Discover London's family-friendly offerings on a budget!
Dive into the wizarding world of Harry Potter, explore urban farms, tour the sights on classic double-deckers and enjoy cutting-edge art galleries – all for free. Save more on your family adventures with London Northwestern Railway's off-peak tickets and London Family Travelcard.
Things to do in London with kids
Get ready to ignite your family’s sense of wonder without spending a penny! London offers a trainload of exciting activities for kids and parents. And the best part is, the following are all free! From exploring city farms to immersing yourself in the magical world of Harry Potter, there's something for everyone to enjoy without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we've curated a diverse array of free experiences that will captivate tots, tweens, teens and adults alike, allowing you to spend quality time together without straining your budget.
Prepare to be transported to realms where art, culture and nature intertwine seamlessly, providing free alternatives to expensive London attractions. Swap London Zoo for the lush parkland of Mudchute Park & Farm, the London Eye for Skygarden and Warner Bros. Studio: The Making of Harry Potter for the House of MinaLima.
Embrace the extraordinary at the Saatchi Gallery, where cutting-edge contemporary art challenges conventional boundaries, or tour the city's sights on board a classic red double-decker London bus . Save money further by bringing your own picnic and make a day of it.
Handy tip: to make the most of free things to do in London with kids, take advantage of London Northwestern Railway's Off Peak London Family Travelcard providing affordable and convenient travel throughout the capital.
Covent Garden
"That's the way to do it!" Covent Garden has a rich history of providing free entertainment to Londoners. Samuel Pepys' first noted a marionette show featuring the character Punch taking place on the Piazza back in the 1660s. Today, this tradition lives on. Since then, the cobbled streets have remained a vibrant hub of free performances, activities and street entertainment . Kids and families can watch for hours as world-class artistes draw in the crowds.
In Covent Garden, all the world is indeed a stage. With two renowned opera houses and more than 20 thriving theatres, Covent Garden ensures that all tastes are catered to and all emotions are stirred.
One such offering is the Live at Lunch program, a series of free lunchtime performances in the newly opened-up spaces of the Royal Opera House . Artists from The Royal Opera, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, The Royal Ballet and guest artists take the stage. These performances provide a delightful cultural experience, lasting around 45 minutes, making them perfect for families with children curious about music. Best of all, no booking is required.
Nearest Tube Station: Covent Garden
Diana Memorial Playground
Kids will love climbing aboard a wooden pirate ship in the Diana Memorial Playground in the corner of Kensington Gardens. While the imposing wooden pirate ship is undoubtedly the centrepiece, the playground offers something for all adventurers from climbable teepees to a sensory trail of scented plants and textured surfaces. With its inclusive design of sandpits, swings, slides and more, the playground caters to children of all abilities.
Originally known as Peter Pan's Playground, it was created in 1928, inspired by the beloved character created by J.M. Barrie. Following the tragic death of Princess Diana in 1997, an ardent supporter of children's welfare, the playground was renamed in her honour.
Once the kids have burnt off some energy, combine your visit with a gentle walk around nearby Kensington Gardens . See if you can spot the famous Peter Pan statue , where the mischievous boy who wouldn't grow up lives forever young. You might even find the beautiful Diana Memorial Fountain , a place of peace and reflection dedicated to the Princess.
Note: on busy days, you may have to queue up to one hour to get into the playground, so arrive early.
Nearest Tube Station: Queensway
House of MinaLima
Enter the spellbinding realm of MinaLima , the visionary design duo behind the captivating graphics of the Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™ films.
Whether they're die-hard Potterheads or simply enjoy imaginative artwork, kids will find something to inspire them at the House of MinaLima. Spread across four floors brimming with original artwork, limited-edition prints, movie posters and actual props, this immersive experience lets you dive headfirst into J.K. Rowling's wizarding world without splashing out on the studio tour.
More than just a gallery, MinaLima offers a glimpse into the creative process through behind-the-scenes insights and interactive displays that reveal hidden details from the films. Prepare to lose yourself in the magic as you wander the meticulously crafted graphic narratives.
This free-to-enter gallery makes an accessible and budget-friendly outing for families. Take your time exploring, but be aware that during busy times, you may be offered a timed entry to make the most of your visit.
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus/Tottenham Court Road
London Buses
Forget expensive tours! When you’re thinking what to do in London with kids why not experience London like a local? Your London Family Travelcard includes all buses in Zones 1-6, so hop on a double-decker bus and see the city sights from the top deck. If your kids have never been on a London bus before, they’ll no doubt find the ride exciting.
One of our favourite routes, number 24 , runs from Pimlico to Hampstead Heath and takes in a fair number of city sights. Of course, you can always stop along the way at any of the following places or stay on board. Pick it up outside Victoria station. It passes Westminster Cathedral then Westminster Abbey, before heading down Whitehall, past Downing Street, the Prime Minister's residence. At Trafalgar Square , keep an eye out for Nelson's Column standing tall.
The bus then continues through London's West End, passing Denmark Street, once known as Tin Pan Alley for its music shops. The route visits Camden Town and Camden Market with quirky shops, vintage fashion and delicious street food, and ends at Hampstead Heath . From here, walk to the top of the hill for free panoramic views of London. Kids can run around and enjoy the fresh air – the perfect finale to your free sightseeing adventure.
Nearest Tube Station: Victoria
Mudchute Park & Farm
Escape to the countryside at Mudchute Park & Farm and find yourself in 32 acres of sprawling meadows, wetlands and woodlands right in the city, where kids can explore nature. One of Europe's largest inner-city farms, established in the 1970s, this urban haven serves as a sanctuary for over 100 British Rare Breed animals that you’re unlikely to find at London Zoo, alongside an astonishing array of plants and wildlife.
When you’re looking at where to go in London with kids, Mudchute is a place to meet sheep, cattle, pigs, donkeys, llamas and more grazing the outer fields. Many of the smaller farmyard favourites in the Pets Corner like chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and ducks are cuddly and perfect for little hands to admire.
Mudchute also offers a glimpse into sustainable farming practices, the importance of preserving heritage breeds and helps educate children about where food comes from. Be sure to check the schedule during school holidays when the farm buzzes with special kid-friendly activities.
While admission is free, donations are welcome to support this urban oasis.
Nearest Tube Station: Mudchute DLR.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Relive the electrifying energy of Super Saturday in 2012. Now, your mini Olympians can experience it all for themselves (well, kind of)! The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park , once the arena for the world's best athletes to come together, has transformed into a giant playground for the whole family to enjoy. Major landmarks include the London Stadium and ArcelorMittal Orbit tower, the UK's tallest sculpture.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is set across hundreds of acres. Walk or hop on a bike to explore the park's diverse trails around sights like the Mirrored Bridge, Blossom Garden, Tumbling Bay playground, a climbing wall, water fountains and the Olympic Rings in the Park Meadows. Download a free Explorer’s Guide and let your kids run wild as they discover nature, seek out hidden parts of the park and ignite their imagination with thrilling secret missions.
Nearest Tube Station: Stratford
Saatchi Gallery
Ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary: The Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea isn't your typical museum. Since 1985, this vibrant space has been a champion of contemporary art, showcasing bold and groundbreaking works by emerging young artists and international talents rarely seen in the UK. The best part? Exploring all three floors of the Saatchi Gallery is completely free every day.
With a keen eye for innovation and a commitment to nurturing new artistic voices, the Saatchi Gallery isn't just for adults. The gallery comes alive with fun and informative Family Art Workshops . These free sessions, offered during school holidays and half-terms, transform the space into a haven for artistic exploration. Kids of all ages will explore the art on display and develop confidence in expressing their own creative ideas.
Nearest Tube Station: Sloane Square
Skygarden
An oasis in the sky, The Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden and offers stunning panoramas. This urban park perched high above the city provides breathtaking views, making it a fantastic alternative to the London Eye for families on a budget. Get the kids to spot landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral, while you enjoy being surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens – a surprising combination in the heart of an office building!
Entry to the Sky Garden is completely free, but be sure to book your timed entry slot up to 3 weeks in advance, especially for weekend visits. Once inside, you can spend a relaxing hour immersed in the peaceful atmosphere and lush greenery, taking in the stunning cityscapes.
Once you’ve spied all the modern-day landmarks, take a step back in time with a visit to The Monument nearby. This historic column offers a fascinating glimpse into London's past. Learn about the Great Fire of London, which devastated the city in 1666, and discover the story behind Sir Christopher Wren's memorial. Visiting The Monument is free, and for a small additional fee, brave ones can climb the 311 steps to the top.
Nearest Tube Station: Monument
Science Museum
The Science Museum will keep kids happy for hours as they lose themselves in curiosity with interactive experiences that bring science to life. Ground-breaking items like British astronaut Tim Peake’s Soyuz TMA-19M spacecraft are on permanent display in the Exploring Space Gallery . The Engineers Gallery allows kids to develop problem-solving, big-thinking and team-working skills, and witness the future of technology first-hand.
Families can choose a themed free trail around the museum from the wonders of space exploration to the world of codebreaking or gaming.
For the younger ones, age 3–6, the magic happens in The Garden in the basement of the museum. More than just fun and games, it’s an interactive space where kids can create science while playing with water, construction, light and sound zones. A special trail has also been designed for this age group that will keep them absorbed.
Some exhibitions, as well as the interactive Wonderlab+ , require additional ticketed entry. To make the most of your visit, consider exploring the neighbouring Natural History Museum, which showcases the wonders of the natural world, from dinosaur skeletons to fascinating wildlife exhibits. Remember, pre-booking a free ticket is essential for both museums.
Nearest Tube Station: South Kensington
Southbank & Southbank Centre
London's Southbank is a showstopper, bustling with activity along the south bank of the Thames River. It's not just home to the UK's largest arts centre, the Southbank Centre , but also includes the lively riverside path known as Queen's Walk. Kids love hanging out here, listening to impromptu concerts and watching street performers do their thing. Head inside to catch free music sessions in the foyer of the Royal Festival Hall .
During term time and throughout the school holidays and half-term, the Southbank offers an exciting programme for children . One standout event is Imagine Children's Festival , a celebration of the arts, featuring theatre, music, comedy, dance and poetry held every February half-term for children aged 0 to 11.
The beauty of the Southbank is that many events are free and require no booking. However, it's always a good idea to check the Southbank Centre website for a complete listing of events and any that might require booking in advance. Whether you stumble upon a spontaneous performance or plan to attend a festival, the Southbank promises heaps of family fun without denting your wallet.
Nearest Tube Station: Waterloo
Get your Off-Peak Family Travelcard today
Make the most of your London visit by taking advantage of London Northwestern Railway's London Family Travelcard providing affordable and convenient travel throughout the capital.
- Same day return travel to/from London
- Up to four children (aged 5 – 15 inclusive) pay £1 each with each full fare-paying adult. children under 5 travel for free.
- Unlimited bus, tube, tram and DLR journeys within London Fare Zones 1-6 for the day
- 2FOR1 entry to London's top attractions
Looking for more ways to save on train tickets with the kids? Make sure you check out other discounts such as the Family & Friends Railcard, 16-17 Saver Railcard or Groupsave for even more savings.
Book your tickets today online or via our app.
