Free things to do in London with kids: November 2024
Are you always looking to find free things to do in London with kids? We know it can be difficult with such a wide range of possibilities in London. So, we decided to create a new monthly post will make it easy for you by rounding up a selection of free London events for you and your family to enjoy. Whether you are trying to enjoy London on a budget or are simply looking for a way to keep the kids entertained for a while, you’re sure to find something here. From festive celebrations to indoor museum adventures, we’ve rounded up the best free experiences across the city in November to kick off this series of posts!
Before we dive in, please note that while all activities listed here are free to attend, some may require advance booking or free tickets to manage capacity. We strongly recommend checking the official websites of any venues or events you’re interested in before making your journey, as opening times and entry requirements can change.
Please be aware that we are not affiliated with any of the venues, organizations, or events mentioned in this guide. We don’t specifically endorse any particular activity – every family is different, and what works brilliantly for one might not suit another. This guide aims to help you discover new possibilities, but the final choice of activities should always be based on your family’s interests, children’s ages, and comfort levels.
Let’s explore what London has to offer this November!
What: Biodiversity Family Festival
Details: Entertain your kids this October half term with a programme of family-friendly activities celebrating the importance of biodiversity, including nature talks and Lego building.
Where: Natural History Museum
When: Friday 1 November – Sunday 3 November at various times, check website for details
Who: Recommended for age 5+
Find out more here.
What: Dazzle Design Studio
Details: Inspired by the work of artist Norman Wilkinson, play a game of nautical ‘hide and seek’ to explore how experimental camouflage with bold designs and shapes made it possible to hide an object as big as a battleship.
Where: Imperial War Museum
When: Friday 1 November – Sunday 3 November, 10.00-16.00
Who: Ages 5+
Find out more here.
What: Careers Live with TheatreCraft
Details: Learn how technicians help actors soar through the sky on stage or how they create spectacular scenery. Discover how they operate lighting desks, how they generate sound effects and how they control video projection.
Where: Science Museum
When: Friday 1 November, 11.00-16.00
Who: Activities are aimed at young people aged 7-15, however all age groups are welcome.
Find out more here.
What: Games without wires
Details: Try out a variety of board games big and small with the Caribbean Social Forum.
Where: National Maritime Museum
When: Friday 1 November, 11.00-13.00 and 14.00-16.00
Who: Not specified
Find out more here.
What: BOOST: Family Festival
Details: Across the day, get creative with hands-on activities that explore food, culture, art and design.
Where: V&A South Kensington
When: Sunday 2 November, 11.00-16.00
Who: Families of all ages.
Find out more here.
What: Diwali Family Day
Details: A fun family day of making, dancing and storytelling to mark Diwali!
Where: Museum of the Home
When: Saturday 2 November, 11.00-16.00
Who: Not specified.
Find out more here.
What: Saturday Sessions with Alphabet Soup
Details: Think outside the box with a wacky and wonderful interactive workshop led by A Line Art, where you can let your creative side shine.
Where: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre
When: Saturday 2 November, 13.00-15.30
Who: 5-11 year olds
Find out more here.
What: Happy Birthday Elmer!
Details: A very famous, very colourful, patchwork elephant is turning 35 this year, and everyone is invited to a special birthday party to celebrate.
Where: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre
When: Saturday 3 November, 10.30-14.30
Who: All ages
Find out more here.
What: Wonderful Wildlife Weekends
Details: Explore the ponds and surrounding areas to discover the wildlife that lives at Camley Street Natural Park
Where: Camley Street Natural Park
When: Sunday 3 and 17 November, 13.00-15.00
Who: Children of all ages
Find out more here.
What: Ancient Assyrian adventure
Details: Examine Assyrian reliefs showing glorious gardens and help to recreate them with colourful plants and fragrant blossoms. Make a flower headband to wear home and a posy of flowers to take with you.
Where: The British Museum
When: Friday 7 November 10.30-12.00
Who: Under 5s
Find out more here.
What: The Lord Mayor’s Show
Details: The oldest civic procession in the world. Some 7,000 participants, 200 horses and around 150 floats will travel from Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice and back.
Where: The City of London
When: Saturday 9 November, 11.00
Who: Everyone
Find out more here.
What: Weekend opening of the Bank of England Museum
Details: Explore the Bank of England Museum during a rare weekend opening as part of the Lord Mayor’s Show! Face-painters will work their artistic magic between 11.30 and 15.30, and age-appropriate worksheets and colouring activities will be available.
Where: The Bank of England Museum
When: Saturday 9 November, 11.00-16.00 (last entry 15.30)
Who: Everyone
Find out more here.
What: Visit St Paul’s Cathedral
Details: Free and un-ticketed entry to the Cathedral floor and Crypt throughout the day to celebrate the Lord Mayor’s Show
Where: St Paul’s Cathedral
When: Saturday 9 November, 8.30 – 15.30
Who: Everyone
Find out more here.
What: Drop-In Diwali: Family Day
Details: Across the day, get creative with hands-on activities that celebrate Diwali and explore light, colour and community.
Where: V&A South Kensington
When: Saturday 9 November, 11.00-16.00
Who: Families.
Find out more here.
What: Tina – The Tina Turner Musical costume exhibition
Details: The exhibition showcases six dazzling costumes from West End show. Visitors will also see photography of the outfits worn both within the show and by Tina Turner herself.
Where: The Market Building, Covent Garden
When: Until 10 November
Who: Everyone
Find out more here.
What: Hear it Live!
Details: Hear performances and talks based on the variety and diversity of the Horniman’s musical instrument collection.
Where: The Horniman Museum
When: Thursday 14 November, 15.30-16.00
Who: Everyone
Find out more here.
What: Penguin Sculpture Trail
Details: Embark on a fabulous festive adventure to discover 12 adorable penguin sculptures throughout the Quarter..
Where: Fleet Street Quarter
When: Thursday 14 November 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025
Who: Everyone
Find out more here.
What: Lantern Parade & Christmas Lights
Details: The traditional start to the Christmas season in Greenwich, the event sees children from local primary schools parade handmade lanterns around the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, through the Cutty Sark Gardens and to the heritage listed Georgian Market.
Where: Greenwich
When: 20 November, 16.00-18.00
Who: Everyone
Find out more here.
What: Little Feet: Silk Road exhibition explorer
Details: Join other under fives and their parents and carers in a multisensory session exploring the special exhibition, Silk Roads.
Where: The British Museum
When: 21 November 10.30-12.00
Who: Under 5s
Find out more here.
What: Tots at the Docks
Details: Free monthly play sessions inspired by the history of London’s Docklands.
Where: Museum of London Docklands
When: Wednesday 27 November, 10.30-14.00
Who: Under 5s
Find out more here.
What: Sparkle at the Park
Details: Free monthly play sessions inspired by the history of London’s Docklands.
Where: Charlton House Park and Gardens
When: Thursday 28 November 2024 – Sunday 1 December 2024, 16.30-21.00
Who: All ages
Find out more here.
What: Sensory Friendly: Design and Draw with Light
Details: Take part in these free child and family workshops for visitors with a neurodiversity or sensory processing disorder and their families, get creative and have fun!
Where: V&A South Kensington
When: Saturday 30 November, 11.00-16.00
Who: Ages 5+
Find out more here.
What: Hands on Armour: The Knight Before Christmas
Details: Meet a merry knight and discover how the pious warriors of medieval Europe would have celebrated the season in true knightly style, with a joust and tournament! Join this opportunity to handle and try on real and replica pieces.
Where: The Wallace Collection
When: Saturday 30 November, 13.30-16.00
Who: Ages 5+
Find out more here.
Look out for the next edition of this series that will cover all things Christmas! And don’t forget to also check out our post The ULTIMATE list of free things to do with kids in London which provides plenty of ideas of things to do in London that are free and always available.