Fun things to do with kids in London

Spot goats and alpacas in the animal walk, make sweet music in the sound garden, or get playful in the interactive displays – all of this is completely free at the Horniman. And if you're looking for maximum magic, book tickets ahead of your visit to the Butterfly House, Aquarium and family-friendly exhibitions. Find meals for little people in The Horniman Café, plenty of picnic spots in the gardens and family facilities inside.

Please note: The National History Gallery is closed until 2026 for refurbishment.

A museum designed with and for children, the Young V&A has three colourful galleries to explore, alongside special exhibitions geared towards families and young people. Discover den-making, a marble run, interactive activities for toddlers, a stage, dolls' house collection, the life-size puppet from War Horse, and much more. The Design Gallery is dedicated to older kids with design activities and workshops – and don’t miss the well-stocked shop for fun gifts to remember your day.

Themed Family Trails bring the Science Museum’s displays to life, and free interactive galleries such as The Garden (suitable for ages 3-6) and multi-sensory Pattern Pod (under 9s) encourage discovery through play. Entry to the fabulous Wonderlab (ages 7-14) is paid – so book ahead – and don’t miss the much-loved Shake Bar on your way in.

As well as regular free workshops for children, the National Portrait Gallery offers illustrated family trails as playful ways to explore the galleries. The perfect starting point for little ones to get to grips with the portraits on display, these encourage children to think about the sitter’s clothes, expression and setting, while inspiring their own drawings.

As an introduction to the planet’s wonders, the Natural History Museum is hard to beat – from the giant whale skeleton in the entrance hall, through to the thrilling Dinosaurs gallery. The special exhibitions are particularly strong – and there’s a T. rex Restaurant among other family-friendly eateries. Finish your visit with a stop in the irresistible shop where we can't guarantee that you won't leave empty handed.

Under 18s get free entry at The Cartoon Museum, where the galleries are dedicated to British cartoons from the 18th century to today – and displays are geared towards giving visitors a giggle. With special exhibitions, regular events and loads of opportunities to get drawing, this is a creative introduction to the art of cartoons.

Also free to under 18s, Dulwich Picture Gallery has developed a resource pack with and for families, stuffed with entertaining activities and a Family Trail around the building's surrounding gardens. The family events programme is jam-packed with fun things to do. Plus, there are books and art activities for children in the shop, and a kids menu in the airy café.

If you love visiting picture-perfect historic buildings with stunning gardens but also need to keep the family entertained, this English Heritage property is the perfect day out. Go for the 'around the world' themed play area, family-friendly audio tour and vintage-inspired dress-up box in the former owners’ walk-in wardrobe. Check ahead for the children’s activities on special event weekends.

Only a seven-minute walk from Osterley Park station on the Piccadilly Line, this National Trust estate comprises a stately house, parkland and formal gardens. Plus, there are lots of fun things for kids to do: canoeing on the Middle Lake, Junior Parkrun, table tennis, bike hire for all ages and two-hour long ParkPlay sessions every Saturday morning. A perfect way to blow off steam outside the city.