Looking to entertain the little ones without breaking the bank in one of the world's most expensive cities? Your search ends here, as we dive into the Free Things To Do In London With Kids.
From interactive museums to sprawling parks and historic landmarks, the British capital offers a plethora of options that are as budget-friendly as they are enjoyable.
So why spend more when you can experience London's rich culture and vibrant energy for free? Keep reading to unlock the best kid-friendly activities that won't cost you a dime.
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8 Free things to do in London with kids
Here are things you can do with your kids in London for free.
1. Natural history museum
London's Natural History Museum is an iconic building known for its elegant display of dinosaur skeletons and scientific artefacts.
The building is also home to the giant blue whale and many other scientific discoveries or findings across history. The Natural History Museum is a pleasant place for kids and parents looking to create lasting memories and have fun without spending much money.
2. Experience the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace
This is a popular destination for kids and parents looking to have fun for free in London. The Changing of the Guard is a centuries-old tradition that takes place at Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen.
The event takes place daily from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., but organizers may cancel the parade in case of bad weather.
Traditionally, the preparations kick off at 10:00 a.m. at St. James's Palace and Wellington Barracks, which is the ideal time to arrive for the best view. Following this, the soldiers will parade to Buckingham Palace, and the entire event wraps up within 45 minutes.
So don't miss the opportunity to witness this with your kids. Arrive early to experience the event firsthand for free.
3. Explore the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill, South London
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Forest Hill in South London, the Horniman Museum is a lovely place for parents and kids alike. Established by Frederick John Horniman in 1890, the place is known for its vast collection of musical instruments, anthropology, and natural sciences.
With over 350,000 artefacts, including the gigantic walrus, an aquarium, a collection of musical instruments, a butterfly house, and a planetarium, there's something to captivate visitors of all ages.
Also, there's a section dedicated to African and Brazilian art to help expose kids to some aspects of African culture. Most of the museum's attractions are free, but please note that there are admission fees for the butterfly house, aquarium, and planetarium.
You can visit the museum between 10 am to 5 pm every day. For musical lovers, you're allowed to play some of the instruments.
4. Explore the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London.
Are you interested in exploring the history of seafaring with your kids in London? If the answer is yes, you should definitely consider visiting the National Maritime Museum.
The National Maritime Museum is home to a collection of historical objects estimated to be over 2 million, with some dating back to the 16th century. The Museum contains all records of seafaring, including maps, ship objects, paintings, and navigation instruments.
Visitors of all ages, especially older kids interested in learning about the history of the British Navy, can enjoy free admission. The place welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, making it a great destination for quality family time.
5. Visit Tate Modern
If there's one place in London you can visit with your kids without spending a dime - it's Tate Modern. This beautiful art gallery contains the work of famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, and Damien Hirst.
The gallery is one of the largest in the world and boasts about 70,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, pictures, portraits, and films.
The building also features exhibitions to entertain children, especially the younger ones. They have a lot of educational programs and playground events for kids, and it is free.
6. Explore the Victoria & Albert Museum
The V&A Museum, sometimes called the Victoria and Albert Museum, is one of the largest free art museums in the world located in South Kensington, London.
Established in 1852 and renamed after Prince Albert and Queen Victoria in 1899, the building has become a monumental warehouse for over 4.5 million historical objects from different cultures in the world.
Like other museums, the V&A museum contains a vast collection of galleries such as the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries, the Furniture Galleries, and the Ceramics Galleries. Each of these galleries hosts thousands of objects for your pleasure.
The Museum also offers educational training, tours, and events for tourists and locals, making it a great place to visit with your kids.
7. Explore the Vestry House in Walthamstow
Located in Walthamstow, the Vestry House is an iconic building in London. The Museum houses a collection of over 100,000 historical objects like costumes, toys, Britain's first car, maps, and photographs.
Also, the Ventry house hosts a Victorian parlour and a gallery of Waltham Forest's industrial heritage. History buffs seeking to learn a thing or two about the history of Waltham Forest will find this place ideal.
8. Take a stroll down Potterverse
If your kids are huge Harry Potter fans, walking them through some of the most iconic scenes in the books and the movies could help create beautiful and lasting memories.
Start your adventure by visiting iconic Harry Potter locations like King's Cross Station, Leadenhall Market, the Leaky Cauldron, and St. Paul's Cathedral in London. These spots offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourselves in the wizarding world.
You can dive into the magical world further by exploring other Harry Potter filming locations in London, such as the Millennium Bridge and Durham Cathedral.
By the end, the adventure promises to be a magical experience that your kids will cherish for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Have Fun In London On A Budget?
There are several places you can have fun in London without money. These are the National History Museum, Science Museum, Tate Modern, Horniman Museum, watching the changing of the guard, picnic at Green Park, and V&A museum.
What Activities Are Best For Kids In London?
Kids can participate in several activities in London. These include visiting iconic venues like the London Transport Museum, Warner Bros the Making of Harry Potter, Kidzania, and Tate Modern.
Is London A Kid-Friendly City?
Among several European cities, London is by far the most kid-friendly city in the world. If you visit London in the summer, you will find kids in restaurants, playgrounds, and recreational places across the city having fun with friends and family.
Final thoughts - Free Things To Do In London With Kids
In the vibrant city of London, creating cherished memories with your kids doesn't have to break the bank. From exploring museums to witnessing the magic of Harry Potter, there are a lot of free activities that families can enjoy together.
These experiences offer not just entertainment but also the opportunity to bond and create lasting memories during holiday breaks. So, make the most of your time with your children and embark on these exciting adventures.
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