.
9. Richmond Park
You’ll be amazed to find bustling life here in the park’s ancient woods and grasslands, such as birds, deer, wildflowers, butterflies, and fungi.
The Tamsin Trail is perfect for joggers and hikers, but for a more relaxing sport, opt for golfing.
For those wishing to soak in Georgian elegance, stroll Pembroke Lodge’s gardens. Next, feel like a Victorian by riding in a horse-drawn carriage. However, these rides are only available from late November to early January.
Travel Back In Time
Learn about London’s fascinating history at three famous and indulging sites. We promise you won’t regret it.
10. The London Dungeon
London’s history is gruesome and history fanatics would want to know why? The actors at the London Dungeon give you a thorough explanation through storytelling and theatrical performances that last 90 minutes.
11. The Tower of London
The Tower of London isn’t just an iconic historical castle of huge significance. Located 20 minutes from Liverpool Street station, it is now a World Heritage Site and was a notorious prison and an execution site back in the day. Several crown jewels are also exhibited there.
12. Tower Bridge
Everyone’s seen Tower Bridge from the outside, and chances are you’ll know about it even if you’ve never been to London because it’s one of the city’s most well-known landmarks.
How about visiting its interior when you go. Stunning views of the capital and walkways with glass floors will mesmerise you.
Art And Entertainment
Do your kids appreciate good art, music, and theatrical performances? They won’t be disappointed at the three venues listed here, especially if they wish to fine tune their creative flair.
13. Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe is a fascinating theatrical venue featuring creative performances on Shakespeare’s plays. The site and team also focus on education, events, and concerts. Your teens will get inspired by this place if they love the performing arts.
14. Abbey Road Studios
Abbey Road is a famous and the oldest recording studio that combines making music with innovation.
The studio includes globally talented engineers, inventors, experts, and artists who produce wonders with the new generation instruments. Head on over to see how things have changed since The Beatles.
15. Karaoke Box
Is your teenager a bathroom singer afraid of sharing his talented vocal cords with the rest of the world? Have you accidentally heard them singing in their room when they thought no one was home?
Help them express their inner talent by visiting Karaoke Box at one of their four outlets.
Quirky Places To Eat
Eating out shouldn’t be mundane, so we’ve handpicked three spots offering something out of the box.
16. Dans le Noir ?
How about dinner in the dark? Dans le Noir ? serves delicacies in pitch darkness so you can use your senses of smell and taste to enhance your culinary experience and build a new relationship with food.
What’s more, you’ll be served by a blind or partially-sighted individual, adding to the beautiful concept.
17. The Doodle Bar
Choose from a selection of burgers, craft beers, cocktails, wines, and gins. Your teen may not be allowed to drink, though! As the name suggests, you can doodle on their chalkboards, something we all like to do when we’re bored to death!
Not to say that you’ll find this place dull. To the contrary, its ambiance is exactly what your teens may be after!
18. The Piano Works
At The Piano Works, you choose what song you want to listen to while enjoying your meal. Fridays and Saturdays are special at the venue as you can stay till dawn dancing to the DJ’s eclectic tunes, a perfect outing for teens who don’t like curfews.
Shopping
No vacation is complete without shopping, especially for teens who like buying the latest products. These places transform the experience by adding special evenings that highlight their distinctness.
19. Carnaby Street
Find global and British brands at Carnaby Street in Central London offering delectable food, exquisite bars, modern fashion, and a booming culture. Its pedestrianised streets provide a more calming shopping experience away from traffic and noise.
20. Covent Garden
Covent Garden is another luxury shopping and dining experience where you’ll find many brands, restaurants, museums, and theaters, so you’ll have plenty on your plate. Additionally, numerous fancy events pop up now and then so be on the lookout.
Starting on the 31st March, Musical Mondays at Mrs Riot features engrossing performances, chats, and games.
21. BOXPARK
BOXPARK isn’t your average shopping destination. Tantalising street food, lifestyle, and fashion brands can be found inside shipping container styled architecture.
Look out for fancy and soulful events such as Friday Feelings on 7th March, where DJs play great music like Afrobeats, Dancehall, and Hip Hop while you dance, eat, and drink your heart out!
Instaworthy Spots
You wouldn’t want to return without uploading original photos on your Instagram. A few locations stand out in London due to their extraordinary charm and distinction.
22. Abbey Road Zebra Crossing
We’ve all seen the famous Beatles’ photo where the band crosses the zebra crossing one after the other. Many have recreated the image with their entourage, and you can too. But, why not stand out?
A more inventive approach would be to try new poses. If one of you is acrobatic, they can walk upside down on their hands instead of their legs while the others walk normally.
23. Leake Street Arches
See fascinating graffiti and urban art at the former railway arches under Waterloo station. You can eat, drink, and leave your artistic inspiration on the wall.
If you think you don’t have skill, learn with the artists at dedicated workshops. They’ll teach you how to work with a spray can and make sure you wear protective gear, such as gloves, overalls, and masks, to craft something new and original. So, don’t hold back!
24. Madame Tussauds
Your favourite celebrity most likely has a statue at Madame Tussauds. Since you can’t pay a visit to the actual person, why not drop by this wax museum to see their statue? Take photos and impress your friends with lifelike works of art. They won’t even know the difference.
Theme Parks And Attractions
Here are the top three attractions not to miss in London. They’re exhilarating and well thought out.
25. The ArcelorMittal Orbit
The ArcelorMittal Orbit at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park features the Helix, the world’s largest tunnel slide, and ArcelorMittal Orbit 360, a viewing deck offering a bird’s-eye view of London. Of course, these activities won’t be suitable for teens who’re afraid of heights.
26. Thames Rockets Speedboat
Enjoy speedboat rides over the famous river and see important locations as you whizz across the city. The tour can be hired for special events or filming.
27. Thorpe Park
Fill your day with thrill and excitement at Thorpe Park Resort with more than 25 rides. Hyperia is the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in the UK, travelling at more than 80 mph and reaching 236 feet high.
When hungry, you can choose from snacks, drinks, mouth-watering food, and sumptuous desserts to satisfy your cravings and sweet tooth.
The best part is that they’re considerate of all kinds of diets. You can find vegan, vegetarian, non-alcoholic, and gluten-free options here.
Harry Potter Shooting Sites
Is your kid a Harry Potter fan? They’ll surely want to visit all the shooting locations. Accompany them!
28. Warner Bros. Studio Tour
The special Harry Potter tour will take you across famous sets, creative props, mind-blowing costumes, jaw-dropping visual effects, and art. You’ll be amazed to discover how organized and planned every detail is. After the visit, check out their shops for interesting merchandise.
After witnessing all this innovation and originality, your child might take up this field at university.
29. The Wizard Walk
Experienced guides take you across town to see all the magical filming sites and popular landmarks in the films. The tour starts at Leadenhall Market and ends at Borough Market, covering about ten locations, and lasts around two hours.
If your teen is a true Harry Potter fan, they’ll get a feel for what it was like shooting at these places and what the actors must have thought about their ambiance. The walk adds a new dimension to the films by being more intimate.
30. Platform 9 ³ ⁄₄
Head over to King’s Cross Station for a picture at the well-known platform. A useful tip: be as creative as possible while posing for the camera and give a wizardly touch to your photos.
You can also sit down to eat at one of the many family-friendly eateries within walking distance. Barrafina, for instance, offers Spanish tapas with a modern twist. If you prefer freshly baked bread, cakes, and pastries with coffee, head over to Gail’s.
You’ll also find shops, salons, and gyms nearby if you want to buy something special or get personalised services.
There you have it. You’ll have a remarkable visit with your teenager as these locales guarantee unparalleled intensity and delight. Who knows, you may even become closer than ever because shared experiences forge relationships.
PS London always has the best advice because we know the city inside out! If you want the latest scoop or the best concierge service for a stress-free travel, we’re here!
