Taking teenagers along on a travel is no easy feat and will most likely not be 100% free of stress. This will be the case if you are unable to keep them entertained, this means that you need to find fun things to do with them when you visit London.
The crankiness that comes from hunger and boredom is enough to throw you off the entirety of the holiday.
I know you are tempted to leave them at home with some junk food and movies because you don't know what to do with a moody teenager.
Not to worry, here you will find out fun things to do in London to keep your kids occupied and entertained.
12 Fun Things to Do with teenagers in London
This brings us to why London is a great place to visit with your teenagers because London is filled with classic attractions and beautiful cultural experiences that will spark some life in even the moodiest teen.
Keep reading, and find out some of the best experiences you can live with your kids.
1. House of VANS Skate Park
If your teen happens to be obsessed with a skateboard, this is for them. The House Of VANS is equipped with a skate park, music, arts, and exceptional street culture.
The House Of VANS is close to Waterloo station, be sure to visit and you'll gain some cool points from your teenager.
2. Tour with the Thames Rockets
Enjoy a Thames Rockets tour on a speed boat while still getting to see some of London's most iconic landmarks. Experienced guides are made available.
This is a very much suitable activity for a thrill-seeking teen, as it is sure to make your visit to London more exciting
3. London Dungeon
Do you want your children the learn about incredible and terrifying historical moments while still having fun?
Then, the London Dungeon is where they should be. Your teen(s) get to learn about all the gory details in the history of the British capital, while still having tons of fun.
For your teenage thrill seekers, the dungeon is also home to two very dark and scary attractions. Worried that your children may be too scared by this experience?
Not to worry, aside from the usual jump scares, the actors engage in some hilarious comedic dialogue that's guaranteed to get even the most nervous teenager laughing. Your kids have the freedom to opt out of any attractions.
4. Visit the Science museum
The Science Museum is your best option if you've got a science geek on your hands. The facility offers hands-on, interactive exhibits, that masquerade learning as fun.
You can also live out unique experiences. Did you get a science geek, way-too-serious, difficult-to-amuse teenager? Well, this will get their brain wheels turning.
5. Check out the Sea Life aquarium
If watching a piranha eating frenzy at lunchtime doesn't inspire an angry teen, I don't know what will. I mean, who doesn't find a jellyfish cute?
In addition to trying to make sense of their existential sadness as they watch red-bellied piranhas claw their way through several pounds of meat, your teens can ponder the life of a jellyfish and wander through a giant ocean tunnel patrolled by dozens of sand tiger sharks with sharp teeth, and blacktip reef sharks.
This is enough to amuse, help them learn, as well as keep them entertained. The Sea Life Aquarium is one of the best attractions London has to offer.
6. Enjoy a tour of behind the scenes of your favourite football Stadium
It is no news that London is home to some of the biggest and best sports stadiums in the world, and what better way to impress your soccer-mad, players-obsessed teenagers than with a stadium tour? And backstage at that!
The latest addition to the list of modern Coliseums in the capital is the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Not only do they get to see the first-team locker rooms and areas specifically for the broad-shouldered NFL teams, but they get excited to last them a lifetime!
7. Experience the most epic speed boat ride
Sure, a cruise on the Thames is nice. But your teens need excitement. They need joy. They need a break from Instagram scrolling! Fortunately, there are a few white-knuckle Thames excursions that will do the trick.
Get your teen to take a 50-minute jet-powered ride along the river with an expert skipper, combining fascinating facts with twists and turns. This trumps any other kind of fun they can have on the water.
8. Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum
While rare, some teenagers do enjoy arts and getting creative and are not afraid to show it off. If you have one of those gems, they will surely love to visit Victoria & Albert Museum.
This museum is the world's largest of applied and decorative arts and designs. It boasts countless arts and creations, ranging from historic apps to classic catwalk designs. This is a way to enjoy cultural art and history.
9. Shop till they drop
Nothing is more exciting than some shopping time with your teenage girl. When in doubt, some retail therapy is always the answer. Teenagers love to spend money, of course, they do because it's not theirs!
We recommend starting with shopping mecca Oxford Street, where you'll find stores like Primark, Lush, Topshop, and Miss Selfridge.
London is full of alternative and trendy markets with vintage stores, such as Covent Garden, Old Spitalfields, Camden, Greenwich, and Petticoat Lane.
You don't need to break the bank to keep your teen happy, if you can't afford expensive boutiques, London boasts many stores that offer second-hand items which you will love.
Add a few of these great London attractions to your itinerary, and your teen will end the day with all the mental stimulation (and food) they need for a good night's sleep.
10. Visit The National Gallery
For teen artists, London is a city that offers many options to enjoy art: museums, street art, art galleries, and a neighborhood full of art.
The National Gallery, very well located, in Trafalgar Square, has an immense collection of art that goes from the 13th to the 19th century.
Your kid is sure to enjoy the rich culture emanating from the walls. The cherry on top is that admission is free.
11. Visit The ZSL London Zoo
ZSL London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo. Its origin dates back to 1828 and is dedicated to creating impressive exhibits and giving visitors the chance to see nature's most incredible animals.
Take the kids on a visit to the Gorilla Kingdom through the inside tour of the Jungle Life exhibit, and then head over to Tiger Country, where striking Sumatran striped cats await.
You'll find that even teenagers harbor excitement about seeing animals.
12. Modern clothing at Camden Market
Teens will love the alternative fashion at this canalside market, where they'll find ultra-cool T-shirts, gothic outfits, and casual footwear.
At the Stables indoor market stalls, adorned with African masks and handmade jewelry, you'll also find plates of food that show off every culture across the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do teenagers have fun?
An ideal fun time for a typical teenager is hanging out in coffee shops and restaurants with friends. So a visit to London will definitely be a step up.
When is the cheapest time to visit London?
This will be between November and March, as prices for hotel bookings and flights are significantly lower. The weather at this time is rainy and cold
What neighborhoods are best to stay in London?
Most, if not all of the neighborhoods holds one attraction or the other. Chelsea, Kensington, and Notting hill all come highly recommended because of the family-friendly attractions they offer
How old can you be to go clubbing in London?
You have to be 18 years old and above to be allowed in nightclubs.
Conclusion - Things To Do In London With Teenagers
Kids, especially teenagers are not a joy when you have to take them anywhere which means traveling with them is a sport on its own.
This is why we have put together a list of fun things to enjoy with your teenagers on your visit to London.
These fun activities will allow you to keep their attention, while still spending quality time with them. Check them out, and you'll get the most enjoyment with your kids.
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