Best family days out in London

11 free museums

Having a fantastic day out doesn’t need to cost money. And it doesn't mean you've got to stand outside either! Here are our pick of fantastic free museums

• Horniman Museum (pictured)
• Science Museum
• Natural History Museum
• Victoria & Albert Museum
• British Museum
• Museum of London
• Museum of London Docklands
• National Maritime Museum
• Imperial War Museum
• National Army Museum

7 museums with entry fees

These museums may not be free, but they offer an exciting and varied day out

• British Music Experience (pictured)
• London Transport Museum
• London Fire Brigade Museum
• London Film Museum
• Design Museum
• Sherlock Holmes Museum
• The Cartoon Museum

10 free places to visit

For a cheap day out there are lots of places in London where you won't need to spend a penny. Some might surprise you as attractions, but they offer so much - just take a look...

• Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (pictured)
• Chinatown
• Greenwich Foot tunnel
• Millennium ('wobbly') Bridge
• Brick Lane Market
• Portobello Market
• Primrose Hill
• Leicester Square
• South Bank
• Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square

11 hidden gems

Looking for something a little special? We reveal our favourite places that often don't appear in the guide books

• Bank of England Museum (pictured)
• Pollocks Toy Museum
• Magic Circle Museum
• Ragged School Museum
• Astronomy & Time Galleries at the Royal Observatory
• Old Operating Theatre Museum
• Florence Nightingale Museum
• Castle Climbing Centre
• Wellcome Collection
• London Motorcycle Museum
• Abney Park Victorian Garden Cemetery

10 animals & nature

No one can resist a day spent enjoying our friends from the animal kingdom. Whether you are looking for furry fun, deep blue discovery or farmyard frolics there’s lots to be seen

• London Zoo (pictured)
• London Aquarium
• London Wetland Centre
• Battersea Park Zoo
• Hackney City Farm
• Spitalfields City Farm
• Vauxhall City Farm
• Kentish Town City Farm
• Hounslow Urban Farm
• Surrey Docks Farm

7 galleries

London is filled with inspiring galleries. Many run events and workshops so that kids can get in touch with their artistic side

• Tate Modern (pictured)
• Tate Britain
• National Portrait Gallery
• National Gallery
• Royal Academy of Arts
• Somerset House
• Wallace Collection

8 top attractions

For a day to remember don't miss London’s best loved attractions. Whatever your taste there’s something for everyone at these famous favourites

• Ripley’s Believe It or Not (pictured)
• Madame Tussauds
• Monument Tower
• Tower Bridge
• London Eye
• Tower of London
• Thames Barrier
• Buckingham Palace

10 playgrounds & parks

Get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful green spaces of the capital by visiting the following child friendly playgrounds and parks

• Princess Diana Memorial Playground (pictured)
• Battersea Park Coram’s Fields
• Holland Park Adventure Playground
• Crystal Palace Park
• Regents Park
• Hyde Park
• St James’s Park
• Hampstead Heath
• Lee Valley Park

10 river and pool places

View the city from a different perspective and spend the afternoon on the river. It’s perfect for all members of the family and children will love the excitement of a boat ride

• Duck Tours (pictured)
• HMS Belfast
• London Eye Rivercruise
• Golden Hinde
• Cutty Sark (re-opening this Spring)
• Tooting Bec Lido
• Boating in Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Battersea Park
• Regents Canal trip

6 seriously scary venues (in increasingly scary order)

If you are looking for an adrenaline filled day out for your older children, why not spook yourself silly at these devilishly different attractions

• Clink Prison Museum
• Ghost Bus Tours
• London Dungeon
• Scream at Madame Tussauds (pictured)
• Death Trap at Fright Club
• London Bridge Experience & Tombs