As a parent, there are never enough hours in the day. So, when you’re little one isn’t at nursery or childcare, it’s always nice to find enjoyable ways to spend precious time together.
With a growing interest in the world around them, curious minds, and ever-expanding vocabulary, toddlers can be easily entertained. For those living in and around London, there are so many interesting museums, sights and attractions to visit which are toddler friendly– and best of all many are free!
If you’re looking for inspiring days out with your toddler, or if you just fancy a break away from housekeeping duties, here are our top ten fabulous and free attractions to try out as voted by parents…
1. The Natural History Museum
Kids love dinosaurs, fact. There is no better place in the entire country to marvel at these bygone creatures, than the Natural History Museum. Home to more than 70 million specimens, the animated T.rex is quite an attraction, along with the humongous blue whale skeleton hanging from the giant ceiling. Older kids will enjoy the Earth Galleries and an opportunity to experience a real-life earthquake. Top tip, the T.rex Grill restaurant on site is great for a bite to eat, with a child-friendly menu.
Information:
Open daily from 10.00 – 17.50. The nearest tube station is South Kensington.
2. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Cast your mind back to the glorious year of 2012, when London hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and you might not have needed to find a babysitter to go out! Ah, simpler times.
Thanks to its ongoing legacy, the Olympic Park has been preserved for all to use. It loses none of its charm as you walk over the bridge, greeted by the iconic London Stadium, now home to West Ham F.C. It’s easy to lose a day to the park, walking around the huge grounds. It’s particularly good for little ones, with a number of modern playgrounds and sandpits to dig into. A walk by the river is always pleasant on a sunny afternoon – lookout for the bright swan pedalos for hire – toddlers love them!
Book in advance, and you can even take a dip in the pool at the Aquatic centre. However, in keeping with the free theme, a picnic on a sunny day is an equally great way to spend an afternoon.
Information:
Open 24hrs a day. The nearest tube station is Stratford, and there are a number of buses including the 308 and 339 that service the Park.
3. Ruislip Lido
On the outskirts of London, Ruislip Lido is one of the best in the capital. Boasting 60-acres of lake and soft sand, it’s the closest to a day at the beach in the city. Happy toddlers are endlessly entertained by the excitement of making sandcastles. With childcare sorted, you can sit back and enjoy the views. Alternatively, if the heat gets too much (if you’re lucky enough to go in warm weather), cool off in the nearby woods. The National Nature Reserve is breathtakingly beautiful, as well as a good place to get the kids to go down for a nap. Finally, look out for the miniature train that goes around the lake, although this costs a little extra.
Information:
Open daily from 09.00 to 16.00, and later during the summer. Ruislip is the nearest train station, there’s limited parking on site.
4. Vauxhall City Farm
While London has an abundance of great farms and zoos, very few of them are free to attend. Which is why Vauxhall City Farm is a hidden gem in the suburban metropolis. Just big enough to spend an hour or two, it’s bitesize enough to keep inquisitive toddlers entertained. With chickens and hens, guinea pigs bunnies, alpacas, and horses, there’s something for everyone. Bring your own packed lunch if you like, there’s plenty of space to graze amongst the animals.
Information:
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30 – 16.00. Voluntary donations are welcomed. The nearest train and underground station is Vauxhall.
5. The London Transport Museum
In the heart of Covent Garden, the Transport Museum is much-loved by tourists and toddlers alike. Teaching little ones about the history of London’s transport system and vehicles, there’s plenty to explore, from historic vehicles to modern-day machines. Climb aboard a red bus, or ride a little tube train, there’s always something new to take part in and plenty of exhibits to make you want to return.
Information:
Although kids (under 17) go free, adult tickets start from £16.60. Open daily from 10.00-18.00. Nearest Tube is Covent Garden.
6. Soldiers at Changing of the Guard
They don’t quite march to the top of the hill and back down again, but the soldiers at Buckingham Palace still bring much entertainment to toddlers. Time your visit to arrive for 11.30am and you’ll be there in time for the Changing of the Guard – always great fun for little ones. Look through the windows of the palace and wave to the Queen, see if you can spot her corgis!. As you head back through St James Park, there’s plenty of ducks to feed, plus the walk in itself is a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle.
Information:
Victoria is the nearest tube and train station.
7. Tower Bridge
Sure, to us it’s just another bridge, but to youngsters, it’s the most exciting thing ever! Fans of Thomas and Friends will know Tower Bridge especially well from his travels. Views are best enjoyed from the Southbank, this also makes a lovely walk along the River Thames.
As you watch cars and red buses go over the bridge in eager anticipation, little ones find it so exciting when the bridge opens up, waiting for a boat to pass through. This only happens approximately three times a day, so you might be waiting a while!
In the meantime, there’s lots to see along the Southbank, including the ever-impressive HMS Belfast and Millennium Bridge. Time permitting there’s always the Tate Modern; another fantastic free attraction.
Information:
Waterloo is the nearest station to South Bank for a leisurely walk up.
8. Finsbury Park
Plenty of green space and the children’s park will keep the kids entertained the entire afternoon. Enjoy the fresh air and the sweet sound of screaming children as they try out the steep slides and play equipment. There is a quaint cafe found in the middle of the park with reasonably priced refreshments.
Information:
The nearest station is Finsbury park
9. London Science Museum
Boasting seven floors of engaging educational fun, the science museum is the perfect attraction to learn and enjoy your afternoon at the same time. The museum even has some fun activities you can do at home on their website!
Head over to The Wonderlab for an interactive and immersive exhibition that is sure to inspire your children.
Information:
South Kensington station is the nearest stop, and the museum is a five-minute walk across the concourse.
10. Hackney City Farm
With a range of animals from sheep, goats, chickens, and donkeys the Hackney City Farm is a nature escape in the heart of the city. The farm is dedicated to helping people learn about food, nature, and the environment. There are lots of activities from food courses to animal handling that children will love.
Information: Bethnal Green station is the nearest tube station and Hoxton Station is the nearest train stop on the East London Line.
London ticked off?
Looking for an escape from the city with the kids? Have a look at our Top 5 Family Friendly Festivals in the UK!