{"id":39127,"date":"2026-05-13T17:28:20","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T16:28:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/?p=39127"},"modified":"2026-05-14T16:18:07","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T15:18:07","slug":"free-family-activities-london","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/destination-guides\/london\/free-family-activities-london\/","title":{"rendered":"14 free family activities in London this half term"},"content":{"rendered":"

A city break with the family this half term<\/span><\/a> doesn\u2019t have to put a strain on your wallet! London has tons to offer for free, from the changing of the guards to world-class art.<\/h2>\n

There are plenty of hidden treasures too – make your mark on the longest graffiti wall in the city, see the sights from the sky, and discover a cave of neon lights. Here are 14 of the best free family activities in London this half term.<\/h4>\n
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1. Natural History Museum<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"NaturalFrom the moment they step inside the Natural History Museum, your kids will be wowed by the enormous blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. Serving as a reminder of humanity\u2019s responsibility to protect our planet, the Natural History Museum is jam-packed with enthralling exhibits and ancient objects, making for an epic educational day out.<\/h4>\n

Children can unearth minerals, gemstones and rocks, get up close with the animal kingdom, learn about volcanoes and earthquakes, and so much more. With over 80 million objects to explore and countless interactive exhibits, be sure to check out What\u2019s On<\/span><\/a> at the Natural History Museum before you visit. Plus, don\u2019t miss the extraordinary dinosaur gallery – a true highlight of the museum.<\/h4>\n

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2. Crossrail Place Roof Garden<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"CrossrailCrossrail Place Roof Garden is an enormous rooftop garden filled with exotic plants and hidden spots to escape the crowds of Canary Wharf. Carefully arranged and divided into hemispheres, including plants like Asian bamboos and ferns from the Americas, prepare to lose yourself in a flourishing world of foliage.<\/h4>\n

Families can settle into its 80-seater amphitheatre, which regularly hosts a diverse range of music, dance and theatre events. Programmed by the performing arts charity, The Space Theatre, all performances are free and have a true community feel.<\/h4>\n

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3. Tate Modern<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"TateGet ready to discover the world\u2019s most exciting modern and contemporary art during a free trip to the Tate Modern. With over 70,000 pieces of artwork, from paintings and sculptures to large-scale installations, introduce your family to the world of artists, including Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama and Henri Matisse.\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Over in the UNIQLO Tate Play<\/span><\/a>, children choose from various free activities with the innovative Make Studio. Taking inspiration from the art around them, these interactive sessions are perfect for igniting creativity and imagination.<\/h4>\n

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4. Richmond Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"PersonIf you\u2019re looking for a \u2018wilderness\u2019 escape without leaving the capital, Richmond Park is the ultimate family adventure this half-term. This sprawling sanctuary is home to over 600 wild red and fallow deer that roam freely through the ferns.<\/h4>\n

For those with energy to burn, grab the bikes and hit the Tamsin Trail or wander through the enchanting Isabella Plantation, where hidden streams are perfect for a competitive game of Poohsticks. The park\u2019s highest points offer breathtaking views across London, making it the ideal spot to spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy the fresh air. It\u2019s a fantastic way to disconnect from the screens and let the kids run wild in nature!<\/h4>\n

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5. Horizon 22<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"HorizonKids will marvel at the views over the city from this epic 360-degree viewing platform. Located on the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, Horizon 22 is the tallest free viewing platform in London and offers unrivalled panoramic cityscape views<\/h4>\n

The high-speed lift to the viewing platform belies the fact that you\u2019ve travelled 254 metres above ground level. Take in the capital from every angle, pick out landmarks like Tower Bridge, St. Paul\u2019s Cathedral or The Shard and watch the people below move through the streets like an army of ants!<\/h4>\n

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6. Kyoto Garden & Holland Park\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"KyotoIf you\u2019re heading to West London, Kyoto Gardens and Holland Park are a total gem that manages to be both action-packed and incredibly peaceful. The kids will likely make a beeline for the adventure playground – and honestly, who can blame them? With a giant zip wire, massive tyre swings and a see-saw that\u2019s always a hit, it\u2019s the perfect spot for them to burn off that half-term energy.<\/h4>\n

Once the \u2018big energy\u2019 play is out of their system, take a short stroll over to the Kyoto Gardens, hidden right in the centre of the park. This ting oasis is genuinely enchanting, with cascading waterfalls, stone lanterns and even roaming peacocks! It\u2019s an amazing spot to take a breather and let the kids marvel at the bright koi fish.<\/h4>\n

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7. God\u2019s Own Junkyard<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"God'sHidden in the unlikely setting of a warehouse in Walthamstow, the weird and wonderful world of God\u2019s Own Junkyard awaits. This alternative \u2018museum\u2019, founded by the late neon artist and collector, Chris Bracey, embodies a lifelong passion for all things neon.<\/h4>\n

God\u2019s Own Junkyard features salvaged signs from movie sets and vintage displays, as well as many being made by repurposing found objects. This fairground of neo circus lighting makes for a truly carnivalesque experience that kids will adore!<\/h4>\n

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8. National Maritime Museum<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"NationalFor a world-class day out that doesn\u2019t cost a penny, steer your crew toward the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Packed with fascinating British naval history, tons of exploration and world-renowned maritime art, the National Maritime Museum is a half-term essential. Plus, with extra events running specifically for the holidays, including creative workshops inspired by LGBTQ+ History Month and ship badge designing, half-term is the perfect time to visit with little ones.<\/h4>\n

The stars of the show are the dedicated children\u2019s galleries. AHOY! is a nautical dream for the under-7s, complete with a ship they can \u2018captain\u2019 and a fish market for roleplay. While All Hands (for ages 6\u201312) lets older kids try their hand at steering a ship and firing cannons. Don\u2019t miss the Great Map on the first floor, an enormous interactive floor map where kids can run across the world\u2019s oceans and use touch-screen tablets to uncover stories of pirates and explorers.<\/h4>\n

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9. London Fields junior parkrun<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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A post shared by Highbury Fields parkrun (@highburyfieldsparkrun)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n