London is a fantastic city with so much to see and do. Sometimes, it can be hard to know what to do with the family, especially on a budget.
We’ve listed 45 free things to do with kids in London so you can plan fun, exciting days out for all the family.
Free London attractions for families
1. Barbican Conservatory
Area: Barbican, EC2
Ages: All ages welcome
The second biggest conservatory in London is free to visit on Friday evenings and Sundays.
Set within the Barbican Centre, the Conservatory is a hidden tropical oasis with walkways and water features. Kids can have a real adventure.
Book a free ticket one month in advance here.
2. Outernet Immersive Screens
Area: Tottenham Court Road, WC2
Ages: 3 years+
A new London attraction, Outernet is a digital experience with huge wrap-around LED screens with interactive capabilities.
The immersive experience is open 10 am to late every day with showings such as The Butterfly Trail. Be sure to check out what special events are on too.
Book a free ticket one month in advance here.
3. Southbank Centre
Area: Waterloo, SE1
Ages: All ages welcome
One of London’s cultural centres right on the river Thames, the Southbank Centre always has a full programme of events for families. From family concerts and dance to poetry and literature, there’s always something to engage in with the kids.
Book a free ticket one month in advance here.
4. Pawprint Trail around Paddington
Area: Paddington, W2
Ages: 6 years+
The Pawprint Trail starts at Paddington station and has three different trails to take the kids on. Each features one of the Paddington Bear statues and is a fun way to explore the area around the station with the family. Each statue also makes for a fun photo opportunity!
Learn about the different trails here.
5. Golders Hill Park Zoo
Area: Hampstead, NW3
Ages: All ages welcome
Golders Hill Park Zoo is free to visit and is home to animals, including lemurs, wildcats and an eagle owl. It is also right next to the play area at Golders Hill Park, where the kids can run off some energy.
See what’s on at Golders Hill Park and plan your day by visiting their website.
Free city farms to visit in London with the family
6. Spitalfields City Farm
Area: Spitalfields, E1
Ages: All ages welcome
There’s lots to see at this Rare Breeds farm in Spitalfields with lots of animals and activities. They also host events and activities for children and families during the school holidays. There’s also a play area and picnic space.
Visit the Spitalfields City Farm website to see what’s on and plan your visit.
7. Hackney City Farm
Area: Hackney, E2
Ages: All ages welcome
This city farm makes for a great day out with gardens and farm animals to see. It’s surrounded by Haggerston Park, where there is a bike park and space for the kids to run around.
Find out more about the farm here.
8. Mudchute
Area: Isle of Dogs, E14
Ages: All ages welcome
One of the largest city farms, Mudchute is 30 acres with over 100 animals to see. There are daily feeding times to get the best interactions with the animals, as well as events during school holidays.
Find out more about what’s on by visiting the Mudchute website.
9. Vauxhall City Farm
Area: Vauxhall, SE11
Ages: All ages welcome
One of London’s oldest city farms, Vauxhall City Farm has lots of farm animals to see, as well as a garden space and free events during the school holidays.
See what’s on and plan your visit by visiting the Vauxhall City Farm website.
Splash parks to visit in London with the family
10. Appearing Rooms on the South Bank
Area: Waterloo, SE1
Ages: All ages welcome
Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms have different sections of the fountain switched on at unpredictable intervals, creating watery ‘rooms’ to explore. It’s open Wednesday – Sunday throughout the summer season.
Find out more by visiting the Southbank website.
11. Granary Square
Area: King’s Cross, N1
Ages: All ages welcome
Granary Square at King’s Cross has over 1,000 choreographed fountains, each with LED lights. They are on throughout the day and are a great place to cool off in the summer.
Read more about the Granary Square fountains on their website.
12. Somerset House in Summer
Area: Covent Garden; The Strand, WC2
Ages: All ages welcome
The fountains in the courtyard of Somerset House are switched on during August, making it a great space to play. There is also a series of free events and activities over the summer.
Check which days the fountains are switched on and find out what’s on by visiting the Somerset House website.
13. The Water Labyrinth, Olympic Park
Area: Stratford, E20
Ages: All ages welcome
This water park at Olympic Park has 195 choreographed fountains. There are also other play areas nearby in the park.
Check when the fountains are on by visiting the Olympic Park website.
Free London parks to visit with the family
14. St James’s Park with the Pelicans
Area: St James’s, Westminster, SW1
Ages: All ages welcome
St James Park offers space for kids to play with a sand play area. You can also see the pelicans who have been part of the park since 1664. It’s best to see them at feeding time at approximately 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm each day.
Find a map of the park and more about the pelicans on the Royal Parks website.
15. Kensington Gardens with the Diana Memorial Playground
Area: Kensington, W8
Ages: Under 12 years
With beautiful gardens, open space and the Diana Memorial Playground inspired by the stories of Peter Pan and the Elfin Oak with its miniature world of woodland creatures, Kensington Gardens is a brilliant park for families.
Check opening times on the Royal Parks website.
16. Richmond Park and maybe spot some deer
Area: Richmond, TW10
Ages: All ages welcome
Richmond Park is a beautiful place for a family walk and picnic. It’s also a National Nature Reserve and home to over 630 red and fallow deer, which the kids can try to spot. There’s also a play area for children under 12 at the Petersham Gate.
Find out things to do and more about deer spotting on their website.
17. Primrose Hill for a picnic
Area: Camden, SW1
Ages: All ages welcome
Primrose Hill has one of the best views over London, making it the perfect place for a family picnic. You can catch a spectacular sunset where there is space for the kids to play. There is also a playground at the bottom of the hill featuring a musical floor and sandpit.
For more information, head over to the Royal parks website.
18. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Area: Stratford, E20
Ages: All ages welcome
Home to the 2012 Olympic games, the park has lots on offer, including gardens, playgrounds, a climbing wall and a bike park. Be sure to see what’s on for free family events and workshops.
Find out all the things to do at the Olympic Park with kids on the Olympic Park website.
19. Camley Street Natural Park
Area: King’s Cross, N1
Ages: All ages welcome
A Wildlife Trust nature reserve in Central London offers families a place to encounter nature. They have regular free family events such as pond dipping and storytelling.
See what events are on by visiting the Camley Street Natural Park website.
Free trail activities for families in London
20. Herd of Hope
Area: Spitalfields, E1
Ages: 6 years+
Twenty-one life-sized bronze elephants are on display around Spitalfields Market. Kids can learn about real-life orphan elephants the sculptures are based on and how they were rescued.
Simply head over to Spitalfields Market to meet the elephants. You can find out more about the project by visiting the Herd of Hope website.
21. Crystal Palace Dinosaurs
Area: Crystal Palace
Ages: 4 years+
These Grade-1 listed statues have been in Crystal Palace Park since 1855 and were the first ever attempt to model extinct animals at full scale from fossil remains. They are a popular visit for young children who can have fun searching for the statues in the park. Useful signs help older children to learn about the natural history of dinosaurs and the statues.
There is lots of useful information, including where to find each of the 30+ statues on the Crystal Palace website.
22. Scenes in the Square
Area: Leicester Square, WC2
Ages: 5 years+
This sculpture trail in Leicester Square features icons from cinema, including Harry Potter, Batman, Paddington and Bugs Bunny. Great for taking memorable photos with the family. There is also an audio guide available on Spotify to learn more about the sculptures.
Head over to Leicester Square to meet the cast of characters. There’s more info and the audio tour available on their website.
23. Platform 9¾
Area: King’s Cross, N1
Ages: 6 years+
Now one of the most famous spots in London, Platform 9¾ from the Harry Potter films is a fun visit for any fan. It’s a great photo opportunity. Get there early to avoid long queues, especially during school holidays.
Find out more info on the Kings Cross website.
Free museums for families in London
24. Young V&A
Area: Bethnal Green, E2
Ages: All ages welcome
The Young V&A is a museum purposefully built for young children and families. There are three big galleries called Imagine, Play and Design, with changing exhibitions that allow you to explore the V&A’s art, design and fashion collections in child-friendly spaces. Be sure to check out their workshops and events too, offering unique ways to inspire your child’s creativity.
We also loved that you can bring a packed lunch while a bottle warmer and a microwave are provided as well.
There’s no need to book for a regular visit, but do check out what’s on via their website.
25. Museum of the Home
Area: Hoxton, E2
Ages: All ages welcome
Exploring the home throughout history and the ways that we live, the Museum of the Home offers plenty to get kids involved.
Illustrated trails provide activities that help children engage with history. While the mini playhouse gives room for kids to get creative and play.
Sensory explorer bags are also provided. These are designed to help children with special educational needs and disabilities explore the galleries. For those 6+ years, there are special exhibits designed to help them learn about history and the home.
No booking is required. The Museum of the Home is open Tuesday-Sunday. You can find out more on their website.
26. Science Museum
Area: South Kensington, SW7
Ages: Ideal for 3 years+
The Science Museum is one of London’s most popular museums and is great for kids. There are multiple family trails helping you to curate your visit, along with interactive exhibits such as the Pattern Pod and The Garden.
Book a free ticket one month in advance here.
Discover more museums to visit with kids in London here: https://loopla.com/blog/london-museums-kids
Free art galleries for families in London
27. Tate Modern
Area: Southbank, Southwark, SE1
Ages: All ages welcome
With free family events and the interactive exhibit Tate Draw, the spacious Tate Modern makes for a great day out in London. All ages are welcome with buggies allowed throughout the galleries. The website Tate Kids features useful resources for learning about art and activities to do at home.
No booking is required, but discover interactive games and what’s on for families by visiting the Tate Modern website.
28. Whitechapel Gallery
Area: Whitechapel, E1
Ages: All ages welcome
A place for viewing modern art, the Whitechapel Gallery offers artist-led workshops and events for children of different age groups. They host Family Days featuring ‘Crib Notes’ curator-led tours for parents and carers with toddlers, storytelling sessions and free resources to play and create inspired by art.
Open Tuesday – Sunday and no booking is needed. Check out workshops and events on the Whitechapel Gallery website.
29. Saatchi Gallery
Area: Chelsea, SW3
Ages: 6 years+
Famous for displaying the best in modern art, the Saatchi Gallery curates contemporary art exhibitions. Many of these exhibitions have free entry. Artworks include photography, experimental paintings, installations and digital art.
You can also download free family activity packs featuring activities to go along with the exhibitions.
Find out what’s on here.
Discover more galleries to visit with kids in London here: https://loopla.com/blog/free-art-galleries-london
Free London sights to see with the family
30. Trafalgar Square
Area: Covent Garden, WC2
Ages: All ages welcome
A famous London landmark in front of the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square is often considered the heart of London. You can look up at Nelson’s Column, get pictures with the iconic lion statues and enjoy the spectacle of the LED-lit fountains in the evening.
Drop by Trafalgar Square before heading up the Mall to explore St James Park.
31. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Area: Westminster, SW1
Ages: All ages welcome
Big Ben is London’s most recognisable landmark and well worth a visit.
Head over to the other side of the river and walk along the Thames Path by St Thomas Hospital for great views and photo opportunities away from the crowds and traffic.
32. Changing of the Guard
Area: Westminster, SW1
Ages: 5 years+
The Changing of the Guard is a formal military procession spanning across Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks. It’s an opportunity to see one of London’s famous parades featuring the King’s Guard in their iconic red coats and marching band.
Find out the times, dates and where to watch by visiting the Changing of the Guard website.
Free things to do in London with the family
33. Christmas Lights
Area: Soho, W1
Ages: Ideal for 6 years+
Seeing the Christmas lights of London during December is one of the most magical things to do. Regent’s Street and Carnaby Street have some of the best.
34. Ride around on London’s public transport
Area: Across London
Ages: Ideal for 5 years+
Just riding on one of London’s famous red buses or at the front of a DLR train can be a fun and fascinating activity for kids. Children aged 5-10 can get free travel on all TFL transport services with a Zip Oyster photocard.
Find out more about getting a Zip Oyster card on the TFL website.
35. Covent Garden Street Performances
Area: Covent Garden, WC2
Ages: Ideal for 8 years+
The street performers of Covent Garden have been entertaining crowds for hundreds of years. From live music to magic shows and acrobatics, there’s always a spectacle to see.
See more about street performers on the Covent Garden website.
36. Explore the Markets such as Borough Market & Portobello Road
Area: Across London
Ages: Ideal for 7 years+
London has many iconic markets where you can explore and try something new. Try Borough Market for food with lots of free samples to introduce the kids to new flavours. Portobello Road alternates on different days with markets, including food and the famous antiques.
Find more information about the markets here.
The best shops in London for kids
37. The Children’s Bookshop
Area: Muswell Hill, N10
Ages: All ages welcome; storytelling 0-6 years
An award-winning children’s bookshop where the kids can find their next favourite read. The team are on hand to offer advice. There are free storytelling sessions throughout the week too!
See what’s on and opening times at the Children’s Bookshop website.
38. Hamleys
Area: Soho, W1
Ages: All ages welcome
With seven floors of toys to explore and play with, Hamleys is one of the oldest and largest toy shops in the world. Its activities and displays have made it a favourite for families visiting London.
Find out about events at Hamleys from their website.
39. LEGO Store
Area: Covent Garden, W1
Ages: Ideal for 7 years+
The LEGO Store has lots of models to see and the world of LEGO to explore. They also host events, so be sure to see what’s on.
Find out more about the LEGO Store from the LEGO website.
40. Whittard Covent Garden
Area: Covent Garden, W1
Ages: Ideal for 7 years+
This famous London tea shop offers free hot chocolate samples, making it an interactive and fun treat for the kids.
Check the latest opening times on the Whittard website.
41. Apple Store
Area: Soho, W1
Ages: Ideal for 8 years+
Play a game or two on the latest devices at the Apple Store, where there are also events for kids to explore tech and creativity. These include workshops for coding and illustration.
Find upcoming events near you on the Today at Apple website.
Free family days out near London
42. Head to the beach
Area: 2 hours travel from London
Ages: All ages welcome
There are great beaches just out of London that make for a great family day out from London. Find some space to play with the kids and experience the great outdoors.
Take a look at our list of 10 sandy beaches near London here.
43. Explore Belhus Woods Country Park
Area: Aveley, Rainham, RM15
Ages: All ages welcome
Belhus Woods Country Park has a playground, picnic area and lake. It’s a great green space for walking, cycling, feeding the ducks and having an active family day out.
You may like to explore other country parks near London, such as Colne Valley Park as well.
See more about Belhus Woods on the Explore Essex website.
44. Verulamium Park, St Albans
Area: St Albans, AL1
Ages: All ages welcome
St Albans is a historic city that is great for a day out from London. Verulamium Park has 100 acres to explore, featuring a play area, splash park and historic Roman buildings.
Check out facilities and more information on the Enjoy St Albans website.
45. Walk in Cotswolds
Area: Cotswolds, GL
Ages: All ages welcome
The Cotswolds has lots of beautiful landscapes for walking as a family. It is perfect for an active day out in nature, not too far from London.
Find more family activities to explore on the Cotswolds website.
Save on tickets
There are often great deals and savings to be had on many London attractions for families.
The London Pass
Area: Central London
Ages: Ideal for 6 years+
The London Pass offers benefits to visiting London. These include 95+ included activities and up to 50% savings on major attractions such as the Tower of London, London Zoo and the London Transport Museum.
See what you can save with the London Pass on their website.
2 for 1 National Rail Train Tickets
Area: Central London
Ages: All ages welcome
If you’re getting the train into London, National Rail offers 2 for 1 or 1/3rd off on many attractions. These include the London Aquarium and Harry Potter tours.
See the full list of offers here.
FAQs
What’s free for children in London?
Free things for children to do in London are visiting museums, sightseeing and activity trails. You can also visit city farms and parks.
How can I spend my kids’ day in London?
There are lots of ways to spend your kids’ day in London with attractions like Madame Tussauds and the London Aquarium and museums such as the Science Museum and Young V&A. You can also spend your kids’ day in London seeing sights such as Big Ben and Trafalgar Square or exploring city farms and parks.
Where can I go out on a budget in London?
There are lots of places you can go on a budget in London, including museums and galleries like the Science Museum and Tate Modern. Other places you can go on a budget in London are markets like Portobello Road, parks like St James’s Park and ride on London’s famous public transport. You can also save money with passes such as the London Pass.
How to book family-friendly attractions?
To book family-friendly attractions, check the website to see what ages it is appropriate for and if there are any family discounts available. Read reviews to see if others say it is family-friendly, and check for family events and activities at the attraction.
Which part of London is best for kids?
There are lots of parts of London that are best for kids with family attractions and things to do across the city. Central London has lots of London’s famous attractions with many great for kids. Other parts of London have parks and city farms that are great for kids.
