Last updated on November 9th, 2024 at 07:59 am
Looking for things to do in London with Teens? We have a fantastic guide to London with teenagers right below!
I have a teen son, and he’s hard to please these days. However, getting teens off their phones and engaged in fun activities will do them (and you) the world of good.
Whether you live in or near London, or you’re visiting, you’ll be pleased to hear it really is one of the best cities for teen activities. There’s so much on offer – from history to thrills, from VR experiences to teen-friendly food, here are my recommendations for things to do in London for teenagers.
The Family Conscience contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read my disclaimer for more information. We were gifted tickets by some of these venues, but the views are all our own.
Things To Do In London With Teens
If you’re visiting London with teenagers, be prepared to pack lots into your day. There are so many fun activities in London suitable for families, it’s hard to choose! To make is easier for you, we’ve put together some great ideas for you.
1. Life Chronicles
Where Is It? Horizons of Khufu. 1, The Street, Ground Floor, London E20 1EJ
Opening Hours: Mondays-Fridays: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturdays-Sundays: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m
If you’re looking for unique things to do in London, Life Chronicles should be a top consideration. Both educational and a lot of fun, this VR experience is well set out and great for kids and teens.
Lasting 45 minutes, you’ll follow a researcher (Charlie) and her robot assistant (Darwin) through different evolutionary periods.
From the bottom of the ocean to ancient, tropical forests, you’ll witness the first traces of life in the Archean era (3.5 billion years ago), Tyrannosaurus Rex and Stegosaurus in the Cretaceous era (67 million years ago) and some of the first humans on the planet (between 100,000 and 60,000 years ago).
You’ll be able to get up close to Earth’s previous inhabitants. The experience is so realistic you’re bound to back away or reach out at some point!
My daughter was a little wary at first and I have to say the staff were great at encouraging her to give it a go. Once she had the headset on, she loved the experience and enjoyed recounting it afterwards as well.
A great family activity – it will definitely have you talking about it afterwards. They also have an Egyptian VR experience at the same venue (Horizons of Khufu) and another VR experience currently in the works. We’ll be going back!
2. Gourmaze
Locations: Soho, Camden, Shoreditch and Mayfair
Opening Hours: Check details for each individual maze online. ‘The Sweet Escape’ runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Other mazes run during the week as well.
Gourmaze currently offers five different food quests, taking you to tucked-away parts of London you may not have known were there and introducing you to some new (and fabulous) eating establishments along the way.
You’ll need to sign up for a time slot, click on the link when the time comes, and follow the clues to find each food stop. Once there, you’ll be treated to a yummy signature dish (and your timer will be paused, so you can take your time and enjoy it).
As we were with a teen and tween, we plumped for ‘The Sweet Escape’ (Mystery Desserts in Soho). You can play with between two and six people, with one leader who responds to the questions and clues which pop up via WhatsApp.
We had a great time figuring out the riddles (one or two disputes might have occurred between us, but nothing massive). And I have to say, the desserts were top-notch. We’re sworn to secrecy as to which establishments you’ll be visiting, but let me assure you, you’ll be heading back when next in London.
Other Gourmaze food mazes include: ‘The Rickshaw Race’ (Global Street Food), ‘The Taco Trade’ (Mexican Tacos), ‘The Talisman Treats’ (Asian Street Food) and ‘The Time Traveller’s Space Bytes’ (Pizza, cocktail and dessert).
In terms of things to do with teenagers in London, Gourmaze is a fantastic choice!
3. Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds: Immersive Experience
Where Is It? 56 Leadenhall Street, London EC3A 2BJ
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 12 pm to 7 pm
Inspired by both H. G Wells’ 1897 sci-fi novel and Jeff Wayne’s 1978 album sharing the same name, this immersive experience is a whole new ball game.
It’s the brainchild of Layered Reality (who are also behind The Gunpowder Plot Experience) and lasts just under two hours (you definitely get your money’s worth here).
You’ll travel back to Victorian times and experience for yourself the ‘Martian invasion’ detailed in the book. A mix of live actors (who are brilliant), impressive sets, virtual reality and sensory effects makes this an experience in which you really don’t know what’s going to happen next.
I visited with my almost 15-year-old son. He loved the element of thrill, uncertainty (and a good dollop of fear). I’d recommend this experience to families with teens in particular as some aspects might be a bit frightening for younger kids (the recommended age is 10+).
There’s a fabulous themed bar to hang out in before you start your journey, and another smaller one (plus toilets) mid-way through (we certainly needed to catch our breath during the short interval in procedures). Food and themed cocktails are available.
✅ Book The War of the Worlds Immersive Experience HERE
4. Queens Skate Dine Bowl
Where Is It? 17 Queensway, London W2 4QP (nearest tube station is Queensway on the Central Line)
Opening Hours: 10 am to 11.30 pm Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 12 am Friday and Saturday and 10 am to 11 pm on Sunday
An institution for almost a hundred years (it opened in 1930 as Queens Skate Club), Queens is a one-stop shop for entertainment for teens.
With a funky bowling alley (plus a VIP section with five lanes), a skating rink, an arcade and a MEATliquor restaurant and bar onsite, they also offer Curling and Darts if you fancy trying something a bit different.
The skating rink is indoor and open year-round. It’s pretty relaxed and perfect for beginners (if you’re with younger kids, you can hire a penguin support) – but we also saw a couple of more experienced skaters with their own skates.
Once you’ve bowled and skated, you don’t need to head anywhere else for food. The burgers, hot dogs and fries at MEATliquor are hard to beat plus they offer a great value lunch menu. There’s a pool table and fun photo booth here too.
If you visit Queens at any time on a Monday or Tuesday (term time only) you can bowl or skate for just £8 per person – definitely a bargain day out in London!
✅ Book Queens Skate Dine Bowl HERE
5. B Bakery Afternoon Tea London Sightseeing Bus Tour
Where Is It? Tours begin from Victoria Coach Station and Trafalgar Square
Availability: Tours go several times a day from both locations and last 90 minutes
B Bakery has a shop in Covent Garden, but they also organise tours of London from the comfort of a red Routemaster double-decker bus.
Not only that, but you can enjoy a seriously tasty afternoon tea while you sit back, relax and spot some of London’s landmarks as you drive by (including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace).
With both savoury and sweet treats, plus warm scones, jam and clotted cream brought around later, you’re in for a treat. We loved that we got to keep our reusable drink cups afterwards (placed safely in a holder on the table while the bus drives).
B Bakery offers several different tours. If you have younger kids, they do a Peppa Pig Bus Route and a Paddington Bear Bus Route. For grown-ups, they have a Bombay Sapphire Gin Afternoon Team Bus Tour (might be one to book for later!).
Vegan and Gluten-free teas are available, priced at £3 extra.
Tables for 2, 3 or 4 people are available. Ask for a top deck table if they have one free! The views are better.
✅ Book B Bakery Afternoon Tea London Sightseeing Bus Tour HERE
6. Phantom Peak
Where Is It? Canada Street, Surrey Quays Road, London SE16 7PJ
Opening Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sundays (12 pm and 6 pm)
We had a huge amount of fun at Phantom Peak – a fully immersive Wild West-themed village with some very eccentric townsfolk!
This experience is great for adventure lovers and for those looking for something a little different.
Part theatre, part real-life video game and part escape room, you’ll be tasked with either solving a mystery or heading on an adventure quest. The choice is yours to make, via the Jonassist website link.
It’s definitely a bonding experience for families as you work your way through the clues and tasks.
There are 10 trails you can follow making Phantom Peak a destination you can return to, and have a completely different experience at each time. Don’t miss the Miramaze (upstairs) and mad scientist Klacky.
Interacting with the actors is great fun and the fact that you have a mission and instructions to follow means you get much more out of your experience than if you were just wandering around. Although leave a bit of time for that too – there’s lots of cool stuff to see, and games to play.
Phantom Peak is open year-round but hosts different seasons. We visited during their summer season when the outdoor section of the town is open.
Food and drink is available (they have some great cocktails on offer for adults).
The experience lasts 4 hours but you are free to leave when you want to.
✅ Book Tickets for Phantom Peak HERE
7. The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
Where Is It? 22-32 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7EU (closest tube station Picadilly Circus)
Opening Hours: Every day (slots start at 10 am with the last usually around 8.30 pm)
For those children of the 1990s who remember The Crystal Maze TV show, hosted by Richard O’Brien, there’ll be a good dose of nostalgia involved in this activity – as well as perhaps some concern that it might not be as good as the real thing! Well, rest assured – it really does feel like you’re in the TV show – and even though Richard’s not there, the hosts are brilliant.
You’ll be in groups of around 8 people (who you’ll get to know well as you work together to try and gain crystals). You’ll get to experience each of the four zones: Medieval, Futuristic, Industrial and Aztec.
In each zone, you’ll get to play several games with the nominated captain picking whether it’ll be a mystery, skill, mental or physical task and who’ll do it.
You’ll get to complete around 2 games per team member, but of course, you’ll be helping your team members with each task.
Our teens loved this experience (TIP: kids are usually great at physical games)! They felt particularly proud when they contributed by winning a crystal – and being in the huge dome catching those foil tokens at the end was a highlight too.
Good news – during school holidays, The Crystal Maze Live Experience offers 50% off family tickets. Hurry and book yours now.
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience is suitable for kids aged 9 years old and older.
✅ BOOK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR THE CRYSTAL MAZE
8. The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
Location: 9a St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY
Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday 10.30 am to 5 pm
This is a quirky find indeed. Climb the stairs to the attic of this 18th-century church and you’ll find one of the oldest ever operating theatres, as well as a small, wonderfully presented museum which highlights how illness, medicine and surgery were viewed in Victorian times.
If you have teens who aren’t too squeamish, visit on either the second or last Saturday of the month for the talk in the operating theatre at 10 am (tickets are £12).
The talk brings to life (luckily not literally) how the theatre was once used for various procedures (prior to anaesthetic and antiseptic). Come with a strong stomach.
There’s lots on offer for younger children here too, including trails, craft activities and holiday workshops (most recently a ‘Brilliant Bodies’ session).
✅ Book Tickets for the Old Operating Theatre Museum HERE
9. Van Gogh Immersive
Where Is It?: 106 Commercial Street, London E1 6LZ
Opening Hours: Closed on Tuesdays. Every other day, slots are available between 10 am and 7 pm
This is a great introduction to the amazing works of Vincent Van Gogh and the next best thing to visiting the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam! Whether your teen is into art or not, Van Gogh Immersive will ensure they learn something about the artist, see his most famous pieces (not the originals) and enjoy an experience which might be a little more up their street than a traditional art gallery.
The first section contains information about Van Gogh, as well as videos and canvas prints of his work.
Next, you’ll see a 3D interpretation of one of his most famous pieces (Bedroom in Arles).
Downstairs, is the VR experience (well worth it), an art room where you can create your own Van Gogh-style masterpiece and the immersive room, where you can sit and relax while Van Gogh’s paintings surround you.
With the VIP card, you’ll be able to access the VR experience (where you’re literally ‘inside’ Van Gogh’s paintings) and you’ll be able to pick up an A1-sized poster of your choice in the gift shop.
✅ Book Van Gogh Immersive HERE
10. Devour Food Tour
Location: The departure point is usually Tooley St, by Borough Market
Availability: Tours go Tuesday to Saturday and are from 10 am until 1 pm
Devour offers food tours in a number of cities across the globe, and that includes London.
A food tour of London is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in its food heritage. Not only do London food tours offer a chance to try a variety of yummy dishes, but they also provide an opportunity to learn about the history and culture behind them.
One of the best ways to experience this is through Devour Tours, a food tour company that guides you through bustling Borough Market, one of the city’s most famous food markets.
The London tour is particularly great for families with teens. In fact, our group was made up of families with teens. Other than one of the dishes (oysters) which is perhaps a little more adventurous, the dishes are all very suitable for kids and teens. Plus, any alcoholic drinks can be substituted with soft drinks.
Read more about the Devour Food Tour HERE.
11. The Clink Prison Museum
Location: 1 Clink Street, London SE1 9DG
Opening Hours: Open every day from 10 am to 6 pm
The Clink Museum is built on the site of the original Clink prison (this is where we get the name from). Dating back to 1144, it’s the oldest prison in England.
You’ll hear all about the misfortune of the inmates at the Clink – those in debt, those classed as heretics, drunkards, thieves and more.
There are opportunities to examine instruments of torture and chains (prisoners had to pay to have their own chains fitted – and if they couldn’t pay, their stay in prison was extended). Ouch.
The museum is brought to life with waxwork figures, sounds and smells – you can really imagine what it must have been like to be imprisoned there.
I’d say this is one of the most authentic London attractions for teenagers.
✅ Book tickets for The Clink HERE
12. West End Theatre Show
There are some fantastic options for families with teens in the West End.
We’d personally recommend 2.22 A Ghost Story (my son loved the twist at the end of this play). Also good options are Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution (set in a courtroom) and the musicals Back to the Future, Six and Hamilton.
Another brilliant choice, during the summer months, is Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, which tends to offer both Shakespeare plays and more current shows.
Check out Official London Theatre’s Kids Week for free tickets for children and teens 17 and under. Sign up to their mailing list – booking opens in June and Kids Go Free lasts throughout the month of August.
✅ Book West End Theatre Tickets HERE
13. The Smash Lab
Locations: Peckham: Penda Studios, Unit 23 Station Passage, London SE15 2JR, UK Hoxton: Moosey Hoxton Gallery, Hackney Road, London E2 8GY, UK
Opening Times: Monday:12-8pm, Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Thursday: 12 pm-9pm, Friday: 12 pm-9pm, Saturday: 10 am-9pm, Sunday:10am-8 pm
Harbouring some pent-up frustration? No better way of releasing your stress (in a way that won’t harm anyone else) than a rage room. And teens will love being permitted to smash things to bits.
The Smash Lab has two locations in London – one in Peckham and one in Hoxton.
14. Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
Location: Tours tend to start in Whitechapel
Availability: Tours go regularly; usually once at lunchtime and twice in the evening
This one is definitely for older teens, but for those of you who have a teenager who loves a scary story, a Jack the Ripper walking tour could well be the answer.
Tours will transport you back to Victorian London, to locations such as Whitechapel and Spitalfields, associated with Jack the Ripper’s evil deeds.
You’ll learn lots about this period of history with experienced and knowledgeable guides – with some tours also offering re-enactments!
Educational and great fun too.
✅ Book Jack the Ripper Tours HERE
15. Pulse: Beyond Delight
Where Is It? Borough Yards, Clink St, London SE19DG
Opening Hours: Tickets are available between 10 am and 7 pm every day
Following the success of Delight, Pulse is another immersive media art installation which will put a smile on your teen’s face.
Taking you to South Korea (and, of course, all things K are currently a big hit with teens), this exhibition takes you on a journey through 13 different rooms, with impressive light installations set to music – allowing you to feel you might actually be in Seoul.
Teens will love how Instagram-worthy this experience is too. One of the coolest things to do in London for teens.
✅ Book Pulse: Beyond Delight HERE
16. Natural History Museum: Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition
Location: Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
Opening Hours: 10 am until 5.50 pm every day (apart from 24th to 26th December). The Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition starts in October each year.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition comes to the Natural History Museum in London every Autumn. It’s the perfect indoor activity in London.
2024 sees the 60th anniversary of the exhibition so it is sure to be pretty special.
Whether you have a teen who loves animals and nature or isn’t so bothered, the amazing photographs on display are bound to captivate them and make you all gaze in awe.
Combine your visit to the exhibition with a look around the rest of the museum and hot chocolate and cake at the nearby EL&N cafe.
Tickets go on sale for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition via the Natural History Museum website from the end of August each year.
*If you do have a teen who loves wildlife, take a look at my best zoos in the UK post, and my animal experience days in the UK recommendations.
Free Things To Do In London With Teens
London can be an expensive city, but there are reasonably priced and free things to do in London on offer. Here are my top three recommendations for free things to do in London with teens:
17. Camden Market
Location: Head to Camden Town tube station
Opening Hours: Every day between 10 am and 6 pm
Starting life in the early 1970s as an arts and crafts fair, Camden Market has grown into a big tourist attraction and a major hub for arts, culture, alternative fashion and great street food.
Yes, it’s a little bit edgy – but that’s part of its charm and its appeal. It perfectly demonstrates London’s eclectic style and is a great place to spend a weekend afternoon.
✅ Want to book a Camden experience? BOOK HERE
18. God’s Own Junkyard
Where Is It? Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, Walthamstow, London
Opening Hours: Friday and Saturday 11 am till 10 pm, Sundays 11 am till 6 pm
The founder of God’s Own Junkyard started creating neon signs for his father’s fairground business. This warehouse in Walthamstow, East London, now houses an amazingly colourful display of signs – from movie props to signs available for purchase.
Stepping into God’s Own Junkyard is an otherworldly experience and you’ll want to stay a while and soak it all up. Luckily, there’s a cafe on site so you can do just that.
19. London’s Street Art
Over the years, London’s street art has evolved from simple graffiti to beautiful and motivational murals. If you’re looking for things to do with teens in London that are free, locating London’s street art is a great option.
Some of the best places to explore London’s street art are Shoreditch (particularly around Brick Lane), Camden and Waterloo.
Leake Street Tunnel underneath Waterloo station is also known as ‘Banksy Tunnel’. It’s a legal graffiti zone and is constantly changing.
✅ You can also book London Street Art Tours – BOOK HERE
Where To Stay in London
If you’re visiting London with teens and you’re looking for some good travel options, here are our recommendations.
Staying centrally will be more expensive – and busy. If you’d like to stay centrally, we’d recommend considering:
- South Kensington
- Notting Hill
- St Johns Wood
If you’d like a quieter location, but with good transport links consider these locations – which are especially good for families:
- Richmond
- Greenwich
- Hampstead
📍Budget Option: Doubletree by Hilton London Chelsea
A great budget option is a great part of London. This hotel has recently been refurbished and if you’re looking to do some shopping – you’re in luck. It’s right by the King’s Road – one of London’s premier shopping streets.
✅ Book Doubletree by Hilton London Chelsea HERE
📍Mid-Range Option: The Montague on the Gardens
This pretty boutique-style hotel is close to Camden, Soho and the British Museum. Triple rooms with a free child place are available.
✅ Book The Montague on the Gardens HERE
📍Luxury Option: The Hyatt Regency Blackfriars
Stay in this beautiful Grade 2 listed building, close to the Globe Theatre, Tate Modern and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Things to do for Teenagers in London FAQs
Want to know a bit more about London? Here are some helpful answers to frequently asked questions about London which might come in handy.
What is the most fun area of London?
This, of course, depends on your interests and what your idea of fun is. However, when it comes to teens, we’d recommend Camden, Soho and Shoreditch as the most appealing – with lots going on and an edgy feel.
What is the prettiest part of London?
London has its edgy areas, but it also has some really pretty areas. Notting Hill (with its pastel-coloured houses and general movie-worthy looks) would be a top contender.
Primrose Hill and Hampstead, with their cute cafes, green areas and attractive houses would also make the list.
What is London famous for?
London is famous for a lot of things! It’s famous for its historic buildings such as Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. It’s also famous for its more modern buildings, such as the Shard and the London Eye.
London is well known for its food – in particular famous dishes such as fish and chips, pies and jellied eels and sticky toffee pudding.
London also has iconic symbols such as the red double-decker bus, black taxis, and the London underground.
Oh, and Harry Potter, of course.
Best Things to Do in London with Teens: The Verdict
While teens might seem hard to please at times, there’s plenty on offer for them in London – particularly if you do a bit of digging. Hopefully, you won’t have to – as the suggestions above are pretty teen-proof, we reckon!
We hope you enjoy experiencing some of these unique things to do in London for teens.
Looking for more experiences for teens? Head to The Best Experience Gifts for Teens and Kids. Plus, if you’re keen on keeping your teens busy over the school holidays, my summer camps for kids and teens in the UK will help with some ideas.
Planning on seeing more of the UK? We’ve got some great ideas on what to see in Derbyshire and Scotland.
