London is one of the world’s most iconic cities—but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re planning a family trip on a budget, using points and miles to keep costs low, or simply looking for memorable experiences that don’t require a ticket, London is packed with incredible free activities that kids and adults will love.

After visiting with my own family, I was surprised by just how much you can see and do without spending a penny. Below is a curated list of the best free things to do in London with kids, plus the little nuances families need to know so the day goes smoothly.

London feels like an expensive city, but here is the secret: some of the best experiences for families cost absolutely nothing. This post is part of our London family travel series, where we cover Christmas lights walks, Harry Potter filming locations, and how we got our family of four there for almost free using points and miles. Because getting there affordably is step one. Filling your days with incredible free experiences is step two, and that is exactly what this guide is for.

Horizon 22: London’s Highest Free Viewpoint

Location: City of London
Best For: Amazing skyline views, older kids and teens
Timing Tip: Reservations open up to 30 days out and do book quickly.
Try for morning slots to avoid glare in photos.

At 254 meters tall, Horizon 22 gives you sweeping views of London’s most famous landmarks—from the Shard to St. Paul’s Cathedral. The line moves quickly, strollers are allowed, and the staff is great with kids.

What Parents Should Know:

• Tickets are required, and weekend mornings fill first.
• You may be asked to fold your stroller if it’s large.
• There’s a security check similar to an airport (minus the liquids rule).

Sky Garden

Location: Fenchurch Street (The “Walkie Talkie” building)
Best For: Families who want views + a relaxing indoor garden
Timing Tip: Book 2–3 weeks ahead, but last-minute evening spots sometimes open up.

Sky Garden is part observation deck, part lush indoor greenhouse. My kids loved exploring the pathways and spotting buildings they recognized from the Big Bus tour.

What Parents Should Know:

• Free tickets drop once a week and disappear fast—set a reminder.
• Arrive 10 minutes early; there’s a quick security check.
• Strollers are allowed, but navigating the upper terraces is easiest without them.

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The British Museum

Location: Bloomsbury
Best For: Rainy-day adventures, curious kids, history lovers
Top Exhibits for Kids: Egyptian mummies, Rosetta Stone, Sutton Hoo treasures

The British Museum never disappoints, and it’s completely free. You could spend hours here without running out of things to see.

What Parents Should Know:

• Pre-book a free entry slot to avoid long walk-in lines.
• Use the museum’s free family trails (downloadable on the website).
• Go right at opening or late afternoon for fewer crowds.

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Regent’s Park & St. James’s Park

Location: Central London
Best For: Running energy off, picnics, stroller-friendly walks

Regent’s Park is perfect if your kids need space after sightseeing. St. James’s Park is iconic—with views of Buckingham Palace, friendly ducks, and plenty of benches.

What Parents Should Know:

• Bathrooms are available but may cost 20–50p; carry coins or a contactless card.
• Playground spaces are clean and well-kept.
• Pack a picnic—markets like Tesco, Pret, or M&S have inexpensive grab-and-go options.

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Natural History Museum

Location: South Kensington
Best For: Dinosaur fans, science lovers, toddlers
Family Favorites: The giant blue whale, dinosaur skeletons, earthquake simulator

This museum is free and huge—plan 2–3 hours, especially if your kids love dinosaurs.

What Parents Should Know:

• Reservations are free but strongly recommended during holidays.
• The front entrance gets crowded; use the Exhibition Road entrance for shorter lines.
• The gift shop is very tempting for kids—set expectations early.

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Notting Hill & Portobello Road Market

Location: Notting Hill
Best For: Teens, photography lovers, families who like markets

Notting Hill is colorful, charming, and perfect for a slower-paced afternoon. Portobello Road Market is bustling on Fridays and Saturdays.

What Parents Should Know:

• Saturdays are very crowded—keep younger kids close.
• Go early if you want photos without crowds.
• Markets can be overwhelming; walk a block or two away for quieter streets.

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More Free Family Activities in London

Here are additional ideas many families overlook—but shouldn’t.

The Tate Modern

Location: South Bank
Best For: Teens and creative kids, stroller-friendly indoors

Free entry, huge open galleries, and interactive installations. Many families stop in for an hour between attractions.

Parent Tip: The viewing terrace used to be free, but now requires a paid exhibit ticket—however, the museum itself is still free and fantastic for kids.

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The Tate Britain

Location: Westminster
Best For: Families who enjoy calmer, quieter museums

This museum is less crowded than the Tate Modern and has beautiful galleries kids can move through easily.

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Walk Along the South Bank

Location: Thames River walk
Best For: Stroller-friendly sightseeing with no set schedule

Street performers, playground areas, river views, and places to grab snacks. Start near Tower Bridge or the London Eye and walk until the kids are done.

Parent Tip: The playground behind the Tate Modern is a great pit stop.

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Covent Garden Street Performers

Location: Covent Garden
Best For: Kids of all ages, especially teens
Cost: Free (performers appreciate tips, but not required)

Jugglers, musicians, magicians—this is one of London’s most fun spontaneous experiences.

Parent Tip: Shows are posted on signs so you can time your stop between attractions.

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Changing of the Guard

Location: Buckingham Palace
Best For: Kids who love marching bands and horses
Timing Tip: Check the schedule online; it does not happen daily in winter.

Arrive 20–30 minutes early for a good viewing spot. Stroller parking along the edges of the Victoria Memorial circle works well.

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The Diana Memorial Playground

Location: Kensington Gardens
Best For: Toddlers and young children
Highlight: The massive wooden pirate ship

This playground is fenced, safe, clean, and perfect when you need a slower-paced kid break.

Parent Tip: They limit capacity on busy days; arrive early.

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The Skywalk at the National Maritime Museum

Location: Greenwich
Best For: Families making a day trip to Greenwich

The museum is free, interactive, and includes hands-on exhibits kids love. Pair it with a picnic in the park.

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The Prime Meridian Line (Outside)

Location: Greenwich Park
Best For: Science lovers
You can stand on the Prime Meridian outside the Observatory without paying the interior ticket.

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Camden Market

Location: Camden Town
Best For: Teens and adventurous eaters
Browse the stalls, watch canal boats, and grab affordable snacks.

Parent Tip: Go midday to avoid the loudest crowds.

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Tips to Make Your Free Days in London Successful

Here are a few things I wish families knew before visiting:

1. Reserve all free viewpoints early

Sky Garden and Horizon 22 book out weeks ahead, especially during holidays.

2. Use contactless payments for Tube and bus travel

It’s cheaper than buying individual tickets and easier with kids.

3. Pack snacks

Food can add up quickly. London is walkable, and kids get hungry often.

4. Expect bathroom fees

Public restrooms often cost 20–50p. Carry a credit card or small change.

5. Start early

Museums are far less crowded before 11 AM.

6. Watch for museum closures

Some galleries rotate or close during holidays—always check the “Visiting Today” section on each museum’s website.

7. Build in breaks

London is a lot of sensory input for kids: crowds, noise, walking, new places.
Parks and plazas are perfect reset points.

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Final Thoughts

London is one of the best cities in the world for families—and you don’t have to spend much (or anything at all) to enjoy it. From world-class museums to play spaces, iconic views, and cultural experiences, the city is full of free activities that are both fun and educational.

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, planning around school breaks, or using points and miles to cut the cost of flights and hotels, London offers endless opportunities for unforgettable family memories.

If you want help planning your London trip or want to learn how we used points and miles for our own Thanksgiving week adventure, send me a message. I’d love to help your family experience a trip like this—without breaking the bank.