In London, finding fun things to do with kids doesn’t mean driving an hour to the countryside or spending a fortune on theme parks. The city is packed with free, engaging, and surprisingly educational spots that keep toddlers, teens, and everyone in between hooked. From interactive science exhibits to sprawling green spaces where you can picnic under historic trees, London attractions for families are as diverse as the city itself.
Explore the Natural History Museum’s Dinosaur Gallery
One of the most iconic London attractions for families is the Natural History Museum in South Kensington. It’s not just the giant blue whale hanging from the ceiling that grabs attention-it’s the way kids can touch real dinosaur bones, press buttons to hear roaring T. rex sound effects, and even play a game of fossil dig in the interactive Discovery Zone. The museum is free to enter, and you won’t need to book tickets unless you want to see a special exhibition. Most families spend at least half a day here, and the on-site café has high chairs, changing tables, and a kids’ menu that actually tastes good-no soggy sandwiches in sight.
Get Hands-On at the Science Museum
Just across the road from the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum is another gem. The Wonderlab gallery lets kids launch rockets, create lightning with their hands, and watch slime experiments in real time. Toddlers love the interactive floor panels that light up when they step on them, while older kids get hooked on the flight simulator and the IMAX cinema showing space documentaries. The museum’s Launchpad area is designed for under-12s, with simple physics challenges that teach without feeling like school. Free entry, free parking for families with young children on weekends, and a dedicated quiet room for overwhelmed little ones make this a top pick for London families.
Walk Through Hyde Park and Feed the Ducks at Serpentine Lake
When the weather’s decent, head to Hyde Park-one of London’s largest and most beloved green spaces. The Serpentine Lake is the perfect spot for a family picnic. Bring a bag of bread or buy duck food from the kiosk near the Diana Memorial Fountain (they sell it for £1.50). The fountain itself is a hit with kids who love to splash in the shallow edges, and the nearby playground has swings, climbing frames, and a water play area that’s open all year. You can also rent pedal boats for £15 an hour or hop on the Park Lane Miniature Railway, a 1920s-style train that runs along the park’s edge. It’s a classic London family day out, and you can easily combine it with a walk to Kensington Palace or the Albert Memorial.
Take the Emirates Air Line Cable Car Over the Thames
Most tourists don’t realize the Emirates Air Line isn’t just a tourist gimmick-it’s a cheap, thrilling way to see London from above. The cable car connects Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks, and the ride lasts about 10 minutes. Kids love the view of the O2, the river, and the city skyline. A single ticket costs £4.50 for adults and £2.25 for children under 16, and you can use an Oyster card or contactless payment. The stations have indoor play areas and toilets, and there’s a small ice cream kiosk at the Greenwich end. It’s a great way to break up a longer trip to the Cutty Sark or the Royal Observatory.
Discover the Tower of London’s Crown Jewels and Beefeaters
Yes, it’s historic. Yes, it’s crowded. But the Tower of London is still one of the most engaging places for kids in London. The Crown Jewels are displayed in a dark, dramatic room with spotlights and guards who look like they stepped out of a movie. Kids are fascinated by the Beefeaters-those red-coated wardens who give free 20-minute talks about the Tower’s dark past, including tales of beheadings and secret tunnels. The Yeoman Warder tours are timed every 30 minutes and are the best way to keep children interested. There’s also a family trail with puzzles and hidden symbols to find. Buy tickets online in advance to skip the queue, and don’t miss the ravens. Legend says if they fly away, the kingdom falls. They’re kept on short leashes, and the kids love watching them strut around.
Visit the London Zoo in Regent’s Park
London Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world, and it’s still one of the best for families. The new Land of the Lions exhibit lets kids watch Asiatic lions through a glass wall, and the Primate Trail has interactive screens that show how monkeys communicate. The zoo’s Animal Adventure zone is designed for under-fives, with soft play areas, a mini farm, and a water spray zone. There are also daily feeding talks, keeper Q&As, and a petting zoo where kids can touch rabbits and guinea pigs. Tickets start at £34 for adults and £25 for children, but you can save money by buying online or using a National Trust membership. It’s a full-day outing, so pack snacks and wear comfy shoes.
Take a Thames River Cruise with Kids
Forget the expensive dinner cruises. For families, the best way to see the river is on a basic Thames Clipper ferry. These are fast, frequent, and cost just £4.50 per adult and £2.25 per child with an Oyster card. You can hop on at Westminster, Tower Bridge, or Greenwich and ride all the way to Canary Wharf. Kids love watching the boats go under bridges and spotting the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Shard. Many ferries have outdoor decks, so you can feel the breeze and take photos. Some even have onboard toilets and snack stands. It’s a relaxing way to cover a lot of ground without walking miles.
Try a Free Family Workshop at the British Library
Don’t assume the British Library is just for scholars. Every weekend, they run free family workshops in the Learning Centre. Kids can learn to write like a medieval scribe, design their own book cover, or decode secret messages from old letters. The sessions last 45 minutes and are aimed at ages 6-12. No booking needed-just turn up. The library also has a giant children’s book display, a quiet reading corner with comfy chairs, and a café with kid-friendly meals. It’s a calm, inspiring space, especially if your family needs a break from noisy attractions.
Find Hidden Playgrounds Like the One at Victoria Park
While many families stick to the big parks, some of the best playgrounds are tucked away. Victoria Park in East London has one of the most inventive play areas in the city: a pirate ship with rope bridges, sand pits, and a water channel that kids can redirect with levers. There’s also a mini skate park, a zip line, and a sensory garden with fragrant herbs and wind chimes. The park has free parking, public toilets, and a café with hot chocolate that doesn’t taste like powdered sugar. It’s less crowded than Hyde Park and feels like a local secret.
Plan Around the School Holidays
London’s museums and attractions get packed during school breaks. To avoid the crowds, aim for the first or last week of the holidays. Many places offer free family events during half-term and summer-like the Science Museum’s Science of Play week or the Tate Modern’s drop-in art sessions. Check the London Family Guide website or sign up for newsletters from the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Design Museum-they often send out free activity sheets and event alerts. Also, consider visiting on a weekday morning. Most families with young kids are still at home, and you’ll get more space, shorter queues, and staff who have time to answer questions.
Use the Oyster Card for Easy Travel
Getting around London with kids is easier than you think. Get an Oyster card for everyone over 11 and load it with pay-as-you-go credit. Children under 11 ride free with a paying adult. The daily cap for zones 1-2 is £8.50, so even if you take three tube rides and a bus, you won’t pay more. You can also get a 16+ Zip Oyster card for teens-it’s half-price on buses and trains. Most attractions are within walking distance of a tube station, and many have step-free access. Download the Citymapper app-it shows real-time delays and gives family-friendly walking routes with pushchair-friendly paths.
What to Pack for a Family Day Out in London
- Lightweight rain jackets (it rains more than you think)
- Reusable water bottles (many places have free refill stations)
- Snacks-no one likes a hangry toddler on the Tube
- A small first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, children’s pain relief)
- Portable phone charger (you’ll use it for photos, maps, and games)
- A foldable stroller (even if your child is 5, they’ll need a rest)
- A small notebook and crayons (for drawing or scavenger hunts)
London attractions for families aren’t about grandeur-they’re about moments. The look on your child’s face when they see a real T. rex. The way they giggle chasing ducks. The quiet pride when they solve a puzzle at the British Library. These are the memories that stick. And they don’t cost a fortune.
Are London museums free for children?
Yes, most major museums in London, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Tate Modern, and British Museum, offer free general admission to everyone, including children. Some special exhibitions may charge a fee, but these are clearly marked, and you can always skip them. Free entry means you can visit multiple times without breaking the bank.
What’s the best way to get around London with young kids?
The Oyster card or contactless payment is the most efficient option. Children under 11 travel free with a paying adult on buses, tubes, and trams. For longer trips, Thames Clipper river buses are fun and less crowded than the Tube. Walking is often faster in central zones, and many attractions are clustered-like South Kensington’s trio of museums. Always check if your destination has step-free access if you’re using a stroller.
Can I bring a stroller to London attractions?
Yes, most major attractions in London are stroller-friendly. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and London Zoo have elevators and wide corridors. Even the Tower of London has ramps and designated stroller parking. Smaller sites like the British Library or Victoria Park have uneven paths, so a lightweight, foldable stroller is ideal. Many places also offer loaner buggies-ask at the entrance.
Where are the best places to eat with kids in London?
Many museums have decent cafés with kids’ meals, like the Science Museum’s Grounds or the V&A’s John Madejski Garden café. Outside museums, try St. John Bread and Wine in Spitalfields for simple, fresh food, or Barrafina for kid-friendly tapas. For quick bites, Pret A Manger and Leon have healthy options, and many branches have high chairs. Avoid chain restaurants near tourist hotspots-they’re overpriced and underwhelming.
What should I do if my child gets overwhelmed in a busy place?
Many London attractions have quiet rooms or sensory spaces. The Science Museum has a designated calm zone with dim lighting and soft seating. The V&A has a family rest area near the entrance. Even the British Library offers a quiet reading room. If you’re out and about, head to a park like St. James’s or Holland Park-both have benches, shade, and restrooms. Don’t feel pressured to see everything in one day. Sometimes the best memory is just sitting under a tree with a sandwich.
Next Steps for Planning Your Family Day
Start by picking one attraction from this list and building the day around it. Don’t try to do three museums in one go-kids (and adults) burn out fast. Choose a spot with a nearby park or river walk so you can stretch your legs. Use the TfL website to plan your route and check for any planned engineering works. Pack light, stay flexible, and let your kids lead the way. Some of the best moments in London happen when you wander off the map.
