Top Free Things To Do With Kids In London
Unlock London's hidden treasures for some family fun without breaking the bank!
London may have a reputation for being pricey, but guess what? We've cracked the code to having a blast with your kids without emptying the bank! Get ready to explore the city's free and fabulous family-friendly attractions that'll make both your kids and your budget jump for joy. Read on and discover our guide for the top things to do for free with your kids in London!
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Step into a world where history comes to life, and the past roars back with a vengeance at the Natural History Museum in London. The magnificent neo-Gothic, Alfred Waterhouse building, a masterpiece in itself, housing a treasure trove of over 80 million specimens spanning zoology, palaeontology, botany, entomology and mineralogy - over 4.5 billion years of Earth's history.
Right from the start the stunning entrance hall features Hope the Whale in Hintze Hall, a breathtaking 25.2-meter-long blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling, a symbol of the museum's mission to protect biodiversity. The museum's most popular gallery, Dinosaurs Gallery brings prehistoric giants to life, including an animatronic T. rex that roars and moves, an awe-inspiring sight guaranteed to impress the kids. There's Sophie the Stegosaurus—the world's most complete specimen and fossils that tell the story of 150 million years of dinosaur evolution.
Unveil Earth's Mysteries and Geological Wonders and discover some of the museum's most precious specimens, including a piece of Mars and fragments of the Moon. Explore the museum's extensive Zoology collection, including a gigantic squid specimen and for the older kids don’t miss the human evolution gallery, where original skulls and bones from the Neanderthals and ancient artefacts such as wooden spears await. Or just admire the stunning Architecture and Art and then explore the beautiful, peaceful Wildlife Garden.
Open every day, 10:00–17:50
Sky Garden
1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
The Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden towering 508ft above the city. The building nicknamed the Walkie Talkie invites visitors to explore its free observation deck, a tropical oasis brimming with lush plants and wrapped in glass walls and ceilings that deliver sweeping 360-degree views of London and beyond. In summer, the open-air terrace offers amazing front-row views of The Shard, Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
Sky Garden was designed by award-winning landscape architecture practice Gillespies and among the flowering plants are African Lily (Agapanthus), Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia) and Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) – alongside an abundance of fragrant herbs such as French Lavender. With two beautiful restaurants and a new ground floor restaurant, gift shop and café, Sky Garden encompasses all you could need for your trip to the top!
Access to the Sky Garden is free of charge, but spaces are limited. Visits must be booked in advance.
PUBLIC GARDEN - TICKETED HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday – Sunday & Bank Holidays: 11am – 9pm (Children under 16 can’t enter after 6pm on weekdays and 9pm on weekends).
Young V&A
Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9PA
Explore the newly transformed Young V&A in east London, co-designed with children and young people. Formerly the Museum of Childhood, the "younger sibling" of the Victoria and Albert Museum is aimed at the interests, skills and needs of children and teenagers aged up to 14 years old, as they build the creative confidence needed to thrive in our fast-paced world and it is FREE.
Young V&A has three permanent gallery spaces called Imagine, Play and Design where children can get hands-on with interactive displays, workshops and an Open Studio, and show off performance skills on the amphitheatre-style stage in the Imagine area of the museum.This national museum for young people focuses on the issues facing children today and their achievements.
Open 10am to 5.45pm daily, Free Entry
Vauxhall City Farm
165 Tyers St, London SE11 5HS
Just minutes away from the Thames and Westminster discover a pocket of countryside charm at Vauxhall City Farm. The Farm offers all the sights and smells of the countryside, attracting over 60,000 visitors each year, making it one of London’s best hidden treasures.
Here, the city's hustle and bustle fade away, making room for alpacas, Rolo, Toffee and Cookie who are definitely the stars of the Farm, plenty of farmyard animals, and even a few friendly cats. It may be compact, but it's certainly full of packed with things to entertain the little ones.
For a tasty treat, head to The Old Dairy café, serving hot and cold drinks and snacks. And if your little ones dream of pony rides, you can make it happen here. Vauxhall City Farm is not just a visit; it's an experience that combines education, community, and furry friends, all while being right at the doorstep of London's iconic landmarks.
Open Tuesday to Sunday: 10.30am to 4pm
Horniman Museum
100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a free museum that has been around since the Victorian times and features an impressive collection of weird, wacky and wonderful objects from across the globe, courtesy of Frederick John Horniman. Home to over 350,000 items it is filled-to-the-brim. Children especially adore the gigantic overstuffed walrus while parents appreciate the rich history and beautiful gardens.
Located in the heart of Southeast London, this gem offers a delightful array of activities without costing a penny. As you stroll through the museum's captivating exhibits, you'll also fall in love with the lush 16-acre garden, offering stunning Central London views and hosting a mini petting zoo with rabbits and llamas. The beautifully landscaped gardens are perfect for picnics, and on clear days, you can catch a glimpse of the city skyline and there’s an on-site café for when you’re feeling peckish. There's also a pretty packed events programme running throughout the year, too.
Open daily: 10:00 - 17:30
Crystal Palace Park
Thicket Rd, London SE19 2GA
Step into a prehistoric paradise at Crystal Palace Park, where dinosaurs once roamed, and kids can embark on their own Jurassic adventure. The park boasts an enchanting collection of vintage dinosaur statues that, while not 100% accurate, are utterly captivating for young paleontologists. As a bonus, there's a dinosaur-themed playground nearby for even more dino-fuelled fun!
Explore the 80-hectare park's lush surroundings, including the picturesque lake, the remains of the grand terraces that fronted the Palace, a hedge maze, one of the largest in the country with an impressive diameter measuring 160 feet, a National Sports Centre with athletics track, swimming pools, gym. There's also a great farm that is home to a wide range of animals enabling children to meet and greet the animals as well as learn about the running of a working farm. with animals for children.
When it's time to refuel, there are excellent cafes in the park and nearby town. Be sure to check out Green and Browns, a local favourite offering a large selection of breakfasts, lunches, cakes and pastries, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Open: 7:30am to dusk
Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station
King's Cross Station, Euston Road, London N1 9AL
Calling all Potterheads! At King's Cross Station, you can step into the wizarding world of Harry Potter and make your magical journey to Hogwarts via Platform 9 3/4. While Muggles might find platforms 9 and 10 separated by tracks, a visit to the station concourse will reveal the iconic platform hidden within the brick wall. Look out for the luggage trolley embedded in the wall and let your imagination run wild as you pretend to embark on your own wizarding adventure.
The trolley is accessible at all hours, and the best part is you don’t have to pay to take photographs! You can have a professional photograph taken with a scarf in your house colours, then available for you to view and purchase inside the Harry Potter shop next door. Ever wondered why J K Rowling chose Kings Cross as the station for students to board the Hogwarts Express? The author revealed it is for quite a romantic reason: it’s where her parents first met. They met on a train to Scotland which departed from Kings Cross.
So, whether you're a Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin, Platform 9 3/4 is a must-visit for Potter enthusiasts.
Opening: Mon - Sat: 8am-9pm, Sun: 9am-9pm
Science Museum
Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
The Science Museum is a playground of innovation and is one of the best free days out in London with kids. With multiple floors of interactive exhibits and over 15,000 objects to explore, it’s impossible to see everything in one go – so don’t even try. Cherry-pick the galleries that suit your children’s ages and interests, and save the rest for next time, because there will be a next time.
It really is a fun-filled family day out with mind-boggling exhibits, from the Apollo 10 command module to a thrilling flight simulator. Why not try out film production roles on a Marvel filmset, pop along to a volunteer-led tour, or walk among out-of-this-world objects in the spectacular new Space gallery. Catch an unforgettable 3D documentary in the IMAX cinema, dive into a live science show in Wonderlab or head to Power Up and play your way through 50 years of gaming history and so much more.
The museum is a treasure trove of human achievements, and the best part is, it's free! So, embrace your inner scientist and embark on an educational adventure. Check out the website for exciting events and don't forget to explore the shop for quirky toys.
Open 10.00-18.00 daily
Tate Modern
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Tate Modern is a fantastic destination for families, ideally located in the heart of Bankside and just a short stroll from other family-friendly attractions on the South Bank such as SEA LIFE London Aquarium and The Paddington Bear Experience. Let the kids run free in Turbine Hall, where an ever-changing rotation of large-scale installations take centre stage and don’t miss the Tate Draw area, where children can sketch their own masterpiece on digital sketchpads and watch them come to life projected onto the walls. Tate Modern is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, with an exciting lineup of events including an art trail featuring 25 iconic artworks from Warhol to Picasso displayed throughout the gallery.
The ground-floor restaurant The Corner offers a great kids’ menu and outdoor seating in the summer. For stunning city views, head to the sixth-floor Restaurant & Bar, perfect for a drink and snack between exploring.
Opening: Sunday to Thursday 10am to 6pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 10pm