Weekends don’t have to be expensive to be memorable. With a little planning, London offers heaps of affordable (and often free) options that keep kids entertained and parents sane. Below are practical, budget-aware ideas across the city — mix one outing with a picnic or simple craft at home and you’ve got a full day that feels special without breaking the bank.
Museums That Feel Like Days Out (Mostly Free)
London’s big museums are brilliant for curious kids and most have free entry. The Science Museum and the Natural History Museum in South Kensington are two favourites — hands-on galleries, interactive displays and child-friendly trails mean kids can explore for hours. The V&A’s Theatre and Performance galleries and Tate Modern both have family activities on weekends. Check museum websites for free family workshops or cheap drop-in sessions.
Parks, Playgrounds And Simple Outdoor Adventures
Parks are priceless: Hyde Park, Richmond Park (deer!), Regent’s Park and Hampstead Heath give space to run, climb and picnic. Many parks host free weekend events in summer and have great playgrounds — consider Brockwell Park or Battersea Park for child-friendly facilities. Bring a simple scavenger list (a leaf, a feather, a round stone) to turn a walk into a low-cost adventure.
Community Farms And Wildlife Stops
Small city farms are a fun low-cost option. Mudchute Farm on the Isle of Dogs and Spitalfields City Farm let children meet animals up close. Many farms accept donations or charge very modest entry — combine with a local play area for an affordable half-day outing.
Cheap Cultural Moments: Markets, Street Shows And Free Events
Southbank often has free street performers and family-friendly pop-ups. Borough Market is sensory and fun for older kids (and cheap to browse). Look for free weekend listings on Time Out and local council event pages — parks and civic spaces often host free family events, especially during school holidays.
River Walks And Little Ferry Trips
A stroll along the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich is scenic and free. For a small cost, try the Thames Clipper for a short hop — cheaper than full tourist cruises and quick to excite little ones. Greenwich itself has historic sights, a great park for picnics, and the Cutty Sark (paid), ideal combined with a free riverside picnic.
Low-Cost Science Fun And Mini Workshops
Many libraries, museums and community centres run inexpensive weekend workshops—crafts, simple coding or mini science sessions—often under £10 per child. For families thinking of turning an outing into something more structured (like a small celebration), consider a short hands-on science demo or workshop followed by free play in a nearby park — and if you’re planning to scale that idea into a full event, a provider who runs kids science party activities can give you inspiration or run a compact headline session.
Food, Travel And Money-Saving Tips
Pack a picnic to avoid high cafe bills; many museums welcome picnics in nearby green spaces. Use contactless/Oyster caps and children’s fare rules to keep travel costs predictable. Book any paid experiences (boat hops, zoo visits) online in advance to save a few pounds, and prefer weekday matinees or off-peak times if possible.
Quick Weekend Planner Template
- Morning: free museum or local farm (free/low-cost)
- Lunch: picnic in nearest park or cheap market eats
- Afternoon: playground + short river stroll or craft workshop
- Finish: quiet wind-down at home with photos and a simple “what we loved” scrapbook page
With a mix of free museums, green spaces and a couple of modestly priced activities, you can build rich, easy weekends that make memories without a big spend.