Planning a family day out and searching for free things to do in London with kids? You’re in the right place! London may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but it’s also packed with amazing attractions that don’t cost a penny. From world-class museums to playgrounds, farms, and cultural experiences, families with children aged 4–11 can enjoy unforgettable adventures without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top free things to do in London with kids, with practical details for parents and fun insights from Lorenzo, our 7-year-old London explorer.
1. Diana Memorial Playground – A Pirate Adventure in the Park
📍 Kensington Gardens, Broad Walk, London W2 2UH
🚇 Closest Tube: Queensway or High Street Kensington
💸 Free entry
🔗 Royal Parks
If you’re looking for outdoor free things to do in London with kids, the Diana Memorial Playground is a must. Inspired by Peter Pan, this magical space has a giant wooden pirate ship in the sand, sensory play areas, and musical instruments.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“The pirate ship is HUGE! I love climbing on it with my friends and pretending we’re sailing to Neverland.”
2. Natural History Museum – Dinosaurs and Discovery
📍 Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
🚇 Closest Tube: South Kensington
💸 Free entry (special exhibitions paid)
🔗 Natural History Museum
One of the most iconic free things to do in London with kids. Families can see roaring animatronic dinosaurs, dazzling gemstones, and hands-on galleries.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“When the T-Rex moved and roared, I nearly jumped! It felt like I was inside a dinosaur movie.”
3. Science Museum – Wonderlab and Interactive Fun
📍 Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
🚇 Closest Tube: South Kensington
💸 Free entry (Wonderlab extra)
🔗 Science Museum
Perfect for curious minds, the Science Museum is packed with rockets, planes, and experiments. It’s a favourite on our list of free things to do in London with kids.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I did experiments with bubbles and saw a REAL rocket. It’s the most fun science class ever!”
4. British Museum – Treasures from Around the World
📍 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
🚇 Closest Tube: Tottenham Court Road or Holborn
💸 Free entry
🔗 British Museum
Egyptian mummies, Greek statues, and the Rosetta Stone make this one of the most fascinating free things to do in London with kids.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“The mummies were spooky but amazing! I liked drawing what I saw in the family trail booklet.”
5. Mudchute Park & Farm – A Slice of Countryside
📍 Pier Street, Isle of Dogs, London E14 3HP
🚇 Closest DLR: Crossharbour
💸 Free entry
🔗 Mudchute Farm
Visiting a farm in the city? Yes! Mudchute is one of the largest urban farms in Europe. For more, check out our dedicated blog post: Lorenzo Visits Mudchute Park and Farm.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I fed the goats and they looked at me like they wanted more! It felt like being in the countryside even though we were still in London.”
6. Sky Garden – London’s Highest Free View
📍 20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 8AF
🚇 Closest Tube: Monument or Bank
💸 Free entry (booking required)
🔗 Sky Garden
Panoramic views, lush greenery, and a family-friendly vibe make this one of the most impressive free things to do in London with kids.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I saw the London Eye and Tower Bridge from super high up! It was like flying but without leaving the ground.”
7. Coram’s Fields – A Park Just for Children
📍 93 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DN
🚇 Closest Tube: Russell Square or King’s Cross
💸 Free entry
🔗 Coram’s Fields
A unique rule: adults can only enter if they’re with a child. That makes it one of the safest free things to do in London with kids.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I liked running around because it felt like the whole park was just for kids like me. The playground was awesome!”
8. Changing of the Guard – Royal London for Free
📍 Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
🚇 Closest Tube: Green Park or St James’s Park
💸 Free
🔗 Changing of the Guard
Soldiers in red uniforms, marching bands, and Buckingham Palace make this a must-see on the list of free things to do in London with kids.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“The soldiers looked really serious, but the music was fun! It felt like watching a royal parade.”
9. Tate Modern – Family-Friendly Art
📍 Bankside, London SE1 9TG
🚇 Closest Tube: Blackfriars or Southwark
💸 Free entry
🔗 Tate Modern
Family trails and interactive installations help kids enjoy one of London’s most famous galleries.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I liked drawing my own art in the family activity booklet. Some sculptures looked like giant robots to me!”
10. St James’s Park – Nature and Wildlife
📍 Westminster, London SW1A 2BJ
🚇 Closest Tube: St James’s Park
💸 Free
🔗 Royal Parks
A royal park with pelicans, ducks, squirrels, and wide lawns for running and picnics.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I saw pelicans for the first time! They looked funny with their big beaks, and I loved running on the grass.”
Why Families Love Free Things to Do in London with Kids
London can be expensive, but these free things to do in London with kids prove that you can enjoy the city without spending much. From dinosaurs to pirate ships, farms to sky-high gardens, families can create lifelong memories for free.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or living in the city, these top 10 free things to do in London with kids guarantee fun, learning, and adventure.
🎥 For more inspiration, check out Lorenzo’s full blog and videos — from Bubble Planet London to Twist Museum London.
👉 Subscribe to Lorenzo Global Kid on YouTube for weekly family-friendly London adventures.
