What to do in London with children in autumn

If there’s one thing I’ve started to appreciate since I live in London it’s autumn. I must say that I never understood it before and almost annoyed me, with its meteorological uncertainty and the expectation of the fateful moment of the change of season. London dressed in autumn colors has enchanted me to make this season one of those that I love most. Are you planning a travel to a city with your family? Autumn in London with kids is simply perfect. And for many reasons.

I made a selection of things to do, always following two criteria: suitable for children and toddlers and in central areas, for those coming to London on a visit. But I try to propose also something that is usually not included in the common tourist itineraries.

As I have been living in London for a while now, and with two young children, I always look for activities to do with them!

If this is the first time you come to London, I suggest you read this post, in which I give some tips about how to visit this city with kids.

Autumn in Notting Hill

WHAT TO DO IN LONDON WITH CHILDREN IN AUTUMN | ON A BUDGET

Autumn is generally a good time to travel. For tourism is a low season as for Christmas holidays coming next. The weather is still mild, there are fewer people around and it is easier to visit the attractions and find more offers. It’s a perfect time to visit a city.

London in autumn is coloured by gold, ocher, carmine and the streets and parks become a natural stage full of a thousand shades.

Autumn at Kew Gardens

WHAT TO DO IN LONDON WITH CHILDREN IN AUTUMN | THE PARKS

The parks in London do not need many presentations and it is worth seeing more than one if you have time.

In addition to the most popular parks as Hyde Park, Regents Park and Primrose Hill or Hempstead Head, I recommend some of my favorites that are:

• Holland Park in Kensington area, where you can admire a reproduction of Italian garden and Japanese garden
• Battersea Park, Battersea area south Thames, with a pond, a huge playground and a zoo is one of the parks we prefer to visit. Recommended to see also if interested to a true neighborhood life.
• Kew Gardens, Kew and Richmond area, we are lovers of this park. You can read and see some more photos in this post about Kew. If you come to visit Kew Gardens, you might be interested to read about Richmond and the Richmond Park with the free deers in this post.

WHAT TO DO IN LONDON WITH CHILDREN IN AUTUMN | EVENTS IN THE CITY

There are lots of things to do at this time, I am going to mention only a few, in my opinion the best to do with children in London. In case you are visiting the city with a toddler and want to know the vest attractions to do, then I suggest you to read Top 10 things to do in London for under 5s.

OPEN HOUSE: if you are in London towards the end of September, you shouldn’t miss the London Open House. For a weekend, it is possible to visit buildings generally closed to the public or by paying a ticket. We and the kids went to visit the Royal Albert Hall and the children loved it. Check on the RAH website because they often organize live music sessions for the children over the weekend.

HALLOWEEN … London is full of parties for All Hallows’ Evening. Stroll around Knightsbridge and Belgravia to spot some houses with Halloween decorations!

Related: Halloween in London with kids guide

Halloween house in Belgravia

As there is also half term and school are closed, there are also many activities to do with children around the city. Check here for the updated events for kids in London, and also the museum’s websites, because they organize special sessions and themed workshops for children and are often totally free.

APPLE DAY AND HARVEST FESTIVAL: Many historic houses host events related to the apple harvest. Check the National Trust website for details and locations.

ENCHANTED WOODLAND:  a light festival at the Syon Park in November, with a mile-long path that winds around the lake with decorated trees of various colors.

CHRISTMAS AT KEW
We went at Christmas at Kew Gardens last year and it was superb! What amazing thing you can create when fantasy, art, lights and a beautiful park come together? Reservation is recommended. Christmas at Kew winter event begins in November, when the magnificent light path is lit for the holiday season. Stroll in the gardens after sunset, follow the sparkling lights, warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine and let the kids take part in the Victorian fairground. One of the best winter events in London.

REGENT STREET MOTOR SHOW: in a Regent Street closed to traffic, the show of vehicles that tell 125 years of motoring. My son last year had a lot of fun strolling around the vintage classic cars! 3 November!

BONFIRE NIGHT (5 November)
The day of the conspiracy of dust against the parliament. And in London and the United Kingdom the failure of the Guy Fawkes mission is celebrated with fireworks: here is a list of fireworks in London.

WINTER WONDERLAND
We talk about a real Christmas village full of rides, kiosks with street food and skating rinks. There is also Santa’s Grotto for the little ones. Booking is recommended. The best time to go is at the end of November, when it has just been opened.

In case you are looking for other activities to do with toddlers in London, then I suggest to read Top 10 things to do in London during Christmas season with kids.

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As always, if you have any other suggestions, add them in the comments!

With love!

Francesca

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