10 Free Family Activities in London Every Family Will Love
One of the best things about London is that some of the city's best family activities are completely free, from royal parks and riverside walks to colourful markets.
Whether you're travelling with toddlers, teenagers or grandparents, these are the free family activities in London worth adding to your itinerary.
Highlights
Discover 10 completely free family activities in London
Including parks, markets, landmarks and riverside adventures
Learn the closest landmarks and how to reach the activities with us
What Are the Best Free Family Activities in London?
London is packed with family-friendly experiences that don't require an admission ticket. Wide open parks, famous landmarks, lively markets and riverside walks offer plenty to discover, making it easy to fill an entire day without stretching your budget.
1. Watch the Changing of the Guard
One of London's most iconic traditions, the Changing of the Guard sees soldiers in their famous bearskin hats march between Wellington Barracks and Buckingham Palace accompanied by a military band. It's completely free to watch and remains one of the city's most popular family attractions.
Arrive early to find a good viewing spot, especially during school holidays.
Closest landmark: Buckingham Palace (stop 19)
2. Explore Hyde Park
With more than 350 acres of green space, Hyde Park is perfect for families who need room to run around.
Children can watch swans on the Serpentine, enjoy a picnic on the lawns, visit the Diana Memorial Playground nearby or simply burn off energy between sightseeing stops. Throughout the year the park also hosts seasonal events and outdoor activities.
Closest landmark: Hyde Park Corner (stop 48)
3. Walk Along the South Bank
The South Bank is one of London's best free family days out.
Walking from Westminster towards Tower Bridge, you'll pass the London Eye, Shakespeare's Globe, Tate Modern, skate parks, playgrounds and talented street performers entertaining crowds throughout the day. There are plenty of places to stop for snacks or simply enjoy views across the River Thames.
Closest landmark: London Eye (stop 30)
4. Discover Camden Market
Camden Market is a feast for the senses.
Families can browse quirky independent shops, admire colourful street art, watch canal boats pass through Camden Lock and choose from dozens of international street food stalls. Even if you're just window shopping, there's always something interesting around every corner.
Closest landmark: Camden Lock
5. Visit Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park combines open green space with one of London's best panoramic views.
Climb the hill towards the Royal Observatory for sweeping views across Canary Wharf, the River Thames and London's skyline. Afterwards, children can enjoy wide open spaces while adults explore the surrounding maritime neighbourhood.
Closest landmark: Royal Observatory Greenwich (hop off at Greenwich Pier river cruise stop)
6. Watch the Street Performers in Covent Garden
From magicians and musicians to acrobats and comedians, Covent Garden's famous piazza is one of London's best free entertainment venues.
Performers entertain crowds throughout the day, creating an atmosphere that's just as enjoyable for children as it is for adults. Nearby you'll also find boutique shops, cafés and the historic market building.
Closest landmark: Covent Garden (stop 32)
7. Visit Borough Market
Even without buying lunch, Borough Market is an experience in itself.
Children will love the colourful displays, enormous cheese wheels, fresh bread, sweet treats and bustling atmosphere, while adults can sample artisan produce and browse one of London's oldest food markets.
If you do decide to eat, there are plenty of affordable street food options to choose from.
Closest landmark: London Bridge (stop 34)
8. See the Pelicans in St James's Park
Hidden between Buckingham Palace and Westminster, St James's Park is famous for its resident pelicans, first introduced in the 1600s.
Families can stroll around the lake, cross the Blue Bridge for postcard-worthy views of Buckingham Palace and relax away from the crowds before continuing to nearby Westminster.
Closest landmark: Buckingham Palace (stop 19)
9. Browse Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market is smaller and quieter than many of London's famous markets, making it ideal for families.
Browse independent craft stalls, handmade gifts and international food while soaking up the friendly atmosphere. It's easy to combine with Greenwich Park, the Cutty Sark and a riverside walk.
Closest landmark: Cutty Sark
10. Explore the Thames on Foot
Some of London's best sightseeing happens simply by walking.
Whether you're strolling from Westminster to Tower Bridge or wandering along the river at Greenwich, the Thames links many of the capital's most famous landmarks together. Along the way you'll discover bridges, public art, boats, playgrounds and spectacular views — all completely free.
Closest landmark: Westminster (stop 29)
How Do You Get to London's Best Family Activities?
It’s easy to get around with our Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours that stops near many of the city's best-known landmarks, making it easy to enjoy several free family activities in one day.
Near Buckingham Palace (Changing of the Guard, St James's Park)
Near Hyde Park Corner (Hyde Park)
Near the London Eye (South Bank)
Near Camden Lock (Camden Market)
Near the Royal Observatory (Greenwich Park)
Near Covent Garden (Street performers)
Near London Bridge (Borough Market)
Near Cutty Sark (Greenwich Market)
Near Westminster (Thames riverside walk)
It's a flexible way to explore London with children, and with under 5s travelling free, it's ideal for family days out.
5 min read