London· 4 min read
Free Things to Do in London with Kids — 15 Genuinely Good Days Out
World-class museums, royal parks and river walks that cost nothing — 15 free London days out with kids, from a local who's done them all on a rainy half-term.
London is one of the most expensive cities on earth to visit — and also one of the best places in the world to entertain children for free. The trick is knowing which free things are genuinely brilliant and which are only free because nobody wants them. Here are 15 that are actually worth your day.
The world-class free museums
The Natural History Museum, South Kensington
Still the best free day out in Britain for kids. The animatronic dinosaurs, the blue whale skeleton hanging in Hammerton Hall, the earthquake room — it's overwhelming in the best way. Book a free timed-entry ticket online to skip the queue, and go on arrival at 10am before the crowds build.
The Science Museum (next door)
The Wonderlab gallery is paid, but everything else — the space rockets, the Making the Modern World hall — is free and enormous. Two museums in one South Kensington trip if you pace it.
The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
Free, hands-on, and paired with a walk up to the Royal Observatory and a stand-with-a-foot-in-each-hemisphere photo on the Prime Meridian line (the Observatory courtyard view is free even if the meridian itself is ticketed).
The royal parks (all free)
- Diana Memorial Playground, Kensington Gardens — a pirate-ship playground themed around Peter Pan; arrive early on weekends, it's popular for good reason.
- Richmond Park — actual wild deer roaming free, and the best cycling in London for families on the car-free paths.
- Greenwich Park — the hill by the Observatory is the best free view in London and a legendary spot for rolling down.
- St James's Park — pelicans (fed at 2:30pm daily) and the postcard view of Buckingham Palace.
Along the river (free walking days)
The South Bank
Walk from the London Eye to Tower Bridge along the river: street performers, the sand "beach" at low tide near the Oxo Tower, the Tate Modern turbine hall (free), and the changing skyline. A whole afternoon that costs the price of an ice cream.
Changing of the Guard, Buckingham Palace
Free, spectacular, and reliably thrilling for kids. It runs on set days (check the schedule) at 11am — get there by 10:30 for a spot by the railings.
Markets and neighbourhoods
- Borough Market — free to wander, brilliant for lunch (samples aplenty), under London Bridge.
- Covent Garden — the free street performers by the piazza are genuinely world-class buskers.
- Camden Market — best for teens; the canalside walk to Regent's Park is a bonus.
When it rains
Beyond the museums: the Barbican Conservatory (free at weekends, a tropical glasshouse hidden in a concrete estate), and hopping the top deck of a normal double-decker bus — the number 11 or 15 routes past most of the landmarks for the price of a bus fare.
Practical notes
Get an Oyster/contactless setup before you go — under-11s travel free on buses and Tube with a paying adult. The free museums stay free but some now use free timed tickets to manage crowds, so book those online the day before. And build in less than you think: two big things a day with a park in between beats a forced march past ten.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free day out in London with kids?
The Natural History Museum in South Kensington is widely considered the best free day out for children in London — the dinosaur gallery, the blue whale skeleton and the earthquake room are all free to enter. Book a free timed-entry ticket online and arrive at 10am to beat the crowds.
Are London's museums really free?
Yes. The major national museums — the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, British Museum, V&A, Tate Modern and the National Gallery — are free to enter. Special exhibitions sometimes charge, but the main collections are always free.
Do children pay for travel in London?
Under-11s travel free on London buses and the Tube when accompanied by a paying adult, using contactless or an Oyster card. Children aged 11–15 can travel at reduced rates with a Zip Oyster photocard.
Do I need to book free London museums in advance?
Most free museums allow walk-in entry, but several now offer free timed-entry tickets to manage busy periods such as school holidays. It's worth booking a free ticket online the day before to guarantee entry and skip the queue.
Enjoyed this guide?
Get one email a week with our best day-out ideas and a discount code.
Related guides
London1 min read
Days Out in London for Teenagers — 14 Ideas That Aren't Embarrassing
London days out that actually land with teens — street art, skate spots, night views, indie cinemas and food markets, minus the naff tourist stuff.
London3 min read
Bouldering & Climbing Walls in London (Beginner's Guide)
The best bouldering and climbing walls in London for beginners — where to go, what it costs, and why it's such a sociable, low-commitment day out.
London3 min read
Cook-Alongs & Cookery Classes in London: Eat What You Make
The best cookery classes and cook-along experiences in London — pasta, sushi, Thai, bread and more. A hands-on, sociable day out where you eat what you cook.