44+ fantastic FREE things to do in London with kids (2024)

London is a brilliant city for families. The UK capital is packed full of fun things to do with kids from world-famous museums and beautiful parks to fun playgrounds, incredible theatre, lively markets and much, much more. 

But a trip to London does not come cheap, the city is one of the most expensive in Europe. 

With three children of my own, I’ve become an expert in discovering free things to do in London with kids. And the good news is, that there are lots of things you can enjoy in the city that don’t cost a penny (or don’t cost very much!). 

If you’re planning a trip to the capital and looking for ways to save money then read on for the best free things to do in London with kids.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy for more details.

Planning a trip to London with kids 

There might be some London sights on your wishlist that you really want to see but that aren’t free. The good news is that you can often save money visiting some of the biggest London attractions by buying combo tickets. 

Merlin’s Magical London Pass, for example, allows you to visit five London attractions for the price of one. These include: 

• London Eye
• Madame Tussauds 
• Shrek’s Adventure 
• London Dungeon
• SEA LIFE London Aquarium

It’s also worth taking a look at the London Pass for your visit. This city pass saves you money at over 80 attractions. There are various versions including some that include travel cards and multi-day options.

The London Pass can be a good option if you plan to see a lot but it all depends on what you can realistically fit into your visit. Even if you don’t buy the London Pass, the London Pass App is handy for finding things to do in the city.

London with Kids Money-Saving Tips

If you are wondering where to stay in London with kids then do consider the Premier Inn chain, which is the UK’s largest budget hotel chain. They have some family-friendly properties in excellent Central London locations, take a look at the best Premier Inns in London. 

​Similarly, when eating out, this post on the best child-friendly restaurants in London might help. Also consider buying sandwiches and enjoying a picnic in one of London’s many parks – assuming that the weather is on your side. If you are in London on a rainy day, however, don’t worry as there are still lots of things to do.

We’ve also got ideas on how to get discounted theatre tickets and suggestions on the best family shows in London, if you want to add a theatre trip into your itinerary. 

Remember when visiting London that all children under 11 travel free on most public transport when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Children aged 11-15 can get free or discounted travel and 16 and 17-year-olds pay half the adult rate. See Transport for London for more details. 

If you don’t have an Oyster card you can use your contactless bank card to tap in and tap out (you can also get an Oyster and contactless app for your phone). Both Oyster and Contactless support daily capping (meaning you won’t ever pay more for your travel than if you had purchased a one day travel card), only contactless supports weekly capping.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy for more details.

The best free things to do in London with kids

Whether you live in London and are looking for inspiration for saving money or you are in London for a family vacation, this list of the best FREE things to do in London with kids should help. 

The below map indicates where to find the best free sights and activities are in London. The map can be used as follows:

• Purple: Free things to do in Central London
• Yellow: Free things to do in North London
• Orange: Free things to do in South London
• Turquoise: Free things to do in East London
• Green: Free things to do in West London

Free (or cheaper) alternatives to London’s most popular sights and attractions

Free things to do in Central London

Some of the city’s best free attractions and activities can be found in Central London. Home to some of the city’s star attractions, everything from St. Paul’s Cathedral to the Tower of London, this is the heart of the UK capital and the best place to start your London family adventure. 

1. The Changing of the Guards

There are very few free attractions in London that can compete with the pomp and ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. Held at Buckingham Palace, this event is one of the most popular activities for kids in London and sees the Old Guard at the palace switches duty with the New Guard.

The free event takes place from 10.45am and last around 45 minutes; the actual handover between guards takes place at 11am.

The ceremony currently takes place on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays but make sure to check the ceremony schedule before heading out.

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: Green Park

2. Big Ben

You can’t visit London and not see Big Ben. Although known to everyone the world over as Big Ben, the structure’s official name was the Clock Tower and then the Elizabeth Tower, following the historic Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. Big Ben refers to the clock tower’s largest bell, which weighs 13.7 tons. 

This iconic London landmark recently spent five years shrouded in scaffolding as it underwent conservation work took place to repair the tower. Today it’s back to its original – better, even – glory and is one of the must-see sights in the capital. 

Cost: Free

Nearest tube: Westminster

3. The Sky Garden

Forget paying for a great view from the London Eye or The Shard and book tickets for the Sky Garden instead. 

Located on the top floors of the ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building, this sky-high garden offers some of the best views over London – an amazing 360-degree views over the city.

A visit to the Sky Garden is one of the best free things to do in London but you must book your ticket in advance. Make sure you arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled visit so that you have enough time to get through security before riding the elevator up to the 35th floor.

Cost: Free admission but book tickets in advance.

Closest Tube: Monument, Tower Hill, Tower Gate, Aldgate, Bank and Mansion House

4. The South Bank

When the sun is shining there’s no better place to be than along the river. Head to the South Bank for a stroll along the River Thames and discover some of London’s best and lesser-known sights. 

For teens in London, there’s the Southbank Skatepark, a tunnelled area where skaters can drop-in, flip and switch. 

The Southbank is also home to the Royal Festival Hall, one of the world’s leading performance venues and the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel. Anyone can get arty here so buy a can of spray paint and get creative.

From the South Bank you can also walk to Borough Market, one of London’s best markets. You’ll have to pay if you want to try any of the delicious food on offer but it’s free to wander around!

Cost: Free

Nearest tube: Waterloo and Embankment

5. The Princess Diana Memorial Playground

One of our favourite activities for kids in London is a day out at the Princess Diana Memorial Playground. Inspired by the stories of Peter Pan, this is one of London’s best playgrounds.

An enormous wooden pirate ship sits centre stage. Elsewhere you’ll find a sensory trail, teepees, a sandy area where kids can splash in the water and more. There’s also an area where less able and able-bodied children can play together.

The playground is located in Kensington Gardens and there’s a cafe on site if you forget to pack a picnic.

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: Queensway

6. The British Museum

Grab an activity trail or a gallery backpack from the Families Desk in the Great Court and dive into one of London’s most famous museums.

The British Museum was founded in 1753 and is the world’s oldest national public museum. It remains the UK’s most visited attraction welcoming some 6.5 million visitors annually. Its many exhibition rooms display thousands of artefacts from Tang dynasty tomb figures and an Aztec serpent from Mexico in the 15th century to Egyptian mummies, Samurai armour and the Rosetta Stone. 

There are some excellent free workshops for kids that, for example, encourage kids to make Roman mosaics or explore history through Minecraft.

There are also activities for under 5s, including opportunities for creative play, making and exploring with an Alfred the Explorer backpack. The British Museum also runs an excellent museum sleepover event. This is not free but might be an experience that you choose to budget for. 

Cost: Free, exhibitions require an additional ticket (paid).

Closest Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Russell Square and Goodge Street.

7. The Natural History Museum

One of London’s best museums for families is the brilliant Natural History Museum. In addition to being the setting for one of the best scenes in the original Paddington movie, many of its excellent activities and exhibits are free to visit.

One of the most famous exhibits is the Dinosaur Gallery where you can watch dinosaurs, including the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex, stomp and roar. Kids will also love trying out the museum’s earthquake simulator and riding through the centre of the earth in Earth Hall.

Like The British Museum, the Natural History Museum hosts a museum sleepover. DinoSnores takes place on various dates through the year. It’s not free but again, it might be an experience that you choose to budget for. 

Next door is the Science Museum, which is excellent and also has many free exhibits to enjoy. 

The museum has a handful of cafes but there are also lots of places to eat near the Natural History Museum that are good for families. 

Cost: Free, exhibitions require an additional ticket (paid)

Closest Tube: South Kensington

8. The V&A Museum

The Victoria & Albert Museum is home to fantastic exhibitions throughout the year and it also hosts some brilliant kids activities.

Head to the Learning Centre and pick up a free backpack before embarking on an adventure throughout the museum; themes change regularly and are an excellent way for children aged 5-12 to explore the V&A. 

For under 5s, there are Agent Animal bags that take them on a mission to find animals.

In case you’re looking for some London souvenirs, the V&A is home to a wonderful gift shop.

During school holidays, such as the February and May half-terms, the V&A hosts a number of activities for children, often inspired by the museum’s current exhibitions. Many of these are free events. Others are free but you may need to book in advance. 

Cost: Free. Exhibitions require an additional ticket (charged). 

Closest Tube: South Kensington 

9. The Royal Academy of Arts

The great thing about the Royal Academy of Arts is that children under 16 go free to all the exhibitions, which means that if you did want to see one of their ever-changing exhibits, you don’t have to pay for the entire family.

Then there are the free Art Detectives sketchbooks and activities to help kids navigate the galleries and learn more about the exhibitions. There are also plenty of family workshops held during the school holidays that include drawing, crafting, sculpting and more offering lots of free things to do in london for kids.

Cost: Free, ticket required for paid exhibitions.

Closest Tube: Regent’s Park and Baker Street

10. The Design Museum

Revisit your youth and get the kids asking “what’s that?!” with a trip to the Design Museum. Housed within the old Commonwealth Institute, the Design Museum covers product, industrial, graphic, fashion and architectural design.

There are a number of regularly changing exhibitions but these tend to be quite expensive.

Instead, head to the top floor where you’ll be greeted by an exhibition on changing design (and products that will make you feel very old such as a Walkman and VCR) and lots of fun activities including free booklets for kids filled with tasks for them to follow as they make their way around the exhibition.

Cost: Free, ticket required for paid exhibitions.

Closest Tube: Kensington High Street, Holland Park, Earl’s Court and South Kensington.

11. The Imperial War Museum

Another one of London’s free museums that makes for a great day out is the Imperial War Museum.

Based in Lambeth (there are two other branches in London as well), this museum was founded while WWI was still raging, the museum documents the many unfortunate wars and conflicts that have happened throughout history. It also gives voice to the lives of ordinary people who have been affected by conflict. 

Entry is free but there is a charge for some exhibitions.

Cost: Free, ticket required for paid exhibitions.

Closest Tube: Lambeth North and Elephant and Castle

12. Tate Modern

Located on the South Bank, the Tate Modern is housed in housed in the former Bankside Power Station and it’s worth visiting to see the building alone. The vast Turbine Hall hosts regular exhibitions and installations. Some of the most famous have been The Weather Project by Olafur Eliasson and Marsyas by Anish Kapoor. 

The Tate houses numerous galleries showcasing British art from the 16th century to the present day as well as international modern and contemporary art.

There is free entry to the Tate Modern but there is a charge for some exhibitions. A boat service runs between the Tate Modern and the Tate Britain (charges apply).

Cost: Free, ticket required for paid exhibitions.

Closest Tube: Southwark and Blackfriars

13. Other free museums in London 

Other free museums in Central London include: 

• The National Gallery
• The National Portrait Gallery 
• The Wallace Collection
• The Museum of London (Temporarily closed. A new Museum of London will open in 2026)
• The Bank of England Museum
• The Museum of London Docklands

14. The pelicans at St James’ Park

For a more unusual kids day out in London head to St James’ Park and meet the pelicans.

Pelicans were first introduced here in 1664 when a Russian ambassador gifted them to King Charles II. They were joined by several more Eastern White pelicans in 2013 as a gift from the city of Prague.

You can see them being fed every day between 2.30pm and 3pm at the eastern end of the park’s lake.

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: St James’s Park

15. Watch Tower Bridge open

One of London’s most famous landmarks is Tower Bridge, a combined bascule and suspension bridge that was built between 1886 and 1894. It’s sometimes confused with the – distinctly less impressive – London Bridge about half a mile upstream. 

At various times of the day, the bridge opens to let large boats through, check the lift times for details. This is a fascinating story about a bus driver who jump over the bridge while it was opening!

You can also pay to climb up the bridge and walk over it.

Cost: Free to watch. If you want to go inside the tower then you must buy a ticket. A visit to Tower Bridge includes climbing the North Tower, walking along the East and West Walkways and then descending down the South Tower.

Closest Tube: Tower Hill

16. Watch the street performers in Covent Garden

Lively Covent Garden is a must visit, particularly if you’re visiting London with teens. It’s home to the excellent Transport Museum, which is a winner with toddlers in particular. You do have to pay to enter the Transport Museum but only adults need to buy tickets and your entry is then valid for an entire year.

However, there’s much more to do in Covent Garden if you don’t feel like splashing out. Visit on a sunny day and the area will be filled with street performers, guaranteed to keep the kids entertained.

There are also a handful of shops that the kids will love – although this might make your visit more expensive than anticipated. However, if you can persuade them that window shopping is just as much fun as the real deal then make sure to drop by the Tintin Shop and Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop, one of the best places to pick up an original London souvenir.

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: Covent Garden and Leicester Square

17. Explore Leicester Square 

A short walk away from Covent Garden is Leicester Square, home to theatres, cinemas, the M&M World Store and the LEGO store. At the heart of the grassy square itself is a statue of William Shakespeare which has been in situ since 1874. 

More recently, a handful of sculptures have been positioned around the square. Scenes in the Square is a fun interactive statue trail that includes popular movie characters and iconic film scenes including Paddington and Harry Potter.

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: Leicester Square

18. Splash in the fountains at Somerset House

The Edmond J Safra Fountain Court inside Somerset House is one of London’s many splash parks and a great place to cool off on hot, sunny days in the city. Somerset House also regularly hosts special exhibitions in its courtyard including an ice rink at Christmas.

Make sure to check the website before visiting as the court is not always open.

Cost: Free, ticket required for paid exhibitions.

Closest Tube: Temple, Covent Garden and Charing Cross.

19. Enjoy a picnic in the park

London is one of the greenest cities in the world with literally thousands of green spaces to choose from. In central London alone there are five Royal Parks – Hyde Park, St James’s Park, Regent’s Park, Green Park and Kensington Gardens. Regents Park is also home to an Open Air Theatre.

If you’re looking for things to do in London for free then a picnic in one of the London parks can’t be beat. Pack your hamper and off you go. Most of these parks also have playgrounds and many of them are good for wildlife spotting – just don’t get too near the geese!

Hyde Park also hosts free family events during the school holidays, take a look at their website for details.

Other parks worth adding to your list include Richmond Park, Highgate Woods, Battersea Park, and Kew Gardens. You will need to pay if you want to visit Kew Gardens but children under 4 are free.

20. Ride a double-decker bus

There are plenty of hop-on-hop-off buses that ply the London streets taking in the city’s main sights but they are not cheap. A good budget-friendly, alternative is to ride on the top deck of a proper double-decker bus instead.

This activity is not entirely without charge but children under 11 travel for free with a paying adult. Plus, it’s a great way to see the sights without spending top dollar. 

The following routes are our favourites for seeing London best sights: 

Number 11

This bus route runs from Fulham Town Hall to Waterloo Station and takes in the Houses of Parliament, Nelson’s Column, Westminster Abbey, Horse Guards Parade and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Number 24 

This bus route runs from Pimlico to Hampstead Heath and takes in Parliament Square (for the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey), Trafalgar Square and Camden. 

Number 9 

This is a great option for exploring some of London’s royal palaces. The routes takes in Kensington Palace, St James’s Palace and Clarence House as well as museums including The Design Museum and the Natural History Museum. 

Number 139 

If you want to tick off some of London’s most iconic attractions in one go, hop on the Number 139 bus which winds its way past Somerset House, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Hamleys Toy Store and Lord’s Cricket Ground. 

For more details, take a look at Transport for London.

21. The Ceremony of the Keys

One of the most unique things to do in London with kids is to watch the incredible Ceremony of the Keys. Held every night from 9.30pm to 10.05pm at the Tower of London (home to the Crown Jewels), the Ceremony of the Keys is one of the oldest and most colourful surviving enactments of its kind.

The ceremonial locking and unlocking of the gates of the tower has taken place for centuries and is an incredible step back in time.

You must be organised, however, tickets are free but must be pre-booked. Tickets are released on a rolling monthly basis. For example, May’s tickets will be released at the beginning of April at 16:00 on the first working day of the month, unless it is a Friday, then it will released be the following Monday.

Check the Tower of London website for details.

Cost: The Tower of London charges a nominal £5.00 per booking. 

Closest Tube: Tower Hill

22. The Appearing Rooms at the Southbank Centre

Possibly one of the best things to do with children in London during the summer months is the Southbank Centre on the South Bank and the amazing Appearing Rooms Fountain.

Designed by Jeepe Hein, walls of water rise and fall at random creating a series of ever-changing ‘rooms’. The brilliant thing about this fountain is never knowing where the water will appear next – cue shrieks of delight from kids big and small! 

This is one of our favourite splash parks in London. 

The Southbank Centre regularly run events for kids including their Imagine Children’s Festival, which hosts over 100 free and ticketed events for kids of all ages. The festival runs over February half term.

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: Waterloo

Free things to do in North London with kids

23. Visit Platform 9 ¾

If your child dreams of getting a letter from Hogwarts (and, let’s face it, which child doesn’t?) then Platform 9 ¾ is a must. 

Head to the concourse of King’s Cross mainline station, between platforms 8 and 9, and queue up for the chance to pose with a luggage trolley on the threshold of the magical Potter platform. Props are provided and a professional photographer is on hand to capture the magic or, you can snap away instead.

This is a must for all Harry Potter fans even if you haven’t seen all the Harry Potter films. It’s one of the stops on this Harry Potter walking tour.

Cost: Free, although if you want a professional photo you will have to pay

Closest Tube: Kings Cross

24. Swing on the Kings Cross Swing 

​Located in Battle Bridge Place outside Kings Cross station is a giant art installation that looks like an enormous birdcage. Hanging in its centre is a swing, that is popular with all ages. Visit at night and see the artwork lit up with neon colours.

To find the swing, when exiting Kings Cross underground, walk in the direction of Coal Drops Yard and you will see the birdcage. 

The British Library, one of the world’s oldest libraries, is not far from here and it’s worth popping in to see the private collection of King George III which is housed in the King’s Library.

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: Kings Cross

25. The fountains at Granary Square

When the sun is shining, one of our favourite activities for kids in London are the fountains at Granary Square in Kings Cross. And we’re not the only ones, on sunny summer days the square is packed with families who often arrive bearing toys, water pistols and towels, all set for a day out by the water.

This splash park is particularly fun with young children.

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: Kings Cross

26. Camley Street Natural Park

For wildlife spotting in London head to Camley Street Natural Park. Located on the banks of Regent’s Canal in the heart of KIng’s Cross, this two acre nature reserve is run by the London Wildlife Trust.

Once upon a time the park was an old Coal Yard but is today home to birds, butterflies, bats and more. Regular family activities are held including pond dipping, bug hunting and wildlife arts and crafts.

Make sure to visit Viewpoint, a floating platform where you can sit and take in the views of the canal and the park.

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: King’s Cross

27. Highgate Woods playground 

One of our absolute favourite playgrounds in London is in Highgate Woods. It’s a huge play area filled with lots of different equipment for children of all ages. The under 5s section has swings and climbing frames and a sandpit while the area for bigger kids has a zip wire and one of those huge swings that at least four children can sit on together.

Nearby is a playing field for flying kites and games of frisbee, and there’s a cafe too.

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: Highgate

28. Kenwood House

The former stately home of Kenwood House in Hampstead dates back to the early 17th century and has seen a plethora of famous residents.

Today, it’s open to the public and has some fun family activities to do in London including a dressing up section in The Orangery. Kids can transform into some of Kenwood’s most famous inhabitants including Dido Belle and Lord Mansfield (you’ll learn all about them when you visit the house!).

Kenwood House also offers an activity trail, games and an interactive dolls house for children to play with too.

Cost: Free, donations accepted

Closest Tube: Hampstead

29. Hampstead Ponds

Kids aged eight and over who are confident swimmers can take part in what is one of my favourite activities in London, swimming in the Hampstead bathing ponds.

Beautiful Hampstead Heath is home to three swimming ponds; the Mixed Bathing Pond, the Men’s Bathing Pond and the Kenwood Ladies’ Bathing Pond. A swim in one of these ponds is a step back in time; people have been swimming here for decades and it’s a glorious way to immerse yourself in nature in London.

Hardy swimmers can swim year-round, otherwise wait for the sun to make an appearance and join the crowds for a dip. Children will be asked to do a small swim test before doing loops of the pond.

Cost: This used to be a completely free activity but charges have been introduced in recent years. Now a swim costs £4.50 or £1.40 for a junior.

Closest Tube: Hampstead

30. Regent’s Canal

For a fun day out for the entire family try walking along Regent’s Canal from picturesque Little Venice to lively Camden Market.

Regent’s Canal links the Grand Union Canal with the River Thames and the canal towpath is part of the Jubilee Greenway Walk, a 37-mile route to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

See the colourful collection of narrowboats at Little Venice, watch boats glide along the waters and keep an eye out for wildlife as you stroll along.

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: Warwick Avenue, Camden and King’s Cross

31. Coram’s Fields

This park and playground in Camden is famous for its policy that ‘no adult can enter without a child’. Located within the walled gardens are a huge sandpit, lots of climbing frames  as well as swings and roundabouts. There’s even a city farm as well as an adventure playground for older kids featuring a zip wire and a tunnel slide.

One of the things that I love most about Coram’s Fields, however, is it’s history; the play area is located on the site of Thomas Coram’s Foundling Hospital that was set up in 1747 as a home for ‘deserted’ and abandoned children.

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: Russell Square, Kings Cross St Pancras, Holborn or Chancery Lane.

32. Parliament Hill

For some of the best views in London head to Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath. It’s one of the highest points in London – at 98m high – and on a clear day you can see St Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin, the Palace of Westminster and more. 

Once upon a time this hill was known as Traitor’s Hill, a name thought to stem from its position asa point of defence during the English Civil War. More recently, the heath housed livestock and during the 1930s cattle were reared here to be sold via the London meat markets.

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: Belsize Park

Free things to do with kids in South London

33. The Horniman Museum

The Horniman Museum is one of London’s most wonderful and unusual museums. The small museum is dedicated to anthropology, natural history and musical instruments it’s a fun space to discover with kids, not least to visit the famous, over-stuffed walrus in the main Natural History Gallery.

Cost: Free, ticket required for paid exhibitions.

Closest Tube: Oval or Brixton followed by a bus. Check the Citymapper app for journey details. 

34. The National Maritime Museum 

The National Maritime Museum is home to AHOY!, a fantastic children’s gallery for 0-7s where kids can stoke the boiler of a steamship, embark on a polar expedition, work on the boatyard and more. It’s one of the best free things to do in London with kids, particularly younger ones.

The All Hands children’s gallery is for kids aged 6-12 where they can learn about maritime skills and technologies from the past and present.

Don’t miss Yinka Shonibare MBE’s beautiful Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle (2010) while here. This highly detailed replica of Nelson’s ship sits outside the Sammy Ofer wing, at the bottom of Greenwich Park.

Cost: Free but you must have a ticket to visit, pre-book online.

Closest Tube: DLR to Greenwich or take the boat down the River Thames. 

35. Visit the dinosaurs in Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace Park is one of our favourite free activities in London. This park is home to 30 life-size model dinosaurs that were unveiled in 1854.

Although they might look a little odd today, they were the first of their kind in the world and were designed using the most up-to-date scientific knowledge at the time. They were extensively restored in 2002 and are today a Grade I listed.

The park is also home to a fantastic maze, one of the largest in the country, that has been confusing and losing visitors since the 1870s.

Plans are in place to upgrade the park and introduce a new dino-themed playground too.

Cost: Free

Closest Train station: Crystal Palace Station or Penge West Station

36. Brockwell Park

One of London’s most popular parks with families is Brockwell Park, located south of Brixton. Home to a Brockwell Lido, a 50m outdoor swimming pool as well as a fun splash pool for younger kids and a great playground.

One of the best things about this park, however, is the 7¼ inch gauge miniature railway that runs every Sunday between March and October offering round trips from Herne Hill Gates to Brockwell Lido.

Cost: Free but there is a cost for using Brockwell Lido and £1 per person for the miniature railway (under 2s are free when accompanied by a paying adult). The railway is not open year-round. 

Closest Tube: Brixton, followed by a bus. 

37. Watch the Time Ball drop in Greenwich

The bright orange Time Ball on top of the Greenwich Royal Observatory is one of the world’s oldest public time signals dating back to 1833. It was created to tell the time for ships on the Thames. At 12.55pm every day, the time ball rises half way up its mast. At 12.58pm it rises to the top and at 1pm exactly the ball falls. It has done this every day since 1833. 

Other things to do in Greenwich with kids include the Cutty Sark, the world’s only surviving extreme clipper. Although you’ll need to pay for a ticket to go inside, you can still wander around the outside of this incredible ship that’s over 150-years-old. 

Don’t miss the Prime Meridian Line while in Greenwich. You can also wander along the Thames Path (you can walk all the way back to the centre of town if you like!) or walk to the Isle of Dogs via the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. Greenwich Park is well worth a visit and don’t miss.

Cost: Free to visit Greenwich, ticket required for the Cutty Sark. 

Closest Tube: Greenwich

Free things to do in East London with kids

38. Young V&A 

The renovated Young V&A opened to much fanfare in the autumn of 2023 and has been wowing kids ever since. The newly designed space is light-filled and fun with thousands of childhood objects on display from throughout history separated into three different galleries called Imagine, Play and Design.

Cost: Free; there is a charge for the temporary exhibitions.

Closest Tube: Bethnal Green 

39. Hackney City Farm

If you’re looking for more nature-based fun then head to Hackney City Farm. This is a great place for kids – urban kids in particular – to see pigs, cattle, sheep, chickens, ducks and experience that unique countryside smell!

Located on the site of an old brewery, the farm plays an important part in the local community and run lots of classes as well as a farm shop. Other city farms can be found at Spitalfields and Mudchute.

Cost: Free, donations very welcome

Closest Tube: Bethnal Green

40. Victoria Park 

Victoria Park is one of many fun playgrounds in London. This huge open space (it covers over 86 acres) is home to two of the longest open-topped slides in the capital. You’ll also find a boating lake, a fabulous splash playground home to bubbling fountains and rushing channels of water, as well as a fantastic playground where kids can clamber, climb and generally have a lot of fun.

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: Bethnal Green

41. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Home to the amazing Tumbling Bay play area is the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Here you’ll find rock pools and sand pits, treehouses connected by wobbly bridges and elaborate pulley systems, as well as slides and swings.

Within the park is also the Pleasure Gardens area that features an enormous climbing wall as well as swings and a huge sandpit. To explore the area in more detail, download the Children’s Adventures trail map online and follow the guide through the park.

Cost: Free. The park is also home to the AcelorMittal Orbit slide, which you do have to pay for. 

Closest Tube: Stratford Station.

42. Explore East London’s Street Art

London is a great city for street art and one of the best areas Brick Lane in East London. Start at the Stolen Space Gallery on the Osbourn Street side and walk towards the markets. You’ll pass lots of artwork along the way. 

Commercial Street is a great place to look as is Star Yard and Hanbury Street. Corbet Place is home to D-Face and Banksy’s car. 

Nearby Shoreditch is another great place to discover street art. Boxpark, a pop up shopping centre made from shipping containers, is a good place to start. From here walk up Great Eastern Street where you’ll come across the Shoreditch Art Wall. 

Rivington Street is home to some Banksy artwork as well as some other famous street artists including Stinkfish and Ben Eine. 

Cost: Free

Closest Tube: Aldgate East

Free things to do in West London with kids

43. Duke’s Meadows

Overlooking the River Thames in Chiswick is Dukes Meadows, a lovely riverside park with fantastic play areas. For younger kids there’s a fun water play area and an adventure park for older children – both designed with the help of a group of local kids so you know it’s going to be good! 

The park hosts a food market every Sunday from 10am to 2pm where proceeds go towards improving and maintaining the park.

Cost: Free

Closest Train Station: Chiswick, Mortlake and Barnes Bridge.

44. Richmond Park 

Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London, covering a whopping 2,500 acres. The park is home to hundreds of red and fallow deer who wander around freely and are used to visitors snapping pics. During rutting season (September – October) and birthing season (May-July) make sure to give them plenty of space. 

Don’t miss the panoramic views of London from King Henry’s Mound. 

Cost: Free

Closest Train Station: Richmond