There’s no shortage of incredible experiences in London to captivate the imaginations of young explorers. And would you believe it? A lot of them are free!
Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the enchanting world of cost-free delights for little ones in our city. Let’s start with something that’s always a winner: dinosaurs!
Explore the dinosaur exhibits at the Natural History Museum
–Media from natural_history_museum
Location: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7942 5000
Picture yourself and your children standing in awe before the magnificent Diplodocus, its long neck reaching for the heavens. Your little ones will feel the excitement build as they come face-to-face with the awe-inspiring T-Rex, its mighty roar echoing through time.
But what makes this experience truly remarkable is the interactive nature of the exhibits. Our little explorers can become intrepid palaeontologists, unearthing fossils and embarking on their very own archaeological quests!
Discover the fountains at Granary Square in King’s Cross
–Media from mrandmrsm_lifechronicles
Location: 1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AB, United Kingdom
Contact: 020 3691 3969
At Granary Square, a joyful symphony of laughter and splashes fills the air! It’s a whimsical oasis where children can let their imaginations run wild and their inhibitions fade away.
The 1,080 choreographed jets are sure to keep kids of all ages entertained for hours on end. On a hot day, the fountains are the perfect place to cool off.
And on a cold day, the fountains are still a lot of fun. Kids can use their imaginations to create all sorts of fun games and activities.
Take a picture with the Megalosaurus at Crystal Palace Park
–Media from dean_r_lomax
Location: Thicket Rd, London SE19 2GA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 300 303 8658
If you’re looking for a fun, free activity for your kids in London, look no further than taking a picture with the giant dinosaur at Crystal Palace Park!
This amazing structure is over 60 feet long and 20 feet high, and it’s the perfect place for kids to let their imaginations run wild.
Slide down the Olympic Orbit at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
–Media from queenelizabetholympicpark
Location: Stratford, Londo E20 2SE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 800 072 2110
The Orbit is a 115-meter-tall observation tower with a spiral slide that winds its way down the outside. It will leave your kids with an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
The slide is 178 meters long and takes about 40 seconds to ride. It’s made up of 12 twists and turns, including a corkscrew section that’s sure to get your heart racing.
I know what you’re thinking: a 40-second slide doesn’t sound like much fun. But trust me, it’s worth it. The views from the top of the Orbit are incredible, and the slide is a lot of fun.
Fly a kite on Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath
–Media from colhampsteadheath
Location: West Gate Lodge, Hampstead Lane, London, NW3 7JP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7332 3322
A clear blue sky, a gentle breeze whispering through the trees, and a colourful kite soaring high above Parliament Hill. It’s a scene straight out of a storybook, and your children can be the protagonists!
Hampstead Heath is one of the largest parks in London, and it’s a great place to fly a kite. The hill provides a perfect vantage point for watching your kid’s kite soar through the air.
Watch ducks and swans at St. James’s Park
–Media from gleeksily36
Location: London SW1A 2BJ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 300 061 2350
Imagine strolling along the serene pathways of St. James’s Park, hand in hand with your little ones. Suddenly, you spot a flurry of feathers and a gentle ripple in the water. It’s a sign that the stars of the show have arrived – the ducks and swans.
Kids love these, as well as the geese and pelicans in the park. You can even buy bags of birdseed at the park, or you can bring your own.
This is a chance for children to connect with nature, and to observe these aquatic creatures up close. They learn about different bird species, their behaviours, and the importance of preserving their habitats.
Picnic in the secret garden at Holland Park
–Media from holland_park
Location: Ilchester Pl, London W8 6LU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7602 2226
The secret garden is more than just a pretty face. It’s got a brilliant playground too. I’m talking swings, slides, and climbing frames that’ll make your little rascals squeal with joy.
They can let their imaginations run wild as they explore this whimsical wonderland. And while they’re busy playing, you can kick back on one of the nearby benches and enjoy a bit of people-watching.
And let’s not forget the wildlife. Holland Park is teeming with all sorts of critters, from squirrels scurrying about to peacocks flaunting their fancy feathers. It’s like having your own little nature show right in front of your eyes.
Cycle along the cycle path at Richmond Park
–Media from parissophiawood17
Location: Surrey, London TW10 5HS, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 300 061 2200
Richmond Park is an absolute stunner, with 2,500 acres of lush greenery, majestic trees, and even some friendly deer wandering about. It’s like escaping the concrete jungle and stepping into a nature paradise.
And your kids will surely love whizzing along the path, feeling the thrill of speed as they pedal their way through the park. Plus, it’s a great way to burn off some of that endless energy they seem to possess.
Build sandcastles at the beach in the Royal Docks
–Media from yourroyaldocks
Location: Pierhead, Fishguard Way London E16 2RG, United Kingdom
Contact: 0207 511 5086
The Royal Docks beach, situated by the sparkling waters of the Thames, is a hidden gem that’ll transport you straight to the coast. The sandy shores, palm trees, and even a cheeky deckchair or two make you feel like you’re in Brighton, not London.
Stroll through the rose garden at Regent’s Park
–Media from irene_slytherclaw
Location: Inner Circle, London NW1 4NR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 300 061 2300
At Regent’s Park, your kids can hold your hand as you wander along the meandering pathways, taking in the sheer beauty of the flora.
Plus, Regent’s Park isn’t just about roses. It’s got a whole range of other attractions to keep little explorers entertained, from play areas with swings and slides to wide-open spaces for a game of tag or a picnic.
Roll down the grassy hills at Alexandra Palace
–Media from yourallypally
Location: Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8365 2121
Rolling down a grassy hill – it’s a simple pleasure that never gets old. The kids can throw caution to the wind, let gravity work its magic, and experience that rush of excitement as they tumble down.
Follow the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens
–Media from morganch8
Location: Kensington Gardens, London W2 2UH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 300 061 2000
The Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens is an iconic statue created by Sir George Frampton in 1912 and is a beloved symbol of childhood and adventure.
To follow the Peter Pan statue, simply start at the Serpentine Lake in Kensington Gardens. The statue is located on the west side of the lake, near the Long Water. Once you’ve found the statue, take a moment to admire its beauty.
After you’ve taken a look at the statue, it’s time to start your adventure. Follow the path that leads from the statue to the Round Pond. Along the way, you’ll see a variety of interesting sights, including the Peter Pan Playground and the Serpentine Gallery.
Play tennis on the free courts at Burgess Park
–Media from kbram49
Location: Albany Rd, London SE5 0AL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7525 2000
Burgess Park provides complimentary tennis courts that are accessible to all. It’s a boon for families who want to keep their little ones entertained without breaking the bank.
Beyond the cost factor, playing tennis offers an array of benefits for kids. In a world dominated by screens and sedentary lifestyles, this sport encourages them to get moving and embrace an active lifestyle.
Tennis is also a social game that fosters teamwork and camaraderie. Burgess Park attracts a diverse crowd, bringing children from different backgrounds together on the court.
