What not to miss in London for free with kids
- 🦖 Natural History Museum – Best for curious minds
- 💂 Changing the Guard – Best for royal heritage
- 🌉 Tower Bridge – Best for a world-famous landmark
- 🔬 Science Museum – Best for hands-on fun
- 🌹 The Regent’s Park – Best for outdoor adventures
London was named second-best city in the world for 2026 by Tripadvisor, and it’s easy to see why with its big-hitting attractions, cutting-edge cultural scene and historic charm. The UK capital is one of the best cities for family travel, thanks to a brilliant lineup of free museums and beautiful green spaces, it’s easy to plan unforgettable days out with the kids without spending a penny.
This carefully curated list of 28 free things to do in London with kids has been compiled by Visit London’s editors, who bring decades of combined experience exploring the city with children of all ages. From hands-on exhibitions to hidden gems, use this guide to discover London with ease as a family. Be sure to download the Visit London app for on-the-go ideas and check out what’s on in London this month for expert-approved, seasonal highlights.
How we chose the best free things to do in London with kids
Every entry on this list has been selected by our London-based editors, who know the city inside out. Our recommendations combine first-hand experience and local expertise with trusted reviews, visitor popularity and search trends. We prioritise culturally significant experiences that spark curiosity and creativity, from art and design to science and innovation. The list is regularly updated to include seasonal highlights, new openings and fresh discoveries for families.
Free things to do in London with kids
Best free museums in London for kids
Natural History Museum – Best for: Interactive exhibits, suitable for all ages
Duration: Allow three to four hours
Nearest Tube: South Kensington (District, Circle and Piccadilly lines) is a five-minute walk from the museum.
Step inside the Natural History Museum and you’ll be greeted by a 25.2-metre-long blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling of Hintze Hall. From here, children can explore more than 80 million objects spanning 4.5 billion years, including dinosaur fossils and meteorites. Highlights include the escalator ride through the Earth model leading to the geological exhibit and a hair-raising earthquake simulator.
We recommend that older kids explore the human evolution gallery, where original skulls and bones from the Neanderthals and ancient artefacts such as wooden spears await. Come hungry and enjoy hot dishes from the Garden Kitchen or pick up a milkshake and sandwich from the Shake Bar.
Best for: Curious kids, hands-on explorers and fans of dinosaurs, space and human evolution.
Good to know: Treat the kids to the Dino Snores sleepover experience, where they can explore galleries by torchlight and bed down beside some of the museum’s most treasured creatures.
London Transport Museum – Best for: Transport evolution, suitable for all ages
Duration: Allow up to two hours
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) are both within walking distance.
Kids can climb aboard the world’s first Underground steam train, a 19th-century horse-drawn bus and even operate a Tube simulator at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. Trace how London’s culture and society have been shaped by transport, with standouts including Harry Beck’s original Tube map and artefacts from disused transport locations such as ticket booths and gas masks.
After picking up themed gifts and souvenirs from the gift shop, we recommend heading to the central piazza to watch world-class magicians, opera singers and acrobats performing live street shows – a historic tradition happening daily from midday to late evening.
Best for: Young explorers, transport enthusiasts and history lovers.
Good to know: Check out Art Deco: The Golden Age of Poster Design for a look at the artworks and advertisements that once lined the walls of the Underground.
Science Museum – Best for: Hands-on exhibits, suitable for all ages
Duration: Allow up to two hours
Nearest Tube: South Kensington (District, Circle and Piccadilly lines) is a five-minute walk from the museum.
The Science Museum is home to more than 50 exhibits spread across seven distinct zones, promising a fun day out for the whole family. We recommend the Space gallery, where rockets, satellites and the Apollo 10 command module are sure to ignite curiosities. For older kids, the Power Up zone offers hands-on gaming experience with a mix of retro and modern titles such as Sega Megadrive and Mario Kart. Elsewhere, the Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries showcase the world’s largest collection of medical history including the first-ever MRI machine, a rare iron lung and cutting-edge surgical tools.
While entry is free, we suggest pre-booking admission tickets to skip the queues. Go after 2.30pm to avoid school crowds.
Best for: Curious minds, fans of space, science and technology.
Good to know: Head to Wonderlab for live experiments and exciting talks from the museum’s expert explainers.
Tate Modern – Best for: Interactive exhibits, suitable for all ages
Duration: Allow two to three hours
Nearest Tube: Blackfriars (District and Circle lines) and Southwark (Jubilee line) are both a five-minute walk from the gallery.
Tate Modern is a fantastic destination for families, ideally located in the heart of Bankside and just a short stroll from other family-friendly attractions on the South Bank such as SEA LIFE London Aquarium and The Paddington Bear Experience. Let the kids run free in Turbine Hall, where an ever-changing rotation of large-scale installations take centre stage. Don’t miss the Tate Draw area, where children can sketch their own masterpiece on digital sketchpads and watch them come to life projected onto the walls.
It’s worth checking out the event calendar before your visit, as special exhibitions require an entry free. Tate Modern is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, with an exciting lineup of events including an art trail featuring 25 iconic artworks – from Warhol to Picasso – displayed throughout the gallery.
Best for: Creative kids, budding artists and families exploring modern art.
Good to know: Ground-floor restaurant The Corner offers a kids’ menu and outdoor seating in the summer. For stunning city views, head to the sixth-floor Restaurant & Bar, perfect for a drink and snack between exploring.
Young V&A – Best for: Sensory play, suitable for all ages
Duration: Allow up to two hours
Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green (Central and Weaver lines) is a two-minute walk from the museum.
Designed for young minds, Young V&A offers immersive, hands-on experience across three themed galleries: Imagine (for ages 5 to 11), Play (ages 0 to 5) and Design (ages 11 to 14). The space features sensory zones, dress-up areas and a design studio, along with more than 2,000 objects to discover including extensive archives of toy manufacturers and game design.
We recommend the Museum Gardens for a picnic or take a short walk to Spitalfields City Farm to see donkeys, sheep and goats.
Best for: Sensory play, creative kids.
Good to know: The on-site cafe serves fresh food, but you can bring your own food and drink and enjoy it in the main entrance hall.
British Museum – Best for curious minds, suitable for all ages
Duration: Allow three to four hours
Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern and Elizabeth lines) is a five-minute walk from the museum.
The British Museum is the most-visited museum in London. Drawing more than 6.5 million visitors each year, its collection covers more than two million years of human history, and its 60 rooms brim with extraordinary artefacts. We recommend Rooms 62 and 63, where Egyptian mummies will captivate younger visitors, while The Rosetta Stone in Room 4 is a must-see – this ancient stone inscribed with hieroglyphs, Demotic and Greek was key in unlocking the mysteries of Egyptian writing.
Harry potter fans will love The Lewis Chessmen in Room 40. These intricate 12th-century Norse chess pieces, crafted from walrus ivory and whale teeth, are said to have inspired the Wizard’s chess set in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Best for: History buffs and curious minds.
Good to know: Stop by the Families Desk to grab an explorer trail – a fun and interactive way for kids to spot historic objects throughout the museum.
Discover more of the best museums and galleries in London.
When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am
Nearest Tube: Green Park (Victoria, Jubilee and Piccadilly lines) is a five-minute walk from Buckingham Palace.
Changing the Guard is a historic ceremony dating back to the reign of King Henry VIII, when the New Guard formally relieve the Old Guard in a thrilling parade outside of Buckingham Palace. For the best views, head to the Victoria Memorial outside of Buckingham Palace and arrive by 10.15am to secure a spot on the steps – ideal for undisturbed photos.
The parade starts at St James’s Palace around 10.25am, with soldiers marching down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace for 11am. Expect a lively soundtrack, blending traditional military music with contemporary tunes – previous performances have even featured songs by Taylor Swift ahead of her Eras Tour and Harry Styles during his Harry’s House era.
Best for: Royal fans, and families seeking iconic London traditions.
Good to know: Extreme weather can occasionally affect the ceremony, with last-minute cancellations possible. Check the official Household Division schedule before you visit.
Sky Garden – Best for: Sweeping city views, suitable for all ages
Nearest Tube: Monument (District and Circle lines) is a five-minute walk away, while Bank (Central, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines) is also nearby.
The Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden at a towering 508ft above the city. The building – nicknamed the Walkie Talkie – invites visitors to explore its free observation deck, a tropical oasis brimming with lush plants and wrapped in glass walls and ceilings that deliver sweeping views of London and beyond. In summer, the open-air terrace offers front-row views of The Shard, Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
We recommend visiting early in the afternoon to swerve the crowds or time your visit for sunset, when London’s skyline is washed in shades of orange and pink. Nearby Bread Street Kitchen & Bar offers a kids-eat-free deal – all day, everyday – when a paying adult orders two dishes.
Best for: Spotting London landmarks, and lovers of stunning city views.
Good to know: Entry is free, but timed tickets are essential. Children under 16 can’t enter after 6pm on weekdays and 9pm on weekends.
Tower Bridge – Best for: London’s top landmark, suitable for all ages
Nearest Tube: Tower Hill (District and Circle lines) and London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines) are both a short walk away.
Tower Bridge is considered one of the great feats of engineering history. Built in the Victorian era, the bridge still lifts around 800 times a year to allow tall ships to pass through. Walk across the bridge for sweeping views over the Thames or book the thrilling glass-floored walkway experience to watch boats glide beneath your feet and gain insight into the bridge’s inner workings.
For the best photo spot, head north of the river and take the left staircase towards the Tower of London. Prefer a quieter perspective? Take the right staircase towards St Katharine Docks and admire the bridge in all its glory, away from the crowds.
Best for: Engineering enthusiasts, and families seeking iconic London views.
Good to know: Check the official timetable before your visit to see if the bridge is scheduled to open.
Big Ben – Best for: Democratic heritage, suitable for all ages
Nearest Tube: Westminster Tube station (Jubilee, District and Circle lines) is located directly opposite Big Ben.
Ask any Londoner to name the city’s most iconic landmark, and a fair few will point you in the direction of Big Ben. Part of the Houses of Parliament, the stunning clock tower weights more than 13 tonnes and tolls the hour every hour, with smaller bells chiming every 15 minutes. Visitors can book a 90-minute tour of the tower but be prepared to climb more than 330 steps to reach the mechanism room.
We recommend heading to Parliament Street to snap a photo alongside one of the red telephone boxes with Big Ben as your backdrop.
Best for: History lovers and families seeking a classic London photo opportunity.
Good to know: Book a tour of neighbouring landmark Westminster Abbey, the coronation church and setting for historic ceremonies such as Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral.
Explore more of the best attractions in London, or check out our things to do with kids guide for more family-friendly activities.
Unusual places to visit for free
BFI Reuben Library – Best for: British cinema history, suitable for all ages
Nearest Tube: Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee, and Waterloo & City lines) is a five-minute walk away.
Directly beneath Waterloo Bridge – near the London Eye, National Theatre and Southbank Centre – the BFI Reuben Library is dedicated to texts on film, television and digital moving image. Its extensive collection includes articles, scripts, press cuttings, books, costume designs and animations. The low-lit space is free to enter but study desks equipped with table lamps and sensory assistive equipment require advance booking.
There’s an impressive year-round programme of events, too, showcasing new writing from emerging and established filmmakers.
Best for: Media enthusiasts and aspiring filmmakers.
Good to know: If you’re under 26, you can get discounted tickets for BFI Southbank screenings, with tickets from £4.
London Mithraeum – Best for: Ancient archaeology, suitable for all ages
Nearest Tube: Bank (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City lines and DLR) and Cannon Street (Circle and District lines) are both a 2-minute walk from the site.
The London Mithraeum is an immersive museum built around the real ruins of an ancient Roman temple in the heart of the City. Kids can step back in time to explore the Temple of Mithras and discover the bustling world of Roman Londinium. Interactive displays, Roman artefacts and contemporary art commissions engage children, while sensory elements including light shows and soundscapes make the history fun and accessible.
We recommend booking your free, timed ticket before your visit to avoid queues and guarantee entry. If there’s one thing to look out for, it’s the Museum of London artefacts display, which includes the earliest recorded written document from Britain (AD 57).
Best for: Curious kids and fans of Roman Londinium.
Good to know: While the space is suitable for all ages, note that there’s a sensory show featuring smoke, haze and loud noises that may not be suitable for young children.
Leake Street Arches – Best for: Eye-popping graffiti, suitable for all ages
Nearest Tube: The tunnel is a five-minute walk from Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines). Take the Waterloo Road exit and head towards the York Road roundabout, where the tunnel entrance is on the left.
Leake Street Arches – located directly beneath Waterloo Station – is London’s longest graffiti gallery, stretching 300 metres with walls and ceilings covered in vibrant, ever-evolving murals. Walk through with kids to see talented artists at work, creating striking pieces inspired by cultural and political movements. There are food and drink spots along the tunnel including Vietnamese street food at Banh Bao Brothers and Philly cheesesteaks at Passyunk Avenue.
Best for: Street art fans, creative kids
Good to know: Visit in the afternoon to see professional artists at work. The tunnel can often have strong paint fumes, so consider bringing masks.
Barbican Conservatory – Best for: Indoor tropical oasis, suitable for all ages
Nearest Tube: Barbican Station (Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines) is a five-minute walk away.
Step into a tropical landscape at the Barbican Conservatory, an indoor garden filled with more than 2,000 species of plants and tropical trees. Wander through this serene space with its towering palms and vibrant greenery, perfect for enjoying indoor greenery in colder weather. The nearby Barbican Library is a great spot for families, with a children’s section offering storytelling events, reading challenges and workshops like sock worm-making.
Best for: Nature lovers and families seeking a tropical escape.
Good to know: Be sure to visit Arid House on the east side of the conservatory for a showstopping collection of cacti and succulents.
Explore more of quirky experiences and hidden gems in London such as FRAMELESS, Madame Tussauds and ABBA Voyage.
London parks and outdoor activities for kids
Greenwich Park – Best for: Skyline views, suitable for all ages
Nearest Tube: North Greenwich (Jubilee line) is the nearest Tube station, which is a 30-minute walk to the park.
Greenwich Park is the oldest enclosed Royal Park in London and offers a fantastic free day out for families with kids. The park offers wide open spaces for running around, a deer park to explore, and playgrounds for younger children. Head to One Tree Hill and take in sweeping views of the towering skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and London.
At the Royal Observatory, kids can stand on the world-famous Meridian Line with one foot in the east and one in the west, providing a fun photo opportunity. They’ll also love the interactive exhibits and the historic Great Equatorial Telescope. The park is home to beautiful flower gardens, including rose, herb, and flowerbeds, making it a peaceful spot for a picnic with breathtaking views over London.
Best for: Outdoor explorers and families seeking a historic experience.
Good to know: Elevate your experience with a visit to the Royal Observatory, where you can learn about British astronomy and stand on the Prime Meridian Line.
The Regent’s Park – Best for: Stunning gardens, suitable for all ages
Nearest Tube: Regent’s Park (Bakerloo line) and Baker Street (Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee and Metropolitan lines) are within walking distance.
The Regent’s Park is the perfect spot to recharge between visits to nearby attractions such as Madame Tussauds. Wander through Queen Mary’s Gardens – home to nearly 12,000 roses – and immerse yourself in their fragrant beauty. The park is also a wildlife haven, with a colony of grey herons near the boating lake, where families can hire boats and pedalos in the summer. Kids will love the four playgrounds, which feature swings, slides, a zip-line, and even a timber treehouse for older children.
For a more exotic experience, head to London Zoo at the park’s northern edge, housing more than 700 species including meerkats, lions and giraffes.
Best for: Rose gardens, family-friendly fun and thrilling playgrounds.
Good to know: Check out what’s on at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre during your visit, with standout family shows such as Anansi the Spider (15 August to 6 September).
Kensington Gardens – Best for: Cultural landmarks, suitable for all ages
Nearest Tube: Queensway (Central line), Lancaster Gate (Central line) and High Street Kensington (District and Circle lines) all border the park.
Kids will love the Diana Memorial Gardens, with its wooden pirate ship and Peter Pan statue, while the whole family can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the stunning Italian Gardens, created by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. Kensington Gardens is also home to Kensington Palace, a royal residence since the 17th century, and the official London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Don’t miss the iconic Albert Memorial and Henry Moore’s The Arch, both offering glimpses into royal and artistic heritage.
Best for: Royal history and pirate adventures.
Good to know: Be sure to check out the free David Hockney: A Year in Normandie and Some Other Thoughts about painting exhibition at the Serpentine North Gallery (until 23 August 2026).
Check out more of the best outdoor activities in London including the top lidos, garden centres and waterside hotspots.
Free indoor activities in London for kids
British Library – Best for: Free interactive exhibits, suitable for all ages
Nearest Tube: King’s Cross (Victoria, Piccadilly, Northern, Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan lines) is a five-minute walk from the library.
The British Library is the largest national library in the world, with more than 100 million items spread across 14 floors. It’s an ideal space for kids, with interactive exhibits and engaging activities including the current Fairy Tales exhibition (until 23 August 2026), exploring magical characters and lands from timeless children’s tales.
Children can explore the Treasures Gallery, where they can see world-famous items such as the Magna Carta and handwritten Beatles lyrics, or they can head to the Sound Gallery to listen to thousands of sound recordings from the library’s vast collection.
Best for: Book lovers and fans of literary heritage.
Good to know: Wear warm clothes. The library is kept at a cool temperature to stop degradation of books and rare documents.
The LEGO Store Leicester Square – Best for: LEGO enthusiasts, suitable for all ages
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) and Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines) are both walking distance from the shop.
The flagship LEGO Store in Leicester Square is a must-visit for children, offering two floors of interactive fun, in-store activities and eye-popping models. Young visitors will love full-size models of an Aston Martin and a double-decker bus, while little ones can climb the colourful LEGO tree. The store offers hands-on experiences such as designing a custom minifigure and creating a photo mosaic. With a brilliant mix of LEGO sets including Harry Potter and Star Wars, it’s the perfect place to pick up their next building masterpiece.
Best for: LEGO-lovers and hands-on family fun.
Good to know: Visit early in the morning on weekends to avoid queues, or mid-afternoon on weekdays.
Bread Street Kitchen & Bar – Best for: British fare, suitable for all ages
At Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, families can enjoy classic British dishes in a stylish setting, with the bonus of kids eating free. For every adult ordering two courses, one child can enjoy a free main from the Ramsay Kids’ menu. Popular dishes include Beef Wellington, sausages and mash, and butter chicken curry, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Tasty starters and desserts including sticky toffee pudding and chocolate brownie are also on offer.
Best for: Stylish family meals with a kids-eat-free perk.
Good to know: The St Paul’s location is ideally situated near landmarks like the Tower of London, Tate Modern and Sky Garden.
Southbank Centre – Best for: Literary fun, suitable for all ages
Nearest Tube: Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & Cit lines) is a five-minute walk away.
Southbank Centre is a hub of literary excitement for visitors of all ages, with the National Poetry Library offering a treasure trove of poems to explore. Kids will love the family-friendly events, from storytelling sessions to interactive performances and workshops designed to inspire creativity. This year marks its 75th anniversary, with a roster of exciting events including Harry Styles as the curator of Meltdown Festival. Whether you're attending a poetry reading or exploring a creative workshop, the Southbank Centre provides an inspiring and fun experience for visitors of all ages.
Best for: Budding poets, music fans, and family-friendly cultural events.
Good to know: Explore the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden for free, tranquil views across the Thames.
Find more inspiration for indoor activities for kids in London including SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, and London Dungeon.
