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London can be daunting, especially when trying to find the right thing to do for you and your kids. While it is a city that thrives at night, there is plenty of incredible things to do during the day with your little ones, too. Museums, theatre, stunning green spaces – you name it, the city has it. And surprisingly, for free.
Yep, London also happens to be one of the greatest cities offering a whole range of free things to do. So your bank account doesn’t have to take the hit and your kids will be happily merry – all without a penny spent.
So without further ado, here are 31 free things to do in London with your little one:
Free museums for kids
1. British Museum
One of the best free things to do in London here, where your young one will be able to delve into two million years’ worth of human history and culture at this legendary Bloomsbury establishment.
2. Young V&A
Newly refurbished, your kid can explore childhood objects and take part in activities such as storytelling and crafting.
3. Science Museum
A free museum in South Kensington dedicated to the miracle of technological progress… and all the neat things we’ve discovered along the way. More simply put, space rockets and steam engines.
4. Natural History Museum
Dedicated entirely to the flora, fauna and geology of the planet we call home, with exhibits on dinosaurs, earthquakes, venomous insects and other bad-ass features of the natural world. The T-Rex is a hit with kids for sure.
5. Wellcome Collection
A museum-come- library right in the heart of Central London connecting science, medicine, life and art in a series of quirky exhibitions.
6. Horniman Museum & Gardens
Based upon the eclectic collections of Frederick John Horniman, you’ll find a gallery of taxidermy (including a famously overstuffed walrus), a butterfly house, art and even llamas!
7. National Maritime Museum
Celebrates London’s seafaring past with permanent exhibitions along with temporary attractions throughout the year, including a fun area especially for kids.
Free London theatre shows and art for kids
8. West End shows
Kids Week 2024 offers free theatre tickets to under-17s for an array of shows that are the best on the West End running from 24 July until 6 September. Shows include The Lion King, Matilda, Guys n’ Dolls, Mamma Mia!, and many more.
9. Tate Modern
Get your little one to engage in a free art workshop at the Tate, a drawing session or clay.
10. National Gallery
Free storytelling sessions at the National Gallery for kids under five.
11. Saatchi Gallery
A London gallery for contemporary art and an independent charity just off King’s Road in Chelsea.
12. Gods Own Junkyard
Neon signs and more in a gallery up in E17 alongside a cute cafe to park yourself for a little break.
Free parks and gardens in London to explore with kids
13. Hyde Park (a classic)
One of London’s eight Royal Parks, Hyde Park is a Grade I-listed spot which has the Serpentine, gardens, galleries and more.
14. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Let your young one splash about in the fountains and playgrounds.
15. Diana Princess Of Wales Memorial Playground
A Peter Pan-inspired play park with a wooden pirate ship. Need we say more?
16. Coram’s Fields
This park not only has a playground but also a small animal area, padding pool and cafe.
17. Crystal Palace Park
Your kids can meet life-size dinosaurs at this park along with being able to explore a children’s farm, maze and playground.
18. Kyoto Garden
As the name suggests, this peaceful spot in Holland Park offers a unique, Japanese-style landscape ‘that’s perfect for quiet reflection and relaxation’.
19. Regent’s Park
Another of London’s Royal parks, Regent’s Park is home to the largest grass area for sports in Central London and offers a wide variety of activities, an Open Air Theatre, the ZSL London Zoo and much more for your little one to enjoy.
20. Barbican Conservatory
This peaceful place is the second biggest conservatory in London, after Kew Gardens’ Princess of Wales Conservatory. It’s packed full of plants and colourful lights too.
21. Battersea Park
A 200-acre park right by the Thames, Battersea Park has a lovely lake, a zoo, tennis courts, funfairs and more. They’ve also got the London Peace Pagoda.
Free animal attractions in London for kids
22. Hackney City Farm
Hackney City Farm is located just off Hackney Road, conveniently in between Broadway Market and Columbia Road. It’s home to lots of very cute farmyard animals – ducks, pigs, goats, donkeys, chickens, geese and sheep!
23. Mudchute Farm and Park
You can meet and feed animals at London’s largest urban park.
24. Vauxhall City Farm
Meet the three famous alpacas: Tom, Jerry and Ben.
Free landmarks to visit with kids
25. Trafalgar Square
Join one of the day-long celebrations or other free events at London’s most famous square.
26. South Bank
Wander along the River Thames at South Bank.
27. Houses of Parliament
They’re free to visit, but only if you’re a UK resident and arrange it through your local MP or a member of the House of Lords.
28. Tower Bridge
Arguably one of London’s most famous and photogenic landmarks, Tower Bridge is well worth a visit – whether that be by walking across it or motoring under it on board an Uber boat.
29. Chinatown
Mosey through this spot right by Leicester Square and gorge yourself on all the saucy dumplings and custard buns.
30. Tower of London
Take a wander around this secure fortress, royal palace and infamous prison – which holds over 1,000 years’ worth of history within its walls. Children under five go free.
31. Westminster Abbey
Tourists have to pay to enter Westminster Abbey and their previously hidden gallery too. However, worshippers get in for free.