Collection

Free things to do with kids in London

You don't need a budget to fill a day in London. Every place on this list costs nothing to get into — museums, parks, markets and views included.

69 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. 1Leake St graffiti tunnelViews & landmarks · Central · All agesFree4.7
  2. 2Olympic Park StratfordParks & gardens · East · All agesFree4.5
  3. 3Young V&A (Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood)Museums & galleries · East · All agesFree4.4
  4. 4Walthamstow wetlandsParks & gardens · North · All agesFree4.6
  5. 5The Line Sculpture Trail and Cable CarViews & landmarks · East · All agesFree
  6. 6The Lookout, 8 BishopsgateViews & landmarks · Central · All agesFree
  7. 7Holland ParkParks & gardens · West · Under 13Free4.7
  8. 8Tate BritainMuseums & galleries · Central · All agesFree4.7
  9. 9Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and St James’s ParkParks & gardens · Central · All agesFree4.7
  10. 10Horizon 22 London viewing platformViews & landmarks · Central · All agesFree4.8

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Clissold Park & Animal Enclosures
Under 13Free
Wildlife & farms · North

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.

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Greenwich Foot Tunnel Walk
Under 13Free
Getting about · South

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.

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Regent's Park
All agesFree
Parks & gardens · Central

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.

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Hampstead Heath & Parliament Hill Playground
All agesFree
Parks & gardens · North

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.

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Richmond Park & Isabella Plantation
All agesFree
Parks & gardens · South

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.

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Battersea Park Playground, Park and Power Station
Under 13Free
Parks & gardens · South

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.

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Oxford Street & Piccadilly Circus shopping and viral pics
All agesFree
Views & landmarks · Central

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.

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V&A Museum (South Kensington)
All agesFree
Museums & galleries · West

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.

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God's Own Junkyard
All agesFree
Arty stuff · East

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.

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Southwark Park & Boating Lake
Under 13Free
Parks & gardens · South

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.

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The Wallace Collection
All agesFree
Arty stuff · Central

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.

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Wellcome Collection
All agesFree
Museums & galleries · Central

Wellcome Collection

A quirky museum exploring medicine, health and human life through bizarre historical objects, art and a wonderfully comfy Reading Room.

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Morden Hall Park (National Trust)
Under 13Free
Parks & gardens · South

Morden Hall Park (National Trust)

A tranquil National Trust estate with boardwalks over the River Wandle, natural play areas, wooden footbridges and historic watermills.

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The Line Sculpture Trail and Cable Car
All agesFree
Views & landmarks · East

The 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.

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Tate Modern
Under 13Free
Museums & galleries · Central

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.

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Greenwich Park & Royal Observatory Grounds
All agesFree
Views & landmarks · South

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.

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Mudchute Park and Farm
Under 13Free
Wildlife & farms · East

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.

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Word on the Water - Floating Bookshop
All agesFree
Arty stuff · Central

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.

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The British Library (Family Trails)
All agesFree
Museums & galleries · Central

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.

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Leake St graffiti tunnel
All agesFree
Views & landmarks · Central

Leake 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.

See details4.7
Chinatown, Leicester Square & movie magic
All agesFree
Views & landmarks · Central

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.

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Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (Tumbling Bay Playground)
Under 13Free
Playgrounds · East

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (Tumbling Bay Playground)

Excellent play zone with rock pools, sand pits, treehouses, wobbling bridges and water pumps for building dams.

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Imperial War Museum (IWM London)
All agesFree
Museums & galleries · South

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.

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Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4 & Foundling Museum
All agesFree
Museums & galleries · Central

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.

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Bushy Park & Deer Park
Under 13Free
Wildlife & farms · South

Bushy Park & Deer Park

The second-largest Royal Park, famous for roaming deer herds, waterways and the grand Woodland Gardens.

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Victoria Park & Splash Pool
Under 13Free
Parks & gardens · East

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.

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Somerset House Courtyard & Fountains
Under 13Free
Views & landmarks · Central

Somerset House Courtyard & Fountains

Iconic neoclassical courtyard where 55 dancing water fountains shoot straight out of the cobblestones all summer.

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St James's Park Pelican Feeding
Under 13Free
Wildlife & farms · Central

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.

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The Lookout, 8 Bishopsgate
All agesFree
Views & landmarks · Central

The 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.

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Barbican Conservatory
All agesFree
Parks & gardens · Central

Barbican Conservatory

Visit the (free) garden, check out the library and its amazing kids' section, stroll the Barbican's architecture

See details4.5
Coram's Fields Playground
Under 13Free
Playgrounds · Central

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 details4.7
Canary Wharf
All agesFree
Views & landmarks · East

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

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Olympic Park Stratford
All agesFree
Parks & gardens · East

Olympic Park Stratford

Visit Tumbling Bay playground, enjoy the vast network of family-friendly cycling routes, and splash in the water fountains

See details4.5
Paddington Rec Adventure Playground
Under 13Free
Parks & gardens · West

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 details4.6
Holland Park
Under 13Free
Parks & gardens · West

Holland 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 details4.7
Battersea Power Station
All agesFree
Views & landmarks · Central

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 details4.6
Camley Street Nature Reserve
Under 13Free
Parks & gardens · Central

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 details4.6
Stephen's House and Gardens
All agesFree
Views & landmarks · South

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.

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Kings Cross day out
All agesFree
Parks & gardens · Central

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 details4.6
Tate Britain
All agesFree
Museums & galleries · Central

Tate 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 details4.7
Parkland Walk
All agesFree
Parks & gardens · North

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 details4.6
Walthamstow wetlands
All agesFree
Parks & gardens · North

Walthamstow 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 details4.6
Natural History Museum
All agesFree
Museums & galleries · Central

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 details4.6
Science Museum
All agesFree
Museums & galleries · Central

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 details4.6
British Museum
All agesFree
Museums & galleries · Central

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 details4.2
Diana Memorial Playground
Under 13Free
Playgrounds · West

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 details4.7
Young V&A (Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood)
All agesFree
Museums & galleries · East

Young 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 details4.4
Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park
All agesFree
Parks & gardens · Central

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 details4.7
Kentish Town City Farm
Under 13Free
Wildlife & farms · North

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 details4.3
Hackney City Farm
Under 13Free
Wildlife & farms · East

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 details4.5
Horizon 22 London viewing platform
All agesFree
Views & landmarks · Central

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 details4.8
Grant Museum of Zoology
All agesFree
Museums & galleries · Central

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 details4.8
London Mithraeum
All agesFree
Museums & galleries · Central

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 details4.5
Horniman Museum and Gardens
Under 13Free
Museums & galleries · South

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 details4.6
Ikea
Under 13Free
Arty stuff · Central

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).

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The Southbank
All agesFree
Arty stuff · Central

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 details4.5
Sky Garden
All agesFree
Parks & gardens · Central

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 details4.6
Broomfield Park
All agesFree
Parks & gardens · East

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 details4.2
Elstree Aerodrome
Under 13Free
Getting about · East

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 details4.2
Gobions Wood
All agesFree
Parks & gardens · North

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 details4.6
Alexandra Palace
All agesFree
Views & landmarks · Central

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 details4.5
Berkhampstead (castle, canal, playground)
All agesFree
Playgrounds · Central

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.

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Woodberry Wetlands
All agesFree
Parks & gardens · North

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 details4.6
Finchley Nurseries
Under 13Free
Parks & gardens · North

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 details4.7
Kenwood House & Grounds
All agesFree
Views & landmarks · North

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 details4.7
Verulamium Park (St Albans)
All agesFree
Views & landmarks · West

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 details4.1
Golders Hill Park & Hill Garden Pergola
Under 13Free
Parks & gardens · North

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 details4.7
Highgate Wood & Queen's Wood
All agesFree
Playgrounds · North

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 details4.7
West End Toy Shop Trail
All agesFree
Shopping & Experiences · Central

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.

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