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If you are raising kids here or just visiting the capital with children. Then you will know, that it feels like you cannot leave your house / hotel room without spending money. Step outside the door, that’s minimum £40.
So looking to keep your kids entertained without breaking the bank, then this is the list for you. London has a plethora of activities for children but if you’re not careful you will need to take out a mortgage just planning a weekend trip but don’t stress there is free options out there, you just have to know where to look.
And if you’re planning a rare child-free moment or looking for something more grown-up later on in the capital, check out our guide to the best activity bars in London.
1. The Natural History Museum
The UK introduced free entry into all national museums back in 2001, so they are easy pickings. The low hanging fruit for an easy day out and well there is two flagship national museums in the UK and they are both located in London There first is the Natural History Museum. It’s packed with dinosaurs, a giant whale skeleton, and even an earthquake simulator section. Entry is free but you do have to book ahead . Book a free time slot online for easier access here.
Nearest Tube: South Kensington (Circle, District, Piccadilly)
– Use the museum tunnel exit to walk directly underground to the museum.
Don’t miss the iconic blue whale skeleton diving through the ceiling at the Natural History Museum – it’s even more impressive in person.
2. The Science Museum
Right next door to the Natural History Museum, you’ve got the other flagship national museum. Again, it’s free entry, but you do need to book ahead. My personal recommendation is to book a morning slot at the Natural History Museum and an afternoon slot at the Science Museum. In all honesty, the Science Museum is probably the more exciting one for kids and a great way to end the day.
There are rockets, old planes, interactive zones, and plenty to press, touch, and explore. One of the best bits for younger kids is The Garden, a sensory play area designed for ages 3 to 6.
If your kids are a bit older or just really into experiments, you can also pay extra to visit the Wonderlab. It’s a hands-on science playground with live demos, big experiments, and loads of interactive exhibits. It’s not free like the rest of the museum, but it’s often a highlight for kids who want something even more exciting.
Book you tickets for Wonderlab here.
Nearest Tube: South Kensington (Circle, District, Piccadilly)
– Use the museum tunnel exit to walk directly underground to the museum.
From suspended aircraft to vintage cars, the Science Museum’s galleries are a playground for curious minds of all ages.
3. Diana Memorial Playground (Kensington Gardens)
Now we love this playground as a family, as you can see we covered it in our top 5 playgrounds post. There is a massive pirate ship climbing frame, in a sea of sand. Sensory play area, its fully gated and best of all there’s plenty of seating area’s for parents.
Whilst to me the flagship is the playground, the surrounding park also makes for beautiful summers day walk. The Princess Diana water fountain is just a 15 minute stroll through the park away.
Nearest Tube: Queensway (Central Line) or Bayswater (Circle and District)
– Both are around a 5–10 minute walk.
**Parent Hack**
Are you kids able to remove the joy from a summer day 15 minute walk between the playground and fountain into a hell by constant moaning – Turn it into a scavenger hunt. Ask them to find the Peter Pan Statue and Queen Victoria statue along the way.
This pirate ship playground is the crown jewel of the Diana Memorial Playground—imaginative, free, and perfect for adventurous little explorers.
4. Sky Garden
Want to see London’s amazing skyline from a height and don’t fancy forking out the £32 per person price tag of the Shard. Well Sky Garden is the perfect free alternative. Located in the “walkie-talkie” building otherwise known as 22 Fenchurch Street London. You can book online to guarantee a slot or que on the day (although, its first come first served).
There is a lovely café up there to sit down and have a nice coffee, so take the money you’ve saved on entry and treat yourself to a nice coffee (or champagne depending on how bougie) and cake surrounded by a literal garden in the sky.
Book your free tickets to sky garden here.
Nearest Tube: Monument (Circle and District) or Bank (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City, DLR)
– Monument is right across the road.
Sky Garden offers one of the best free views in London- lush greenery, city skyline, and no entry fee
5. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
It’s one of those things every tourist ticks off when they visit London, but strangely, it’s often overlooked by the people who actually live here. Maybe it’s the crowds or the idea that it’s just for tourists, but the truth is, it has been part of our culture and heritage for centuries. The Changing of the Guard has taken place since the 1660s, and it’s still going strong today.
There is something quite special about watching it live. It has all the pomp and ceremony you’d expect from the Royal Family, set right in the heart of London’s history. The uniforms, the marching, the military bands, and the precision of it all make it feel like you’re stepping into a living postcard.
The main event happens at 11:00am outside Buckingham Palace, but it’s best to arrive around 10:30am if you want a decent view. It doesn’t happen every day, so check the official schedule before heading out. If the main gates feel too crowded, you can also catch part of the ceremony at St James’s Palace or along The Mall for a slightly quieter spot with great views.
It’s free, it’s memorable, and it’s been happening longer than any of us have been alive. Worth it for the sense of occasion alone.
If you want a more in-depth and historical perspective, you can also book a guided Changing of the Guard walking tour, which takes you to the best viewing spots and gives some proper royal context along the way.
Nearest Tube: Green Park (Victoria, Jubilee, Piccadilly)
– Use the Buckingham Palace exit and follow the signs.
6. Southbank Walk & Street Performers
You’re after a low-cost London day out that still feels like an adventure, walking along the Southbank is a great shout. Start near the London Eye and make your way along the Thames. You’ll pass by pop-up food stalls, street performers, and always something happening to catch the kids’ attention.
One of the best parts for families is the skatepark tucked beneath the Southbank Centre. It’s loud, colourful, and surprisingly relaxing to sit and watch for a while. Whether your kids are mesmerised by the skaters or just happy to run around, it makes a nice pit stop without needing to spend a thing. There’s also a playground near Jubilee Gardens, plenty of space to wander, and loads of places to grab a snack or picnic if you’ve come prepared. It’s an easy win on a sunny day, especially when you want something a bit more laid-back.
Nearest Tube: Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee, Waterloo & City)
– Walk across the road to Jubilee Gardens or down to the skatepark.
Warning:
Watch out for along the bridge people playing 3 cup game. Do not get involved, these men are scam artists and pickpockets and often working together in gangs on the bridge.
7. Tate Modern & Turbine Hall
Art galleries and kids don’t always sound like a perfect match, but the Tate Modern isn’t full of boring portraits or landscapes. It’s modern art. The sort of place where you’ll see a giant tower made of radios or a painting that looks like someone just chucked paint at a wall. Half the fun is wondering how someone got paid three million pounds for it, but it keeps the kids interested, and that’s what matters.
It’s completely free to enter, and there’s a huge open space inside called the Turbine Hall, which usually features some kind of massive walk-through installation. You never quite know what you’re going to get, but it’s rarely dull.
The atmosphere is more relaxed than you’d expect for an art gallery. You’re not going to get shushed for having a conversation, and most of the staff are happy to point you towards the weirder, more kid-friendly bits.
The building itself is a bit of an adventure too. It’s an old power station, so it has more of a cool warehouse vibe than a traditional museum feel. If your kids need a breather, head out to the balcony for a great view across the river, or grab a snack and sit out on the lawn.
Nearest Tube: Southwark (Jubilee) or Blackfriars (District and Circle)
– Blackfriars is slightly closer if walking over the bridge.
8. Hackney City Farm
If your kids are animal lovers but you don’t fancy trekking to the edge of London or handing over more than thirty quid per adult for London Zoo, Hackney City Farm is the perfect alternative. Right in the heart of East London, this little slice of countryside lets kids meet goats, chickens, pigs, and donkeys without leaving Zone 2.
It’s completely free to enter, though donations are welcome, and there’s something really charming about how relaxed it is. No tickets, no time slots, no queues. Just a proper working community farm where your kids can wander about, get muddy, and say hello to some actual animals.
There’s a great little café on site if you want a sit down and a decent coffee, and a few shaded picnic tables if you’ve brought your own snacks. It’s not an all-day outing, but it’s a lovely way to spend an hour or two, especially with younger kids who just want to stroke a goat and feel like they’ve been somewhere different.
Feed the goats, see chickens, and soak up a countryside feel in East London. Free entry, donations welcome, and a family-friendly café on site.
Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green (Central Line)
– Then about a 15-minute walk or short bus ride.
9. Young V&A Museum
If you think the words “design museum” and “kids” don’t belong in the same sentence, the Young V&A will surprise you. It’s been completely redesigned with children in mind and is now one of the best low-key family finds in East London.
Entry is totally free, and the museum is packed with colourful, hands-on exhibits covering everything from storytelling and fashion to gaming and invention. There are interactive stations where kids can build, draw, play, and explore without anyone telling them to be quiet or stop touching things.
It feels creative without being chaotic, and there’s enough variety to hold the attention of toddlers right up to older kids. You’re not going to spend the whole day here, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s the perfect size to explore without anyone having a meltdown halfway through.
A great way to round it off is by heading to Hackney City Farm, just a short walk away. Between the two, you get a morning of creativity and an afternoon of animals, and you still haven’t spent a single pound on entry fees.
Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green (Central Line)
– The museum is just across the road from the station
10. Museum of London Docklands
If your kids are groaning at the idea of yet another museum, the Museum of London Docklands might actually change their mind. It’s housed in a converted warehouse near Canary Wharf and turns London’s port history into something hands-on and surprisingly fun.
Entry to the main galleries is completely free. You just walk in and explore. There are displays covering trade, migration, wartime London and more. But the highlight for younger kids is the Mudlarks gallery, a themed soft play space with water tables, giant train sets, building zones and role-play stations. It feels more like an indoor playground than a traditional museum.
Mudlarks costs £3.50 per person and you need to book a 40-minute time slot online before you go. Babies under nine months can enter for free.
There’s a café inside with kids’ lunch boxes and baby changing facilities, plus space to sit if you’ve brought your own snacks. You won’t spend all day here, but a couple of hours is just right for younger kids who want to play and explore without getting overwhelmed.
If the weather’s decent, you can finish the day with a walk around the docks or a play in one of the nearby parks. It’s a solid family outing that mixes a bit of London history with proper kid-friendly fun.
Nearest Tube/DLR: West India Quay (DLR) or Canary Wharf (Jubilee and DLR)
– West India Quay is directly outside the museum.
If you are an accomplished parents with a few London trips already under your belt, check out our blog posts on are the Merlin passes actually worth it? To see if you can expand you day out options further.
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