When you’re looking for a family day out in London, shopping doesn’t have to mean crowded malls and bored kids. London’s mix of historic markets, open-air plazas, and kid-focused retail spaces turns a simple errand into an adventure. Forget the usual suspects - there are places here where children can touch, taste, and play while you find exactly what you need.
Camden Market isn’t just for punk fans and Instagrammers. On weekends, it becomes one of London’s most lively family zones. The market’s maze of stalls stretches from Camden Lock to the canal, with over 100 food vendors offering everything from vegan donuts to giant pretzels. Kids love the handmade toy stalls near the Lock, where you’ll find wooden trains, puppet theatres, and glow-in-the-dark slime kits. The Camden Market Family Fun Days, held every third Sunday, include face painting, live storytelling, and free craft workshops. Grab a hot chocolate from Camden Tea Company and let the kids run off energy on the open grass near the canal. It’s free to enter, and you can spend hours without spending a penny - unless you want to.
Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush isn’t just a mall - it’s a destination. The Play Zone on Level 2 is a free, enclosed space with climbing structures, ball pits, and interactive light panels for kids under 12. While they burn off energy, you can browse Zara Kids, H&M Family, or pick up a new pair of walking shoes from Decathlon. The food court has a dedicated kids’ menu at every stall, and the Amazon Books corner has a reading nook with comfy chairs and free storytime sessions every Saturday at 11am. Don’t miss the giant rotating carousel near the main entrance - it’s a hit with toddlers and grandparents alike. Parking is expensive, but the Westfield shuttle bus from Shepherd’s Bush Underground Station is free and runs every 10 minutes.
Every Sunday, Portobello Road transforms into Notting Hill Market, a sensory overload in the best way. The market’s family-friendly stretch runs from Ladbroke Grove to Westbourne Grove. Here, you’ll find Choccywoccydoodah - the famous chocolate shop with life-sized chocolate bunnies and edible glitter lollipops. Kids can pick their own sweets from the jars at Mr. Fogg’s Sweet Emporium, or try a sugar-dusted churro from the Spanish stall. The market also hosts a weekly Children’s Puppet Parade at 2pm, where local performers lead a procession of giant animal puppets. It’s a quiet, charming contrast to the buzz of Camden, and perfect for families who want something less chaotic. Bring cash - many vendors don’t take cards.
While most people come to the Southbank for the London Eye or the riverside walks, few know about the Southbank Centre Shop and its adjacent family zone. This isn’t just a gift shop - it’s a curated space of British-made toys, science kits, and illustrated books from local publishers like Walker Books and Kingfisher. The adjacent Family Activity Area offers free monthly craft sessions: think making paper lanterns from recycled materials or designing your own board game. On the third Saturday of each month, they host Storytime on the River, where storytellers read from classic UK children’s books under a canopy overlooking the Thames. You can grab a fish and chips from The Golden Hind and eat it on the steps while watching the boats pass by.
The V&A Museum’s shop is one of the best in the world - and it’s designed for families. The Design for Children section features STEM toys from British makers: wooden robots from Little Tikes, magnetic building sets from Magformers, and craft kits based on real museum artefacts. The shop runs free Family Design Workshops every Saturday at 11am - kids build mini sculptures using recycled materials inspired by the museum’s collections. Entry to the museum is free, and the shop is open to the public even if you don’t go inside. Parents love the London Transport Museum books and the British Museum puzzle sets - both sold here. It’s educational without feeling like school.
Most tourists miss this one, but locals know Stratford Market is the place for authentic, affordable family shopping. Open every day, it’s a sprawling indoor-outdoor space with stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery to fresh samosas. The Stratford Farmers’ Market on Saturdays has a Kids’ Taste Test station where children sample local honey, apple juice, and cheese - and get a sticker for trying three. There’s a free climbing frame next to the food court, and the Stratford Library is just a five-minute walk away with free children’s books and a quiet reading corner. It’s less touristy, more local, and perfect if you want to see how real East London families spend their Sunday.
Weekends are packed, especially in Camden and Notting Hill. If you want space to breathe, go on a weekday. Most family-friendly events run on Saturdays, but weekdays offer quieter browsing. Westfield is least crowded on Tuesday mornings - you can walk through the Play Zone without waiting. Markets like Stratford and Southbank are busiest between 11am and 3pm. Arrive at 9am for the best picks and the calmest atmosphere.
London’s family shopping spots aren’t just about buying things. They’re about experiences - tasting local flavours, meeting street performers, discovering handmade crafts, and letting kids lead the way. Unlike generic malls, these places reflect the city’s diversity, creativity, and history. You’re not just shopping. You’re walking through London’s culture, one stall at a time.
Yes, all the markets and public spaces listed - Camden, Notting Hill, Stratford, Southbank, and the V&A Shop - are free to walk into. You only pay if you buy something. Westfield has free entry too, though parking costs extra. Most family activities, like storytime and craft workshops, are also free.
Spring and autumn are ideal - mild weather, fewer tourists, and outdoor spaces are at their best. Summer brings long days and special events like the Camden Family Fun Days. Winter can be chilly, but Christmas markets at Southbank and Covent Garden turn shopping into a festive experience. Avoid August - many locals are away, and some stalls close.
Most are pushchair-friendly, but some narrow alleys in Camden and Notting Hill can be tricky. Westfield and Stratford Market have wide aisles and lifts. The V&A and Southbank Centre have dedicated pushchair parking. Always check ahead - some historic market sections have cobblestones or stairs.
Yes. All major centres - Westfield, Southbank, V&A, and Stratford - have dedicated baby changing rooms in their restrooms. Camden and Notting Hill have fewer facilities, but most food stalls have quiet corners where you can feed or change your baby. Many also offer free hot water for warming bottles.
All these places have quiet zones. Westfield has a sensory-friendly room near the Play Zone. Southbank Centre offers shaded benches along the river. The V&A has a quiet reading nook with soft lighting. In Camden, head to the canal side - it’s peaceful and has picnic tables. Don’t push it. Sometimes the best part of the day is sitting under a tree with a warm drink and watching the world go by.
Try picking one destination each month. Rotate between markets and centres. Keep a small notebook - write down what your child loved, what they hated, and what you want to try next time. Over time, you’ll build a personal list of London’s best family shopping spots. You might even discover your own hidden gem - and that’s the real magic of shopping in London with kids.
