London can be a wonderful destination for a family vacation, but it’s worth investigating. Here are some great ways to have family fun in London without spending too much money.
To help with your trip planning, you can also check out: Top 10 Free Things for Kids to Do in London and London Attractions Kid-Friendly
Annual events for children
London has many annual events that children would enjoy. Here are some highlights throughout the year:
- January: New Years Parade
- February: pancake day races
- March: St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
- April: Easter celebrations
- June: Tropando el Color (Queen’s Birthday Parade)
- July: Wimbledon tennis championships
- August: Notting Hill Carnival Children’s Day and Children’s Week
- September: Open House London
- October: Punch and Judy Festival in Covent Garden
- November: Bonfire Night and Lord Mayor’s Show
- December: Christmas fun
Mudlarks at the London Docklands Museum
Direction
No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7001 9844
Web
Visit the website
The London Docklands Museum has a large play area for children under 12 called ‘Mudlarks’. It’s all about life on London docks, so big kids can weigh the load or carry a tea pruner, while younger kids can crawl and play with big foam bananas and London buses, plus that they can pretend to drive a DLR train. Speaking of trains, to get to London’s Docklands Museum you have to take the DLR (Docklands Light Railway). Sit in the front as these trains don’t have a driver and you, or your little one, can pretend to be driving the train!
Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens
Direction
London W2 2UH, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 300 061 2000
Web
Visit the website
This bronze statue of Peter Pan is located in Kensington Gardens, next to Hyde Park. The exact location was chosen by Peter Pan author JM Barrie. Barrie lived near Kensington Gardens and published his first Peter Pan story in 1902 using the park as inspiration. In his Peter Pan tale, “The Little White Bird,” Peter flies out of his nursery and lands by Long Water Lake where the statue now stands.
- Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens
- How to find the Peter Pan statue
- Kensington Palace Visitor Information
Coram’s Fields Foundation Museum and Playground
Direction
40 Brunswick Square , Londres WC1N 1AZ , Reino UnidoGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7841 3600
Web
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The Foundling Museum tells the story of Foundling Hospital, London’s first home for abandoned children. The Foundling Museum is free for children at all times, but there is a small charge for adults. They have regular family events on the first Saturday of each month and admission is free for everyone. Right around the corner is Coram’s Fields, a central London playground for children, where only adults with a child are allowed and there are always staff on site. There is a pet corner and cafeteria, as well as play activities for all ages.
london dungeon
Direction
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7654 0809
Web
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The London Dungeon calls itself “the creepiest horror attraction in the world.” Covers 2,000 years of London’s gruesome history. Children love those things. The London Dungeon Review will help you know if it is right for you and your family
Hamleys Toy Store
Direction
188-196 Regent St, London W1B 5BT, United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 371 704 1977
Web
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Taking kids shopping with you can be a chore, especially in a big city, as they can easily get bored. Hamleys is the most famous toy store in the world. It was established in 1760 and has been a London landmark since the early 1800s. The Regent Street store has 7 floors filled with the latest toys, games and gifts. And there is also an exclusive Narnia staircase. Encourage your little darlings by visiting some of London’s best children’s stores.
London zoo
Direction
Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY, United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7449 6200
Web
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London Zoo was opened in 1827 and is supposedly where the word ‘zoo’ originates from. It focuses on conservation and has long-term breeding programs for 130 species, as well as extensive education programs. Don’t let the word “education” put you off, as London Zoo is a great family day out for kids of all ages. Once inside, there are plenty of free activities so you can easily spend a whole day there.
The British Museum
Direction
Great Russell St , Londres WC1B 3DG , Reino UnidoGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7323 8299
Web
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The British Museum was opened in 1753 and prides itself on being free to visit throughout that time. There is so much to see at the British Museum in London that it would easily take a week to turn it all around, so to help I have put together some photos of the British Museum highlights that can be seen in a couple of hours. Children love the Egyptian mummies and the Easter Island statue.
Horniman Museum
Direction
100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ, United KingdomGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 8699 1872
Web
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Family attractions
4.6
The Horniman Museum is a real find. Tucked away in the depths of South London, it features exhibits from the natural and cultural worlds. And it has an aquarium. And everything is free. This place is really worth the trip across the river. In fact, it’s actually only 13 minutes by train from London Bridge train station.
London museums and galleries, and more!
Direction
Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 20 7747 2885
Web
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All these ideas are FREE!
- The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square always has free family activities, plus ArtStart, a multimedia system that lets you search the collection and helps you plan your visit.
- In South Kensington, you have the big three: the V&A, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum
- In East London, there is the Geffrye Museum, which always celebrates special days for children and the Children’s Museum, which is about children
- The Guard Museum has real military uniforms for kids to try on and receive a photo and certificate
- You can always check out the London with Kids section of this website for more ideas.
The best parks in London
