Cheap Family Activities Around London

London doesn’t have to break the bank when it comes to family fun. The capital offers numerous affordable and free activities that can keep families entertained without spending a fortune. From world-class museums to beautiful parks and exciting markets, this guide reveals the best budget-friendly family activities in and around London.

Free Museums and Galleries

British Museum

World-famous museum with free admission:

Ancient Egyptian mummies
Greek sculptures and artifacts
Family activity trails
Free family events and workshops
Suggested donation only

Natural History Museum

Perfect for curious children:

Dinosaur gallery with animatronics
Mammals gallery
Interactive exhibits
Free family activities
Beautiful Victorian architecture

Science Museum

Hands-on learning experience:

Interactive galleries
Flight simulator
Space exploration exhibits
Free workshops and demonstrations
Wonderlab (charges apply)

Tate Modern

Contemporary art for all ages:

Free permanent collection
Family trails and activities
Art workshops
Stunning Thames views

Beautiful Parks and Outdoor Spaces

Hyde Park

Central London’s largest park:

Diana Memorial Playground
Serpentine Lake with pedal boats (small fee)
Speaker’s Corner
Free outdoor events
Perfect for picnics

Regent’s Park

Beautiful gardens and activities:

Queen Mary’s Gardens
London Zoo nearby (admission fee)
Boating lake
Open-air theatre (seasonal)
Primrose Hill for city views

Greenwich Park

Historic park with stunning views:

Royal Observatory (free grounds)
Prime Meridian Line
Panoramic London views
Deer park
Maritime Museum nearby

Hampstead Heath

Wild parkland in North London:

Parliament Hill viewpoint
Natural swimming ponds
Kenwood House (free)
Adventure playground
Dog-friendly areas

Markets and Street Entertainment

Covent Garden

Free street entertainment:

Daily street performers
Buskers and musicians
Beautiful covered market
Free to browse and watch
Transport Museum nearby (fee applies)

Borough Market

Food market experience:

Free samples from vendors
Vibrant atmosphere
Educational about food
Historic market buildings
Nearby attractions

Camden Market

Alternative culture and shopping:

Unique stalls and shops
Street food (budget options available)
Canal walks
Live music venues
Eclectic atmosphere

Free Festivals and Events

Summer Events

Mayor’s Thames Festival
Notting Hill Carnival
Open House London
Outdoor cinema screenings
Park concerts and performances

Winter Activities

Christmas markets
Ice skating (some free sessions)
Christmas lights tours
Winter festivals
New Year’s Eve fireworks

Walking Tours and Trails

Self-Guided Walks

Free walking routes:

Thames Path
Royal London walk
Historic City of London
Street art tours in East London
Literary London trails

Free Walking Tours

Tip-based tours:

Sandeman’s New Europe Tours
Free Tours by Foot
Strawberry Tours
Pay what you think it’s worth

Playgrounds and Play Areas

Adventure Playgrounds

Diana Memorial Playground (Hyde Park)
Coram’s Fields (with city farm)
Battersea Park Adventure Playground
Hampstead Heath playground
All free to use

Indoor Play (Budget Options)

Local leisure centers
Library story times
Community center activities
Church halls with play groups

Budget-Friendly Attractions

Changing of the Guard

Free royal ceremony:

Buckingham Palace (11am, selected days)
Horse Guards Parade (11am daily)
Windsor Castle (selected days)
Arrive early for best views

Thames Foreshore

Mudlarking and exploration:

Search for historical artifacts
Low tide exploration
Educational about London’s history
Free activity
Supervision required for children

Seasonal Activities

Spring

Blossom viewing in parks
Easter egg hunts
Outdoor festivals begin
Longer daylight hours

Summer

Outdoor swimming (Hampstead ponds)
Park picnics
Free outdoor concerts
Street festivals

Autumn

Leaf collecting in parks
Harvest festivals
Bonfire Night events
Apple picking (outside London)

Winter

Christmas markets
Ice skating
Christmas lights
Winter walks

Money-Saving Tips

Planning Your Day

Pack lunches and snacks
Use public transport day passes
Check for free events online
Combine multiple free activities
Take advantage of happy hours

Transport Savings

Walk when possible
Use Boris Bikes for short trips
Off-peak travel rates
Family railcards for longer journeys
Free bus travel for under-16s

Food and Drink

Picnics in parks
Free water from fountains
Supermarket meal deals
Happy hour offers
Free samples at markets

Resources for Finding Free Events

Time Out London (free events section)
London.gov.uk events calendar
Local council websites
Facebook community groups
Eventbrite free events
Museum websites for special events