50 Free Things to Do with Kids in London
London is genuinely one of the best cities in the world for free family activities. Many of the world's greatest museums are free, the parks are spectacular, and there are hidden gems everywhere. Here is the definitive list.
Free Museums
London's museums are its crown jewels. Most are free, world-class, and have dedicated children's areas.
1. Natural History Museum
South Kensington · Dinosaurs, blue whale, interactive Garden gallery
2. Science Museum
South Kensington · Garden gallery water play for under-6s
3. Young V&A (Museum of Childhood)
Bethnal Green · Play, Imagine, Design galleries
4. London Museum Docklands
Canary Wharf · Mudlarks free soft play for under-8s
5. British Museum
Holborn · Egyptian mummies, Rosetta Stone
6. Tate Modern
Southwark · Family trails, spectacular Turbine Hall
7. National Maritime Museum
Greenwich · AHOY! gallery for under-7s
8. RAF Museum London
Colindale · Real aircraft, cockpits, free parking
9. Imperial War Museum
Lambeth · Planes and tanks. Best for ages 5+
10. Horniman Museum & Gardens
Forest Hill · Music gallery, animal walk, gardens
11. Museum of the Home
Hoxton · Free explorer backpack at front desk
12. Wallace Collection
Bond Street · Armoury gallery -- try on helmets
13. National Army Museum
Sloane Square · Free entry (Play Base charges extra)
14. Wellcome Collection
Euston · Free kids activity pack at front desk
15. National Gallery
Charing Cross · Download family trail in 3 reading levels
16. National Portrait Gallery
Charing Cross · Free family trail at entrance
17. Tate Britain
Pimlico · Daily 2:30pm free drop-in workshop
18. Foundling Museum
Russell Square · Free for under-21s
Free Parks & Playgrounds
19. Diana Memorial Playground
Kensington Gardens · Giant pirate ship, sensory trail
20. Coram's Fields
Bloomsbury · Adults must be accompanied by a child
21. Holland Park Adventure Playground
West London · Zip wire, Japanese garden, peacocks
22. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Stratford · Three playgrounds, splash pads
23. Hampstead Heath Playground
North London · Paddling pool (summer), wild parkland
24. Hyde Park & Diana Memorial Fountain
Central · Splash in the fountain (bring a towel)
25. Richmond Park
West London · Wild deer, Isabella Plantation
26. Greenwich Park
South East · Playground, views, Prime Meridian line
27. Victoria Park
East London · Two playgrounds, splash pad, boating lake
28. Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs
South London · Victorian dinosaur sculptures by the lake
29. Tumbling Bay Playground
Olympic Park · Sand, water, rock pools
30. Battersea Park Adventure Playground
South West · Staffed by play workers. Ages 5-16
Free Farms
31. Mudchute Park & Farm
Isle of Dogs · Llamas, views of Canary Wharf
32. Vauxhall City Farm
Vauxhall · Tiny but charming
33. Hackney City Farm
Hoxton · Brilliant cafe (Frizzante)
34. Kentish Town City Farm
Kentish Town · Pony rides on select days
35. Spitalfields City Farm
Shoreditch · Small, peaceful, perfect for toddlers
36. Stepney City Farm
Stepney Green · Last Sunday monthly Family Farm Club
37. Surrey Docks Farm
Canada Water · Thames path views, farm shop eggs
38. Freightliners Farm
Highbury · Working farm in Zone 2
Free Activities & Experiences
39. Sky Garden
Monument · Book free tickets online. 35 floors up
40. Regent's Canal Walk
Little Venice to Camden · Flat, buggy-friendly
41. Granary Square Fountains
King's Cross · Kids will get soaked. Bring spare clothes
42. South Bank Centre Free Events
Waterloo · Check their programme -- Imagine Festival in Feb
43. St James's Park Pelicans
Westminster · Pelican feeding 2:30pm daily
44. Changing the Guard
Buckingham Palace · Arrive 45 mins early
45. Walthamstow Wetlands
Tottenham Hale · Boardwalks, kingfishers, Engine House cafe
46. Camley Street Natural Park
King's Cross · Wildlife garden, Kingfisher Cafe
47. One O'Clock Clubs
Various · Free drop-in play for under-5s across boroughs
48. The Line Sculpture Walk
North Greenwich · Free AR app with animations
49. Hilly Fields Park
Brockley · Best kite-flying spot in south London
50. Barbican Conservatory
Barbican · Free but book timed tickets. Select Sundays only
Budget tip: You could fill an entire school holiday with these 50 activities and never spend a penny on entry. The only cost is travel and food -- pack a lunch and you are laughing.