From free urban beaches to £1 miniature railways, the capital has it all
London has no shortage of exciting things to do with kids, especially during the summer, but finding affordable options can often prove difficult. The capital is notorious for being expensive, particularly for parents; however, there are still some great, low-cost days the whole family will enjoy.
One great option includes Mudchute Farm, an animal centre tucked away on the Isle of Dogs that boasts over 100 animals and birds. It also hosts a petting zoo where you can get up close and personal with pigs, sheep, goats, llamas and other friendly creatures.
Families can also soak up some sun at an urban beach in Croydon, which runs two fun-filled sessions with giant chess and fairground rides each day. The summer bank holiday is also bringing about Notting Hill Carnival and the equally fun Children’s Day parade.
MyLondon has put together a list of ten free or cheap activities to do with kids below:
Brent Lodge Park
Hanwell’s riverside park has been a favourite for residents for decades, thanks to its sprawling greenery and meadows. It’s also a hit with children as there is no shortage of things to enjoy.
A particular highlight is the Millennium Maze, perfect for exploring, with a hut for looking out over the hedges and a great playground next door. From there, head over to the Hanwell Zoo, an animal centre that’s been a mainstay of the borough since 1975.
It provides a home for various birds, mammals and other mischievous residents, including porcupines, a mob of meerkats and a flock of flamingos. Kids will also love meeting the playful lemurs and the exotic margay wild cats.
Entry: £5.50 per child/£4 per adult
Brockwell Park miniature railway
For the railway enthusiasts out there, this unique train ride is definitely the cheapest in London. For just £1, families can travel 220m through Brockwell Park from 11am until 4pm every Saturday and Sunday between April and October (weather and staffing permitting).
The track has been a staple of Lambeth since 2003, has never increased in cost and continues to be run by volunteers. You can find the entrance between the Herne Hill and Lido car park along the footpath.
Entry: £1 return (Under-2s go free)
Read more about its history on MyLondon
Children’s Day at Notting Hill Carnival
The Children’s Day parade at Notting Hill Carnival is just as fun – and colourful – as the adult version without the large crowds. Taking place on Sunday, the event offers a range of family-friendly activities to encourage youngsters to carry on the Carnival baton.
Groups will follow the procession route in carefully crafted costumes as high-energy music erupts across the streets of Notting Hill. The action kicks off at 10.30am – find out more.
Entry: Free
Coram’s Fields
Coram’s Fields is a unique playground and park near the British Museum that’s been entertaining children for nearly 90 years. Visitors will find a variety of sports pitches, outdoor and soft play equipment, sandpits, a paddling pool and a wildlife garden.
The main playground even boasts one of London’s longest slides. The charity runs free sport activities for 5 to 19-year-olds throughout the week, as well as drop-in sessions for under-5s.
An on-site café provides an ideal place to relax with a selection of sandwiches, drinks, cakes and ice cream.
Entry: Free
Costa Del Croydon
Costa Del Croydon has become a regular fixture of the capital, adorning the Level 3A rooftop of the multi-storey car park at the Centrale Shopping Centre. This year’s event opened on Friday, August 7, and will run until the end of the month.
The ‘urban beach’ offers free entry with two sessions each day, and although walk-ins are available, families may choose to book tickets in advance to avoid queues when it gets busy. Pre-bookings can now be made on the shopping centre’s website.
Families can enjoy creative workshops and indulge in food stalls and sweet treat stands. There will be giant chess and fairground rides, plus a chill-out zone for children needing to unwind, as well as shaded areas.
Entry: Free
Crystal Palace Park
Crystal Palace Park has recently had a major revamp that has restored the Victorian beauty spot’s most treasured features. The green space is famous for its array of giant dinosaur sculptures, a staple of South London since 1854.
A new visitor centre provides interesting facts about the area, while a dinosaur-themed adventure provides the perfect place to burn off some steam. The park’s maze is also a great activity, and at 49 metres in diameter, it’s one of the largest in the UK.
Entry: Free
Greenwich Fair
Greenwich Fair is a great option for a bank holiday weekend activity that the whole family will enjoy. You can take in kid-friendly street theatre, circus acts, and games at the top of Greenwich Park Hill on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23.
There will also be performances and activities from puppetry, dance and acrobatics groups. The two-day event is free and unticketed, so show up whenever and you’re sure to find fun for all ages.
Entry: Free
Mudchute Park & Farm
Tucked away amongst the towering skyscrapers of London, Mudchute Farm on the Isle of Dogs is a bustling farm home to over 100 animals and birds. It also hosts a petting zoo where you can get up close and personal with pigs, sheep, goats, llamas and other friendly creatures.
If you’d rather take a leisurely walk around the farm’s grounds, you’ll come across horses, cows and other larger animals. The farm follows a daily routine, with feeding times at 9am and 3pm, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
When your tummy starts to rumble, Mudchute Kitchen stands ready to serve, dishing up hearty home-cooked meals prepared right on the premises. Renowned for their breakfast and brunch offerings, they also tempt with an array of cakes, sandwiches and beverages.
Entry: Free
Speaker Box Street Party, Wembley
Wembley Park is hosting a day of dance, music, and sunny vibes when the Speaker Box Street Party comes to town. Open to all ages, the free event features Latin, Bollywood, Afro, and Caribbean DJ sets over five hours starting at midday.
Spots should be reserved ahead of time on Eventbrite.
Attendees can make a full day of it with the summer market taking place next door in Market Square on the same day. Browse handmade crafts, plants, gifts and treats, or stop for coffee and street food between dance sessions.
Entry: Free
Young V&A
The Young V&A in Bethnal Green has recently been refreshed with help from local children and young people. Formerly the Museum of Childhood, the ‘little brother’ of the Victoria and Albert Museum is aimed at the interests, skills and needs of children and teenagers up to age 14.
The attraction has three permanent gallery spaces: Imagine, Play and Design. Guests can explore an exciting exhibition celebrating 50 years of Aardman’s for an extra fee. This features a behind-the-scenes peek at stop-motion animations, including Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph.
Entry: Free
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