Visiting London with kids can be an amazing experience for the whole family, with so much to explore and discover. With its iconic architecture, history, culture, and entertainment, London offers plenty of attractions and activities that are perfect for families. Whether you’re looking for something educational, fun, or just plain exciting, this city has it all.

In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best free activities and attractions that London has to offer to families. From exploring the city’s iconic landmarks to discovering hidden gems, we’ll make sure you make the most of your visit. So let’s get started!

Introduction to London

London is one of the most historic cities in the world, with a population of over 8 million. It is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world such as the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Tourists from all over the world flock to London to explore these sites, as well as take in its rich culture.

The city has a long and colourful history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to pre-Roman times. It was once an important centre for trade, art, fashion and politics. Today, London is a world-class city that is home to some of the most well-known sights in the world. It is also a great place to learn about British history, as it has some of the oldest monuments and buildings in the country.

London is a vibrant and diverse city that has something for everyone. From the historical sites to modern attractions, there is no shortage of things to do in London. There are plenty of free activities and attractions that visitors can enjoy without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best free things to do in London with kids.

Exploring Iconic Landmarks

One of the best ways to explore London is by visiting some of its iconic landmarks. These are some of the most popular attractions in the city and many of them are free to visit. Here are a few of the most famous landmarks that you must see on your trip:

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the most iconic landmarks in London. Located on the banks of the River Thames, it has served as a royal palace, fortress and prison since 1078. Now it is open to the public and visitors can explore its grounds and learn about its history. It is also home to the Crown Jewels, one of the most impressive collections of jewels in Europe.

Visitors can explore the grounds and view various exhibitions with no charge. Entry to The Tower is free for those under 16 years old. However, tickets must be purchased for the Crown Jewels and other exhibitions.

Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament is another iconic landmark that is sure to fascinate families. This imposing building is where the British government meets and debates laws and policies. It has been home to the political process since 1265 and is one of the most famous sites in London.

Visitors can take a free guided tour of the Houses of Parliament and learn about the history and workings of British government. The tour includes a visit to the House of Commons Chamber, where MPs debate laws, and the House of Lords Chamber, where Lords debate laws and propose amendments.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been home to Britain’s Royal Family since 1837 and is one of London’s most famous landmarks. Visitors can take a free tour of the State Rooms or explore the beautiful gardens for free. The palace is open during the summer months (July-August) and visitors can take part in a guided tour or wander around the grounds at their own pace.

Exploring Museums & Galleries

London is home to some of the best museums and galleries in Europe. Many of them offer free entry or special discounts for families, making them perfect for those on a budget. Here are a few of our favourites:

The British Museum

The British Museum is one of the oldest museums in Europe and one of London’s most popular attractions. It houses an impressive collection of artefacts from around the world, including Egyptian mummies, Greek statues and Roman coins. The museum offers free entry to all visitors and has plenty to keep families entertained with its interactive exhibits and activities.

The National Gallery

The National Gallery is another popular museum in London that offers free entry to all visitors. It houses an impressive collection of artwork from some of the world’s greatest painters including Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Monet. The gallery also has interactive displays and activities that are perfect for kids as well as educational programmes for schools.

The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is one of Britain’s most popular museums and offers an exciting day out for families. Kids can explore its extensive collection which includes dinosaur fossils, animal skeletons and natural objects from around the world. The museum also has plenty of interactive displays such as its life-sized animatronic dinosaurs or its Wild Zone which allows kids to have fun while learning about nature and science.

Exploring Parks & Markets

London has plenty of parks and markets which are perfect for families looking for some fresh air or a bargain. Here are a few of our favourites:

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest parks and offers plenty of activities for families. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, boat rides on Serpentine Lake or simply relax in its beautiful gardens. Kids will love feeding the wild birds or spotting their favourite animals at London Zoo which is located within Hyde Park. The park is also home to Speakers’ Corner which hosts regular debates and performances from local speakers. Admission is free for all visitors making it perfect for those on a budget.

Borough Market

Borough Market is London’s oldest food market and offers an exciting day out for foodie families. Visitors can explore its stalls which include fresh produce from local farmers, artisanal cheeses and freshly baked treats from around the world. Kids will love tasting all sorts of delicious treats or watching live cooking demonstrations from local chefs. The market also hosts regular events such as food festivals or workshops making it a great place for families to learn about different cultures and cuisines from around the world. Best of all, admission is free for all visitors!

Camden Market

Camden Market is one of London’s most popular markets and offers something for everyone. Visitors can explore its many stalls which sell everything from vintage clothes to handmade crafts or simply stroll around its cobbled streets enjoying street performers or sampling delicious food from around the world. Kids will love exploring its vibrant atmosphere while parents can enjoy browsing its unique selection of shops selling everything from antiques to handmade jewellery. Admission is free for all visitors making it perfect for families on a budget!

Popular Tours & Activities

Visiting London as a family can be an amazing experience but it can be hard to know where to start with so many attractions on offer. To help you make the most out of your trip we have included details below about two popular tours related to London that families might enjoy:

London Eye Flight & Cruise Experience

The London Eye Flight & Cruise Experience combines two top attractions in one amazing tour! Take off in a helicopter from Battersea Heliport for an unforgettable birds-eye view of some of London’s iconic landmarks. After landing at Westminster Pier, you will embark on an hour-long circular tour along the River Thames on board a cruise boat which takes you past some of London’s most famous sights including The Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral. This is a great way to explore London from both land and water! Book a Flight & Cruise Experience tour here.

Westminster Abbey & Tower Tour

Discover two iconic landmarks on this Westminster Abbey & Tower Tour! Start your tour at Westminster Abbey, a stunning Gothic cathedral that was once home to Britain’s monarchy. Explore its rich history as you admire its awe-inspiring architecture before heading down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace for your second stop on this tour. Then take a guided tour of The Tower Of London where you will learn about its history as well as see its impressive collection of crown jewels before heading back home! Book a Westminster Abbey & Tower Tour here.

Conclusion

London has so much to offer families looking for something special during their visit! Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks or discovering hidden gems, there are plenty of free things to do in London with kids that won’t break the bank. We hope this guide has inspired you to plan your perfect family trip to London!