Evenings in London with Kids
Our pick of the top ways to spend your evenings in London with kids. From toe-tapping musicals to nights at the museum and rainforest-themed restaurants, there’s no shortage of ways to have a truly unforgettable evening!
see a play or musical
Catch a play or a musical in London’s theatre district, famous for its theatre productions and award winning children’s musicals. With so much to see, here’s our pick of the best evening plays & musicals to see in London with kids…
The Lion King
Disney’s award-winning musical, discover the story of Simba and his epic journey to become King of the Pridelands. With amazing songs, incredible costumes, and all-around fun, this show is not to be missed!
The Lion King takes place at the Lyceum Theatre with matinee and evening performances that are absolutely adored by kids!
- Recommended for kids aged 6+
- Running time: 2hr 30m
- Performance times: Normally Tuesday to Sunday at 19:30 (with some additional 14:30 performances)
- Tickets: The Lion King >>>
Wicked
A story about the witches from the Wizard of Oz, this smash-hit musical has been playing in London for over 15 years. See Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West, and follow their epic story.
Wicked takes place at the Apollo Victoria Theatre
- Recommended for kids aged 7+
- Running time: 2hr 45m
- Performance times: Monday to Saturday at 19:30 (with some additional 14:30 performances)
- Tickets: Wicked >>>
Mamma Mia!
Hear “Mamma Mia Here We Go Again” and other hit songs from this feel-good musical! Set on a small Greek island, this tale of love, friendship and discovery is a great way to spend an evening in London with kids.
Mamma Mia is on show at the Novello Theatre.
- Recommended for kids aged 5+
- Running time: 2hr 35m
- Performance times: Monday to Saturday at 19:45 (with some additional 15:00 performances)
- Tickets: Mamma Mia >>>
ride the london eye at night
The London Eye closes at 8:30pm which you gives plenty of time to soak up the amazing nighttime views of London. Let the kids see the glistening skyline and view iconic buildings like the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and more!
Make sure to purchase a fast-track entrance ticket, to avoid waiting in line!
- Suitable for all ages
- Opening times: Every day from 10:00 to 20:30
- Visit length: 30 minutes
- Tickets: London Eye >>>
eat in a themed restaurant
For a truly unforgettable dining experience, spend an evening at one of these awesome themed-restaurants!
rainforest cafe
This incredible restaurant recreates the sights and sounds of the jungle! You’ll eat within a fictitious jungle, with some elephants, crocodiles, gorillas and orangutans to accompany you during your meal 🙂 A fun place to take the kids, there’s even a children’s adventure menu that includes a Rainforest Cafe Activity Pack!!
The Rainforest Cafe is located in Picaddily Circus and a short walk to the theatre district. This makes the perfect place to eat with kids before heading to see a play or musical.
Website: therainforestcafe.co.uk
inamo restaurant
This pan-Asian restaurant is a great place to eat with kids. Experience futuristic technology with interactive tables, a live camera feed to watch the chef and retro-games! Taste Japanese, Chinese, Thai & Korean cuisine, along with fresh sushi. There are three Inamo restaurants in the capital, with locations in Soho, Covent Garden & Camden.
Website: inamo-restaurant.com
buppa gump shrimp co.
This restaurant is a tribute to the American cult film “Forrest Gump”, with the walls plastered with photos from the movie. Buppa Gump serves up classic dishes for the American deep south, like shrimp, burgers and fried chicken. There’s a special under 10’s themed kids menu that includes “Hubba Bubba Popcorn Shrimp”, “Mama Gump’s Chicken Strips” and “Run Forest Run Smoothies” 🙂
Located a few minutes walk from Leicester Square, this is a great place to eat with kids before heading to the theatre in Covent Garden.
Website: bubbagumpshrimp.co.uk
visit a museum
Visiting a museum is a great way to spend an evening with kids in London. Some of London’s top museums and galleries stay open until late on Friday’s, and offer free entrance! Our museums with kids guide takes you through all the best museums in the capital.
- British Museum: Open every Friday until 8:30pm
- The National Gallery: Open every Friday until 9pm
- The National Portrait Gallery: Open every Friday until 9pm
- Tate Modern: Open every Friday and Saturday until 10pm
- Somerset Hosue: Open every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until 8pm
