Free Things To Do In London With Kids
This post is part of our archived content. While we’ve shifted focus, it still may be useful.
Are you running out of ideas for things to do with the children around London?
Or are you visiting and want to keep costs down?
We’ve put together a list of over 25 free things to do in London with kids that make for a great family day out – take your pick!
Museums and Galleries
Visiting these classic locations never gets old, especially when most of them offer free entry with free and regularly updated activities for children and families.
The Science Museum
A firm favourite, the Science Museum offers so many interactive elements for children to get their hands on.
There’s the Interactive Garden for under-5s and the Who Am I? gallery where they can explore all about the human body, with a brand new opening all about medicine there’s so much for little inquisitive minds.
Tate Britain
Most of London’s galleries have free admission and are perfect if you are looking to fill half of your day rather than make a whole day out of it.
There is some in-depth information on their website for visiting with families plus free activities to pick up daily from the Hello families cube.
National Maritime Museum
Follow family friendly trails that take you through the galleries, explore pirates and polar exploration or play with giant ships and interactive games.
Victoria & Albert Museum
Try the free activities and events on every day for families at the V&A museum.
On weekends choose from pop up performances and fun making activities.
There are also many interactive areas for children around the museum with the programme changing regularly and designed for all ages.
Tate Modern
Take part in regular daily and weekend workshops available for families as well as special events going on throughout the school holidays.
You can pick up free activities from the Clore Hub every day.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens
Check out the ‘what’s on’ guides available on their website to keep you up to speed with the changing timetables.
Regular features include animal walks, the butterfly house, a music gallery, a nature trail and more.
The British Museum
There is extensive information about current events on their website but the British Museum holds many activities for visiting families.
With millions of objects to discover it can be hard to know where to start – but that means plenty to keep you all entertained for the whole day.
Natural History Museum
Almost all children like dinosaurs and this museum is sure not to disappoint in that department.
Dinosaurs aside it is one of the best spots to visit in London and if your children aren’t dinosaur fans, we would hazard a guess that they love animals, so it’s sure to have something for everyone.
National Gallery
As well as offering amazing paintings to gaze over, the National Gallery also has lots of free events for families including storytelling, nursery groups and messy play for the small budding artist.
If you are visiting with children there are plenty of family friendly facilities to make your day easier.
The Grant Museum of Zoology
One of the oldest natural history collections in the UK, and the last remaining university natural history museum in London.
The museum has 68,000 zoological specimens and is perfect for animal lovers to delve a little deeper into the history of the animal kingdom.
The Museum of London Docklands
Once upon a time (200 years ago, in fact), the building that now houses the Museum of London Docklands was used to store coffee, rum, and sugar.
This was the hub of much trading, and many routes into London, and it’s not surprising that there are a lot of stories to tell.
At the Museum of London Docklands – which is entirely free – those stories are given life.
There are lots of artefacts that were rescued from the Thames on show, as well as old photographs, documents, and footage.
It’s hard to miss the massive replica of London Bridge, and you can also walk through Victorian-era Docklands, complete with smells!
Specifically for under 8s, the Mudlarks Gallery includes soft play and water play; aprons are even provided.
We’ve all heard of Barnardo’s, the charity that helps underprivileged children, but do we know about its beginnings?
At the Ragged School Museum – the term used to describe Dr Barnardo’s first school – you can discover what life in the classroom was like 150 years ago.
There are plenty of exhibits to enjoy and discuss (they are definitely a talking point), and on the first Sunday of the month, there is a chance to dress up and take part in a real Victorian school lesson.
The Ragged School Museum isn’t open every day, so check online before travelling if you do want to experience what life was like for the children all those years ago.
National Portrait Gallery
There is plenty to enjoy in the galleries together with your family with free materials and resources such as the ‘cart of art’ materials.
They also offer arts and crafts workshops during holidays and weekends.
The Great Outdoors
Sometimes you need to get everyone out of the house and take in some fresh air in a big green space. London has some great spaces to let off steam.
Golders Hill Park Zoo
If you thought that going to the zoo in London was a (prohibitively) expensive affair, think again.
Golders Hill Park Zoo – on part of Hampstead Heath – is huge fun, and, unlike its more famous counterpart, is completely free.
And it’s not like this is a little place with a handful of animals in it.
This is a Big Day Out, especially when you include the beautiful Golders Hill Park as a whole in your plans.
Critters at the zoo include ring-tailed lemurs, coatis, Patagonian maras, and Chiloe wigeons.
There are plenty of other exotic creatures as well as some more recognisable ones such as donkeys and bantams.
There is even a butterfly house.
The park itself has water gardens, table tennis, tennis courts, and a children’s play area.
Take a picnic and enjoy the freedom of a free day out.
Tumbling Bay Playground
If you ever wondered what the Olympic Park might be used for once the 2012 games were over, you now have your answer.
A child’s paradise of playgrounds, walkways, adventures, and magic lies in wait for you here, at Tumbling Bay Playground.
If you can bring a bike or scooter, great – it’s all traffic-free, and ideal for whizzing around in.
If not, no problem; there is still plenty more to do here.
There are sandpits, treehouses, rock pools, slides, and obstacle courses, and of course, there is a handy café selling cakes and the all essential cup of tea, as well as kid-friendly lunches.
Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens is home to the Diana Memorial Playground which is visited by over one million children every year.
Let your little ones play and explore in this little wonderland which is now 20 years old! The park is inspired by Peter Pan and really allows children to let their imaginations run wild.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park offers acres of space to run and play but also has its own playground.
The South carriage Drive Playground features climbing frames, swings and a slide and has recently been updated to feature more play equipment.
Crystal Palace Park
Visit this park to spot the famous dinosaurs or if you’ve got older children perhaps they would like to hone their skills in the skate park.
There is also one of the largest mazes in the country and their very own urban farm.
Hackney City Farm
Open all year round this farm offers the chance for families to get up close to animals as well as plant vegetables and learn vital skills to lead a healthy life.
They offer courses, workshops and lessons to educate children in the wonderful world of inner-city farming.
Kentish Town City Farm
This lively farm has lots going on for families, with pony and donkey rides, garden explorers and pottery fun there is always something to get stuck in to, not to mention seeing all the animals.
Coram’s Fields
Coram’s Fields is a charity lead, seven acre playground for young people and children.
Situated in Bloomsbury, they have an after school and a sports program for children up to the age of 16.
There is also a youth centre for 13 – 19 years olds and an early years programme with a nursery and under 5’s drop in.
Historic London
If you are raising little historians, our capital is full of tradition and history.
Here we have some classic places to discover for free.
Horse Guards Parade
The horse guards parade is the ceremonial parade ground in St James’ Park and at 11:00 am every day you can see The Life Guard change.
There are also a few big events that take place there in the summer including Trooping the Colour for the Queen’s birthday in June.
Although entrance to visit the state apartments in the Palace is not free, you can see the changing of the guard every morning in the summer at 11:30 am, and every other day in the winter.
Entry to see Tower Bridge comes at a cost but you can look up the times that the bridge is due to lift online and make the legendary spectacle part of your day out in Central London.
London Mithraeum
The Mithraeum is a showcase of the ancient temple and has a selection of Roman artefacts to show children who are studying the Romans at school.
Add in the multi-sensory experience of the Temple reconstruction and you have an exciting day out for any age.
Street Markets
Walking through London’s markets can be such a wonderful way to show children the different cultures and ethnicities that make our city so special.
There are two markets that run in Covent Garden, the Apple Market, the Jubilee Market and East Colonnade Market.
They run many different varieties of stalls including antiques and collectables, arts and crafts, produce and handmade items.
Not one of London’s best-kept secrets (far from it!), yet Covent Garden is always a surprise, no matter how many times you have been through it, or around it before.
And that’s the thing; for many people, Covent Garden isn’t a destination, but a means to an end, and that’s a shame.
Take the family there to specifically walk around it, enjoying the architecture and the street performers.
Taking the time to listen or watch each one will be fascinating, and you might even learn something.
If you do want to spend a little bit of cash, the London Transport Museum calls Covent Garden home and is great fun – kids are free with paying adults and each ticket lasts for a whole year, so it’s great value.
Camden high street is lined with markets and stalls, shops and restaurants and are open every day from 10 am until late and makes for a perfect stop off during a day out in London.
The Performing Arts
If you’ve got a few performers in your midst why not check out some of these wonderful establishments which will be sure to encourage their passions.
If you have some budding musicians in your family, a trip to the Royal Festival Hall on Southbank might be the perfect visit for them.
The Southbank Centre has a lot to offer for families with activities spanning from Soundpits to Kids Comedy Clubs.
The Film institute offers free films for families through their Mediatheque but booking is advised as it gets booked up.
The Mediatheque allows you to sit in front of your own viewing screen and pull up many weird and wonderful films and shows from the archives which is fun for all ages!
With all these places to visit for free, you can plan your weekends and school holidays for the next year!
Some places are good to visit whilst on a day out in the city whereas others will give you enough to see for the whole day.
Check out some of the latest new free things to do in London with kids. If we’ve missed anything great, please get in touch.
What are your favourite free things to do in London with kids?
In a city as vibrant and vast as London, planning a family trip can be overwhelming.
But with our carefully curated itinerary, written by local mums who know the city inside and out, your visit will be stress-free, enjoyable, and packed with the best experiences London has to offer.
From hidden gems to family-friendly attractions, you’ll discover how to maximize your time, stretch your budget, and ensure your children are entertained throughout the trip.
Don’t leave your adventure to chance – purchase our London with kids itinerary today and make lasting memories with your family!