Staying at Residence Inn London Downtown puts you in a really useful spot if you want to explore London, Ontario without feeling stuck in one area.
This hotel works especially well as a downtown home base because you’re close to food, events, entertainment, and some of the biggest family-friendly attractions in London. My family has stayed here several times over the years during summer road trips, Michigan stopovers, and different events in the city, so this area brings back a lot of memories for me.
After coming back to review the hotel for This Teen Travelz, I wanted to put together a separate teen-friendly guide to some of the best things to do near Residence Inn London Downtown — including walkable spots, short drives, family activities, and day trip ideas.
This guide is not meant to be every single thing you can do in London. It’s more about what actually makes sense from a teen and family travel perspective when you’re staying downtown.
For the full hotel breakdown — including the suite, Wi-Fi, breakfast, kitchen setup, and final verdict — check out my full Residence Inn London Downtown review on This Teen Travelz.
To make planning easier, I’ve added a custom Google Map below with the main places mentioned in this guide, including walkable attractions, short-drive activities, entertainment spots, and day trip ideas near Residence Inn London Downtown.
Google Map: Things to Do Near Residence Inn London Downtown
Walkable Things to Do Near Residence Inn London Downtown
One of the best parts about staying downtown is that you do not always need to drive somewhere to find something to do.
The Residence Inn London Downtown is close to restaurants, event venues, entertainment, parks, and indoor activities, which makes it a practical choice if you’re visiting London for a weekend, event, family trip, or Ontario road trip stop.
Tourism London Downtown Welcome Centre
A good first stop is the Tourism London Downtown Welcome Centre.
It’s only about a five-minute walk from the hotel, and it’s a helpful place to check out if you want ideas for events, attractions, restaurants, festivals, or things happening around London and Southwestern Ontario.
This is especially useful if you’re visiting during a weekend or festival season and want to see what’s going on while you’re in town.
Imagine Cinemas London
Imagine Cinemas London is located inside Citi Plaza and is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
My family has gone there several times before, and this is one of those simple nearby activities that works really well when you want something easy. It’s great if the weather is bad, you’re tired after a long day, or you just want a chill movie night without needing to drive across the city.
From a teen perspective, having a movie theatre this close is a nice backup option.
Tilt Arcade Bar
One of my favourite discoveries from this stay was Tilt Arcade Bar.
Tilt is a retro arcade in downtown London with arcade machines, pinball, console booths, and more. Once you pay to get in, the games are set to free play, which makes it feel way more relaxed than constantly feeding tokens or credits into machines.
This was easily one of the most teen-friendly things we found downtown.
I played Stranger Things pinball during our visit, and the whole place had a really fun throwback vibe. It’s different from the usual hotel-area activity, and it’s a great option if you like retro games, pinball, or just want something fun to do indoors.
One important thing to know: minors are allowed until 8 p.m. when accompanied by a parent or guardian. So for teens, this is more of an afternoon or early-evening stop.
Canada Life Place
Canada Life Place is one of the biggest reasons people stay in downtown London.
If you’re looking for hotels near Canada Life Place, Residence Inn London Downtown is a convenient option because you’re close enough to use the hotel as an event base.
Canada Life Place is home to London Knights hockey, but it also hosts concerts, sports, family shows, and other major events throughout the year.
I’ve been there for different events before, including monster trucks and Disney on Ice, so for my family, this area has always been connected to fun London memories.
For teens, this is the kind of venue where your trip can be built around whatever event is happening that weekend.
Labatt Park
Another London attraction worth knowing about is Labatt Park.
Labatt Park is one of those places that adds a cool sports-history angle to a London trip. It’s known as the world’s oldest operating baseball grounds, and even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, that alone makes it a pretty interesting stop.
If you’re visiting during baseball season, you may be able to catch a London Majors game, which could be a fun summer activity if your family wants something more local than a big arena event.
Labatt Park Tours
For something a little more behind-the-scenes, Labatt Park also offers guided tours during the warmer months.
This could be a cool bonus activity if you’re into baseball, sports history, old stadiums, or unique local experiences. It’s not the kind of attraction every city has, which makes it feel more special than just another generic tourist stop.
One thing to know is that tours need to be booked in advance, so this is not really a “show up and hope it works” type of activity. If you’re planning a London trip around baseball season, it’s worth checking the Labatt Park Tours schedule before you go.
Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre is another downtown London attraction to know about.
I have not personally visited the Grand Theatre yet, but it’s one of London’s major live theatre venues. If you’re into plays, musicals, concerts, or live performances, it could be worth checking what’s on during your stay.
This is more of a “check the schedule first” activity, but it adds another option for people staying downtown.
Museum London
Museum London is another nearby indoor attraction.
I haven’t visited Museum London yet, but it’s a good option to keep on your list if you’re into art, history, or quieter indoor activities.
This could be a nice change of pace if you’re staying downtown and want something different from arcades, sports, or shopping.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is one of the main outdoor spaces in downtown London.
It’s close enough to work into a downtown visit, and there are events held there throughout the year. During the summer, it can be especially worth checking out because London has different festivals and community events that take place in and around the park.
One of my favourite events at Victoria Park is London Ribfest, which happens over the Ontario Civic Holiday long weekend in August.
I’ve gone to Ribfest many times before, and it has daily concerts, carnival rides, games, and tons of rib vendors. If you’re staying at Residence Inn London Downtown during that weekend, this would be a really fun event to add to your trip.
Covent Garden Market
Covent Garden Market is mostly going to fit into my restaurant guide, but it deserves a mention here too because it’s more than just a food stop.
It’s a downtown London market with vendors, cafés, baked goods, treats, and food options, and it works really well with Residence Inn London Downtown because the hotel suites have kitchens.
You can grab food or snacks at the market, bring them back to your room, store leftovers, or eat in the suite instead of going out for every meal.
In the winter, Covent Garden Market also has an outdoor skating rink with free public skating, which makes it a fun seasonal activity as well.
Short Drive Things to Do Near Residence Inn London Downtown
Some of the best things to do near Residence Inn London Downtown are only a short drive away.
This is where London becomes more flexible. You can stay downtown, but still use the hotel as a base for bigger attractions, family activities, shopping, or day trips.
100 Kellogg Lane
One of the biggest attractions in London right now is 100 Kellogg Lane.
This former Kellogg’s cereal factory has been turned into a huge entertainment, food, and event complex, and it’s one of the most interesting places to visit near the hotel.
From Residence Inn London Downtown, it’s about a 30-minute walk or around a five-minute drive, depending on traffic.
Inside 100 Kellogg Lane, there are restaurants, activities, event spaces, and family-friendly attractions. Even just walking around the building is cool because there are cereal-themed details, art pieces, giant decorations, and fun photo spots throughout the complex.
During our visit, we saw things like Tony the Tiger, Kellogg-inspired design details, and a really cool elevator with cereal box wallpaper.
The Factory
The Factory is one of the biggest reasons to visit 100 Kellogg Lane.
It’s Canada’s biggest indoor family entertainment centre, and it has a massive mix of activities, including a ropes course, zip-lines, trampoline park, warrior course, arcade, indoor playground, and virtual reality experiences.
My dad and I checked it out during this trip, and it definitely felt like the kind of place that could work well for families with kids and teens.
From a teen perspective, the arcade, ropes course, and active attractions make this one of the strongest things to do near Residence Inn London Downtown if you want something bigger than a quick downtown stop.
It’s also a great bad-weather option because so much of it is indoors.
The Club House at 100 Kellogg Lane
Also inside the 100 Kellogg Lane complex is The Club House.
This spot has activities like mini golf, duckpin bowling, golf and multi-sport simulators, and a sports-lounge style setup.
It feels like the type of place that could work well if your family wants to hang out, watch a game, play something casual, or split up activities depending on what everyone feels like doing.
For teens, this is another reason 100 Kellogg Lane is worth knowing about.
London Children’s Museum
The London Children’s Museum is also located at 100 Kellogg Lane.
This one is definitely geared more toward younger kids, so it may not be the main attraction for teens. But if you’re travelling with younger siblings, it’s a helpful option to know about.
We actually tried visiting during our stay, but it was closed on Monday, so make sure to check the hours before going.
Storybook Gardens
Storybook Gardens is a London classic, especially for families with younger kids.
I still remember visiting when I was really young, and one of the things I remember most is riding the train. I also have old photos from past visits with my sister, including the castle, rides, and slides.
For teens, this probably is not the main attraction unless you’re going for nostalgia or with younger siblings. But for family travel, it still deserves a spot on the list.
Mustang Drive-In
Another movie option my family has enjoyed in London is the Mustang Drive-In.
This one is not downtown, so you would need a car, but it gives you a totally different movie experience compared to a regular theatre.
If you like old-school movie nights, summer evenings, or doing something that feels a little different, this could be a fun option during warmer months.
Delaware Speedway
If you’re visiting during racing season, Delaware Speedway is another cool place to check out.
It’s not right downtown, so you would need a car, but it can be a fun summer evening activity, especially if there are Friday night races happening.
This is one of those attractions that shows how London can work as more than just a downtown stay. You can use the hotel as a base, then head out for something completely different.
Western University
Western University is less than a 10-minute drive from Residence Inn London Downtown.
That makes the hotel a practical option if you’re visiting London for a campus tour, student event, sports event, or anything connected to Western.
For families with older teens who are starting to think about university visits, this location could make sense because you can stay downtown but still get to campus quickly.
Western Fair District
The Western Fair District is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel, depending on your route.
This is another major event area in London. The Western Fair is held there, but throughout the year there can also be different events, shows, and activities happening around the district.
For event weekends, this is another reason Residence Inn London Downtown can work well as a home base.
Bonus for Adults: Labatt Brewery Tours
This one is more of a bonus for adults, but it still belongs in a London guide because Labatt is such a big part of the city’s history.
Labatt Brewery Tours have started running again after being paused after COVID, and my dad actually did this tour years ago before COVID. He said it was a fantastic factory tour and one of the more memorable things he’s done in London.
Since this is a brewery tour, it’s definitely not a teen-focused attraction. But if parents are looking for something unique to do while visiting London, this could be worth checking out.
The tour needs to be pre-booked, runs for groups, and includes a guided look inside the brewery. There are also safety requirements for what you need to wear, so make sure to check the current details before booking.
For families staying at Residence Inn London Downtown, I’d look at this as an adult bonus activity — while the teen-friendly picks are more things like Tilt Arcade Bar, Canada Life Place, 100 Kellogg Lane, The Factory, and downtown events.
Shopping Near Residence Inn London Downtown
If shopping is part of your trip, there are two major malls in opposite directions from the hotel.
CF Masonville Place
CF Masonville Place is one of the bigger malls in London and is located north of downtown.
If you want a more traditional mall stop with lots of stores, this is probably one of the main shopping options to know about.
It’s under about a 15-minute drive from Residence Inn London Downtown, depending on traffic.
White Oaks Mall
White Oaks Mall is another solid shopping option, located south of downtown.
This could make more sense depending on which direction you’re travelling from or where else you’re going in London.
Like Masonville, it’s under about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic.
Day Trips from Residence Inn London Downtown
My family has also used Residence Inn London Downtown as a home base for day trips outside London.
This is one of the reasons the hotel worked so well for us over the years. It was not just a place to sleep downtown. It also worked as a stopover or launch point for other places in Southwestern Ontario.
St. Thomas
St. Thomas is an easy day trip from London.
You can drive down Talbot Street, explore Downtown St. Thomas, see the Jumbo the Elephant Memorial, or visit the St. Thomas Elevated Park, which is Canada’s only elevated park.
I have old photos from past visits to St. Thomas and the surrounding area, and it’s one of those places that works well as a slower, easy day trip from London.
Port Stanley
Port Stanley is another place my family has visited from London.
If the weather is nice, you can have a beach day at Port Stanley Beach or Little Beach. It’s a good option if you want to add a Lake Erie beach stop to your trip.
If the beach isn’t your thing, the Port Stanley Terminal Rail is also a fun old-school train experience.
I have photos from past visits, including riding the train and exploring the rail park area. This is one of those day trips that works especially well for families.
Why Residence Inn London Downtown Works for Things to Do Nearby
The reason Residence Inn London Downtown works so well is not because it has one huge attraction attached to it.
It works because the location gives you options.
You can keep things simple with a movie, arcade, market stop, park visit, or event downtown. You can drive a few minutes to 100 Kellogg Lane for bigger indoor attractions. You can visit Western University, go shopping, check out the Western Fair District, or even use London as a base for day trips to St. Thomas and Port Stanley.
From a teen perspective, that flexibility matters.
Sometimes you want something active. Sometimes you want something chill. Sometimes your family wants to explore, and sometimes you just want to grab food, head back to the suite, and relax.
That’s where this hotel makes sense.
Because the rooms are larger and have kitchens, Residence Inn London Downtown is not just a place to crash after sightseeing. It actually works as a comfortable place to come back to between activities.
Helpful Internal Links
For the full stay breakdown — including the room, Wi-Fi, gaming setup, free breakfast, fitness centre, kitchen setup, and final verdict — read my full Residence Inn London Downtown review.
Since food is such a big part of staying downtown, I’m also putting together a separate Best Restaurants Near Residence Inn London Downtown guide with walkable spots, casual options, 100 Kellogg Lane food stops, and places my family has actually tried.
You can also explore more of my Ontario hotel reviews and Residence Inn hotel reviews on This Teen Travelz.
Final Thoughts
Residence Inn London Downtown is a strong home base if you’re looking for things to do in London Ontario from a downtown location.
You’re close to movie theatres, Tilt Arcade Bar, Canada Life Place, Labatt Park, Covent Garden Market, Victoria Park, Museum London, and the Grand Theatre. You’re also a short drive from 100 Kellogg Lane, The Factory, Western University, shopping malls, and family-friendly attractions like Storybook Gardens.
For day trips, St. Thomas and Port Stanley are both easy options from London too.
From my perspective, the best thing about this area is the flexibility. You can plan a busy trip, keep things relaxed, or use the hotel as a stopover during a bigger Ontario road trip.
And because Residence Inn London Downtown has spacious suites with kitchens, it works really well for families who want more room between activities.
So if you’re staying here and wondering what to do nearby, you definitely have options.
— Mateo
This Teen Travelz
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do Near Residence Inn London Downtown
What are the best things to do near Residence Inn London Downtown?
Some of the best things to do near Residence Inn London Downtown include Tilt Arcade Bar, Canada Life Place, Labatt Park, Covent Garden Market, Victoria Park, Museum London, the Grand Theatre, and 100 Kellogg Lane.
Is Residence Inn London Downtown close to Canada Life Place?
Yes. Residence Inn London Downtown is a convenient downtown hotel option if you’re visiting London for a London Knights game, concert, family show, or event at Canada Life Place.
Are there teen-friendly things to do in downtown London Ontario?
Yes. Teen-friendly things to do in downtown London Ontario include Tilt Arcade Bar, Imagine Cinemas London, Canada Life Place events, Victoria Park festivals, Labatt Park, and nearby food stops like Covent Garden Market.
Is 100 Kellogg Lane close to Residence Inn London Downtown?
Yes. 100 Kellogg Lane is about a short drive from Residence Inn London Downtown, depending on traffic. It’s one of the biggest entertainment areas near the hotel, with The Factory, restaurants, activities, and family-friendly attractions.
What can families do near Residence Inn London Downtown?
Families can visit 100 Kellogg Lane, The Factory, London Children’s Museum, Storybook Gardens, Victoria Park, Covent Garden Market, Canada Life Place, and nearby day trip spots like St. Thomas and Port Stanley.
Is Residence Inn London Downtown a good hotel for visiting Western University?
Yes. Western University is less than a 10-minute drive from Residence Inn London Downtown, making the hotel a practical option for campus tours, student visits, sports events, or family trips connected to Western.
Do you need a car when staying at Residence Inn London Downtown?
Not always. Several downtown attractions, restaurants, event venues, and entertainment options are walkable. But having a car gives you more flexibility for places like 100 Kellogg Lane, Storybook Gardens, Western University, shopping malls, St. Thomas, and Port Stanley.
Are Labatt Park tours worth considering in London Ontario?
Yes, especially if you like baseball, sports history, or unique local attractions. Labatt Park tours are a good bonus activity to consider during the warmer months, but they should be booked in advance.
Are Labatt Brewery Tours teen-friendly?
Not really. Labatt Brewery Tours are better treated as a bonus for adults because they are focused on the brewery. For teens, better nearby options include Tilt Arcade Bar, Canada Life Place, 100 Kellogg Lane, The Factory, and downtown events.