London isn’t just about museums and double-decker buses-it’s a city built for families, with parks, play zones, and free experiences that make weekend memories without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a local who’s run out of ideas or a visitor trying to squeeze in quality time with the kids, London’s mix of history, nature, and quirky charm offers more than just the usual tourist traps. Here are 10 real, tested, and kid-approved ways to make your weekend unforgettable-no ticket needed for most of them.
Explore Richmond Park on a Sunny Saturday
Forget the crowded London Zoo for a moment. Richmond Park, the largest of London’s Royal Parks, is where wild deer roam free and kids can run until they’re out of breath. Bring a picnic blanket, grab sandwiches from Richmond Farmers Market (open Saturdays), and let the little ones chase fallow deer near Pen Ponds. The park has no entry fee, and the views from King Henry’s Mound are postcard-perfect. It’s the kind of place where a 7-year-old will remember spotting a deer for years-and you’ll remember how quiet it felt, even in the middle of a city of 9 million.
Take the Emirates Air Line Cable Car to Greenwich
The Emirates Air Line isn’t just a tourist gimmick-it’s a cheap, thrilling way to cross the Thames with views you won’t get anywhere else. Kids love the sway of the cabins, and the ride takes just 10 minutes. Get off at Greenwich and walk to the National Maritime Museum, which is free and packed with hands-on exhibits. Let them climb on the replica ship’s bridge, touch a real meteorite, or try on a pirate hat. Then head to the Greenwich Market for sticky toffee pudding or ice cream cones from Choco Libre. The Cutty Sark is right there too-perfect for a quick peek inside if your kids are into ships or pirates.
Visit the Science Museum’s Wonderlab
Forget screen time. At the Science Museum in South Kensington, the Wonderlab gallery turns physics into play. Kids can create giant bubbles, stand inside a tornado simulator, or make their own lightning with a Van de Graaff generator. The best part? Entry is free, and you can book timed slots for the live shows (like the explosive ‘Chemistry Show’) online ahead of time. There’s also a dedicated Imagination Gallery for under-fives with soft play, water tables, and giant building blocks. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself laughing harder than your kids.
Walk the Thames Path from Tower Bridge to Borough Market
Grab a stroller or let older kids walk ahead as you follow the Thames Path from Tower Bridge to Borough Market. The route is flat, safe, and lined with street performers, historic buildings, and ice cream vans. At Borough Market, let the kids pick their own snack-try a Sticky Toffee Pudding Pop from Mr. Whippy, or sample British cheeses from Neal’s Yard Dairy. The market is open Wednesday to Sunday, and the smell of fresh bread and roasted nuts makes it feel like a food festival. Bonus: You’ll pass under Tower Bridge’s lifting mechanism if you time it right-check the schedule online before you go.
Get Lost in the Natural History Museum’s Dinosaur Gallery
Every child in London has a favorite dinosaur. At the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, that favorite is probably the 25-meter-long blue whale hanging from the ceiling-or the T. rex named ‘Stan’ that looks ready to chase you down the hall. The museum is free, climate-controlled, and full of interactive displays. Let your kids press buttons to hear dinosaur roars, dig for fossils in the ‘Fossil Forensics’ zone, or take a photo with a life-size mammoth. There’s even a Family Trail worksheet you can pick up at the entrance-no screens needed.
Play at Victoria Park’s Adventure Playground
East London’s Victoria Park has one of the best outdoor play areas in the country. The Adventure Playground features climbing nets, zip lines, sand pits, and water features-all designed for different ages. It’s not just for toddlers; even 12-year-olds will scramble up the rope towers. Pack a lunch and sit under the big trees near the boating lake. On weekends, you’ll often find local bands playing acoustic sets near the bandstand. It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends because everyone’s got kids running around with muddy knees.
Take a Free Guided Walk Through Hampstead Heath
Forget the tube. On a crisp Sunday morning, head to Hampstead Heath and join one of the free guided nature walks offered by the Hampstead Heath Society. Kids learn about hedgehogs, wildflowers, and why the heath has so many ancient trees. The walks are 90 minutes long and start at the Parliament Hill entrance. Afterward, treat everyone to warm apple crumble from Heath Tea Rooms-it’s the best in London, and they serve it with clotted cream. The view from Parliament Hill over the city skyline is worth the climb alone.
Visit the London Transport Museum’s Family Zone
Even if your kids don’t care about buses, they’ll love riding in a real 1950s Routemaster at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. The museum’s Family Zone has a mini tube station where children can pretend to be drivers, conductors, or ticket inspectors. There’s also a tactile exhibit where they can feel different types of tickets from the 1900s. Entry is free for under-17s, and the museum is right next to the Covent Garden Piazza, where street musicians and jugglers keep everyone entertained. Grab a doughnut from Mr. Fogg’s and sit outside while the kids watch the performers.
Go Paddleboarding on the Regent’s Canal
Yes, you can paddleboard with kids in London. At Regent’s Canal, Canal & River Trust offers family paddleboarding sessions on weekends at Little Venice. The water is calm, instructors are patient, and they provide life jackets for all ages. It’s not a race-it’s a slow float past houseboats, ducks, and canal-side cafés. Afterward, stop at Little Venice Café for hot chocolate with marshmallows. You’ll leave with wet shoes, a few laughs, and a story about the time your 6-year-old steered the board backward.
Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
It’s not just for tourists. Locals know the best time to see the Changing of the Guard is on a weekday morning when crowds are thinner. Arrive by 9:30 AM to claim a good spot near the palace gates. The soldiers march in perfect sync, the drums echo through St. James’s Park, and kids love the tall bearskin hats. Afterward, walk through the park to the Queen’s Gallery-free for under-17s-and let them spot the crown jewels in the display windows. Don’t forget to stop at the London Bus Stop Café on the way out for a proper British tea and scone.
Why These Activities Work in London
What makes these ideas stand out isn’t just that they’re fun-it’s that they’re built into the city’s fabric. London’s parks are free, its museums are open to all, and its public spaces are designed for families. You don’t need to pay for a theme park when you’ve got a 3,000-acre heath, a canal full of ducks, and a dinosaur that’s taller than your house. The trick is knowing where to look-and when to go.
Most of these spots are busiest on weekends, so aim for weekday mornings if you want space to breathe. Bring layers-London weather changes fast. And always carry snacks. Kids get hungry. And so do you.
Are these activities free in London?
Most of the top family-friendly activities in London are completely free, including visits to the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Royal Parks, and many markets. Some attractions like the Emirates Air Line or paddleboarding have small fees (usually under £10 per person), but they’re still far cheaper than theme parks. Always check the official website before you go-many places offer free entry for children under 17.
What’s the best time of year for family activities in London?
Spring (March-May) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal. The weather is mild, parks are green, and crowds are smaller than in summer. Summer has longer days but is packed with tourists. Winter can be cold, but Christmas markets and ice skating at Somerset House make it magical for kids. Avoid August if you can-many locals are away, and some smaller attractions have reduced hours.
Can I bring a stroller to all these places?
Yes, most locations are stroller-friendly. Parks, museums, and the Thames Path have smooth paths. Some older buildings like the Natural History Museum have lifts, and the Science Museum has dedicated stroller parking. The only tricky spots are narrow market alleys in Borough Market or uneven paths in Hampstead Heath-bring a lightweight, all-terrain stroller if you can.
What should I pack for a family day out in London?
Pack weather-appropriate clothing (rain jackets are a must), snacks, water bottles, a small first-aid kit, and a portable charger. Bring a foldable blanket for picnics, and if you’re visiting museums, carry a small notebook or activity sheet to keep kids engaged. Don’t forget wipes-muddy shoes and sticky fingers are inevitable.
Are there any hidden gems for families in London?
Yes. Try the London Canal Museum near King’s Cross-it’s quiet, has a mini boat ride, and lets kids touch real canal artifacts. Or visit the London Wetland Centre in Barnes: a peaceful nature reserve with otters, flamingos, and a discovery trail designed for kids. Both are off the tourist radar but loved by locals.
Next Steps for Your Weekend
Start by picking one activity from this list and building the rest of your day around it. Don’t try to do all ten in one weekend-focus on one place, one experience, and let the kids lead the way. London rewards slow days more than packed itineraries. The best memories aren’t made at the top of a Ferris wheel-they’re made in a park, chasing deer, or eating ice cream while watching a boat float down the canal.