Back to blog
How we planned a free family morning in London with under-5s
Days out10 min read

How we planned a free family morning in London with under-5s

London with a four-year-old does not have to mean expensive tickets and tube stress. We tested a free morning route — museum, park, library — and learned what to skip.

UKKidsActivities team · 14 August 2025

ParentCarerChildminder

01

Starting small in a big city blog illustration

Starting small in a big city

Under-5s tire fast on the tube. We picked one free museum with a hands-on gallery, one nearby green space, and a library stop on the way home. Three stops, one morning, home by lunch.

02

Our route logic blog illustration

Our route logic

Travel off-peak if possible. Pack snacks — London cafés add up. Use the nature checklist in the park even if it is urban — find a leaf, a bench, something red. Keep the pram or carrier decision clear before you leave.

03

What we checked first blog illustration

What we checked first

Opening times, bag policies, and step-free access on official websites. Our London days out guide lists ideas — but always confirm live details before travelling, especially in school holidays.

Planning tips

Make the week easier

  • Check TfL for weekend engineering works.
  • Book free museum tickets if required.
  • Use days out free category filters for more ideas.
  • Have a toilet plan before you leave the station.

Try these

Linked activities

Activity ideas mentioned in this article.

View all activities
Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt activity image

Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt

A simple outdoor checklist for spotting leaves, birds, textures, and colours on UK park walks and woodland trails.

Age5-10
Duration30-60m
CostFree
Ages 5–1030–60 minsFreeoutdoorSunny day
View
Teddy Bear Picnic Planner activity image

Teddy Bear Picnic Planner

Plan a pretend picnic with toys, simple menus, counting, and role play.

Age3-8
Duration30-60m
CostFree
Ages 3–830–60 minsFreeIndoor/outdoorSunny day
View
Restaurant Waiting Games activity image

Restaurant Waiting Games

Quiet table games for waiting without screens or lots of materials.

Age3-9
Duration5-25m
CostFree
Ages 3–95–25 minsFreeindoorRainy day
View

Print & play

Linked printables

Download or preview these printable resources.

View all printables

FAQs

Common questions

Is this route still free?

Many museums are free; transport and food are not. Always check current entry rules on official sites.

More to read

Related articles

Free family morning in Birmingham with kids blog illustration
Days out9 min

Free family morning in Birmingham with kids

Birmingham on a summer holiday morning can mean canals, museums, and parks — or an accidental shopping bill. Here is the free family morning we repeat when we want a proper outing without spending on attractions.

Read more
Free morning out with under-5s in Manchester blog illustration
Days out9 min

Free morning out with under-5s in Manchester

Manchester with under-5s does not need a big-ticket attraction. We built a free morning out — library or museum, park stretch, home by lunch — that matched toddler energy without draining the travelcard.

Read more