London may be an expensive city, but there are plenty of places to visit for free. If you’re traveling with kids, however, all the headline historical sites and culture-packed art galleries aren’t likely to hold their attention for long. Fortunately, London has some spots that are perfect for little ones. Here’s a guide to the best free things to do in London that kids will love.
Pop along to a proper playground
London is home to numerous incredible open spaces, and many have playgrounds. However, a couple of stand-out destinations offer kids exceptional experiences and are completely free to enter. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens is a spectacular play zone. It features a giant pirate ship to climb on, water features, tunnels and teepees to explore, wooden musical instruments to play, and sand to dig in. Coram’s Fields near Bloomsbury has offered a free playspace for children since 1936, which includes an adventure playground, sandpits, sports courts, and a small city farm. At both playgrounds, unaccompanied teens and adults should expect to be turned away at the gates.
See the wildlife in the parks and gardens
St James’s Park is a beautiful space with a picturesque lake full of ducks, geese, and even pelicans. Young travelers with a love for horses may spot regal-looking ponies and their riders trotting through Hyde Park. A fenced-off area in Greenwich Park, known as The Wilderness, is home to deer, while at Richmond Park, these horned creatures roam freely in 2500 acres of green space. Remember to keep your distance from these wild animals.
Explore museums that kids will love
London is incredibly lucky to offer free entry to many museums and galleries. While almost every venue hosts special events for children, a couple of places stand out for their focus on education and entertainment. The Science Museum features many free exhibitions that will capture imaginations. In the Exploring Space exhibit, visitors can get up close to the Soyuz space module that returned astronauts from the Space Station in 2016. For very young kids, The Garden in the basement offers water play, cranes, blocks, and many hands-on sensory displays.
The Natural History Museum is a favorite due to its massive collection of skeletons and specimens. Dino-loving kids will want to head straight to the impressive Dinosaur Gallery. Informative displays detail different species, explaining their history and extinction while leading visitors to meet the animatronic tyrannosaurus rex, which can be quite thrilling for young visitors.
Additionally, many London museums make special efforts to engage kids. The British Museum has a child-friendly object trail featuring 12 historical items. Visitors can also find free art materials and a gallery backpack (with a £10 deposit) filled with themed tasks and challenges. Other fantastic options include the Museum of Docklands, housing Mudlarks Gallery, and the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, which includes interactive spaces that toddlers and younger children love. Entry is free, but booking a timed slot is necessary.
Be entertained by ceremonies, parades, and festivals
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the queen, indicated by the Royal Standard flag. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place almost every day at 11am (10am on Sundays). This free event is popular with tourists, so arriving at least 45 minutes early ensures a good viewpoint. Visitors will enjoy a full military band as the Old Guard, New Guard, and Household Cavalry parade by.
The New Year’s Day Parade, held each January 1, features a lively mix of community floats, performances, and marching bands parading from Piccadilly to Parliament Square. It’s family-friendly, entertaining, and can provide a fun start to the new year.
The annual Notting Hill Carnival celebrates cultural diversity and Caribbean heritage during one of the world’s largest street carnivals on the Sunday and bank holiday Monday at the end of August, with Sunday designated as Family Day. Local children showcase dances and impressive costumes. Expect large crowds on Family Day, yet the atmosphere remains vibrant and joyful.
Free photo opportunities for Harry Potter fans
If your family includes aspiring wizards and witches with a penchant for Harry Potter, be sure to stop by platform 9¾ at King’s Cross station. Followers of the series often queue for that perfect shot. From there, stroll to nearby St Pancras International Station, which features in the films, notably in The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets.
Get up close with the creatures at the city farms
Except for Coram’s Fields, city farms are typically found outside central London. These charitable organizations allow kids to gain farm skills and interact with animals. Some offer horse-riding facilities, and many feature opportunities to stroke animals. To the southwest, Deen City Farm in Colliers Wood and Vauxhall City Farm are accessible near Vauxhall station. Southeast, you can visit Crystal Palace Park Farm and Mudchute. Additional options include Hackney City Farm to the northeast, Kentish Town in the north, and Spitalfields City Farm in the east.
