My experience and tips for visiting The London Eye with a toddler
Taking a ride on The London Eye was on the top of my "To Do" list when we planned our trip to London with my toddler. It has become an iconic symbol of the city while providing spectacular views of London's main sites.
The London Eye
After scheduling the ride on The London Eye, I wondered how my son would react to being in a capsule for the 30 minute round trip with no immediate way out. Based on his personality, I thought he would like it but you never know until you're in the moment.
The London Eye Line - Regular vs. Fast Track
We booked Fast Track Tickets which meant that we only needed to arrive at the Priority Desk 15 minutes prior to our scheduled time. We entered the Fast Track line where we bypassed majority of the line. This worked out great as we boarded the capsule quickly. I highly recommend this option when traveling with smaller children.
Boarding the CapsuleBoarding the capsule was easy. My son immediately ran to the end and looked out the floor-to-ceiling windows. As we moved around the Eye, the ride was smooth. I barely knew we were moving.
View from CapsuleMy son pointed out buses, boats, birds, and "clock", which of course, was Big Ben. The time went too fast.
The Capsule
The capsule was larger than I thought, there was enough room for him to run from side to side checking out all the different views. My son could have stayed in the capsule all day. He loved every second.
Viewpoint of a Toddler on The London Eye
My tips for visiting the London Eye with a Toddler
- Schedule your visit on one of your first days visiting London. It's a great way for your children to have an overview of the city.
- Point out the London Eye to your child prior to boarding. They can familiarize themselves with the structure from a distance.
- Book ahead and pay the additional money for the Fast Track tickets. It's worth the extra money in order to not wait in line with a toddler.
- If your son or daughter gets upset during the ride, try using the interactive maps onboard as a distraction. Since you're going in a circle, you'll have a good idea of how much time is left.
- If the thought of picking a day and time is too difficult and unpredictable with your toddler, purchase Fully Flexi Tickets. These tickets let you visit the London Eye anytime during the week of your visit. However, this ticket is not available during July and August.