107 places in this collection
Top 10: our best of the bunch
Ranked by our own favourites first, then by how families rate them on Google.
- 1
Leake St graffiti tunnelViews & landmarks · Central · All agesFree★ 4.7 - 2
Olympic Park StratfordParks & gardens · East · All agesFree★ 4.5 - 3
Young V&A (Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood)Museums & galleries · East · All agesFree★ 4.4 - 4
Walthamstow wetlandsParks & gardens · North · All agesFree★ 4.6 - 5
The Line Sculpture Trail and Cable CarViews & landmarks · East · All agesFree - 6
A family day out at the O2Views & landmarks · South · All agesFree - 7
The Novelty Automation ArcadeArty stuff · Central · 8+Under £5 - 8
The Lookout, 8 BishopsgateViews & landmarks · Central · All agesFree - 9
Holland ParkParks & gardens · West · Under 13Free★ 4.7 - 10
Tate BritainMuseums & galleries · Central · All agesFree★ 4.7
Everything on this list
Otter Chaos - board game venue
Choose from a library of over 500 board games to play together as a family. Enjoy food and drinks from the café while trying out everything from silly party games to strategy games. Great for older children and families, says one local - and it's a very short walk from the Tube and train.
See details
Wellcome Collection
A quirky museum exploring medicine, health and human life through bizarre historical objects, art and a wonderfully comfy Reading Room.
See details
Word on the Water - Floating Bookshop
A 100-year-old Dutch barge on Regent's Canal turned into a moored floating bookshop, with children's books, cosy nooks and rooftop live music on sunny afternoons.
See detailsLeake St graffiti tunnel
Get creative at one of London's only permitted graffiti locations! Bring spray paints (£2 in Poundland), wear masks to stay safe and enjoy decorating the walls to your heart's content. Kit tip: if the kids want to practise first, a [multi-colour spray paint set](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=spray+paint+set) on cardboard at home is the way to start — more ideas in our [family kit list](https://kidsfun.london/guides/what-to-pack-family-day-out-london).
See details★ 4.7
Regent's Park
This sweeping Royal Park is packed with formal rose gardens, boating lakes, and excellent playgrounds. Our favourite itinerary is to start at the Marylebone Gate Entrance and hit the Gloucester Gate Playground first (featuring a v long zip wire, massive climbing frames, and inclusive water-play features). Then head south toward the Boating Lake to rent a pedal boat or rowing boat if you fancy, stop for coffee and sourdough pastries or ice cream at the Boating Lake Café, take a short detour across York Bridge Road to find the Community Wildlife Garden, featuring a peaceful pond, natural balance logs, and wild meadow planting, then finish up at the Hanover Gate Playground to conquer the huge wooden treehouse structure and giant sandpits.
See details
Richmond Park & Isabella Plantation
London's largest Royal Park, famous for wild red and fallow deer, ancient woodland and the streams inside the Isabella Plantation. Plenty of pockets to explore, and easy to combine with Richmond town centre for food or shopping.
See details
St James's Park Pelican Feeding
Gorgeous royal park next to Buckingham Palace, famous for the resident flock of pelicans living on the lake. The walkable, scootable loop takes in lovely flower beds and plenty of royal sights.
See details
Somerset House Courtyard & Fountains
Iconic neoclassical courtyard where 55 dancing water fountains shoot straight out of the cobblestones all summer. Kit tip: pack a [puddle suit](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=kids+puddle+suit) and a [wet bag](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=wet+bag+for+swimming) — both earn their place on a splashy day out. More ideas in our [family kit list](https://kidsfun.london/guides/what-to-pack-family-day-out-london).
See details
Brixton Windmill & Education Centre
Explore London's last working windmill on a guided tour to see how flour is milled - it's really family-friendly, and they also hosts baking and milling workshops, community events, and open days, so check the website - especially as it's not open every day.
See details
Mudchute Park and Farm
One of Europe's largest urban farms, set across 32 acres and home to over 100 animals including cows, pigs, llamas and ducks, with the Canary Wharf skyscrapers rising behind them.
See details
The British Library (Family Trails)
Book-loving kids will enjoy an hour here among the world's most famous manuscripts, from the Magna Carta to Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks and Beatles lyrics, mostly in one ground-floor exhibition hall. There are free weekend family workshops too.
See detailsThe Line Sculpture Trail and Cable Car
London's first dedicated public art walk winds along the canals and waterways between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2. Kids hunt down giant outdoor installations, like Alex Chinneck's inverted pylon, while spotting dockside wildlife.
See details
Tate Modern
Housed in a dramatic former power station on the Thames, this is one of the world's biggest modern art museums - and free to get into for the permanent collection, with tickets only needed for the big temporary shows. Kids gravitate to the vast, cathedral-like Turbine Hall, which regularly hosts huge, playful art installations perfect for running around in. Pick up a free drawing kit or sound-based family trail from the family desk at weekends, or join the daily free guided tours if the little ones can sit still that long. UNIQLO Tate Play runs family-friendly art activities every weekend, and there's a Baby Care Room if you're travelling with very young children. Cross via the Millennium Bridge from St Paul's for the most dramatic approach.
See details
Deen City Farm & Riding School
This 5-acre urban farm is nestled next to Morden Hall Park; it's sweet and free - though a donation to the charity running it is appreciated. Animals include alpacas, pigs, donkeys, ducks, geese, and owls alongside rare British farm breeds, and there's a riding school too. You can buy small bags of feed pellets to give to the friendly goats, sheep, and cows.
See details
Camden Market
Camden is a teen-favourite, but our younger kids enjoy a day here too. There's the famous sprawling market filled with quirky crafts, street food stalls, vintage fashion, and unique stores (rubber duck shop, anyone?). Kids love the variety - vibrant street art, fun toy shops, and extreme desserts (like liquid nitrogen ice cream and churro loops), it gets super busy on weekends so avoid pushing a buggy down the main cobblestone alleys - it can be wall-to-wall crowded. Take teens down to the Stables Market section for the coolest retro clothes and street food. There's often family activities in the indoor market areas, Plonk Crazy Golf (pictured) is small but lots of fun; Babylon Park is another fun (but expensive) indoor theme park, and a stroll along the canal is lovely in spring and autumn particularly.
See details
Greenwich Foot Tunnel Walk
Built in 1902, this cast-iron pedestrian tunnel runs directly beneath the Thames, connecting the Isle of Dogs to Greenwich. Kids love the eerie echo as they walk or scoot 50 feet under the river, entering through glass domes with vintage helical staircases and big circular lifts.
See details
Hampstead Heath & Parliament Hill Playground
Wild, sprawling countryside right in North London, with swimming ponds for adults and older teens, kite-flying hills and a vast playground with a paddling pool.
See details
God's Own Junkyard
A dazzling, neon-drenched warehouse packed wall to wall with thousands of vintage film props, retro signs and flashing lights. Older kids love it for photos, younger ones just love the lights.
See details
Southwark Park & Boating Lake
A classic Victorian park with a duck pond, a summer splash pad, a decent adventure playground and wide paths for scooters and bikes.
See details
Elephant Springs
Children can splash around cascading water features, control hand-operated pumps and dam babbling streams. Our kids reckon this is London's best splash park - the surrounding natural play space also includes sand pits perfect for shaping with buckets and spades. On warm days particularly it gets SUPER busy, so get there early if possible for a more relaxed visit. Kit tip: pack a [puddle suit](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=kids+puddle+suit) and a [wet bag](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=wet+bag+for+swimming) — both earn their place on a splashy day out. More ideas in our [family kit list](https://kidsfun.london/guides/what-to-pack-family-day-out-london).
See details
The National Gallery
The National Gallery is one of London's absolute heavyweights, housing over 2,300 Western European masterpieces from Van Gogh to Da Vinci. Taking children into a grand art institution can sound daunting, but the National is surprisingly brilliant for families, provided you go in with a strategy rather than trying to see all 60+ rooms. Start at the Roden Centre for Creative Learning, the dedicated family space inside the Gallery. It gives kids of all ages the chance to connect with world-class art through hands-on play, texture, light and sound, packed with artist-designed playboxes, interactive installations and sensory studios. It's completely free to enter, with no advance booking required for weekend and school holiday family drop-ins, making it one of the absolute best low-stress family spots in Central London. The Keeper of Paintings Game - a free augmented reality game called Canvas Quest works on your phone, so kids aged 7+ can turn exploring the main gallery into a brilliant hide-and-seek adventure, tracking down hidden details in famous paintings. General entry costs nothing, making it easy to pop in for 45 minutes to spot a few famous artworks without feeling guilty about ticket prices. You might want to focus on the ones they've looked at in school, maybe including Van Gogh's Sunflowers, Rousseau's Surprise! (the tiger in a tropical storm), and Stubbs' Whistlejacket (a massive, life-sized rearing horse). Try the 'Angel & Animal' game for younger kids: turn gallery-walking into a scavenger hunt by asking younger kids to count how many flying cherubs, dogs, or horses they can spot hidden in the classical paintings.
See details
Morden Hall Park (National Trust)
A tranquil National Trust estate with boardwalks over the River Wandle, natural play areas, wooden footbridges and historic watermills.
See details
Watford Cycle Hub Mini Town
Just a short trip from London, Watford Cycle Hub's Mini Town offers a safe, realistic mini-road layout where kids aged 12 and under can build cycling confidence and learn essential road safety skills. Complete with miniature traffic lanes, junctions and road signs, little riders can practice navigating traffic in a totally enclosed, stress-free environment. It's completely free to enter, and you can bring your own bike or scooter — or rent bikes and helmets directly on-site. Make a full day of it: King George V Playing Fields has a large adjacent playground, open green space and an on-site community café, so there's plenty to do once the laps are done. Pack a picnic, and if your child needs a helmet check or bike tune-up, the friendly Cycle Hub mechanics are on hand to take a look while you're there.
See detailsA family day out at the O2
We have kids spanning 6 to 11 - so planning a London family day out usually requires tactical military planning, or leaving one at a friend's house on a play date; a weather radar app, and/or a bank loan. And arriving at Greenwich’s giant white tent mid-morning on a Saturday, I was bracing for the usual attrition rate: either a bored pre-teen, a tired six-year-old, or parents desperate for a coffee. Actually, we all walked out six hours later feeling like we’d had a mini-break. The O2 might be London's secret all-weather sanity-saver for families. The activities all add up in cost, but you can plan ahead with a schedule and budget. Here's how our day looked: 10:30am: Divide and conquer: this is the first secret to multi-age harmony. While my husband took our 9 and 11-year-olds to tackle Up at The O2, my six-year-old and I stayed on terra firma. The climbers suited up in harness suits and walked over the iconic canvas roof, returning full of adrenaline, with family snaps against the London skyline, raving about their guide’s local history intel. Meanwhile, downstairs in the O2's outlets, my daughter loved The Entertainer - a goldmine for ridiculously good-value birthday party gifts - while it was shoe heaven for me, in Kurt Geiger, Dune London, and Soletrader, before I snuck into French Connection and sorted my autumn workwear wardrobe. Reunited and ravenous at 1pm, we strolled down The O2’s buzzing restaurant street. Most corners of the world's food are rep'd here, as well as geared up for families; we opted for Marugame Udon, slurping noodles and crunching through chicken katsu tempura. Post-lunch activity options at The O2 were almost overwhelming. We were torn between trampolining at Oxygen or taking on the towering routes at Clip ’n Climb, but ultimately opted for Activate: a mash-up between full-immersion VR and taking on The Crystal Maze as a team. We spent an hour sprinting between game rooms: racing across floors of lit-up tiles while trying not to step on the lava red ones, interactive quizzes where you have to hurl a basketball through the hoop of the correct answer.. We ended up doubled over with laughter and dripping with sweat: the 6, 9 and 11 year olds AND their parents all having fun with equal ferocity. Almost home time, but we quickly flopped at Snowflake Gelato for a sugar hit first. Banoffee crepes, and a perfect lime-and-mint sorbet, gave us the energy for the return journey. The magic of a day at The O2 was the mix between the density of things to do and the absence of family logistical friction. Under its massive canopy, you are both immune to British weather whims and under one roof with adrenaline, shopping, food, and family play. Thank you to the O2 for inviting us for a family day out - we will be back!
See details
Chinatown, Leicester Square & movie magic
Sensory overload, West End-style. Start at the two big Leicester Square anchors: the four-storey M&M'S London, with its life-size photo-op characters, and the LEGO Store, home to a giant brick-built Big Ben and London Underground display. Then head through the Chinatown gate off Wardour Street for lanterns, bakery windows piled with bun art, bubble tea, bubble waffles, taiyaki soft-serve, and the area's cheap buffet-style Chinese restaurants for a low-stress lunch. On the way, we love to visit the West End Arts Library (westminster.gov.uk/arts-library), a short walk from Leicester Square tucked between the square and the National Gallery on the site of Isaac Newton's former home: it's free to enter and has a cute kids' corner packed with hundreds of brand-new artist-related books and a little sofa to curl up and read (open Mon–Fri 10am–8pm, Sat 10am–5pm, closed Sundays). If there's appetite for more walking, Trafalgar Square is five minutes south with lions to climb, fountains, and street performers, the National Portrait Gallery just off it offers free entry with family trails and activity sheets, and Covent Garden with the London Transport Museum is 10–15 minutes away and a big hit for kids who love trains and buses. Wrap up the day with a film at one of Leicester Square's cinemas, or check the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for same-day discounted family show tickets. This stretch is always heaving with tourists, so brace for crowd navigation, especially around M&M'S World and the LEGO Store on weekends and school holidays.
See details
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (Tumbling Bay Playground)
Excellent play zone with rock pools, sand pits, treehouses, wobbling bridges and water pumps for building dams.
See details
Waterstones Piccadilly Free Storytime
Europe's largest bookstore hosts free weekly storytime sessions right in the heart of London. Up on the second floor of Waterstones Piccadilly you'll find a dedicated children's department packed with thousands of books, toys and reading nooks, and every Sunday at 2pm families gather in the cosy children's section for a free drop-in story reading session. No booking is needed, which makes it a perfect budget-friendly stop during a family day out in Central London. Even without storytime it is a lovely rainy-day wander - the children's floor is made for small people to browse and flop down with a book, there's a café on the same floor for hot drinks and treats, and the top-floor 5th View café gives panoramic rooftop views over Central London. Pop in before or after a walk along Piccadilly or a trip to the nearby shops.
See details
Brockwell Park Miniature Railway
Is this London's best-value train ride? I think so! Families can ride this unique 7¼ inch gauge miniature railway through Brockwell Park, travelling between Herne Hill Gates and the Brockwell Lido... and it's only £1 each. Our kids loved this journey, and the small shop packed with souvenirs! All rides are £1 return for adults and children. Under twos travel free with a fare paying adult (+16).
See details
Victoria Park & Splash Pool
Vicky Park to locals: two massive adventure playgrounds, a skate park, a boating lake and a brilliant summer water splash park, with fairs and entertainment on regularly. Kit tip: pack a [puddle suit](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=kids+puddle+suit) and a [wet bag](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=wet+bag+for+swimming) — both earn their place on a splashy day out. More ideas in our [family kit list](https://kidsfun.london/guides/what-to-pack-family-day-out-london).
See details
Oxford Street & Piccadilly Circus shopping and viral pics
The ultimate teen and child pop-culture trail - start at Oxford Circus and stop wherever your kid wants to - there's 7 floors of toy magic at Hamleys, visit Selfridges to check out viral food trends and social media popups, walk down to Piccadilly Circus to sit under the iconic Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain (aka Eros). Football fans will love Fanatics, and there's always some street performers and freebies along the route.
See details
Bushy Park & Deer Park
The second-largest Royal Park, famous for roaming deer herds, waterways and the grand Woodland Gardens.
See details
Archbishops Park playground
Local parents say this playground is much better than the one next to the Imperial War Museum, so it's worth the short walk if you're in this part of London. One of Lambeth's better playgrounds, it has a zip wire, climbing structure, sandy play and younger kids' equipment, plus it adjoins an area with astro sports pitches, cricket nets and tennis courts, although these are bookable and paid-for.
See details
West End Arts Library - our favourite free central chill spot
West End Arts Library is our favourite hidden London gem — and our favourite free, calm spot in central London. Tucked behind Leicester Square, walk in and head to the back left-hand side of the library, where you'll find a gorgeous kids section with hundreds of brand-new books, all themed around art. There's an entire Little Dreams section — and books for tots to teens, all immaculate, beautifully illustrated, alongside loads of practical art guides for older children who want to learn to draw, paint and design. Most of the books are brand new. Music lovers are covered too: the Westminster Music Library lives upstairs, with instruments you can borrow and play on the spot, from ukuleles to digital pianos. The setting is remarkable as well — this is the street where Sir Isaac Newton once lived, and the library is a quiet, elegant refuge just steps from Leicester Square and the National Gallery. Best of all, everything is completely free. Every Thursday from 3pm to 4.30pm there's a free Little Painters drop-in, where babies and toddlers get stuck into painting activities. On a rainy day it's hard to beat: stock up on books, then take your pick from the galleries, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly all within a few minutes' stroll.
See detailsThe Novelty Automation Arcade
An eccentric arcade packed with satirical, hand-built mechanical machines by artist Tim Hunkin. Kids buy copper tokens to operate contraptions like a machine that walks a mechanical dog or an auto-frisking booth.
See detailsThe Lookout, 8 Bishopsgate
A high-rise public viewing platform on the 50th floor with 360-degree views over the Gherkin, Tower Bridge and the Thames. Far quieter and easier to book than the Sky Garden, so much less stressful with impatient young kids.
See details
Trent Country Park
Stretching across 413 acres of ancient woodland, lakes, and open meadows, Trent Country Park is a massive green oasis sitting right at the end of the Piccadilly Line. Beyond the newly opened mansion museum, it’s one of North London’s absolute best spots for an active, budget-friendly family day out—featuring a volunteer-run animal centre, robust adventure playgrounds, high-ropes courses, and vast open space for kids to run free. There's... The Wildlife Rescue & Animal Centre - Tucked near the old visitors' centre, this sanctuary (run by the Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service) is home to rescued farm animals, domestic pets, wildfowl, goats, sheep, and ponies. Little ones can visit the animals, play in the small adjacent play area, and grab a treat at the delightful tea room. Entry is just £4.50 for adults and £3.50 for kids (ages 3–14), with proceeds directly funding wildlife rescue! Woodland Adventure Playgrounds: Scattered near the main paths you'll find a robust wooden adventure playground set amongst the trees—featuring climbing frames, swings, slides, and natural log trails that let kids scramble and play outdoors. Go Ape High Ropes: For bigger kids and brave pre-teens, the on-site Go Ape offers treetop canopy crossings, rope bridges, and thrilling zip wires high up in the forest canopy. Café & Picnic Spots: Stop by the main park café for ice creams, warm paninis, and coffee, or set up a picnic by the newly restored wildlife pond on Limes Avenue to feed the ducks (bird seed only!).
See details
Clissold Park & Animal Enclosures
A lovely community park with deer enclosures, goats, aviaries, a splash pad, a wheels park for scooters and a skate park.
See details
Crystal Palace Park Maze and Dinosaur Playground
One of the largest hedge mazes in the UK, dating back to the 1870s and right beside the famous Victorian dinosaur statues. The revamped playground has bone-shaped climbing structures, a footprint-shaped sandpit, slides, swings and balancing beams, built to be inclusive with accessible equipment and seating.
See details
Imperial War Museum (IWM London)
Fascinating history museum packed with real Spitfires, tanks and submarine models, plus great interactive family trails. A must for history or transport-loving kids.
See details
Ruislip Lido Railway and Beach
Britain's longest miniature railway runs through ancient woodland around a huge lake with a sandy inland beach. Sandcastles and paddling aplenty, plus a pirate ship play area, outdoor gym, woodland walks and cafes.
See details
Hunterian Museum
Located inside the Royal College of Surgeons, this historic museum features thousands of medical specimens, skeletons, and anatomical preparations. Kids obsessed with biology or gross facts will be spellbound by the weird and wonderful clear jars of specimens... But be aware, this must be London's most macabre museum so check your kids are OK with its contents first.. It's ideal for older kids, teens, and families with an appetite for medical history, anatomical oddities, and science. At its core is the 18th-century collection of pioneering surgeon and anatomist John Hunter, featuring thousands of anatomical and pathological specimens, surgical instruments, and historical medical artifacts.
See details
Whitechapel Gallery
A touchstone modern art gallery in East London running free family creative workshops and dynamic art exhibitions. Provides free entry, brilliant family activity packs, and hands-on art-making sessions led by professional contemporary artists.
See details
Fulham Palace
The historic former home of the Bishops of London, featuring a house museum, walled botanic gardens, and a café. Kids can enjoy free hands-on museum rooms, giant ancient trees to climb, and mud-kitchen fun in the 13 acre garden, plus there's a and new play area near the main lawn! Free staff-run events for kids (like crafts, music and story-time) take place throughout the year and special workshops run during school holidays. The botanic garden is the ideal spot for picnics.
See details
Dulwich Park
A classic, leafy 29-hectare Victorian park offering loads to do for families - there's recumbent bike and family banana bikes hires (great for zipping along the flat paths), a boating lake, and a top-notch playground.
See details
Hainault Forest
This massive ancient woodland and country park spans over 300 acres with a free zoo/farm, boating lake, and cafe. Kids can explore Foxburrows Farm for free, feed ducks on the lake, and run through endless woodland paths. There's a huge new outdoor adventure playground - part of the final phase of the £7m Hainault Forest restoration project. We like to walk through the Woodhenge behind the lake, which features wood sculptures by local artists and follow the sculpture trail.
See details
Severndroog Castle
A hidden 18th-century Gothic tower set on Shooters Hill, surrounded by ancient Castle Wood parkland. Climbing up the winding spiral stairs to the rooftop viewing platform offers 360-degree views stretching across London's counties. The main draw for families is the climb up the narrow 86-step spiral staircase to the viewing platform on the roof. Sitting 132 metres above sea level, it offers one of the most stunning panoramic views across London ... you might need to bribe kids with a trip to the nice tea room afterwards. The castle sits inside Castle Wood and Oxleas Woods, making it easy to pair a quick tower ascent with a run around ancient oak trees, nature trails, and log scrambles. Viewing platform and upper tower rooms are only open to the public on Sundays (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM). Plan your trip accordingly if you want to climb to the top.
See details
Live TV Studio Audience Experience
Sitting in a live television studio gives kids and teens a fascinating peak behind the screen. From prime-time entertainment shows like Strictly Come Dancing, The Voice, and The Jonathan Ross Show to sitcoms and panel shows, audience tickets are completely free, you just need to apply through the official ticketing agencies. Where to sign up: BBC shows like the Strictly ballot: bbc.co.uk/showsandtours Applause Store: applausestore.com (Britain's Got Talent, The Voice, QI) SSTA / Lost in TV: lostintv.com (Quiz shows and chat shows)
See details
Battersea Park Playground, Park and Power Station
Massive green park featuring adventure playgrounds, a boating lake, a pagoda, and lots of wide-open space for kids to scoot, play football or burn off energy. Do the park first, then head to the power station for lunch at the Arcade marketplace or a kid-friendly restaurant like Where the Pancakes Are, then browse the Lego store, Peppa Pig shop and Bounce. The children's zoo tucked inside the park is the ultimate anti-London-Zoo for younger kids: small scale, with meerkats, lemurs, otters and monkeys, plus a play area packed with vintage fire engines, tractors, life-sized wooden boats and sandpits.
See details
Paper Cat Book Shop
This indy children's book shop is packed with amazing books, of course, hand-picked by the very knowledgeable staff, and also runs great drop-in sessions, featuring story time, crafts and lots more - priced reasonably at £3 each.
See details
Greenwich Park & Royal Observatory Grounds
Historic park with incredible skyline views across the river, a large gated playground, a deer enclosure and sweeping hills. Grounds and the Prime Meridian line outside are free; the Observatory museum is ticketed.
See details
Spitalfields Market
A vibrant historic covered market in East London packed with food trucks, artisan craft stalls, clothing, and art. The street food selection is unbelievable—kids can eat bao buns, gourmet wood-fired pizza, and bubble waffles all in one covered spot.
See details
Jubilee Gardens
Families can explore a busy landscaped park right on London's South Bank featuring over 90 mature trees and open lawns. Children up to 11 years old can play in the enclosed adventure playground... It's always pretty busy, but still lots of space to run around and you can then explore the South Bank, with its stalls, performers and eating/drinking spots.
See details
National Portrait Gallery
The world's largest collection of portraits also has family spaces, galleries, and interactive art trails. Kids will love spotting famous faces (from royalty to footballers), using interactive digital portrait stations, and joining weekend drop-in art workshops.
See details
Bells Garden playground, Peckham
Recently revamped, this playground lays claim to hosting the second-longest slide in London... It's bright, colourful, reminiscent of Battersea Power Station's playground, and well worth a visit if you're nearby.
See details
The Southbank Centre
Spanning a massive riverside site right next to the Thames, the Southbank Centre is the UK’s largest arts center and a buzzing hub for family culture in London. Encompassing the iconic brutalist architecture of the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and the Hayward Gallery, the complex hosts a brilliant mix of year-round family programming, free open-air installations, interactive music sessions for toddlers, and public spaces that make it a go-to weekend destination for parents. For key family activities, check out the Clore Ballroom, which has events like WordPlay interactive music and songs for toddlers (ages 0–5), family dance sessions, and inclusive creative workshops. The Riverside Terrace has rotating family-friendly interactive public art installations (like giant sound-reactive ground markers and sculptures. The Hayward Gallery hosts major art exhibitions but also has kid-focused gallery trails and creative morning sessions for schools and families. We love the daytime family dance parties on the Clore Ballroom stage. Combine with exploring the book market and street food right underneath Waterloo Bridge, and don't miss the interactive musical staircase inside the Royal Festival Hall where each step triggers a piano note or sound effect when stepped on. Free musical fun.
See details
Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4 & Foundling Museum
Pair a pop-culture photo opp with rich London history. Start at King's Cross Station for the iconic Platform 9 ¾ luggage trolley photo and shop (there might be a queue but it moves fast). Then walk seven minutes south to the Foundling Museum, which tells the moving story of Britain's first home for abandoned children, founded in 1739 with support from artist William Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel. The Granary Square fountains are nearby if it's a warm day - its 1,080 choreographed jets are a huge hit with younger kids in summer (bring a spare set of clothes). Coal Drops Yard next door has shops and food for older kids/teens who've outgrown splashing about.
See details
The Wallace Collection
Behind the grand townhouse façade lies one of Europe's greatest collections of arms and armour - there's kids trails and some mesmerising suits of armour, ornate swords and dagger displays. Start off on the basement level where you pick up the free family trail maps and interactive activity backpacks. The courtyard café inside is covered with a glass roof, making it a bright spot for lunch or tea after exploring.
See details
Ruskin Park Paddling Pool and Playground
Families can splash and play in this much-loved outdoor paddling pool located within Ruskin Park. It's gorgeous on a sunny day (albeit gets busy!) and gated, as is the next-door playground, which is good for all ages with tall slides and loads of climbing. The indy park cafe is lovely too. Kit tip: pack a [puddle suit](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=kids+puddle+suit) and a [wet bag](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=wet+bag+for+swimming) — both earn their place on a splashy day out. More ideas in our [family kit list](https://kidsfun.london/guides/what-to-pack-family-day-out-london).
See details
Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration
Set in the restored 18th-century New River Head waterworks in Clerkenwell, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is the UK’s national flagship for picture-book magic and visual storytelling. While entry to its main exhibition galleries requires paid tickets, the venue is a masterclass in welcoming families on a tight budget - between the free-to-enter library space, interactive drawing areas, sensory gardens, and £1 tickets for low-income families, you can easily spend a full morning here without draining your wallet. The free Library and activity space lets kids curl up with over 1,000 picture books, graphic novels, and art materials. The main gallery exhibitions change regularly, and the weekly Little Owls drop-in sessions on Wednesday mornings are specifically for under-fives, packed with interactive songs, rhymes, and picture book readings. Don't miss the gated outdoor play garden if it's sunny.
See details
V&A Museum (South Kensington)
Not an obviously child-friendly museum, but a stunning collection of art, jewellery, performance and fashion, with giant statues, digital family backpacks and hands-on activity trails.
See details
Barbican Conservatory
Visit the (free) garden, check out the library and its amazing kids' section, stroll the Barbican's architecture
See details★ 4.5
Coram's Fields Playground
This 7-acre urban oasis features adventure playgrounds, a city farm with small animals, sandpits, and adults are only allowed in if they're with kids. Its annual free play day includes even more activities, from crafts to bouncy castles and snacks.
See details★ 4.7
Canary Wharf
Urban area with rooftop gardens, seasonal free activities including mini golf and sport/film screenings, small playgrounds and lots of food/drink options. Great for scooting/cycling. Combine with a trip on the DLR (ride the first carriage and pretend to be the driver), and the Museum of London Docklands
See detailsOlympic Park Stratford
Visit Tumbling Bay playground, enjoy the vast network of family-friendly cycling routes, and splash in the water fountains
See details★ 4.5
Anya Hindmarsh's Ice Cream Project
Cool off in these fountains and splashpads - always check direct on websites to ensure they're up and running!
See details★ 4
Paddington Rec Adventure Playground
One of our favourite playgrounds in London - hidden slides, pastel townhouses, separate spaces for different ages. Large green to run around on too, and a decent cafe.
See details★ 4.6Holland Park
Two fantastic playgrounds - including a huge adventure one with sand and water - a Japanese garden, peacocks, cafes - a great day out. Can combine with Design Museum.
See details★ 4.7
Battersea Power Station
Wander for free (there are often treasure hunts to particpate in), visit the brightly-designed Prospect Place Playground, or do one of the many paid-for activities: two cinemas, Bounce Battersea, and get a taste for the heights at the Chimney Lift. For tots, there's soft play centre, Macaroni Penguin.
See details★ 4.6
Camley Street Nature Reserve
Former coal drop for Kings Cross railway has been transformed into this urban garden, a rich habitat for birds, butterflies, amphibians and plant life, with children's trails, weekend activity drop-ins and a small but lovely cafe.
See details★ 4.6
Stephen's House and Gardens
Small park with gardens, pond, cafe and playground with sandpit, which often hosts seasonal events including treasure hunts, Halloween nights and summer outdoor theatre for children. Lots of green with clear visibility for sports games and running around.
See details
Kings Cross day out
This redeveloped area is mostly traffic-free, so great for scooting and wandering around the wide areas, fountains, small parks and shops. Pop-up (paid for) events include petanque and curling, our kids always enjoy gaming at the Samsung store in Coal Drops Yard, there are food markets, the Everyman cinema, you can stroll to Camley Street Nature Park, walk along the canal and get snapped with the Harry Potter sign at Kings Cross station. Visit the floating bookshop on the canal, cool off at the Cubbitt Sq fountains and check out the small Handyside playground and birdcafe swing outside KX station for a quick energy release.
See details★ 4.6Tate Britain
This art gallery on the Thames showcases five centuries of iconic British art, including the world's largest collection of works by Turner.. but you'll be here for the free, hands-on family play activities and children's explorer trail map you can pick up at the Clore Learning Centre.
See details★ 4.7
Parkland Walk
The longest linear nature reserve in London - which follows the former railway line connecting Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace that opened in 1873 -is a fab flat 5km adventure for kids. Bring the bikes for a cycle/walk combo - it's no good for scooters though as too bumpy. Let the kids hunt for the hidden sculptures (like the famous Spriggan figure near the Highgate tunnels), spot wildlife, and jump on the old, overgrown platforms.
See details★ 4.6Walthamstow wetlands
You won't feel like you're on the doorstep of central London in the fresh air and beautiful scenery of Walthamstow wetlands. Take a leisurely stroll, or follow the designated cycling route; there's a bevy of wildlife to spot... and a great cafe to bribe unwilling kids with cakes and ice creams. Mini beast hunts, forest school sessions and storytelling run frequently too - some charges apply.
See details★ 4.6
Natural History Museum
A massive, world-class museum filled with dinosaur skeletons, minerals, and interactive natural science exhibits. Pack a lunch to eat on the East Lawn on nice days, and make sure to pre-book a free timed ticket online to skip the main queue.
See details★ 4.6
Science Museum
Packed with hands-on space rockets, steam engines, and interactive technology zones. Head straight to the basement's Pattern Pod for toddlers or the Garden play area to burn off early energy before the crowds peak - older kids will enjoy Wonderlab (see separate listing) and Power Up (paid for).
See details★ 4.6
British Museum
Houses millions of historic artifacts, including ancient Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone. Grab a free family activity trail map at the Information Desk in the Great Court to turn your visit into an engaging scavenger hunt. Book your (free) ticket online first, you'll probably still have to face a short queue but it moves quickly.
See details★ 4.2
Diana Memorial Playground
huge, gated adventure play space in Kensington Gardens featuring a massive wooden pirate ship, teepees, and sensory trails. There's sand, water and a musical trail. Ice cream cafe and it's based in the huge Kensington Gardens with lots of areas to explore - could combine with Holland Park for a full on playground day. The Diana Memorial Playground reopened in Summer 2026 after a revamp. Aim to arrive when it opens at 10 AM, as capacity is capped and queues form quickly on sunny afternoons.
See details★ 4.7Young V&A (Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood)
A museum completely redesigned for children, with interactive design, building toys, display cabinets of toys from parents' own childhood (way to feel old), performance spaces, and creative play zones. Large cafe on the ground floor and a temporary exhibit space as well as a large theatre area where kids can act.
See details★ 4.4
Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park
Stroll through these iconic central London parks - featuring Serpentine lake views, expansive grounds, and historic statues - while joining the crowds at Buckingham Palace to show the kids the guards and splendour. Head to St James's Park near Duck Island around 2:30pm to catch the daily pelican feeding time, and visit its playground and cafes for a break.
See details★ 4.7
Kentish Town City Farm
On the edge of trainlines is this lovely local gem - a free-entry city farm with horses, pigs, chickens and other animals and frequent low-cost activities, including horse-riding, a chance for young people to learn about the vegetables and fruit grown on the farm, and animal encounters.
See details★ 4.3
Hackney City Farm
A community farm offering kids a chance to meet pigs, sheep, goats, and ducks in the middle of East London. Visit the on-site Italian cafe for great fresh bread and coffee, and bring small change if you want to buy feed for the animals.
See details★ 4.5
Horizon 22 London viewing platform
The highest free viewing platform in Europe, offering 360-degree views across London from 58 stories up. Small pond and landscaping, but you're mainly here for the views! Tickets drop in batches online weeks in advance, so ensure you book before you visit.
See details★ 4.8
Grant Museum of Zoology
A 19th-century cabinet of curiosities packed floor to ceiling with over 68,000 animal specimens: a jar of preserved moles, dodo bones, a quagga skeleton and a brain collection. Weird, slightly spooky and compact enough to see in 45 minutes.
See details★ 4.8
London Mithraeum
An immersive underground archaeological site displaying the ruins of a Roman Temple of Mithras beneath Bloomberg's headquarters. Download their free interactive iPad guide on arrival - older kids can unlock the digital mysteries of ancient Roman London, younger ones will need to stay off the ancient ruins though!
See details★ 4.5
Horniman Museum and Gardens
This eclectic museum in Forest Hill ostensibly covers natural history - the kids will love the musical instruments, aquarium, and famous overstuffed walrus. The huge gardens and animal walk are free, making it ideal for a low-cost family picnic with London skyline views. There is a fee to enter the aquarium and butterfly house.
See details★ 4.6
National Maritime Museum
The world's largest maritime museum features boat displays, naval art, and a massive world map floor grids. But as a family, you need to head straight to the Ahoy! gallery (for ages 0–7) or AHOY! Children's Gallery for interactive pirate-themed ship play. Ever-changing exhibitions are often child-friendly too. Cove playground is fab too - there's a solid morning or afternoon to be spent here. Combine with a Greenwich wander round its parks, cafes and shops. Museum is free, play slots cost £4.50 on weekends plus school and bank holidays.
See details★ 4.6
Mudlarks at the London Museum, Docklands
This London museum features a fantastic kids' area with water play, building blocks, and a climbing zone that's kept clean and tiny and packed with fun. It’s a great free indoor option that's perfect for toddlers up to kids aged 8 - you can find out what the docks were used for and what life would've been like for sailors many years ago, 'drive' a DLR train in the soft play area, move ships along the docks on the water play station and help the workers move their cargo using wheelbarrows. Sessions last 45m and cost from £4 - book ahead online. The rest of the (excellent) museum is free.
See details★ 4.6
Take the No. 9 bus sightseeing
This is a cheap and easy bus sightseeing tour, try to grab a top deck seat as you go past landmarks including Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Sometimes the route is even run with an old-fashioned Routemaster. This is a budget-friendly way to see London while keeping kids engaged by ticking off sights - we love doing this route alongside the Usborne book of London.
See details★ 3.9
Ikea
Hear me out for a second here... DO NOT GO ON A WEEKEND OR BUSY PERIOD. But for an easy morning out with a toddler, there's lots to recommend about Ikea. Surprisingly fun for kids who love exploring the miniature room setups, playing in the toy section, and picking out plants or new room decor. And you can conclude the extravaganza with a decent, cheap children's meal that you don't have to make (or clear up).
See details★ 4
RAF Museum, Hendon
This recently-updated museum is a must for airplane fans: its massive hangars are filled with real planes, chinooks, helicopters, and ride-on replicas; there's a new soft play area, a fun outdoor aviation-themed playground, simulators and more. There's a cafe so you can make a day of it. Free tickets can be booked ahead of time; there's scant local parking so you'll need to pay for the car park. Frequently-changed exhibitions are child-friendly and fascinating.
See details★ 4.8
The Southbank
This vibrant, pedestrian-only stretch along the Thames is filled with street food, buskers, and cultural venues like the Southbank Centre, BFI and Tate Modern which always have child-friendly exhibitions and space to run around in. The Southbank is buggy bliss for parents because there are no stairs to navigate, and plenty of child-friendly chain restaurants to warm up (or cool down) in. There are mini Thames-side beaches to explore too - just don't go for a dip in the not-so-clean river.
See details★ 4.5
Sky Garden
A large, indoor landscaped garden high above the city offering incredible panoramic views and plenty of open space to walk around. It is completely free - but you must book your time slot well in advance.
See details★ 4.6
Broomfield Park
There's a large adventure playground here alongside a conservatory, a model boating pond, and a lake. It makes for a nice afternoon out - especially if you stop by the nearby Baskervilles Tea Shop for delicious babyccinos and cakes.
See details★ 4.2
Elstree Aerodrome
If you've got aviation-obsessed kids - or just those that like to look up - plan a trip to this airfield north of London. It's pure magic for transport-obsessed toddlers: a working airfield where toddlers can spend hours thrilled by the steady stream of light aircraft and helicopters taking off and landing. Don't miss out on the surprisingly good on-site café to grab a hot drink or nice lunch while you plane-spot.
See details★ 4.2
Gobions Wood
This 36-acre ancient woodland nature reserve is the perfect walk and picnic spot - it has carpetings of bluebells in spring, and 500 species of fungi to spot in autumn - but for kids, the best part are the logs to balance on, large lake with ducks and tadpoles, a playground area near the car park, and a large field perfect for picnicking and games. The trails are flat, and buggy-accessible. Park at the North Mymms Parish Council car park (off Jonas Way) for direct access to both the children’s play area and the woodland trail entrance.
See details★ 4.6
Alexandra Palace
It's huge and there's lots to do at Ally Pally: 196 acres of parkland with sweeping skyline views over London - older kids will enjoy the Summit, where you walk over the top of the iconic building - but on the ground there's loads to do too. Ice skating inside, swan pedalos on its the dedicated boating lake, an expansive playground which works for both older and younger kids, and includes a sandpit. There are a few cafes, including Lakeside Café, loads of picnicking spots, and Little Dinos - a soft play with large outdoor space that's a huge hit with younger kids (and with better coffee and adult seating than most). The park is free, parking is charged, activities all cost extra.
See details★ 4.5
Berkhampstead (castle, canal, playground)
Historic market town Berko is a rural day-trip close to northwest London - it has an idyllic canal, castle ruins dating back to 1066, and plenty of family-friendly playgrounds. For history-loving kids, toddlers who enjoy spotting trains and boats, and parents wanting great independent eateries, this is a great day out. Baby parents: leave the buggy behind if you plan to explore the castle ruins, as the path isn't very buggy-friendly, and use a sling instead. Lots of eateries around Lower King's Street if you don't fancy a picnic.
See details★ 4
Woodberry Wetlands
This regenerated urban nature reserve offers smooth, buggy- and scooter-friendly boardwalks surrounded by wildlife, reedbeds, and play areas. It’s ideal for families with young children, birdwatchers, and anyone looking for a fresh, scenic walk. Park near Bethune Road or Lordship Road, bring scooters for the kids to zip along the paths, and don't forget to visit the historic Coal House Café for great coffee and sourdough lunches.
See details★ 4.6
Finchley Nurseries
More than just a standard plant nursery, this friendly local garden centre has an aquarium section with fish, a small outdoor play area for children, and a lovely on-site cafe with homemade cakes and toasties. During the summer months, there's a pick-your-own flowers field to cut a bouquet to bring home. Free parking.
See details★ 4.7
Kenwood House & Grounds
Perched on the edge of Hampstead Heath, Kenwood offers sweeping grassy hills, duck ponds, tree-climbing and historic architecture. It’s fantastic for families, dog owners, and picnickers looking for open space to run wild. Insider tip: walk downhill from the main house and search for the famous "Hollow Tree" (searchable on Google Maps) for a natural climbing structure the kids will love. Inside the main house, there's art galore, often a kids' trail, and children's dress-up outfits and games to keep the history alive. There's also an ice cream cafe and a restaurant at the main house. Paid parking in the car park, free on local roads. No formal playground here, but trees provide plenty of fun - and you can walk through to Hampstead Heath and its playgrounds if you need.
See details★ 4.7
Verulamium Park (St Albans)
Spanning over 100 acres of parkland set around historic Roman ruins, this destination park boasts a huge playground, splash park, mini-golf course and a lake teeming with waterfowl. It is an exceptional day trip for families with young children and history buffs alike - it has Roman bath ruins inside the park, but you can also walk across it to the Verulanium museum, to St Albans' town centre with shops, cafes and the St Albans museum itself, with lots of kids' activities and dress-up (all free). Insider tip: order waffles from the famous The Waffle House located right at the edge of the park. Mine's a banofee special.
See details★ 4.1
Golders Hill Park & Hill Garden Pergola
Adjoining Hampstead Heath, Golders Hill boasts a free animal zoo area including deer, birds, and a butterfly house; there's a duck pond, ornamental gardens, a large playground, bandstand and a huge amount of space to run around. Take a sharp left upon entering from North End Road to discover the grand, secluded Hill Garden and Pergola, a stunning ruined terrace popular for photos. The cafe is decent with excellent gelato.
See details★ 4.7
Highgate Wood & Queen's Wood
These twin ancient woodlands offer dens, stick-building spots, and miles of shaded walking trails alongside Highgate Wood's superb playground with dedicated toddler sections, swings, zipline and dual sandpits. Highgate Wood's Pavilion Café has delicious café food and coffee, while the smaller (and quieter) Queen's Wood has a small cafe too.
See details★ 4.7
Forty Hall & Myddelton House Gardens
Located short distances apart in Enfield, these two historic estates include expansive gardens for kids to explore, farm animals, fishing lakes, heritage exhibits, and charming tea rooms. They are ideal for cross-generational family outings - older garden lovers after a gentle afternoon stroll can be lapped by rock-climbing kids - but check opening times online before heading over, and combine both estates into a full day out.
See details★ 4.4
West End Toy Shop Trail
This is the ultimate West End retail safari... the kind of shopping kids actually love. Start at Selfridges, in Marble Arch, where on the fourth floor you can gawk at eye-watering £750 giant Jellycat stuffed moons (we saw someone actually buy one) and the fish and chip store, watch the life magic demos and let kids test retro arcade games and futuristic robots on the tech floor in the basement. Probably a good time to set a budget so they can pick one toy from one store for the day - or whatever your budget is. It's worth taking a gander at the food hall too. Next, continue down Oxford Street. Your Big Game safari stops include Build-A-Bear, the Disney Store, and the children's department at John Lewis, with lots of sit-ons and a few games to play. In Liberty London on Great Marlborough Street you can visit its whimsical, beautifully curated children’s section filled with heirloom wooden toys, craft kits, and dress-up gear. Next, on to the mothership: Hamleys and its seven-story temple of live product demos and interactive play zones on Regents Street. You'll be here for a WHILE. There's a LOT to see and buy and play with! When you're free, if you've still got energy, options include: walking 10/15m to Leicester Square's flagship Lego Store to build custom minifigures and see giant brick installations. Or Waterstones Piccadilly - if you have book lovers in tow, take a short detour south to the massive children's department at Waterstones Piccadilly, which also has cosy reading nooks and play spaces. Alternatively, hit up Kingly Court for a snack or dessert in the open-air courtyard at Kingly Court off Carnaby Street. For the truly hardcore, push on to Leicester Square/Covent Garden to watch street performers and explore Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop—an iconic vintage shop packed with classic puppets, theatrical shadow boxes, and wind-up novelties.
See details
Westminster Cathedral
London's striking red-and-white brick Catholic cathedral, with glittering mosaics inside. Entry to the cathedral is free; the bell-tower viewing gallery has a charge and great views across Westminster. Often mistaken for its famous neighbour Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral is London’s mother church for Roman Catholics and a hidden gem for families. Built in a striking Neo-Byzantine style with bold red-and-white striped brickwork, it feels like a piece of Constantinople dropped right into Victoria. Inside, culture-loving kids will be mesmerized by the contrast between the lower walls (lined with over 100 types of shimmering marble) and the towering vaulted ceilings, which remain unpainted and pitch-black, giving the nave a mysterious, cave-like atmosphere.
See details