London can be an expensive city to visit as a family, especially when attraction tickets, food and transport are added together. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a memorable day with children. Some of the city’s best museums, parks, landmarks and outdoor experiences can be enjoyed for free.
If you’re searching for free things to do in London with kids, there are plenty of options for different ages and interests. Younger children can enjoy imaginative play and dinosaurs while older kids may prefer science, history, street art or watching a traditional royal ceremony.
The best part is that these experiences aren’t simply ways to save money. Many are among the places families would want to visit anyway. Here are 10 free family activities in London that are worth adding to your itinerary.
Are There Really Free Things to Do in London with Kids?
Yes. London has an impressive selection of free museums, parks and public spaces where families can spend several hours without paying an admission fee.
For families visiting London on a budget, the easiest approach is to combine one free indoor attraction with an outdoor activity. This gives children something interesting to explore while keeping the overall cost of the day under control.
1. Natural History Museum
Best for: Dinosaurs, animals and curious young explorers
The Natural History Museum is one of the best free museums in London for kids and an easy choice for families visiting the city for the first time. The moment you enter the impressive Hintze Hall, the enormous blue whale skeleton immediately gives children something exciting to look at. From there, you can explore galleries covering dinosaurs, mammals, human evolution, volcanoes, minerals and the natural world.
The dinosaur galleries are usually a major highlight for children, while the museum’s Earth and natural science collections give older kids plenty to discover. Because the museum is large, you don’t need to see everything in one visit. Choosing a few galleries based on your children’s interests can make the experience much more enjoyable.
- Location: Cromwell Road, South Kensington
- Nearest Tube: South Kensington
- Free entry: Yes for permanent galleries
- Time needed: Around 2-4 hours
- Booking: Entry is free, but busy periods can involve queues.
- Tip: School holidays and weekends can be particularly busy, so arriving earlier can make the visit easier.
2. Science Museum
Best for: Science, space, technology and hands-on learning
The Science Museum is another excellent choice when looking for free things to do in London with children. Instead of simply walking around looking at displays, children can discover inventions, spacecraft, machines and scientific ideas that connect with the world around them. The space galleries are particularly appealing to children fascinated by rockets, astronauts and space exploration.
There is enough variety for different age groups, so the museum can work well for families with children of different interests. Younger visitors can enjoy the more visual and interactive parts while older children may spend longer exploring technology, engineering and medical science.
- Location: Exhibition Road, South Kensington
- Nearest Tube: South Kensington
- Free entry: Yes for general admission
- Time needed: Around 2-3 hours
- Booking: Free admission tickets can be booked in advance and are useful during busy periods.
- Tip: If your children enjoy science, allow extra time rather than trying to rush through the museum.
3. Young V&A
Best for: Younger children, creative play and imagination
If you’re travelling with younger children, Young V&A is one of the most useful free kids activities in London. Unlike a traditional museum where children mainly look at objects behind glass, this museum is designed around imagination, play and design. Its three main galleries – Play, Imagine and Design, encourage children to interact with the space and think creatively.
The museum is particularly suitable for families with younger children, although older children can also find things to enjoy. There are opportunities for imaginative play, creative exploration and discovering objects connected with toys, games and design. General admission is free and does not require advance booking.
- Location: Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green
- Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green
- Free entry: Yes
- Time needed: Around 1.5-2 hours
- Booking: Not required for general admission
- Tip: It can become busy during weekends and school holidays, so weekday visits can be more relaxed.
4. British Museum
Best for: Ancient history, Egyptian mummies and fascinating objects
The British Museum is a great option for families who want to mix entertainment with history. Its huge collection covers human civilisation across thousands of years, giving children the opportunity to see objects from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and many other cultures.
For younger visitors, you don’t need to explore the entire museum. A few carefully chosen highlights can make the visit much more enjoyable. Egyptian mummies are often a big attraction for children while the Rosetta Stone and ancient sculptures provide plenty of opportunities to turn the visit into a small history adventure.
- Location: Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury
- Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road
- Free entry: Yes for permanent collections
- Time needed: Around 2-3 hours
- Booking: General admission is free, although special exhibitions may charge.
- Tip: Pick a small number of galleries before arriving rather than trying to cover the whole museum.
5. Greenwich Park
Best for: Playgrounds, open space, views and family walks
Greenwich Park is one of the best free places to visit in London with kids when everyone needs some fresh air after spending time indoors. The park has wide open spaces, historic scenery and plenty of room for children to run around. Its modern playground has a maritime theme and is designed for imaginative play, with features suitable for children of different abilities.
Families can also walk through the park, enjoy the views towards London and explore the area around the famous Prime Meridian. You can easily combine the park with other Greenwich attractions, although some of those attractions have admission charges. The park itself provides plenty to do without spending money.
- Location: Greenwich, South East London
- Nearest Station: Greenwich / Cutty Sark
- Free entry: Yes
- Time needed: Around 2-3 hours
- Booking: Not required for the park
- Tip: Bring snacks or a picnic if you want to keep the whole outing budget-friendly.
6. Richmond Park
Best for: Wildlife, deer spotting and outdoor adventures
Richmond Park feels very different from central London and is a wonderful choice for families who enjoy nature. The park is famous for its free-roaming red and fallow deer, with more than 630 deer living across its huge landscape. Children can enjoy spotting wildlife while walking through the open grassland and wooded areas.
The park also has family-friendly walking routes and a playground near Petersham Gate. It is a good option when children need space to run rather than another indoor attraction. Remember that the deer are wild animals, so visitors should never feed or approach them and should keep at least 50 metres away.
- Location: Richmond, South West London
- Nearest Station: Richmond
- Free entry: Yes
- Time needed: Around 2-4 hours
- Booking: Not required
- Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and keep a safe distance from the deer, especially during the autumn rutting season.
7. Watch the Changing of the Guard
Best for: Royal history, ceremony and first-time visitors
Watching the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace is one of the most memorable free family activities in London. Children can watch uniformed guards, military bands and the traditional ceremony while standing outside one of the world’s most recognisable royal landmarks.
The exact schedule changes, so it is important to check the official calendar before planning your visit. In September 2026, the Buckingham Palace schedule includes Changing the Guard on selected Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am, with other ceremonial events on different days.
Location: Buckingham Palace
Nearest Tube: Green Park / St James’s Park
Free entry: Yes
Time needed: Around 1 hour, plus waiting time
Booking: No ticket is required
Tip: Arrive early if you want a better view because popular ceremonies can attract large crowds.
8. South Bank and the Thames Riverside Walk
Best for: Family walks, landmarks and riverside views
The South Bank is an easy way to enjoy things to do in London with kids for free while seeing some of the city’s most famous sights. A walk along the River Thames gives families views of landmarks, bridges, boats and London’s skyline without requiring an attraction ticket.
Children can enjoy watching boats on the river, exploring the riverside atmosphere and spotting famous buildings along the way. You can also walk across the Millennium Bridge and continue towards other central London landmarks. Food stalls and cafés are available along the route, but you can keep the experience inexpensive by bringing your own snacks and drinks.
Location: South Bank, Central London
Nearest Station: Waterloo / London Bridge
Free entry: Yes
Time needed: Around 1.5-3 hours
Booking: Not required
Tip: This is especially useful for families because you can shorten or extend the walk depending on how much energy the children have.
9. Explore Camden Market
Best for: Teenagers, colourful stalls and lively London atmosphere
Camden Market is a fun choice for families who want something more energetic and unusual. Entry to the market area is free, so you can walk around the colourful streets, browse stalls and experience one of London’s most distinctive neighbourhoods without paying an admission fee.
Younger children may enjoy the unusual shop displays and street atmosphere while teenagers often find the fashion, music, art and alternative style more interesting. Food is available everywhere, but remember that eating and shopping are not free. The attraction here is being able to explore the market atmosphere without having to buy anything.
Location: Camden Town
Nearest Tube: Camden Town
Free entry: Yes
Time needed: Around 1.5-2 hours
Booking: Not required
Tip: Set a spending limit before visiting if you’re travelling with children who are likely to want souvenirs or market food.
10. Go on a Street Art Hunt in Shoreditch and Brick Lane
Best for: Older kids, teenagers and creative families
For something completely different, turn London into an outdoor art gallery by exploring the street art around Shoreditch and Brick Lane. Instead of paying for a formal attraction, families can walk through the neighbourhood and look for colourful murals, graffiti and creative artwork on walls and buildings.
This can be especially fun with older children and teenagers because you can turn the walk into a simple street-art challenge. Ask children to find their favourite mural, the most unusual character or the most colourful wall. The artwork changes regularly, so every visit can feel slightly different.
Location: Shoreditch and Brick Lane, East London
Nearest Tube: Shoreditch High Street / Liverpool Street
Free entry: Yes
Time needed: Around 1.5-2 hours
Booking: Not required
Tip: Keep the walk flexible and stay aware of traffic and busy streets while exploring with younger children.
Best Free Things to Do in London with Kids by Age
Not every activity will suit every child. Choosing based on age can make your day much easier.
| Age Group | Best Choices |
|---|---|
| Toddlers & Preschoolers Young | V&A, Greenwich Park, Natural History Museum |
| Ages 6–10 | Science Museum, Natural History Museum, British Museum |
| Ages 11–13 | Richmond Park, Changing of the Guard, Camden Market |
| Teenagers | Shoreditch & Brick Lane, Camden Market, South Bank |
The Young V&A is particularly focused on children and young people, with galleries designed around play, imagination and design.
Best Free Things to Do in London with Kids on a Rainy Day
London weather can change quickly, so having a few free indoor activities in London for kids in mind is useful. The strongest rainy day choices from this list are:
- Natural History Museum – dinosaurs, animals and natural history
- Science Museum – science, space and technology
- Young V&A – play and creativity
- British Museum – history and ancient civilisations
These museums allow you to keep exploring London even when the weather isn’t ideal. Many major London museums offer free permanent collections while temporary exhibitions can have separate charges.
Tips for Enjoying London with Kids on a Budget
A little planning can make free family days out in London much easier.
- Check opening times: Museums and attractions can change their hours during holidays or special events.
- Arrive early: Popular free museums can become crowded, especially on weekends and school holidays.
- Bring snacks and water: Free admission doesn’t mean the whole day has to become expensive because of food.
- Don’t try to see everything: Children usually enjoy a few interesting galleries more than several hours of rushed sightseeing.
- Mix indoor and outdoor activities: A museum followed by a park or riverside walk gives children a chance to relax and move around.
- Check special exhibitions: Permanent admission may be free while temporary exhibitions can require paid tickets.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Several of the best free activities involve walking.
Londonpuri Tip
Finding free things to do in London with kids is much easier than many first time visitors expect. From dinosaurs and space exploration to royal ceremonies, deer spotting, playgrounds, markets and street art, there are plenty of ways to enjoy London without paying an attraction admission fee.
For families travelling on a budget, these 10 free family activities in London can turn an expensive-looking city break into a much more affordable and memorable London adventure.
Note: Free admission generally refers to the main or permanent experience. Special exhibitions, workshops, food, shopping and transport may cost extra. Always check the attraction’s current information before visiting.