The ULTIMATE list of free things to do with kids in London

Welcome to the ultimate guide for budget-friendly family fun in London! This comprehensive list showcases a wealth of free things to do with kids in London that will keep both kids and adults entertained without breaking the bank. While our focus is primarily on central London, we’ve included some fantastic options that are slightly further afield but well worth the journey.

From world-class museums and historic landmarks to hidden gardens and quirky street art, London offers an incredible array of cost-free experiences for families. Our list covers a diverse range of interests, ensuring there’s something for every young explorer, budding artist, or curious mind.

Before you set off on your London adventure, please note a few important points:

1. Always check the opening days and times of attractions before traveling. Some venues may have seasonal hours or closed days, and it’s best to avoid disappointment.
2. This list only covers those things that are permanently available in London. There are loads of free events and things to do that are only temporary, but they aren’t covered here.
3. While entry to these attractions is free, some may have optional paid elements, such as special exhibitions or guided tours. We’ve focused on the free aspects, but don’t be surprised if you encounter some tempting extras.
4. This list doesn’t account for transportation costs. Remember to factor in the price of getting around London when planning your day out.
5. Lastly, we can’t protect you from the inevitable ‘pester power’ that comes with excited kids spotting gift shops or snack stands. Be prepared for some strategic negotiation skills!

Now, let’s dive into the exciting world of free family fun in London!

Free museums in London

• See the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum
• Bring science to life at the Science Museum
• Explore treasures from around the world at the British Museum
• Discover a world of decorative arts and design at the V&A
• Immerse yourselves in a world of play at the Young V&A
• Spark creativity through displays of innovative products at the Design Museum
• Experience London’s river, port, and people through interactive displays and recreated street scenes at the Museum of London Docklands
• Learn about the impact of modern warfare on society through powerful exhibitions and real military vehicles at the Imperial War Museum
• Explore the connections between science, medicine, life, and art at the Wellcome Collection
• Discover world cultures, natural history, and musical instruments in a family-friendly setting at the Horniman Museum and Gardens
• Marvel at weird and wonderful animal specimens at the Grant Museum of Zoology
• Embark on a treasure hunt through a quirky house filled with antiquities and curiosities at the Sir John Soane’s Museum
• Set sail on a journey through Britain’s seafaring history at the National Maritime Museum
• Take flight into aviation history at the Royal Air Force Museum
• Touch a real gold bar at the Bank of England Museum
• Unearth the mysteries of ancient Egypt at the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
• See how people lived in the past at the Geffrye Museum of the Home
• Step back in time at the London Mithraeum to experience a Roman temple through an immersive audio-visual experience
• Wander through Kenwood House and admire its art collection and beautiful ground
• Examine fascinating medical and surgical specimens and instruments from throughout history at the Hunterian Museum
• Explore the impact of the British Army on society through interactive exhibits and real military artefacts at the National Army Museum
• Explore some of the world’s most exciting, beautiful and significant books at the British Library
• Discover cutting-edge biomedical research through public exhibitions at the Francis Crick Institute

Free galleries in London

• Explore mind-bending modern and contemporary art in a converted power station at the Tate Modern
• Discover the best of British art from the 16th century to the present day at the Tate Britain
• Introduce kids to masterpieces of Western European painting at the National Gallery
• Come face-to-face with famous Britons throughout history at the National Portrait Gallery
• Step into the Wallace Collection to admire stunning artworks, armour, and decorative objects
• Uncover hidden treasures of London’s art collection at the Guildhall Art Gallery
• Visit the free displays of the Royal Academy of Arts to see highlights from their collection
• Experience thought-provoking contemporary art in London’s East End at the Whitechapel Gallery
• Explore innovative art and architecture in the Serpentine Galleries, set in the beautiful surroundings of Kensington Gardens
• Explore a masterpiece of 17th-century architecture filled with world-class art at the Queen’s House in Greenwich.
• Visit a neon sign paradise at God’s Own Junkyard
• Visit contemporary art galleries such as the White Cube, Victoria Miro and Saatchi Gallery

Other free attractions and landmarks in London

• Explore the Sky Garden
• See the city from above at Horizon 22 or The Lookout
• Take a break and see the view from the Garden at 120
• Hear Big Ben chime
• Take a photo at the gates of Buckingham Palace and try and spot the King
• Witness Tower Bridge lift to let tall ships pass underneath.
• See the horse guards at Horse Guards Parade
• Grab a trolley and pose for a magical photo at Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station as you ‘disappear’ into the wall to catch the Hogwarts Express
• Wander through Leadenhall Market (the setting for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter films) and imagine yourself shopping for wizarding supplies
• Explore the brutalist Barbican, residential estate and Europe’s largest multi-arts venue
• Take a free tour of the Houses of Parliament (UK residents)
• Cross Millennium Bridge and enjoy panoramic views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Thames
• Visit the iconic Battersea Power Station, which has been reimagined as a shopping and dining destination
• See where the Great Fire of London started and the Monument to the Great Fire and the city’s rebuilding
• See the lights and billboards of Piccadilly Circus
• See the lion statues at Trafalgar Square, admire Nelson’s Column, and enjoy the public art
• Stand at the end of Downing Street and see if you can spot Chief Mouser, Larry the cat

Free arts and culture things to do in London

• Explore street art in Shoreditch and Spitalfields with our self-guided tour
• Explore public art throughout London, including throughout the City, in Canary Wharf and at the Greenwich Peninsula
• Step back 2,000 years in time as you explore the remains of London’s only Roman amphitheatre
• Attend free concerts, including at St Martin-in-the-Fields, the Actor’s Church and the Royal Opera House
• Visit the Photographers’ Gallery (free after 5pm on Fridays) and explore captivating images from around the world
• Be amazed by jugglers, musicians, and magicians showcasing their talents in Covent Garden
• Follow in the footsteps of Paddington Bear, the famous bear from Peru
• Immerse yourselves in a world of digital art and interactive experiences with massive wraparound screens at the Outernet
• Go on a cinematic scavenger hunt in Leicester Square to find bronze statues of beloved film characters
• Watch street artists at work and admire an ever-changing gallery of spray-painted art at Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel
• Peek behind-the-scenes at the National Theatre
• Recreate the famous Beatles photo at Abbey Road

Free parks, gardens and playgrounds in London

• Enjoy the vast green space of Hyde Park, where kids can play and see the birds on the Serpentine
• Explore the beautiful gardens of Regent’s Park and listen out for the zoo animals
• Play in Coram’s Fields, a unique seven-acre playground and park reserved for children and their carers
• Watch the pelicans being fed in St. James’s Park
• Relax in the peace of Green Park, adjacent to Buckingham Palace, perfect for picnics
• Let your children’s imaginations run wild in the shadow of the London Eye at the Jubilee Gardens Playground
• Learn about evolution and nature in the Natural History Museum’s gardens
• Discover the Peter Pan statue and Diana Memorial playground and fountain in Kensington Gardens
• Explore the Hampstead Heath Hill Garden and Pergola and enjoy panoramic views of London from Parliament Hill
• Play in the splash pool and explore the Chinese pagoda in Victoria Park, East London’s oldest public park
• Stand on the Prime Meridian line at Greenwich Park, and enjoy and stunning views over the city
• Explore the expansive space of Battersea Park and play in the adventure playground
• Discover Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, a serene Japanese garden with koi ponds and peacocks roaming freely
• Enjoy sky-high views and lush plantings in the surprising green space of Crossrail Place Roof Garden
• Discover urban wildlife in Camley Street Natural Park, a hidden nature reserve near King’s Cross
• See life-sized dinosaur sculptures and get lost in the maze at Crystal Palace Park
• Go on nature walks on Wimbledon Common, look for Wombles, and visit the Wimbledon Windmill Museum
• See the Olympic rings from London 2012 and play in the Tumbling Bay playground at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
• Explore a magical secret garden within the ruins of a Wren church at St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
• Visit Postman’s Park and its Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice: Discover touching stories of everyday heroes in this unique and poignant memorial garden
• Explore a hidden tropical oasis in the heart of London at the Barbican Conservatory, home to exotic plants, trees, and fish
• Relax in Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, a hidden community garden with cafe
• Explore Walthamstow Wetlands, Europe’s largest urban wetland and see how many different birds you can spot
• Spot free-roaming deer in Richmond Park
• Enjoy stunning views of the Thames Barrier and explore the unique riverside park at the Thames Barrier Park

Other free things to do in London

• Marvel at the pageantry of guards in bearskin hats performing the Changing of the Guard
• Wander through picturesque streets lined with pastel-coloured houses in Notting Hill, made famous by the movie
• Browse the stalls and shops of Spitalfields Market
• Walk under the Thames via the Greenwich foot tunnel
• Enjoy a picturesque stroll along Regent’s Canal, from Little Venice to Camden Market
• Explore the buzzing Camden Market
• See the colourful buildings of Neal’s Yard
• Browse books on a boat at Word on the Water
• See how the other half live with a stroll around Harrods
• Do a self-guided tour of London’s Roman ruins
• Watch skateboarders try out tricks at the South Bank Undercroft Skate Space
• Visit a city farm – Mudchute Farm, Spitalfields City Farm or Stepney City Farm
• Take photos with life-size M&M’s at the M&M’s store
• Stroll along the South Bank of the Thames
• Walk through Admiralty Arch and spot the nose
• Step back in time and window shop at the Burlington Arcade and Royal Arcade
• Find blue plaques throughout the city
• Swing in a large scale birdcage at King’s Cross
• Find Little Ben in Victoria
• Look out for supercars in Chelsea
• Watch democracy in action by watching debates in the Houses of Parliament from the public galleries
• Browse the craft and food stalls at Greenwich Market all whilst protected from the weather
• Follow the scenic Diana Memorial Walk marked with plaques, celebrating the life of Diana, Princess of Wales
• Marvel at large-scale Lego models at the Lego store
• Tickle the ivories on a free piano at St Pancras
• Walk down Goodwin’s Court and imagine you have stepped back in time
• Go window shopping at the designer shops of Bond Street
• Watch the Paddington fan bridge lift
• Visit Temple Church, the church built by the Knights Templar
• Enjoy a feast for the eyes at Borough Market and soak in the lively atmosphere of this historic food market
• Visit the top floor of Alexander McQueen’s flagship Bond Street store to see a free rotating exhibition
• Experience the old school charm of Liberty, a mock-Tudor style store
• Explore the pretty canal-side neighbourhood of Little Venice
• Stretch your legs and see more of London’s green spaces by taking part in a Parkrun
• Find the statue of Hodge the Cat
• Picnic on the green steps of Granary Square
• See the neo-Byzantine architecture of Westminster Cathedral
• Stroll Broadway Market and picnic in nearby London Fields
• Walk around Carnaby Street and discover the birthplace of the Swinging 60s
• Browse used books at the South Bank Book Market
• Walk through the gardens of the Inns of Court and discover where barristers have trained for centuries
• Visit the Royal Courts of Justice and marvel at the grand Gothic architecture
• See the burial place of Captain John Smith of Pocahontas fame at Saint Sepulchre-without-Newgate Church
• Stroll along Portobello Road Market and admire the antiques and curiosities
• Play table tennis at the Granary Building in King’s Cross
• Experience a slice of local life, and shop for flowers at Columbia Road Flower Market
• Attend a service at St Paul’s Cathedral or Westminster Abbey

Seasonal things to do in London for free

• (January) Take to the streets for the New Year’s Day Parade
• (January/February) Celebrate Chinese New Year in Chinatown and across the city and enjoy the Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival
• (April) Cheer on those running the London Marathon
• (May) See large-scale floral sculptures at Chelsea in Bloom
• (Summer) Keep your cool as fountains and splash pads across the city start up
• (Summer) Look out for free events, screenings and things to do across London
• (August) Attend Notting Hill Carnival family day
• (September) Peep inside buildings that are normally not open to the public at Open House London
• (September) Visit the Classic Boat Festival at St Katharine Docks
• (November) See the procession for the Lord Mayor’s Show
• (November/December) See London’s Christmas light displays

Are we missing something free to do in London with children? Let us know in the comments!