• Cruising London’s Waterways: In addition to the grand River Thames, London has a working canal system that once kept goods flowing to and from the city’s docks. The best value trip is aboard the Thames Clipper from Westminster to Greenwich, passing under Tower Bridge.

  • Losing Your Way in the World’s Most Famous Hedge Maze: The green labyrinth at Hampton Court twists and turns for almost half a mile. When you manage to extricate yourselves, stroll through centuries of architectural styles at this stunning palace, home of many an English monarch. Don’t forget to pick up a kids’ activity trail.

  • Going Botanic in Royal Kew: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, house more than 50,000 plants from across the planet, including Arctic and tropical varieties. Youngsters will love the 200m (656-ft.) high Treetop Walkway, up in the Garden’s deciduous canopy. 

  • Asking How, Where, and Why: Inside South Kensington’s Science Museum, the Atmosphere and Launchpad galleries use interactive exhibits to keep inquisitive minds occupied. Or pilot a simulated ship at the kid-centric National Maritime Museum, or learn how to drive a Tube train at the London Transport Museum.

  • Learn the Panto Lingo: From November to early January, join one of Britain’s most delightful holiday experiences: pantomimes, which are slapstick musical romps through famous stories, usually starring D-list celebrities. Hiss villains, shout instructions for heroes, and giggle at good-natured drag. Try the Theatre Royal Stratford (www.stratfordeast.com), the New Wimbledon (www.atgtickets.com), the Hackney Empire, or The Richmond Theatre (www.richmondtheatre.net). 

  • Seeing Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens: You’ll feel like a character from a Victorian novel as you see Sir George Frampton’s beloved 1902 statue of the boy who played the panpipe. There’s no better way to admire and enjoy the “green lung”—the largest and most popular open space in a city that holds the record for the most green space for a city of its size.

  • Visiting Harry Potter: Warner Bros.’ deep dive into how it designed and made its seven blockbuster films, The Making of Harry Potter, is one of the country’s most popular family attractions, surpassing expectations. Potterheads could happily spend a whole day here.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.