Transfer from Heathrow/Gatwick to County Hall, drop luggage (early check-in if available) and get oriented — staying on South Bank makes walking to many attractions easy.
Stroll along the river to Borough Market (open ~10:00–5:00 on Sundays); great for sampling local food and letting the kids try different snacks while enjoying riverside views.
Grab a casual family-friendly lunch at Borough Market (pizza, grilled cheese, crepes, or seafood). Lots of options for picky eaters and takeaway seats by the river.
Right by County Hall, the aquarium is perfect for younger kids and typically open ~10:00–6:00; it's a calm, educational stop to see marine life close up.
Take the 30–40 minute capsule ride on the London Eye for panoramic views of the city; book a timed slot in advance (often runs 10:00–20:00/21:00 depending on season).
Family-friendly dinner close to your hotel: Gillray's Steakhouse (classic British) or Skylon in the Royal Festival Hall (modern British with kids' options). Reservations recommended; typical dinner service begins ~5:30pm–6:00pm.
Start with a filling breakfast at your hotel (fastest) or head to Giraffe on South Bank for a family-friendly menu; aim to leave by 9:00am to maximize the day.
Walk through St. James's Park to Buckingham Palace. If the Guard change is scheduled that day, it's a colorful, short ceremony kids usually enjoy (check official schedule; times vary).
Covent Garden has many family-friendly restaurants; PizzaExpress or Ask Italian are reliable, quick options before exploring the market street performers.
See street performers in Covent Garden and consider the London Transport Museum (open ~10:00–6:00) for an interactive look at London's transport history that's great for kids.
If the family still has energy, take a short tube to the British Museum (usually 10:00–17:00) to view the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian exhibits; many galleries are free.
Book a family-friendly West End musical or children’s performance — shows typically start 7:30pm and last 2–2.5 hours; prebook tickets well in advance.
Board your prebooked Stonehenge tour (many leave from Victoria or central pick-up points). Tours often include a guided audio or in-person guide and may add stops (e.g., Salisbury or Bath).
Explore the World Heritage Site and visitor centre with an audio guide; kids often marvel at the stones and the short circular walk around them (Stonehenge open times typically from ~9:30–19:00 in summer; visitor centre opens earlier).
Some tours include Salisbury Cathedral (famous spire) or Baum; both are scenic and interesting for kids with short walks — check your specific tour's stops.
Walk across Tower Bridge and visit the high-level walkways and engine rooms (open ~9:30–17:00); kids enjoy the glass floor panels and views of the Thames.
Take a Thames river boat (tower piers to Greenwich ~30–40 minutes) — scenic, relaxing and a fun transport experience for kids; boats usually run until early evening.
Visit the Cutty Sark (historic tea clipper) and the Royal Observatory where the kids can stand on the Prime Meridian line (Observatory open ~10:00–17:00).
Choose lively and varied Greenwich Market stalls or head back to South Bank for a riverside dinner; both offer family options and earlier closing on weekdays.
Attend the Minecraft Experience — interactive exhibits and build zones are aimed at kids and usually run in timed sessions; typical operation is around 10:00–18:00 but confirm the exact venue and slot and prebook tickets.
Allow 1–1.5 hours travel to Heathrow (or 40–60 minutes to Gatwick) plus 3 hours for international check-in and security; prebook an airport transfer or take the Heathrow Express/TfL where appropriate.