Things to do with kids in London

A huge choice of free museums, playgrounds, parks, theatres, libraries, and family attractions across the capital.

Please check the official website before visiting, as opening times, prices, and availability can change.

Need a full plan for today?

Match activities, printables, and places in London with the Activity Matcher.

Open Activity Matcher

Quick stats

  • 50 family-friendly listings
  • 35 free ideas
  • 25 indoor options
  • 28 outdoor options
  • 10 birthday-friendly venues
  • 44 SEN-friendly listings
Loading listings…

Best for rainy days in London

Indoor museums, libraries, soft play, and activity centres suit wet weather. Always check official websites before travelling.

Top rainy-day picks

  • Natural History Museum

    A landmark South Kensington museum for dinosaurs, wildlife, and hands-on science displays. Strong free option for curious primary children, though it can be busy in school holidays so plan a calm gallery route and breaks.

  • Science Museum

    A major free indoor museum for hands-on science, space, engineering, and curious children near South Kensington. Interactive galleries suit KS1 and KS2 visits, though peak times can feel crowded so arrive early if possible.

  • London Transport Museum

    A Covent Garden transport museum for vehicle fans, hands-on galleries, and London journey stories. Ticketed entry applies for adults, with family tickets available, so check prices and book ahead for school holiday visits.

  • Local Library Story Time London

    A generic local library listing for free story sessions, browsing books, and calmer indoor time.

Best free ideas in London

Parks, libraries, and free public venues help keep school holidays affordable.

Top free picks

  • Natural History Museum

    A landmark South Kensington museum for dinosaurs, wildlife, and hands-on science displays. Strong free option for curious primary children, though it can be busy in school holidays so plan a calm gallery route and breaks.

  • Science Museum

    A major free indoor museum for hands-on science, space, engineering, and curious children near South Kensington. Interactive galleries suit KS1 and KS2 visits, though peak times can feel crowded so arrive early if possible.

  • Diana Memorial Playground

    A popular Kensington playground with imaginative Peter Pan theming, sand play, and climbing for younger children. Free entry to the playground area, though queues can build at weekends so bring snacks and plan a Hyde Park walk nearby.

  • Local Library Story Time London

    A generic local library listing for free story sessions, browsing books, and calmer indoor time.

Best outdoor options in London

Parks, farms, zoos, and outdoor trails suit dry weekends and after-school energy release.

Top outdoor picks

  • Diana Memorial Playground

    A popular Kensington playground with imaginative Peter Pan theming, sand play, and climbing for younger children. Free entry to the playground area, though queues can build at weekends so bring snacks and plan a Hyde Park walk nearby.

  • Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

    A child-sized zoo within Battersea Park with animals, outdoor paths, and play space for younger children. Ticketed entry applies, so check prices and combine with a free park walk for a mixed budget day out in south London.

  • Hyde Park Family Walk

    A large central London park for lakeside walks, open grass, seasonal events, and free outdoor family time. Good for scooters, picnics, and pairing with nearby museums when you want a calmer outdoor break.

  • Regent's Park Playground

    A popular Regent's Park choice for playgrounds, rose gardens, and sunny picnics near central London attractions. Free outdoor play suits toddlers and primary children, with cafés and toilets helping longer half-day visits.

Printable backup ideas for London

Hunt sheets, bingo cards, and travel printables help with queues, cafés, and the journey home.

About days out in London

There are 50 listings in this guide covering free places, indoor venues, outdoor spaces, and birthday-friendly options. Use category filters above to narrow results, or browse activities and printables for at-home backup ideas.

FAQs

Common questions

What are good free days out in London?

Browse the free category for parks, libraries, museums with free entry, and public spaces. Always check official websites before visiting.

What can families do on a rainy day in London?

Prioritise museums, libraries, soft play, and indoor activity centres. Keep a printable hunt or bingo sheet ready for travel and queues.

How do I plan a full day in London with children?

Use the Activity Matcher with your city selected, then pair a morning outing with a quiet at-home or printable activity afterwards.

Related links