If you’re planning a visit to London with kids, the costs can add up fast between tickets, transport and treats. The good news is that some of the best things to do in the capital cost nothing at all.
Here are 10 fun ideas for free family stuff to do in London:
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Free Family Stuff to Do in London
London is a wonderful place to visit with children — there are so many sights to see and fun places to explore. Some experiences, like the Tower of London or the London Eye, are worth paying for, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy some of the city’s best spots.
From world-class museums to iconic sights and brilliant play areas, here are ten things you can do in London completely free of charge.
#1. The Diana Memorial Garden at Hyde Park
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The Memorial Garden for Diana, Princess of Wales, has a wonderful playground dominated by a huge pirate ship and inspired by the Peter Pan story. While you’re there, look out for the Peter Pan statue, also known as Rush of Green, a bronze sculpture of a family and their dog rushing eagerly towards the park, urged on by Pan playing his pipes. You’ll find it near Edinburgh Gate on the south side of Hyde Park.
The park is also lovely for a stroll, with plenty of birdlife to spot along the Serpentine. You can rent rowing and pedal boats if you fancy getting out on the water. Bring a picnic and you could easily spend a few hours here on a fine day.
“It’s a fab place to spend a couple of hours. There’s a lovely cafe and it’s very safe, with security on the gate who won’t let single adults in or kids out.” — Cliodhna H
#2. London Museums
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Many of London’s best-loved museums are completely free to enter and brilliant for a family day out. Here are four to start with:
- The Natural History Museum London — packed with amazing exhibits about the animal and natural world, and famous for its dinosaurs.
- The Science Museum London — get hands-on with science.
- The original Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington, stuffed full of amazing objects and treasures, plus Young V&A in Bethnal Green, a museum where children, young people and families can imagine, play and design.
- The Imperial War Museum, another top free place to bring children, with interactive displays and regular family activities and events.
“The Imperial War Museum is excellent for kids — very interactive, with lots of tanks, planes, medals and so on, on display.” — Carmel C
“We visited the Science Museum on our last trip to London and spent 2 hours in Launchpad, the hands-on space, never mind the rest of the museum. We’re definitely going back.” — Jill H
#3. Greenwich
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Greenwich is a lovely spot for a family day out. Wander around the market and browse the stalls and little shops nearby, or pick up the makings of a picnic and enjoy lunch in the park. There’s plenty of open green space for kids to run around and chase the pigeons.
The National Maritime Museum and The Queen’s House are both free to visit in Greenwich. (You do have to pay to enter the Meridian Courtyard, part of The Royal Observatory, but it’s worth seeing the Time Ball — one of the world’s earliest public time signals — drop each day, and you can stand astride the Meridian Line in the courtyard.)
“Our nearly 3-year-old had a great time and didn’t want to leave.” — Dee N
#4. Covent Garden
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One of our favourite spots in London — don’t miss a visit to Covent Garden to watch the buskers, browse the shops and enjoy wandering around this pedestrian-friendly area.
There’s plenty to see, plenty of places to eat and drink, and Covent Garden also puts on fun seasonal events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you visit.
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#5. The M&M Store
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The M&M Store in Leicester Square could well be the largest candy store in the world — it will definitely take you a while to take in the four huge floors of M&M fun.
(Just be prepared for a bit of pestering from the kids to buy some merchandise on the way out!)
#6. Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross Station
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If you have a Harry Potter fan in the family, make a stop at Kings Cross Station part of your visit. There’s a special wall built into “Platform 9¾”, complete with a trolley disappearing into it, ready for your own photo. It’s accessible at all hours and you don’t have to pay to take your own pictures.
There’s also a nice list of other things to do with kids around Kings Cross, which you can find here.
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Don’t Miss…
From the infamous to the insane, and the quirky to the cool, fun is guaranteed with these unusual places to visit in the UK — perfect for a memorable family day out!
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#7. Trafalgar Square
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Trafalgar Square is well worth a visit to see the fountains and Nelson’s Column, and to pose for a photo beside one of the four famous great lions.
It’s also a great spot to sit for a while and people-watch, with visitors from all over the world passing through this famous square.
“We enjoyed feeding the pigeons :-)” — Tracey T
#8. See Life-Size Dinosaurs at Crystal Palace Park
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Crystal Palace Park is a large park in South London that’s great fun to visit with kids. At the top of the park is the site where the large glass Crystal Palace exhibition building once stood.
The park is also home to full-size dinosaur models built by the Victorians, which lurk between the trees. You can find out more about the exhibition and the dinosaurs at the Crystal Palace museum in the park.
There’s also a children’s farm and playground, an outdoor concert stage, a national sports centre, and plenty of green space to explore.
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#9. Enjoy Free Art and Activities
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Enjoy some free art and family activities at the National Gallery, filled with classic and famous paintings, or Tate Modern, London’s free national museum of modern and contemporary art. Both hold regular events and workshops for kids, and general admission is free.
You’ll also get great views of some of London’s most iconic buildings and landmarks as you cross the Millennium Bridge on your way to Tate Modern.
#10. The Wallace Collection
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The Wallace Collection is just off Oxford Street and features a fantastic art collection alongside an impressive display of armour and swords — if your child loves Horrible Histories, they’ll be in their element here.
There are audio guides for kids (and adults) and fun family activities, such as trails to follow around the museum, or the chance to try on armour in the Conservation Gallery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in London with kids?
Some of the best free options include the Diana Memorial Garden and playground in Hyde Park, London’s national museums (Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A, Imperial War Museum), a wander around Greenwich, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Crystal Palace Park and its life-size dinosaurs, plus a free photo stop at Platform 9¾ in Kings Cross.
Are London’s big museums really free to enter?
Yes — many of London’s national museums, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A and Imperial War Museum, offer free general admission. Some special or touring exhibitions inside these museums can carry a separate charge, so it’s worth checking on arrival if you’re interested in a specific exhibition.
Do I need to book tickets in advance for free attractions?
Some popular museums and attractions recommend booking a free timed ticket online in advance, especially during busy periods like school holidays. It’s a good idea to check each venue’s official website shortly before your visit to see their current booking process.
Is the Platform 9¾ photo spot at Kings Cross actually free?
Yes, taking your own photo at the trolley and wall display is free and accessible at all hours. There is a nearby official shop selling Harry Potter merchandise, but you don’t need to buy anything to enjoy the photo spot itself.
What should we bring for a day of free family activities in London?
A picnic or snacks, a reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes for walking between sights, and a phone or camera for photos are all worth packing. Many of these spots — like Hyde Park and Greenwich Park — are lovely places to sit down and eat outdoors if the weather is kind.
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- 30 Yummy and Unique Kids Afternoon Tea to Try Around the UK
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Planning a London trip with the kids? Save this list for later or browse more family-friendly ideas for days out across the UK and Ireland — perfect for whenever you’re plotting your next adventure.
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