Looking for fun things to do with the kids in London? There are few places as bustling and loaded with fun family activities as London’s Waterloo Southbank, where you will find a great mix of Southbank kids activities, from riverside attractions to a ride on the iconic London Eye for unbeatable views across the city. 

Here we round up the best attractions and activities suitable for kids of all ages, as well as a few the parents would surely love to get involved in as well. 

Catch a film for free at the BFI Imax

The BFI Southbank is a four-screen cinema venue operated by the British Film Institute (BFI), and features a huge selection of classic and contemporary films. But did you know the BFI Southbank has a host of attractions for the whole family? Check their website for a schedule of their Film Fundays, where you can attend free screenings of kid-friendly content, or maybe find out if your prodigy is the next Spielberg at one of BFI Southbank’s filmmaking workshops. There are programmes for teens as well, featuring screenings, workshops, and competitions.

For some family fun, we highly recommend BFI Southbank’s Mediatheque where you can call up lots of ‘weird and wonderful’ titles that have been digitised from BFI’s archive. This includes anything from full-length feature films to old cinema adverts, children’s TV programmes and documentaries, all for free, although pre-booking a spot is advisable. BFI Members enjoy 10% off food and drink at BFI Riverfront upon presentation of a valid membership card. 

Race down the Thames on a speedboat

For an activity that really gets the adrenaline going, head down to the London Eye pier for a speedboat ride down the Thames. It’s a truly exhilarating experience as you rocket down the river at 30 knots, taking in all the famous landmarks and zooming under iconic bridges. An experienced comedian provides all the facts and banter all the way to Canary Wharf and back. This high-speed cruise is suitable for all ages, even toddlers. And don’t worry about the weather. Wet weather kits are provided when it gets particularly rainy, although we predict you’ll get wet despite having them. Prices depend on the package you go for, with children’s tickets starting from £49.95. 

Look for precious gems on St Katherine Docks treasure trail

According to legend, a schooner went missing on its way back from Africa to London. Loaded with gold and precious stones, the schooner’s valuable cargo also disappeared. However, armed with a map and some clues you and your family could finally put this mystery to rest.

The treasure trail on St Katherine Docks and The Tower takes you on a 1.5-mile loop that can take around one and a half hours to complete, depending on your pace. It’s perfect for discovering this famous area while having some fun for the whole family at the same time. If you solve the mystery you’ll be entered into a £100 monthly draw. And if you get stuck, a text message service is on hand to give you clues. The trail starts at Tower Hill, is suitable for ages 6 and up, and costs £9.99 unless you’re getting the map posted to your address, making it a great option if you’re looking for things to do with kids near Waterloo.

Have a VR experience at Namco Funscape

Mario Kart in virtual reality anyone? Head down to Namco Funscape for all sorts of fun activities ranging from the coolest VR arcade games to dodgem cars, an escape room, bowling and many more amazing attractions. You can even square off against your family members for the chance to win tickets that can be exchanged for prizes. There are lots of food and drink options as well with hot and cold food available at the cafes, and licensed bars with a great selection of soft and alcoholic drinks for the grownups. The VR experience requires you to book in advance, which you can do so at their website.

Immerse yourself in an underwater adventure
at SEA LIFE

There’s so much to see at SEA LIFE that you might need a full day to fit everything in. From sharks and sea turtles to penguins and alligators, there’s no shortage of creatures to observe up close and personal in their natural habitat. Many of the animals are on the endangered list as well, making a visit to SEA LIFE a great opportunity to learn more about wildlife conservation. It’s best to book online for the best prices, with family tickets on sale for £28 per person. Head to the SEA LIFE website to discover the full range of kids activities, including the Shark Experience. 

Experience a Fairytale Adventure at Shrek’s Adventure 

If you’re looking for fun and memorable things to do with kids near Waterloo, Shrek’s Adventure is a great pick. Located just by the South Bank, this interactive walkthrough experience brings the world of Shrek to life through live shows, special effects and plenty of laughs along the way. Kids can explore different themed rooms, meet well known characters like Shrek and Donkey and get fully involved in the story as it unfolds. Prices start from £21 per adult when booking online, which is usually the cheapest option. 

Step into Thrills at The London Dungeon 

If you’re putting together a list of Southbank kids activities with something a little different, The London Dungeon is one to consider. Just a short walk from London Waterloo station, this immersive experience brings London’s darker history to life through live actors, special effects and interactive sets. It’s a fun choice for older children who enjoy a bit of a thrill, with plenty of dramatic moments to keep everyone entertained from start to finish.  

Getting to Waterloo Southbank 

Getting to Waterloo Southbank couldn't be easier. London Waterloo is our busiest station, with regular trains from across our network arriving there all day. Southbank is just a five minute walk from exit five.  

Travelling from outside London? Our services from Bournemouth, Southampton and Portsmouth take you straight into London Waterloo, with journey times less than 2 hours. 

Plan your family day out in Waterloo with SWR 

Planning a family day out in Waterloo? Read our guide on travelling with kids to prepare for your trip. Discover cheap train tickets by going off-peak, or purchase a Railcard to save even more. You may benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard if you’re travelling in a group. If you travel regularly, a Season Ticket could help cut the cost of repeat journeys. 

You can also check SWR Rewards for offers on days out, food, drink and attractions before you travel. 

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