25 Free and Cheap Things to Do with Kids in London

Planning budget-friendly family activities in London doesn't mean compromising on fun. From world-class free museums to hidden city farms, London offers incredible, free and cheap activities and sights for families.

After years of exploring London with kids, we've learned which attractions deliver the best value and which ones are worth skipping. This guide brings together 25 tried-and-tested London attractions that deliver for adults and children and won't strain your budget. We also give you practical tips, honest reviews and exact prices so you can plan with confidence.

Whether you're looking for free London activities kids will love or budget-friendly London attractions for families, this guide covers everything from toddler-friendly museums to adventure playgrounds that will keep teenagers engaged.

This is a pretty long guide, so if you want a ready-made itinerary, jump straight to our family day out in London for less than £70. And if you already know what you’d like to see in London, you can search for your favourite attractions and book tickets here.

Best free museums for kids in London

1. Natural History Museum

Quick Facts: Free entry | Recommended age: all ages | Plan to stay: 2-4 hours | Nearest station: South Kensington Station

Best for: Dinosaur-mad kids and curious toddlers

Dinosaurs, volcanoes, earthquake simulators – the Natural History Museum never fails to wow kids (and adults). Entry is free, but book ahead online for busy days. The animatronic T. rex is the headline act, though little ones also love the glowing gemstone gallery and creepy-crawly exhibits. Don't miss the Investigate Centre, where children can get hands-on with real specimens.

What to bring: Packed lunch to eat in the café area, as food here can be pricey

Best time to visit: 10am opening to beat school trips

Parent tip: The Mammals Gallery is quieter if you need a breather

2. Science Museum

Quick Facts: Free entry | Recommended age: 3+ | Plan to stay: 2-3 hours | Nearest station: South Kensington Station

Best for: Future engineers and space enthusiasts

Just next door to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum offers floors of interactive exhibits perfect for family activities in London. Free entry covers the main galleries, from space rockets to a giant energy hall. For younger kids, The Garden (in the basement) is a brilliant sensory play space. The Wonderlab is ticketed (£11 adults, £9 children) but worth every penny for hands-on experiments and science shows.

What to bring: Camera for the space gallery

Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons

Parent tip: The basement café is usually quieter than the main one

3. British Museum

Quick Facts: Free entry | Recommended age: 5+ | Plan to stay: 2-3 hours | Nearest station: Russell Square Station

Best for: History buffs and treasure hunters

You might think it's all dusty statues, but the British Museum is surprisingly engaging for children, especially the mummies in the Ancient Egypt galleries. It's free and huge, so pick one or two areas to focus on to avoid museum fatigue. Grab the free family trails from the information desk to turn your visit into a treasure hunt.

What to bring: The family trail worksheets from reception

Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon

Parent tip: The covered courtyard café is perfect for a hot chocolate break

4. Young V&A (formerly the V&A Museum of Childhood)

Quick Facts: Free entry | Recommended age: 2-12 | Plan to stay: 1-2 hours | Nearest station: Bethnal Green Station

Best for: Creative kids and rainy days

The Young V&A in Bethnal Green is a hands-on museum designed for children, and packed with interactive exhibits on play, design and storytelling. It’s bright, free to enter, and perfect for letting kids explore, build and create without you constantly saying “don’t touch that!”.

What to bring: Change of clothes for messy play areas

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings

Parent tip: Book ahead – it's popular since the relaunch

5. Imperial War Museum

Quick Facts: Free entry | Recommended age: 8+ | Plan to stay: 2-3 hours | Nearest station: Lambeth North Station or Elephant & Castle

Best for: Older children interested in history

The Imperial War Museum is free and surprisingly engaging for older children, especially the WWII galleries. There's a hands-on family area and a fascinating section on the Blitz. Not ideal for very young kids, but school-aged children often find it gripping.

What to bring: Student ID for additional discounts on special exhibitions

Best time to visit: Weekend mornings

Parent tip: The café offers good value children's meals

Best outdoor activities for children in London

6. Diana Memorial Playground

Quick Facts: Free entry | Recommended age: 0-12 | Plan to stay: 2-3 hours | Nearest station: Queensway Station

Best for: Active toddlers and imaginative play

Based in Kensington Gardens, the Diana Memorial Playground is a Peter Pan–themed playground, a dream for little adventurers and one of the top free family activities in London. The centrepiece is a giant wooden pirate ship surrounded by sand, plus tepees, climbing frames and musical play features. It's completely free and designed for under-12s, with staff on hand for safety.

What to bring: Picnic and sun cream

Best time to visit: Early morning on weekends

Parent tip: There are toilets and baby changing facilities on site

7. Crystal Palace Park

Quick Facts: Free entry | Recommended age: all ages | Plan to stay: 2-4 hours | Nearest station: Crystal Palace Station

Best for: Dinosaur fans and outdoor adventures

The Crystal Palace Park is a free South London park famous for its Victorian dinosaur sculptures – the first life-size dinosaur models ever made. Kids love spotting all 30 prehistoric creatures dotted around the lake and parkland. There's also a brilliant playground, maze and plenty of space for picnics.

What to bring: Picnic and comfortable walking shoes

Best time to visit: Spring and summer for the best experience

Parent tip: Download the dinosaur trail app

8. Hampstead Heath & Swimming Ponds

Quick Facts: Free park entry | Recommended age: all ages | Plan to stay: Half/full day | Nearest station: Hampstead Station

Best for: Nature-loving families and confident swimmers

Free to roam, Hampstead Heath feels like the countryside in the city and offers some of the best cheap family fun London has to offer. The swimming ponds are about £4.80 for adults, £2.90 for children, and make a fun summer activity for confident swimmers. There are also playgrounds and big open spaces for picnics.

What to bring: Swimming gear in summer, a kite for the hilltops

Best time to visit: Early morning for peaceful walks

Parent tip: Parliament Hill has the best London skyline views

9. Granary Square Fountains

Quick Facts: Free | Recommended age: 2+ | Plan to stay: 1-2 hours | Nearest station: King's Cross Station

Best for: Hot summer days and water play

In King's Cross, Granary Square Fountains is a huge public square with choreographed fountains that kids can run through in summer. It's completely free, safe and perfect for cooling off during London family days out.

What to bring: Change of clothes and towels

Best time to visit: Warm afternoons

Parent tip: Grab lunch from nearby Coal Drops Yard

Budget-friendly attractions for families

10. Mudchute Park & Farm

Quick Facts: Free entry (£2 donation appreciated) | Recommended age: all ages | Plan to stay: 2-3 hours | Nearest station: Mudchute DLR

Best for: Animal lovers and unique London experiences

Mudchute Park & Farm is a hidden gem in Canary Wharf, London's largest city farm and is completely free. Kids can meet sheep, goats, pigs, horses and even llamas in the heart of the financial district. The contrast between skyscrapers and farm animals is surreal and delightful, making it one of the most unique things to do with kids in London.

What to bring: Hand sanitiser and camera

Best time to visit: Morning feeding times

Parent tip: The café serves great breakfast, and the DLR journey is half the fun

11. Hackney City Farm

Quick Facts: £2 donation suggested | Recommended age: 2+ | Plan to stay: 1-2 hours | Nearest station: Cambridge Heath Station

Best for: Teaching kids about farming and sustainability

A volunteer-run city farm in East London, Hackney City Farm asks for a small donation and gives kids the chance to meet goats, pigs, donkeys and chickens. There's also a pottery studio, a garden centre and a café. It feels like a proper working farm despite being minutes from central London.

What to bring: Old clothes that can get muddy

Best time to visit: Weekends for the full experience

Parent tip: Check their website for special events and workshops

12. London Transport Museum

Quick Facts: Kids under 18 free, but must visit with at least one adult with a £25 annual pass | Recommended age: 4+ | Plan to stay: 2-3 hours | Nearest station: Covent Garden Station

Best for: Transport-obsessed children

It's interactive heaven for transport-mad children – climb aboard old buses, pretend to drive a Tube train, and follow the family trail. There's a dedicated play area for under-7s and plenty of space for prams. Some ticketing sites sell one-off timed tickets, but they usually cost about the same price as the London Transport Museum annual pass, which is excellent value if you live in or near the Big Smoke, or plan to visit more than once.

What to bring: Camera and comfortable shoes

Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons

Parent tip: The shop has brilliant transport-themed toys

Book London Transport Museum tickets

13. Cutty Sark & Greenwich

Quick Facts: £22 adults, £11 children | Recommended age: 4+ | Plan to stay: Half day | Nearest station: Cutty Sark DLR

Best for: Little pirates and maritime history

Cutty Sark, a historic tea clipper, is fun for mini pirates – entry from £18 for adults and £9 for children. Combine it with Greenwich Park (free and with a playground) and the National Maritime Museum (free) for a full day of budget-friendly family activities in London. Arrive by Thames Clippers for extra excitement

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes for Greenwich Park

Best time to visit: Early, so you have enough time to see everything

Parent tip: The park has brilliant views and a great playground

Book Cutty Sark tickets

Central London family activities

*Crowds waiting for the Changing of the Guard*

14. Changing of the Guard

Quick Facts: Free | Recommended age: all ages | Plan to stay: 1 hour | Nearest station: Green Park Station

Best for: Traditional British pageantry

One of London's most famous free spectacles, this takes place outside Buckingham Palace on certain mornings (check the schedule in advance). Kids enjoy the music, marching soldiers and shiny helmets.

What to bring: Snacks and water for the wait

Best time to visit: Arrive 30 minutes early for the best spots

Parent tip: The Victoria Memorial steps offer the best view

15. Covent Garden Street Shows

Quick Facts: Free (tips appreciated) | Recommended age: all ages | Plan to stay: 1-2 hours | Nearest station: Covent Garden Station

Best for: Entertainment and atmosphere

Free to watch (though performers appreciate a tip). The Covent Garden area is pedestrianised, with plenty of cafes and shops for a wander. It's lively but safe for kids to enjoy the atmosphere.

What to bring: Small change for tips

Best time to visit: Weekends for the best performances

Parent tip: The covered market has clean toilets and baby changing stations

16. Sky Garden

Quick Facts: Free (advance booking required) | Recommended age: 4+ | Plan to stay: 1 hour | Nearest station: Monument Station

Best for: Spectacular city views

Sky Garden is completely free, but you must book a slot online. It's a lush indoor garden with some of the best views in London. Kids love spotting landmarks, and there's space to move about safely.

What to bring: Camera and patience for security checks

Best time to visit: Morning slots are quieter

Parent tip: Book well in advance, especially for weekends

South London family adventures

*The London Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park*

17. Horniman Museum & Gardens

Quick Facts: Free museum, £5 adults/£2.50 kids for aquarium | Recommended age: 3+ | Plan to stay: 2-3 hours | Nearest station: Forest Hill Station

Best for: Natural history and gardens

Down in Forest Hill, Horniman Museum & Gardens is a family favourite that combines natural history, world cultures and an aquarium. The main museum is free, though the aquarium costs extra. The musical instrument gallery is a hit with kids, and the gardens have sweeping views over London.

What to bring: Picnic for the gardens

Best time to visit: Sunny days for the full garden experience

Parent tip: Don’t miss the animal walk, which includes alpacas and sheep

18. Battersea Park & Children's Zoo

Quick Facts: Free park | Zoo: £15.95 adults/£12.95 kids (free for under 2s) | Recommended age: ages | Plan to stay: Half day | Nearest station: Battersea Park Station

Best for: Mix of free and paid activities

Battersea Park is a joy for families, with riverside walks, playgrounds and a boating lake. The small children's zoo focuses on smaller animals like monkeys, lemurs and farm favourites. It's cheaper and less crowded than the London Zoo.

What to bring: Duck food for the lake

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings

Parent tip: The riverside café has good value family meals

North London hidden gems

19. Camden Market & Canal Walk

Quick Facts: Free browsing | Recommended age: all ages | Plan to stay: 2-3 hours | Nearest station: Camden Town Station

Best for: Teenagers and adventurous eaters

Camden's colourful market is free to browse and full of quirky shops perfect for older kids. Grab affordable street food from £5 a portion, then walk along Regent's Canal. It's mostly buggy-friendly, though weekends can be crowded.

What to bring: Appetite for international food

Best time to visit: Weekdays are less crowded

Parent tip: Push the canal walk all the way to Little Venice - it’s beautiful

20. Little Venice Boat Trip

Quick Facts: £16 adults, £12 children | Recommended age: 4+ | Plan to stay: 1 hour | Nearest station: Warwick Avenue Station

Best for: A different perspective of London

Take a canal boat from Little Venice to Camden Lock with the London Waterbus Company – tickets from £16 adults, £12 children. The trip takes about 45 minutes and offers a calmer, quirkier view of London than typical tourist boats.

What to bring: Jacket (it can be breezy on the water)

Best time to visit: Spring through autumn

Parent tip: Combine with Paddington Basin for free fun

East London family discoveries

21. London Museum Docklands

Quick Facts: Free entry | Recommended age: 4+ | Plan to stay: 2-3 hours | Nearest station: Canary Wharf Station

Best for: London history and soft play

Free entry, interactive galleries and an excellent soft play area for under-8s make the London Museum Docklands a hidden gem among London attractions for children. The exhibits tell the story of London's docks, pirates and trade.

What to bring: Socks for the soft play area

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings (after the office rush)

Parent tip: With Canary Wharf the nearest station, make sure to avoid commuter hours

Unique London experiences for kids

*Tower Bridge is one of London's most recognisable landmarks*

22. Bank of England Museum

Quick Facts: Free entry | Recommended age: 6+ | Plan to stay: 1-2 hours | Nearest station: Bank Station

Best for: Learning about money and economics

Tucked away in the City, the free Bank of England Museum is more engaging than it sounds. Kids can lift a real gold bar (it's chained down), learn about banknote security features and explore interactive displays about money through the ages.

What to bring: Questions about how money works

Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons when the City is quieter

Parent tip: Perfect for pocket money discussions afterwards

23. Tower Bridge

Quick facts: Free to walk across | Recommended age: all ages | Plan to stay: 1 hour | Nearest station: Tower Hill Station

Best for: Stunning river views and iconic London photo ops

You don’t need to buy a ticket to enjoy Tower Bridge; it’s free to walk across this famous landmark, taking in spectacular views of the Thames and London’s skyline. The pedestrian walkways offer perfect spots for family photos and watching the river life below.

One of the highlights is the occasional lifting of the bridge’s bascules to let river traffic pass through; it’s a dramatic sight and completely free to watch from the riverside or the bridge itself (check the bridge’s timetable online)

What to bring: Comfortable shoes, camera

Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for quieter moments

Parent tip: Head to the nearby riverside at Shad Thames for a peaceful stroll after crossing the bridge, or time your visit to catch a bridge lift — it’s an impressive spectacle and great for curious kids!

Book Tower Bridge tickets

West London family fun

24. Southbank Centre & Riverside Walk

Quick Facts: Free | Recommended age: all ages | Plan to stay: 2-4 hours | Nearest station: Waterloo Station

Best for: Street performers and riverside strolls

Free to wander and full of street performers, pop-up food stalls and playgrounds, the South Bank is a great base for a family stroll. In summer, you might catch open-air events or water fountains where kids can splash in.

What to bring: Change for street performers you enjoy

Best time to visit: Weekends for the best atmosphere

Parent tip: Combine with the free Tate Modern

25. Borough Market Browsing

Quick Facts: Free browsing | Ages 5+ | Plan to stay: 1-2 hours | Nearest station: London Bridge Station

Best for: Adventurous eaters and food lovers

Not all kids will love a food market, but adventurous eaters will enjoy the free samples and bustling atmosphere at Borough Market. Grab affordable street food like paella or grilled cheese for £7–£10 a portion.

What to bring: Appetite and small change

Best time to visit: Saturday mornings for the full experience

Parent tip: Combine with a Thames Path walk

London family day out for less than £70

*Borough Market is a must-visit for foodies*

We hope we haven’t overwhelmed you with options. If it all feels a bit too much, here’s how we think a family of four could have a fab day in London for less than £70.

This budget includes travel, food and attractions – proof you can still have a cracking day in London without remortgaging your house.

Morning – free fun to start (£0)

Start at the Natural History Museum (free, but book a time slot). Spend a couple of hours exploring dinosaurs, volcanoes and the earthquake simulator. If you're early risers, aim for a 10am slot before the crowds roll in.

Late Morning – Quick Transport Adventure (£7.80)

Hop on a Thames Clippers river bus from Westminster to Tower Pier (about £3.90 each with an Oyster or contactless). It's cheaper than a sightseeing cruise but just as exciting for the kids.

Lunch – street food with a view (£28)

From Tower Pier, wander over to Borough Market. Grab fresh pasta, grilled cheese or falafel wraps for around £7 each. Eat at one of the benches or take it down to the riverside for lunch with a view of Tower Bridge.

Afternoon – free city farm adventure (£4 Donations)

Take the DLR to Mudchute Park & Farm. Let the kids meet farm animals with skyscrapers in the background – it's uniquely London and completely free (though a small donation is appreciated). This will easily fill a couple of hours with plenty of space to run around.

Late afternoon – a rooftop view for Free (£0)

Book ahead for the Sky Garden (free entry) and enjoy panoramic views as the sun starts to set. Spot the Shard, St Paul's and even the London Eye.

Snacks – treat stop (£12)

On your way back, grab doughnuts or churros from a street stall – budget about £3 each.

Travel – tube and bus hopping (£16.40)

A family of four (two adults, two kids aged 11–15) using contactless or Oyster will max out at £8.20 per adult and £4.10 per child for unlimited travel in Zones 1–2. Under 11s travel free with a paying adult.

Evening Bonus – fountain fun (£0)

If you still have energy, head to Granary Square for the choreographed fountains (bring spare clothes!).

Total spend: £68.20, including full bellies, happy kids, no "are we nearly there yet?" meltdowns, and money left over for ice cream.

*London's parks make a perfect summer day out*

‘What to bring’ checklist for a London family day out

Every Trip:

Oyster cards or contactless payment
Portable phone charger
Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Small backpack or change bag
Emergency snacks and a water bottle

Museum Visits:

Notebooks and pencils for older kids
Camera for memorable moments
Comfortable walking shoes
Small bag for gift shop purchases

Outdoor Adventures:

Weather-appropriate clothing
Picnic blanket and packed lunch
Sun cream and hats in summer
Change of clothes for water play

Frequently Asked Questions About London Family Activities

It can be, but with the incredible amount of free museums, markets and parks, you can easily fill a weekend without spending much beyond food and transport. This guide proves you can have amazing family experiences for under £70 a day.
Use Oyster or contactless payment, stick to Zones 1–2 if you can, and mix in some walking – many major sights are only 15 minutes apart. Under-11s travel free with a paying adult, making family transport much more affordable.
Most modern museums are fully accessible, but some older buildings have lots of steps. Always check accessibility information before you go, and consider a baby carrier for very old buildings. The Transport Museum and all South Bank attractions are particularly buggy-friendly.
In summer (June–September), London’s outdoor spots shine. The Diana Memorial Playground is in full swing, Granary Square fountains are perfect for cooling off, and Hampstead Heath swimming ponds make a refreshing dip for confident swimmers. When the weather turns, head indoors to free museums, the Young V&A’s covered play areas, the interactive London Transport Museum, or browse covered spaces like Covent Garden.
Many of the big museums now require timed tickets even for free entry – book ahead for the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Sky Garden to avoid disappointment. Weekend slots fill up fastest.
Markets like Borough, Camden and Southbank Centre are much cheaper than sit-down restaurants and offer child-friendly portions. Many museums have picnic areas where you can bring your own food, and most parks welcome picnickers.
South Kensington puts you near the museum quarter, while areas like Greenwich, Camden, and Southwark offer great local attractions plus easy central access. Anywhere near a Tube line in Zones 1-3 works well for family sightseeing.
Book the earliest available time slots, visit on weekdays during school term time and have backup indoor plans for rainy weekends when everyone else is thinking the same thing. Many attractions are quieter in the hour before closing too.
London is generally very safe for families, especially in tourist areas and around major attractions. The city has excellent emergency services, and most areas covered in this guide are well-policed and family-friendly. However, be aware of common tourist scams: avoid anyone offering to "help" with ticket machines, ignore street games like "find the lady" or shell games, and be wary of people approaching with clipboards claiming to represent charities. Keep bags zipped and phones secure in crowded areas like Oxford Street and Borough Market.

25 Free and Cheap Things to Do with Kids in London

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