25 Free Things to Do in London With Kids (That Are Genuinely Worth It)

London doesn’t have to break the bank — in fact, some of the best family activities in the capital are totally free. From museums to playgrounds and epic city views, there are tons of amazing ways to explore London with kids without spending a penny.

Here’s your ultimate guide to 25 genuinely brilliant free things to do in London with kids!

🦕 1. See the Dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum

A must-do! Kids can meet a roaring T-Rex, walk beneath a blue whale, and explore volcanoes and earthquakes — all for free.

📍 South Kensington

💡 Tip: Go early to avoid queues during school holidays.

🧪 2. Explore the Science Museum

Right next door, the Science Museum is packed with hands-on exhibits. Kids love the Wonderlab (paid) but the free galleries are amazing too — especially the space zone and interactive Launchpad.

🌳 3. Picnic & Pirate Play at the Diana Memorial Playground

Located in Kensington Gardens, this enclosed playground features a giant pirate ship, sandpits, teepees, and sensory trails.

👶 Best for toddlers and younger children

🧺 Perfect picnic spot!

🧸 4. Visit the Young V&A Museum

A brilliant interactive museum just for kids, with creative spaces to build, play, dress up and explore.

📍 Bethnal Green

🎨 Best for ages 0–14

💷 Free entry!

🖼️ 5. Tate Modern – Free Family Art Fun

Explore giant sculptures, quirky art installations, and even try your hand at sketching in the free family activity zones.

📍 Bankside (by Millennium Bridge)

🕵️ 6. Watch the Changing of the Guard

A classic London tradition! See the soldiers in red uniforms and bearskin hats parade to Buckingham Palace with a live marching band.

📅 Check schedule here – not every day!

🌺 7. Discover the Sky Garden (With City Views!)

Head up London’s “Walkie Talkie” skyscraper for free panoramic views of the city, plus beautiful indoor gardens.

🌇 Book tickets online in advance — free but limited.

🚂 8. All Aboard at the London Transport Museum Depot (Open Days)

While the main museum charges, the Acton Depot hosts free or low-cost open days with vintage trains, buses, and activities.

📍 Acton Town

🗓️ Check LTM site for free family events.

🌿 9. Climb Parliament Hill for an Epic View

Hampstead Heath is one of the best places to let kids run wild. Climb up to Parliament Hill for sweeping city views and kite flying.

🧭 10. Stand on the Prime Meridian in Greenwich Park

Head to Greenwich and let your kids straddle two hemispheres at the Prime Meridian line in Greenwich Park.

🧭 Free in the park (observatory costs extra).

🛳️ Take a scenic Thames Clipper boat ride (paid).

🦢 11. Feed the Ducks in St. James’s Park

Right near Buckingham Palace, this peaceful park has pelicans, ducks, playgrounds, and bridges perfect for little legs.

🔍 12. Go Fossil Hunting (Mudlarking) Along the Thames

At low tide, the Thames foreshore becomes a giant treasure hunt. Look for old pottery, clay pipes, and fossils.

🦺 Wear wellies and supervise closely.

📍 Try spots near Bankside or Wapping.

🚍 13. Ride the Top Deck of a Red Bus

For the cost of a single adult fare (or free with a travelcard/Oyster cap), you can tour the city from the top deck. Route 11 or 9 pass by major landmarks.

🧒 Kids under 11 travel free!

🐴 14. Watch the Horse Guards Parade

See the mounted cavalry in full uniform at Horse Guards Parade near Whitehall. The Changing of the King’s Life Guard happens daily.

🖍️ 15. Colour in the Wallace Collection

A free art museum in Marylebone that offers family art trails, scavenger hunts, and sketching materials for kids.

📍 Hertford House, Marylebone

🔬 16. Explore the Grant Museum of Zoology

One of London’s quirkiest museums — think skeletons, preserved creatures, and oddities galore. Small but fascinating.

📍 University Street, near Euston

🏛️ 17. British Museum – Egyptian Mummies & Roman Treasure

This world-famous museum has real Egyptian mummies, ancient artefacts, and great family trails available for free.

📍 Great Russell Street

📚 18. Story Time at Your Local Library

London libraries often run free storytelling, Lego clubs, and craft sessions for kids during the summer.

📍 Check your borough library for events.

💂 19. March with Mini Soldiers at the National Army Museum

Free entry with loads of hands-on exhibits and a brilliant soft play area (The Play Base – small fee).

📍 Chelsea

🌸 20. Wander the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park

A serene, Japanese-style garden complete with koi carp, waterfalls, and peacocks. Peaceful and magical!

🎨 21. Street Art Tour in Shoreditch

Go on a DIY walk to spot vibrant street art by Banksy and other artists. Great for teens and camera-happy kids!

🧙 22. Window Shop Harry Potter Style at Leadenhall Market

This beautiful old market inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. Snap some magical photos and soak up the atmosphere.

🦋 23. Spot Wildlife in Walthamstow Wetlands

One of Europe’s largest urban wetlands — perfect for birdwatching, nature walks, and getting outdoors.

🛹 24. Skate, Scoot, or Cycle in Olympic Park

Explore the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with your bikes or scooters. There’s also a fab playground, splash fountains, and space to roam.

🏞️ 25. Stroll Along the South Bank

A perfect family walk — start at Tower Bridge and stroll past Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Eye, street performers, and pop-up festivals.

🍦 Ice cream stops guaranteed.

✨ Final Thoughts

London is packed with incredible free activities for families, and summer is the perfect time to make the most of it. With world-class museums, gorgeous parks, quirky spots, and hands-on fun, there’s always something new to discover — without spending a fortune.