If you’re looking to keep your children and grandchildren entertained during the summer holidays, the capital has loads of great choices.
What’s more, a great day out in London doesn’t need to cost the earth.
So, if you’re planning a trip to the city this summer, here are eight inspirational free days out that all the family will love.
1. Natural History Museum
Caring for over 80 million historical objects, the Natural History Museum has no entry fee. With interactive activities and exclusive exhibitions, like the Dippy the Diplodocus and Andy’s clock from the CBeebies show Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures, the museum is bound to keep both adults and children entertained.
The museum opens at 10 am and the last entry is at 5.30 pm. Although you do not have to pay to enter the museum, they recommend booking free tickets to specific exhibits in advance to guarantee you a spot on busy days. So, take a look at the Natural History Museum website to see what you might be interested in!
2. Greenwich Peninsula Summer Sessions
There are a range of free outdoor activities on the Greenwich Peninsula this summer. Running from June to September, these include ping pong lessons, a mini golf course, and an art exhibit by JeeYoung Lee.
The Just Vibez community carnival is also taking place on 13 and 14 August. It boasts a fantastic line-up of the biggest names in UK Soca music, alongside Dancercise classes and a Caribbean crafts table for the younger kids.
With such a wide range of activities, you’ll find something for all the family. Head to the Greenwich Peninsula website to find out more.
3. Mudchute Park and Farm
Located in the middle of the Isle of Dogs, all 32 acres of farmland are open to the public every day of the week. With a wide range of farm animals, including sheep, llamas, and a small pets’ corner, the farm is an oasis of countryside in the middle of busy London.
Only a 10-minute walk away from the Crossharbour DLR station, Mudchute Park and Farm encourage you to spend a minimum of two hours there to experience all the natural wonders they offer.
With modern facilities including a café and picnic area, it is a lovely day out for the warm summer season.
4. National Maritime Museum
Currently displaying JMW Turner’s largest painting, the jacket that Nelson wore during the Battle of Trafalgar, and Yinka Shonibare’s Ship in a Bottle sculpture (one of the most photographed pieces of art in London!), the National Maritime Museum has something to interest every member of the family.
They are also hosting a range of events for you to get involved with. These include character encounters, family trails, and arts and crafts activities.
Along with the AHOY! Children’s Gallery, the museum has plenty of activities to keep you and the kids busy.
5. The Granary Square Fountains
One of the most popular attractions at King’s Cross, the Granary Square Fountains are made up of 1,080 jets, all of them individually controlled and lit.
Both an excellent photo opportunity and a fun way to cool down on a hot day, the fountains are often teeming with children playing in the water.
All you need to bring is a towel and a change of clothes if you plan on using the fountains as an urban waterpark. There are toilets and baby changing facilities nearby, as well as an assortment of restaurants in case you get hungry.
6. Diana Memorial Playground
Situated next to the late Princess Diana’s home, Kensington Palace, the playground opened in 2000 and is visited by over a million people each year. Inspired by the tales of Peter Pan, the playground features a large pirate ship as its main attraction, as well as tepees and a sensory trail, surrounded by a beach.
Located in the middle of Kensington Gardens, the beautiful environment will encourage you to relax while your children play.
During busy periods on warm days or weekends, the Diana Memorial Playground implements a queue for entry, so try to schedule your visit on a date where the wait time will be as short as possible.
7. St James’s Park
Situated right next to Buckingham Palace, the park offers a variety of fun activities to enjoy while surrounded by pristine gardens.
For one of the most unique experiences in London, you can watch the resident pelicans being fed at 2.30 pm every day. You can enjoy other wildlife too, maybe by visiting Duck Island.
St James’s Park is only a short walk away from the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, where you can watch the Changing of the Guards every morning at 11 am. You can also visit the Blue Bridge, which offers fantastic views of the Palace, Big Ben, and the London Eye.
If you wanted to visit several of the Royal Parks in London, you can take the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk. The seven-mile-long trail takes you through St James’s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens, past famous landmarks and buildings associated with the late Princess.
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