20+ fun things to do with teenagers in London

Are you looking for fun things to do with teenagers in London?  Or thinking of exciting places to visit?

Quite honestly, the list of things to do in London for teens is endless.  Whether you’re looking for royal attractions, museums, galleries, historic sites, sporting venues, or immersive experiences there is so much to choose from.

However, as the kids get older, they often want more than just the traditional tourist sites.  Luckily, London is overflowing with unique activities and fun places to visit, that will satisfy even the hardest-to-please teens.

In this post, we share our selection of the most fun things to do with teens in London.  We include cool immersive events, amazing adrenaline experiences, unique museums and fantastic shows.

So, come with us to discover our selection of the top attractions in London for teenagers.  Plus, the best thing is, adults will love them too.

If your teen has a good head for heights, how about an exhilarating climb over one of London’s most iconic buildings, the 02?  It’s one of the most unique activities in London, which your teen will love.

The 02 arena in south east London is one of the UK’s premier events venues, hosting a whole range of music and sporting events.  Treat your teenager to a climb over the roof of the 02 to see a different side of London.  Choose from daytime, sunset and twilight climbs.

• Where:  Peninsular Square, London, SE10 0DX
• Nearest tube:  North Greenwich
• Click:  for tickets and information on Up at the O2

The London Eye has been London’s top visitor attraction for over a decade.  Also known as the Millennium Wheel, the London Eye is Europe’s tallest observation wheel and one of the best ways to get views over London.

• Where:  London Eye Millennium Pier, London SE1 7PB
• Nearest station:  Waterloo
• Click:  for tickets and information about The London Eye
• Info:  The London Eye will be closed from 8th Jan – 4th Feb 2024.

Puttshack is a tech-infused, indoor mini-golf course.  This means each ball is registered to a player and automatically tracks your personal scores throughout the game (so, no cheating!)

Puttshack adds a modern twist on the traditional crazy golf.  The venue is bright with fun music, and there is a bar and restaurant.  Try your hand at Beer Pong hole or play the Wheel of Fortune to win prizes.  Teenagers will love it!

Each game lasts about 30 minutes.

• Where:  Several London locations:  Bank (central London), Lakeside, Watford, White City
• Nearest tube:  Bank or Mansion House
• Click:  for tickets and information on Puttshack
• Information:  Children cannot be in the venue after 7pm

Adrenaline junkies will love this speed boat sightseeing experience on the River Thames.  It’s a fantastic way to see all the famous London sights, whilst enjoying the thrill of a speed boat.  The Thames Rockets ride starts at the London Eye and heads up to Tower Bridge, where they turn up the speed.

This really is one of the most fun things to do in London, whatever your age!

• Where:  Boarding Gate One, London Eye Millennium Pier, London SE1 7PB
• Nearest station:  Waterloo
• Click:  for tickets and information on the Thames Rockets

One of the most unique shows in London is Witness for the Prosecution, the superb stage production of the Agatha Christie’s classic crime story.  What makes this show different to the other London shows is that it’s set in the courtroom of London County Hall .  Yes, that right – the audience is part of the show.  In fact, at times we were so close we could have touched the actors.

This is a fantastic who-dunnit which kept us in suspense until the end.  Witness for the Prosecution is a great show for teenagers and budding detectives!

• Where:  London County Hall, Southbank, SE1
• Nearest station:  Waterloo
• Click:  for tickets and information on Witness for the Prosecution

If you are looking for free things to do with teenagers in London, the Sky Garden is the UK’s highest garden and offers amazing views over the London skyline.  Tickets are free, but should be booked in advance.

The Sky Garden also has two bars and restaurants, as well as a café.

• Where:  1 Sky Garden Walk, London, EC3M 8AF
• Nearest tube:  Monument
• Click:  for tickets and information about the Sky Garden
• Info:  The entrance is on Philpot Lane.  From here take the lift to Level 35.

If you are looking for exhilarating things to do for teenagers in London, you must try the War of the Worlds immersive experience.

This unique multi-sensory experience will transport your teenagers back to 1898, where they will encounter a martian invasion in London.   Live actors, stunning sets, pyrotechnics and up-to-the-minute virtual reality technology bring the War of the Worlds story to life.  Enjoy 24 interactive scenes, all set to the award-winning music from Jeff Wayne.  Our teenagers loved it.

• Where:  56 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3a 2BJ
• Nearest station:  Fenchurch Street (3 mins’ walk)
• Click:  for tickets and information on the War of the Worlds Experience

Although it’s not really one of the most fun things to do with teenagers in London, the Imperial War Museum is definitely worth a visit.  It is the world’s leading war museum and has one of the biggest collections of military equipment.

Split over 5 floors, the London IWM is divided into various exhibitions with collections from different wars.  Personally, we think that it’s definitely one of the best free museums to visit with teens in London.

• Where:  Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ
• Nearest station:  Lambeth North (but it is only a short walk from Waterloo)
• Click:  for tickets and information about the Imperial War Museum
• Read our review:  A day out at the Imperial War Museum, London

The Dare Skywalk is on the top tier of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.  After getting the safety gear on, head 154 feet (47 metres) above street level to the glass walkway.  From here you can get panoramic views of the London skyline.

If you’re feeling particularly brave, you can add on The Edge to your experience and descend 42 metres to the south podium below.

• Where:  Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London N17 0BX
• Nearest station:  White Hart Lane
• Click:  for tickets and information on The Dare Sky Walk
• Information:  The experience is for children age 10+ and lasts 1h30.

Around 50,000 people cross the iconic Tower Bridge each day, but did you know you walk inside the tower?  Yes, teens will have fun climbing up 206 steps of the gothic North Tower, reading the many facts and figures on the way.  However, the best part is the glass floor, looking down on the traffic passing below.  Are you brave enough to step on it?

• Where:  Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2UP
• Nearest station:  Tower Hill (5 mins’ walk)
• Click:  for tickets and information on Tower Bridge
• Read more:  A visit inside the Magnificent Tower Bridge

Any Harry Potter fan will love this tour of all the original filming locations in London.  You’ll get to see the sights where Harry was filmed, learn some fun facts about Harry and London history and take part in Harry Potter trivia quizzes.  It’s perfect for any Potterheads, whatever their age!

• Start:  Southwark View Point, London, SE1 9DF
• Nearest station:  London Bridge
• Click:  for tickets and information about a Harry Potter tour
• Information:  The tour lasts 2 hours and ends in Shaftesbury Avenue.

Although the London Aquarium is not the biggest we’ve been to, my teenagers love it.  Therefore, due to popular demand, we’ve included it as one of the best things to do with teens in London.

Inside London Sealife Aquarium, you’ll encounter a range of sea creatures from around the world.  Expect to see sharks, stingrays, penguins, jellyfish and more.

• Where:  Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB
• Nearest station:  Waterloo or Embankment
• Click:  for tickets and information
• Information:  It’s right near the London Eye.

If you’re looking for gruesome things to do with teens, delve into London’s treacherous past at the London Dungeons.

During this grisly experience, a team of live actors will recount the most ghastly stories from the past 1000 years in London.  Plus, you’ll meet some of London’s most notorious characters, including the Demon Barber and Jack the Ripper.

Follow through 14 immersive rooms to discover the more gruesome side of London’s history.

• Where:  County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB
• Nearest stations:  Waterloo, Embankment, Westminster
• Click:  for tickets and information on The London Dungeons
• Information:  It is right next to the London Eye.

For any football-obsessed teens, a trip behind the scenes of their favourite football team could be a dream come true!  There’s plenty of stadium tours in London to choose from – just name the team.

Some of the most popular London football clubs with stadium tours are Chelsea FC (at Stamford Bridge), Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or Arsenal Stadium.

• Where:  Various (click on links above for tickets and information)

My teenagers have been visiting the Lego® Shop at Leicester Square since they were tiny.  For them, it is a place of hope and dreams.  And it’s no wonder, as the Lego® Store in London is the biggest in the world!

Set over two floors, the flagship Lego® has models of many iconic London landmarks, including an incredible Big Ben, a London cab and phone box.  Plus, obviously there are some of the biggest and best models to buy (don’t forget your credit card!)

Afterwards, you can pop to the M&M store, another top spot for kids.

• Where:  3 Swiss court, London, W1D 6AP
• Nearest tube:  Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus
• Information:  The shop is open until 10pm.

Frameless is a brilliant place to visit for any art-lovers.  Situated in Marble Arch, it is the largest permanent multi-sensory experience in the UK.

Visit the four distinct immersive galleries, at your own pace, to enjoy some of the world’s greatest works of arts using modern projection technology.  Artist include Dali, Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt and Klimt.

Surprisingly, Frameless is a fun attraction for little kids too.  They love the lights and pictures around the walls and floor.

• Where:  6 Marble Arch, London, W1H 7AP
• Nearest tube:  Marble Arch or Bond Street
• Click:  For tickets and information on Frameless
• Information:  It is open until 5.30 on weekdays and 6pm at weekends.

Based on the tv show from the 90s, the Crystal Maze Live Experience is an immersive experience with a difference.  Your team will face a series of timed challenges where you compete to win as many crystals as possible.  It’s frantic, silly fun, that teens will love.  The final test is in the Crystal Dome.  Will you take the challenge?

The Crystal Maze is not the cheapest London attraction, but it is one of the most fun things to do in London for teenagers.

• Where:  22-32 Shaftesbury Avenue, West End, London, W1D 7EU
• Nearest tube:  Piccadilly Circus
• Click:  for tickets and information on The Crystal Maze
• Information:  For children age 9 and over

Teenagers will love the vibe at Camden Market.  This eclectic market has over 1000 independent market stalls, selling vintage clothes, art, and street food.

As well as shopping and eating, there’s plenty to entertain teens in Camden, including an underground theme park, cinema, immersive theatre show and a Tomb Raider experience.

• Where:  Camden Lock Place, London, NW1 8AF
• Nearest tube:  Camden Town
• Click:  Camden Market website
• Information:  For children age 9 and over

How about a visit to the world’s largest collection of original and authenticated Banksy artworks?  This smash-hit exhibition in Regent Street is showcasing over 150 pieces from the elusive street artist.  It’s bound to impress the teenagers!

• Where:  84-86 Regent Street, London, W1B 5HB
• Nearest tube:  Piccadilly Circus
• Click:  for tickets and information about The Art of Banksy
• Information:  on until April 2024

Once home to London’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Queen Elizabeth Park is now one of London’s premier venues.  Whether you like sport, art, culture or nature, you’ll find plenty to do in the park.

Teenagers can try out the London Aquatics Centre, try the cycle paths or follow the free public art walk, between the park and the 02.   However, the top attraction for teenagers is the ArcelorMittal Orbit slide.  At 178 metres long, it is the world’s longest tunnel slide.  (Please note that the slide will be shut at the start of 2024.)

• Where:  Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E20 2AD
• Nearest tube:  Stratford Station (10 mins’ walk)
• Click:  for tickets and information about the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
• Information:  The slide is shut for maintenance until summer 2024

Without doubt, going to a show in London’s West End is always a fun thing to do, regardless of age.  You can save money by booking online in advance, looking for deals, or visiting the London TKTS booth in Leicester Square.  Here’s a selection of the best shows for teens in London:-

• Back to the Future Musical – Adelphi Theatre
• Mrs Doubtfire Musical – Shaftsesbury Theatre
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Palace Theatre
• School of Rock – Drury Lane
• The Play that goes Wrong – Duchess Theatre
• The Book of Mormon (for older teens) – Prince of Wales Theatre

Click here to buy tickets from Ticketmaster

One of the best places to visit near London with teenagers is the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour.  If you’re staying in London, you could go as a day trip.  Alternatively, it’s just off junction 19 (near Watford) on the M25.

• Click here to book a trip to the Warner Bros Studio Tour

For thrill-seekers, you’ll find two of the UK’s best theme parks just outside London, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures.

• Click here for tickets to Thorpe Park.
• Click here for tickets to Chessington.

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Have you tried any of these fun things to do in London with teenagers?  We’d love to hear your comments or questions.

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