Weekends in London don’t have to mean crowded tourist spots or expensive tickets. With a little planning, you can turn a simple Saturday or Sunday into a full day of connection, laughter, and discovery-all without leaving the city. Whether you live in Hackney, Brixton, or just passed through for work, London’s mix of green spaces, free museums, and quirky local traditions makes it one of the best cities in the world for family time.
Start with the Free Museums
London’s world-class museums don’t charge admission-and that’s not a trick. The British Museum in Bloomsbury has been welcoming families for over 260 years. Kids can get hands-on with ancient Egyptian mummies, Roman coins, and Viking artifacts using the free family trails available at the information desk. The Natural History Museum in South Kensington is another favorite. The dinosaur gallery still stops every child in their tracks, and the interactive Wildlife Garden lets little ones touch real feathers, shells, and pinecones. Don’t miss the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. It’s packed with vintage toys, dolls’ houses, and even a 1950s-style sweet shop where kids can smell (but not eat) real retro candy.
Park Hopping Across the Boroughs
London has over 3,000 parks, and not all of them are Hyde Park. Head to Richmond Park for deer spotting-there are over 600 wild deer roaming freely. Bring a picnic blanket and watch them graze near the King Henry’s Mound viewpoint. If you’re closer to central London, Regent’s Park has a boating lake, a miniature railway, and the Queen Mary’s Gardens, where tulips explode in spring. For something more local, try Victoria Park in East London. It’s got a splash pad, a skate park, and weekly Parkrun events where families jog together every Saturday morning. And if you’ve got teens, Hampstead Heath has wild swimming ponds (separate ones for men, women, and mixed) and a historic tea house with scones that taste like they’ve been baked since 1902.
Markets That Feel Like a Festival
London’s markets aren’t just for shopping-they’re experiences. On Sundays, Camden Market comes alive with street performers, puppet shows, and food stalls offering everything from vegan fish and chips to cinnamon-dusted churros. Bring cash. Many vendors don’t take cards. In South London, Brockwell Lido hosts a monthly Family Market with handmade crafts, face painting, and live jazz. In Peckham, Peckham Rye Park has a farmers’ market every Saturday where kids can pick their own strawberries and watch honey being extracted from hives. And if you’re feeling nostalgic, Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill has a dedicated toy stall that’s been selling vintage teddy bears since 1972.
Waterfront Adventures
London’s river isn’t just a view-it’s a transport route and a playground. Take the TfL River Bus from Westminster to Greenwich. It’s cheaper than the Tube and lets you see the O2 Arena, Tower Bridge, and the historic Cutty Sark. In Greenwich, climb the hill to the Royal Observatory and stand on the Prime Meridian line. Kids love the Time Ball that drops every day at 1 p.m. If you’re up for a longer trip, hop on the Thames Clippers to Canary Wharf and walk along the Canary Wharf Waterfront Park, where you’ll find giant chess boards, interactive water features, and a playground shaped like a shipwreck.
Seasonal Events You Can’t Miss
London’s calendar is full of free, family-run events. In spring, Chelsea Physic Garden hosts Family Gardening Days where kids plant herbs and learn about medicinal plants used since the 1600s. In summer, the Southbank Centre runs Family Festival weekends with free circus acts, puppet theatres, and craft stations. Autumn brings London History Day at the Museum of London Docklands, where you can handle real Roman pottery and try on Tudor clothes. And winter? The Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park isn’t just for thrill-seekers-it has a free ice-skating rink for beginners, a carousel with hand-painted horses, and hot chocolate stands that serve it with real whipped cream (no powder here).
Local Tips That Make a Difference
Don’t underestimate the power of the Oyster Card. If you’re staying more than two days, get a Family & Friends Railcard-it cuts train fares by a third and works on most National Rail services into London. Many museums offer free baby changing and quiet rooms for nursing or calming down. Ask for them at the entrance. And if you’re hungry? Skip the chain cafes. Try The Punter in Brixton for fish pie and mushy peas, or The Breakfast Club in Shoreditch for pancakes that come with maple syrup and bacon. London’s food culture is deeply rooted in immigrant communities, and that means you’ll find authentic Jamaican patties, Somali chapati, and Polish pierogi-all under one roof.
When the Weather Turns
It rains. A lot. And when it does, don’t panic. London’s indoor spaces are designed for families. The Science Museum has a Wonderlab with live experiments you can touch and test. The Design Museum in Kensington has a Family Design Studio where kids build structures out of recycled materials. And if you’re near Stratford, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has an indoor climbing wall, a sensory play zone, and a library with free storytime every morning.
Why This Works
London isn’t just a city-it’s a collection of neighborhoods, each with its own rhythm. A family in Islington might spend Saturday at the Angel Islington Market and end the day with ice cream from St. John’s on the canal. A family in Croydon might take the tram to Crystal Palace Park to see the dinosaur sculptures and then grab fish and chips from Joe’s, the oldest chippy in the borough. There’s no single way to do it. That’s the beauty. You don’t need to see Big Ben every weekend. You just need to be out there, together.
What are the best free family activities in London?
Some of the best free activities include visiting the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and V&A Museum of Childhood. Outdoor options like Richmond Park, Victoria Park, and Hampstead Heath are also free to enter. Many parks host free events like outdoor cinema, storytelling, and music sessions. The TfL River Bus offers affordable scenic rides, and most major museums have dedicated family trails and interactive exhibits.
Are London museums really free?
Yes, all major national museums in London-like the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Tate Modern-offer free general admission. Some special exhibitions may charge a fee, but you can usually skip those and still enjoy the permanent collections. Many museums also offer free family workshops, guided tours, and craft sessions. Always check their website for current offerings.
What’s the best way to get around London with kids?
For short trips, the Tube is fast but can be crowded. Use the Overground or river buses for a calmer ride. The Oyster Card or contactless payment works on buses, Tube, Overground, and most National Rail services. Consider the Family & Friends Railcard for train travel outside London-it saves 33% on fares. Walking is often the best option in central areas, and many parks are connected by green routes like the Thames Path or the Green Chain Walk.
Where can I find baby-changing facilities in London?
Most major museums, parks, and shopping centers have baby-changing stations. The British Museum, Natural History Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum all have dedicated family rooms with changing tables, sinks, and seating. Many London Underground stations have accessible toilets with changing facilities. You can also use the Changing Places directory online to find fully equipped facilities in libraries, leisure centers, and hospitals.
What are some underrated family spots in London?
Fewer tourists know about places like the Museum of London Docklands, which has a hands-on London’s River exhibit for kids. The London Canal Museum in King’s Cross offers boat rides on a restored narrowboat. Eltham Palace has a secret garden and medieval-style play area. And don’t overlook the London Wildlife Trust nature reserves like Walthamstow Wetlands-home to kingfishers, otters, and guided family walks.
