Advice Days Out Ideas London

Free Things to Do in London 2023

Written by Rachel Cave

There are so many fun things in London to do and see,
From museums, galleries or a street market shopping spree!
The best part is so many of the activities are free,
London really is the place to be!

The Natural History Museum

If you’ve got a budding Attenborough on your hands then they will love this museum! As you walk into the huge gallery you’ll be greeted by a roaring T.Rex, and there really are so many brilliant exhibitions and displays showing our natural world! Don’t miss the Darwin Centre where you can discover the wonderful world of science in action!  Find out more.

Notting Hill Carnival

27th – 28th August 2023

Notting Hill carnival celebrates the rich history of Caribbean culture. It has grown to become one of the largest street festivals in Europe. You can expect to see thousands of performers and bright, energetic performances. Watch diverse parade as they play and dance to calypso, mas, soca music. Plan your visit here.

The Scoop

June – August 2023

London Bridge city is bustling with activities all throughout the summer. The best bit… they’re all free! From sports, music, cinema, family dance, art and more, there’s something going on to get you right through the summer. Find out what’s on here.

Science Museum

This museum is a definite hit with children (and adults) of all ages and it’s definitely clear to see why! You’ll get to explore space and see a piece of the moon, and get your adrenaline pumping in the flight simulator. Specially created for the younger visitors, a visit to The Garden is a must and will give them the opportunity to explore light and sound, as well as water and construction. Find out more.

The Tate Britain and Tate Modern

The Tate Britain in Pimlico houses a prestigious collection of British art from the 16th century to the present day. Its modern sister, the Tate Modern, is completely different with collections of 20th and 21st-century art. Both galleries are extremely family friendly, and to make your visit even more fun there are apps which you can download and activities to do as you make your way around. Find out more.

Horniman Museum & Gardens

This family-friendly, fun anthropological museum is set in a 16 acre landscaped garden which you can explore and has extensive collections of natural history as well as a magical aquarium. Other highlights include the Animal Walk where you can see alpacas, sheep, goats, rabbits and much more up close. Find out more.

The British Museum

For a fascinating day out, the family will love The British Museum where you’ll see displays on different aspects of art, culture and history! It is great for school kids and could even help with their school projects! A real highlight for the for the children include seeing the famous mummies from Ancient Egypt and the Rosetta Stone! Find out more.

The National Gallery

This gallery is home to one of the greatest collections of Western European art in the world so you will definitely be guaranteed a fascinating day out. Catering brilliantly for family visits, you can take part in a Walk & Talk where an expert will take you through the museum bringing the paintings alive which will keep the kid’s attention. There are a host of family tours and also workshops and activities throughout the year. The National Portrait Gallery, on nearby St. Martin’s Place, is also free! Find out more.

London’s Street Markets

Even if you are not planning on doing any shopping, London’s street markets are great for wondering and seeing the huge selection of goods on offer. Visit the Borough Market and browse through high quality local and international foods, or go to Camden where the covered Camden Lock market is surrounded by street stalls, shops, cafes and bars. There are numerous markets all over the city selling everything from antiques through to delicious foods!

London’s Parks

London’s green parks are the heart of the city on sunny days, locals come to their beloved parks to have a coffee in the morning or a sandwich at lunchtime, to read a book, to meet friends, to fly a kite, play with the kids, picnic or just to hang out on a nice afternoon. Hyde Park, St James Park and Regent Park are the most central of London’s parks, but there are many more on our website including Crystal Palace Park which is home to 33 Victorian dinosaurs! Find out more.

East London’s Docklands

The East London’s neighbourhood that is now called Docklands was once the location for one of the world’s busiest ports. A quick walk around this area and you will see the transformation that has happened, there are riverside cafes, shops and restaurants, and you can walk to Canary Wharf from Tower Bridge along the Thames Path, or continue further towards Greenwich.

Urban Farms

In and around London there are a number of farms that you can visit for free. You can meet an array of different animals, learn all about where your food comes from and enjoy being outdoors. Farms you can visit include Surrey Docks FarmSpitalfields City Farm, Vauxhall City Farm, and there are many more on our website too. Find out more.

Ragged School Museum

Visit the Ragged School Museum to step back in time and experience life as a Victorian. There’s a Victorian classroom that has been restored as if it were the 1870’s and is equipped with authentic school desks, blackboards, easels, writing slates and even dunce hats! There’s also lots of information on housing, education and work in the East End from the 1800’s to 1900. Find out more.

Coram’s Fields

One of the most child-friendly spaces in central London! You can only get through the gate if you have a child under 16 with you! At the park you will find a giant sandpit, an array of climbing frames to suit all ages, wheeled toys that can be borrowed, plus a city farm, all set within a walled garden! Find out more.

Young V&A

The exhibitions within Young V&A will intrigue children and also take the grown-ups on a trip down memory lane! With artefacts dating from the 1600’s to the present day, there’s so much to see from photography to fashion and childhood. There are also plenty of activities organised just for the little ones including art activities and getting messy in the sandpit! Find out more.

Do you know of any Free Days out in London?  We’d really love to know! Someone else might love it, and really want a go! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose!

Let’s go on a Picniq! Follow us on FacebookTwitter or tag us on Instagram using #PicniqUK! ❤

Leave a Comment

About Us

Picniq is a site for all parents on the hunt for fun things to do with the kids! We’ve found all the attractions, both near and far, so you don’t have to! Visit Website

Got a question, need some help or have an great idea for a new feature? We’d love to hear from you! You can contact us at [email protected]

Picniq® Experts in Family Travel

© Copyright 2021 | Picniq Ltd (a division of IMMAT LTD) Registered in England and Wales, company number: 08507282.
Registered Address: Space House, 22-24 Oxford Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset BH8 8EZ.
Members of ABTA (number P7380). Picniq Ltd acts as agent for all attraction tickets and holiday packages booked through this website.
Data Protection Act 1998 Reg No. Z1385884 Terms of use + Privacy Policy