Having kids and family in London is generally a good experience – the UK capital is a fantastic city for you and your family to explore. If you're relocating to London with the little ones in tow, take comfort in the fact that there is plenty to enjoy, and plenty to keep you and your kids happy and healthy.

Challenges for expat parents in London

Relocating to London with kids can come with a fair number of challenges. Understanding the UK's bureaucracy and schools can take time and patience. State schools are allocated based on catchment areas, while international and private schools have long waiting lists and stringent admission criteria.

London's scale also influences how families experience the city. Long commutes are common, and you'll often need to weigh proximity to schools against access to your workplace.

Finding suitable accommodation in London is another challenge, as family‑friendly homes in well-connected areas with good schools are in high demand. Rent in popular neighbourhoods can be high and competition for housing fierce, requiring quick decision-making.

Joining expat networks and community groups can help ease the transition. You'll probably encounter people from similar backgrounds who experienced similar challenges when they first moved – the advice you're likely to get should be relevant and helpful.

Finding Accommodation in London
Family-Friendly Areas and Suburbs in London
Visas and Work Permits for the United Kingdom

Education in London

If you're moving to London with kids in tow, you'll need to think about schooling. Public, private, and international schools are all available, each with their own pros and cons.

Public schools, called state schools in the UK, are free to attend and generally offer a high standard of education, but admit students based on catchment areas, meaning you'll need to find a place to stay near the school you want your children to attend.

Private (independent) schools are another option. These institutions primarily teach the National Curriculum for England or the International Baccalaureate, and offer better facilities and more extracurriculars than their state counterparts – at the cost of expensive tuition and selective admissions.

You can also opt to send your children to international schools in London. International schools teach foreign curricula, often in the language of the school's country of origin. The standard of education is almost universally excellent, but fees are high, and seats can be limited.

Education and Schools in London
Independent Schools in London
International Schools in London

Parent networks in London

You can connect with other parents in London through a wide range of avenues. Schools often serve as the first point of contact, with parent associations and PTA groups providing opportunities to get involved in community life. Extracurriculars like sports and music also bring families together.

Beyond school, London has a large number of parent groups, expat clubs, and societies. Online platforms like Meetup are great options, too. Many of London's neighbourhoods also run children's and community centres, which host playgroups and parenting workshops. For newcomers, joining one of these communities can be invaluable, offering practical advice on navigating London's systems, providing emotional support, and a ready‑made social circle to ease the transition into family life in the UK's capital.

Lifestyle in London
Clubs and Societies in London

Entertainment for kids in London

On summer days, we recommend taking the kids for a ride on the famous red double-decker sightseeing buses. Other options for (cost-free) fun in the sun include exploring the city's wonderful green spaces, such as St James's Park, Regent's Park, and Hyde Park.

In the event of cold or rainy weather, check out Madame Tussauds, with its wax sculptures of famous people. The Marvel Hall of Heroes is a highlight and includes realistic sculptures of Spider-Man, Black Panther, Captain America, and more.

For the single best collection of toys in the world, be sure to pay a visit to the flagship store of Hamleys Toy Shop. More than 50,000 toys line the shop's seven levels.

Your kids, no matter their age, are sure to be delighted by the London Eye, especially at night. For older kids, the London Dungeon, with its gory recreations of London’s medieval past, is a must-see. Museums for kids are plentiful: the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the charming Victoria and Albert Museum are just some of the museums available to you in London.

The West End offers a range of theatre experiences aimed at children. Classics like The Lion King play alongside newer productions in theatres across the area.

A top winter activity is ice skating, which can be enjoyed at various locations around the city throughout the festive season. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, with its array of rides and activities, is also great for children.