Explore London on a Budget: 40+ FREE/affordable Fun Things to Do with Kids This May!

Looking for affordable ways to keep the kids entertained this May? Explore our great guide featuring over 40 FREE and low-cost activities for children in London and nearby areas. From exciting May half term adventures to creative workshops and outdoor fun, everything in this list is designed with families in mind and costs no more than £10 per person.

Make sure to share this valuable resource with friends, family, school communities, and your favourite Facebook groups. Let’s spread the word so more families can enjoy affordable fun together!

If you receive specific benefits such as Universal Credit, you may want to explore our blog post. It provides information on accessing significantly discounted tickets for various attractions, including London Zoo and the London Transport Museum.

All my kids-eat-free offers for May 2025 can be found here.

All my cinema money saving tips can be found here.

All my theatre money savings tips can be found here.

My list paddling pools, splash parks etc can be found here.

1. Cheap Vue and Cineworld tickets

Wowcher offers amazing cinema deals, with two Cineworld tickets for just £12 (62% off) and Vue tickets from £9.50 for two, £22 for five, or £40 for ten. Enjoy the latest family films like Dogman and Snow White at a fraction of the price. Book Cineworld tickets here and Vue tickets here.

2. Build a LEGO® Star Wars™ Grogu™ and take it home with you!

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, visitors can build a free LEGO® Star Wars™ Grogu™ at participating LEGO® Stores in the UK and Ireland. Limited quantities available each day, first come, first served. One build per person, while stocks last. For children aged 8 and over. Visit your local LEGO® Store page for event details.

3. Felt Headdress making – The Garden Museum

This half term, families can head to the Garden Museum for a creative workshop, Half Term Family | Cecil Beaton Inspired Felt Headdress Making. Inspired by the Cecil Beaton exhibition, children will craft their own theatrical botanical headdresses using felt. More info here.

4. TURTLE POWER is rolling into Selected Smyths Toys!

Get ready for TURTLE POWER as the iconic Shellraiser truck from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles rolls into selected Smyths Toys Superstores this May! Join Donatello and Leonardo for an action-packed day of fun, games, and exciting giveaways. Catch the heroes in Uxbridge on Saturday 24th May from 10am, and in Staines on Sunday 25th May from 11am.

5. Little Explorers

The National Portrait Gallery hosts a free monthly session for children aged 2+, featuring storytelling, songs, and creative activities. Each 30-minute session includes a gallery tour followed by an art activity. Booking opens three weeks in advance, so plan ahead! Book here.

6. REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground

REPLAY is an interactive adventure playground created by The Herd Theatre, built entirely from repurposed waste materials. With a design that sparks creativity, a recycled sound score, and a play generator, it’s a space where children and their grown-ups can play, explore, and reimagine together. Tickets from £5.63. Book here!

7. Visit the Apple Store

Discover FREE and entertaining activities for kids in London at Apple’s workshops, where you can create your own emoji, code your first app, or compose a theme song. While these workshops are entirely free, remember to secure your spot by booking in advance.

The diverse London locations, including Battersea Power Station, Regent Street, Brompton Road, White City, Brent Cross, Stratford City, Bromley, Regent Street, Bentalls Centre, and Covent Garden, offer convenient options. For more details and to book a session, check the provided link.

8. Virgin Media Gamepad at The O2

Located at The O2 in London, Gamepad offers the finest in the gaming world. It’s open to everyone for FREE, but if you’re an O2/Virgin Media customer, you can secure a spot through the O2 Priority app. Additional details can be found here.

9. Check your local Waterstones

Check your local Waterstones for free and affordable half term activities! Find more events here.

10. FREE Mini LEGO® Star Wars™ Giveaway

Don’t miss the FREE Mini LEGO® Star Wars™ Giveaway at Smyths Toys Superstores on Saturday 3rd May from 9am! Celebrate the galaxy’s greatest saga with an exclusive LEGO® Star Wars™ gift—available for one day only, while stocks last. Whether you’re a Jedi Master, Sith Lord, or a young Padawan, head to your local Smyths Toys for a fun-filled Star Wars™ experience in LEGO® style. One giveaway per person. Suitable for ages 6+.

11. Little Swifts – RAF Museum

The RAF museum offers frequent, FREE engaging sessions tailored for preschoolers (ages 2-5), featuring arts and crafts, games, stories, and songs. Reserve your spot ahead of time here. Book here.

12. Polka Theatre

The Polka Theatre not only presents fantastic paid shows throughout the year but also offers a café and both indoor and outdoor play areas that are open to everyone, free of charge. Find the opening times here.

13. Lilo & Stitch: Crate of Mischief

Ohana means family — and you’re invited to join the fun at Lilo & Stitch: Crate of Mischief, an exciting free pop-up experience coming to Battersea Power Station for one weekend only! Step inside a giant pineapple crate and immerse yourself in a world of interactive games, playful photo ops, and cheeky surprises inspired by the new Lilo & Stitch live-action movie. Taking place at Power Station Park, London SW8 5BN, the event runs from Friday 16th May (12PM–6PM) to Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May (10AM–6PM). Entry is free, but capacity is limited, and under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. The experience lasts around 10–15 minutes—perfect for fans of all ages looking to create magical memories!

14. FREE IKEA events

Numerous free IKEA events take place throughout the year at various IKEA stores. Explore your local store’s offerings here.

15. Sorted! The Postal Play Space

Sorted! The Postal Play Space at The Postal Museum in London is great fun for kids. £4.50 per ticket for ages 8 and under (under 6 months go free). Explore an immersive mini-town with streets, buildings, trolleys, pulleys, slides, and chutes—everything to keep little ones entertained. Book here!

16. Open the Disney Store

Unfortunately, there’s only one Disney store left in London. However, here’s something cool you can check out: did you know that every morning, the Disney store starts its day in a super magical way?

The lucky first person in line gets to use a giant key to open the store and even receives a smaller version of the key to keep! You can’t pre-book this experience. The store is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am and on Sundays from 12 pm. For more, check out my TikTok for a short but adorable glimpse of this experience.

17. FREE gaming at Samsung KX

Experience the ultimate gaming immersion at one of Samsung’s four gaming stations featuring cutting-edge technology that brings you closer to reality than ever before. Don’t miss the cool gaming bus, available for everyone to use for free. Be sure to check the website for more details.

18. The McVitie’s Chocolate Digestives Experience

Calling all biscuit lovers! Get ready, London — the McVitie’s Chocolate Digestives Experience is landing in the city for a limited time, and it’s completely FREE! From Friday 2nd to Monday 5th May 2025, step into a chocolatey wonderland at Below the Lights, 44-48 Regent Street, Piccadilly, W1, London. Open daily from 11am to 7pm, this indulgent pop-up is packed with interactive moments, delicious surprises, and McVitie’s Digestives like you’ve never seen them before. No booking required—just bring your sweet tooth and your biscuit-loving friends for the ultimate chocolate-covered adventure!

 

19. Get kids in the kitchen

Explore courses and learn to cook like a pro. Join a FREE workshop every Monday from 5-7 PM at Boxpark Croydon, where little ones can gain valuable skills and insights. It’s FREE, but be sure to book here!

20. The Kids Space, Southside Shopping centre

The Kids Space, located on the first floor (opposite Nando’s), is an indoor play area for children aged 5 and under, featuring interactive play, dress-up costumes, and role-play stations like a fire station and construction site. Sessions are 90 minutes, and the Mon-Fri 9:30 AM and weekend slots fill up quickly. Prices: Under 6 months: Free; 6 months – 12 months: £2; 1-5 years: £4. One adult goes free with a paying child; additional adults: £2 each.

21. May 4th at The Disney Store

Head to the Disney Store on Oxford Street Sunday, May the 4th, for an unforgettable Star Wars Day celebration! They will honour May the 4th with exciting Star Wars-themed experiences, fun activities, and surprise appearances from special guests from a galaxy far, far away. Don’t miss the chance to embrace the Force and celebrate one of the most iconic sagas of all time—only at the Disney Store!

22. Family film club Barbican

Head to the Barbican for the Family Film Club! Screenings start just after 11am with no ads, and before, during, and after the film, enjoy activity sheets, books, toys, and games in the café. Happening on Saturday mornings, tickets are £5 per person.

23. McDonald’s Fun Football

McDonald’s Fun Football is back for Spring 2025, bigger and better than ever! With new coaches, exciting venues, and plenty of fun, it’s the perfect way to get active and make lasting memories. Don’t miss out—book a free session here.

24. Islington Fire Station open day

Come along to Islington Fire Station’s Open Day on Saturday 17th May from 11am to 4pm and meet the amazing firefighters and Fire Cadets! Located at 278 Upper Street, N1 2TZ, this fun and informative event is a great opportunity to get safety advice, learn about the vital work of the London Fire Brigade, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the station. Each open day is unique, but you can look forward to seeing a fire engine up close—and you might even get the chance to hop inside! Perfect for curious minds of all ages!

25. Family Sundays

Family Sundays at the Royal Opera House offer a fun and relaxed way to explore the world of opera and ballet. Enjoy bean bags and plenty of space while taking in live music, dance, and creative activities for all ages. Activities include informal performances by Royal Ballet dancers, Jette Parker Artists, and musicians, interactive workshops, live theatrecraft or stage combat demos, and upcycling activities led by the Opera House team. Tickets are just £10 per person, keep an eye on the page for potential ticket releases.

26. Kids workshops at Hobbycraft

Your local Hobbycraft stores often host fun workshops for kids, such as a Bonnet Making Project where they can create a bold bug design, choosing between a ladybird or bee bonnet. Kids can also enjoy a Personalised Canvas Painting session, creating their own unique artwork for their bedroom. Explore more events and activities at your local store here.

27. My Pet Pals workshops

These family-friendly sessions are a great way for kids to learn about pets through hands-on activities and expert advice. Held regularly during school breaks, they’re a fantastic opportunity for young animal lovers to spend quality time together while discovering how to care for pets responsibly. Keep an eye on the website for upcoming dates and locations. Find out more here.

28. Art Sundays

Join the Art Sunday activities at Dulwich Picture Gallery. These fun, creative sessions are aimed at 7–12-year-olds and their families, with siblings of all ages welcome. No experience is needed—just come along and get involved! The sessions run at 1–1:45pm, 2–2:45pm, and 3–3:45pm, and are free (ticketed).

29. Barclays Free Park Tennis

Barclays Free Park Tennis offers free, social tennis sessions every weekend at park courts across the country—perfect for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, everyone is welcome to join in the fun and enjoy the benefits of outdoor tennis. Booking is quick and simple: just search for your local park court and reserve your spot using the online booking tool. Grab your racket and get ready to serve up some fun—no cost, no pressure, just great tennis! Find out more and book your session on the website here.

30. Pop-up crazy golf returns to Merchant Square

Crazy Golf at Merchant Square is back for three days only—don’t miss your chance to enjoy this popular free 9-hole course in the heart of Paddington! Running from Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th May 2025, tee off anytime between 11am and 4pm for a fun-filled game perfect for families, friends, and colleagues alike. Whether you’re chasing a hole-in-one or just in it for the laughs, this outdoor activity offers the ideal way to enjoy a sunny day. No booking needed—simply turn up, grab your clubs and balls from the team, and get ready to play!

31. Hampton Court Palace Gardens

Enjoy free access to the stunning gardens of Hampton Court Palace on selected dates. Explore 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of parkland, all set within a scenic loop of the River Thames. More info here.

32. Ship Mates

Ship Mates at Cutty Sark offers sensory sessions for under-5s on term-time Wednesdays at 10:30am, 12:00pm, and 1:30pm. For £5 per adult, with under-5s free, families can enjoy interactive, facilitated activities inside the historic ship. Members attend for free. Book here.

33. Free mini golf canary wharf

Minigolf by Craig & Karl is open daily until Sunday, 5th October, from 12:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:45), operating on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to regular hours, out-of-hours SEN sessions are available for families with children and young people who have additional learning needs. During these sessions, the course will have a limited number of participants, with no more than two groups using the space at any time. SEN session dates include Wednesday, 28th May (10:00-12:00), Saturday, 21st June (10:00-12:00), and Wednesday, 30th July (10:00-12:00). To book a slot, email arts+events@canarywharf.com.

34. Holiday to Space

Visitors are invited to head to the Royal Observatory on 29th May for an exciting adventure with Ted and Plant across the Solar System as they search for the best place to go on holiday. Along the way, participants will have the chance to help Ted build a rocket to the Moon. This fun-filled morning includes a planetarium show and an interactive workshop led by astronomers, offering an engaging experience for children. The event is priced at £5 per child. Book here.

35. Free National Trust Family Pass

A free National Trust Family Pass (single-use) will be available in ReachPLC newspapers, including Daily Star, Daily Mirror, Daily Express, Sunday People, OK! Magazine, and New Magazine, starting this Saturday. The pass grants one-time entry to a National Trust attraction of your choice, covering admission for two adults and up to three children (or one adult and up to four children) at sites across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The promotion runs from 6th May to 29th June 2025, excluding peak dates (24th-26th May and Sunday, 15th June). The pass can be claimed online after a few days by completing the form in the newspaper with the code REACHSPRING25. More info.

36. Bounce House

At Big Penny Social, the popular House of Bounce event is going into overdrive! For £7 per person, the whole Event Space will be filled with massive inflatables, including a huge assault course. Sessions last one hour, and accompanying adults and children under 6 months are free. The 10am session daily is for under 3s. Early booking is recommended as the event often sells out. Book here.

37. Story Explorers: A Journey Through Imaginary Worlds.

Story Explorers: Relaxed Afternoon on Monday, 26th May offers a sensory-friendly opening of Story Explorers: A Journey Through Imaginary Worlds at the British Library. This special session is tailored for families with children on the autism spectrum and other sensory needs, providing reduced capacity for a more relaxed experience. Visitors can enjoy the exhibition at their own pace, with support from the team available throughout the session. The event lasts for an hour and a half, and attendees can arrive or leave at any point during their booked slot. A visual story will be provided in advance to help guests prepare. All tickets must be pre-booked for everyone in the group, and the rest of the Library will remain open to the public.

38. Summer Screens at Canary Wharf

Summer Screens at Canary Wharf returns for another exciting season, showcasing live screenings of top sporting events including F1, cricket, Wimbledon, Ascot, and more, all from the heart of Canary Wharf. In addition to the sports, the Film Club will return with a fantastic selection of free films, featuring family favourites on weekends and mid-week evening screenings of everything from Hollywood hits to musical masterpieces. Starting from 29th May, keep an eye on this page for updates!

39. Track Play at Big Penny Social

On Friday, May 16, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Big Penny Social is hosting Track Play—a fun event where kids can explore giant train tracks, complete with tunnels, stations, garages, and bridges. Your child’s favourite characters will be there, making it perfect for little ones aged 18 months and up. Pay and play for an hour or book multiple sessions. Tickets start from £8.50 per person. For booking slots and more info, check the ticket link below.

40. Nike Kids Beat The Eight

Nike Kids presents Beat The Eight, an exciting obstacle course inspired by the Air Max Dn8’s eight-tubed Air cushioning system. Designed for kids aged 10-15, the event includes interactive experiences like Unreal Customisation with Depop, the EAFC Game Zone, and Sneaker Cleaning with Sneakerlab. Participants must sign up for a 2-hour slot and bring a signed waiver for entry. Kids under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of the next evolution of Air Max—book your spot now!

41. Brixton Fire Station Open Day

Brixton Fire Station is hosting an Open Day on Saturday, 3rd May 2025, from 12:00 to 16:00 at 84 Gresham Road, Brixton, SW9 7NP. This is a great opportunity to meet local firefighters, learn fire safety tips, and explore the latest fire and rescue equipment. The event will also feature a CPR demonstration by the London Ambulance Service, food and drink stalls, family-friendly activities, and an ice cream van. It’s an exciting day out for all ages, so don’t miss the chance to get involved!

42 Bonsor House. Community Open Week at Kew

Community Open Week 2025 at Kew Gardens, taking place from 14 to 18 May, invites visitors to celebrate the wonder of trees through a variety of engaging activities. During this special week, guests can discover Kew’s vital scientific and conservation work while enjoying a wide range of hands-on workshops, talks, and games for all ages. Most activities will be available on a drop-in basis, with a few requiring on-the-day booking. For full details and to help plan your visit, the Community Open Week section of the Kew website provides essential information. A dedicated relaxed day will also be offered, specifically designed to support those who require a calmer environment or have accessibility needs.

43. Children’s events at Garsons Esher

Make & Take at The Tipi: Children’s May Half-Term Events at Garsons Esher, Surrey are the perfect way to celebrate National Children’s Gardening Week with hands-on fun and learning in nature. Held in The Tipi, these creative workshops are designed to inspire children to connect with gardening and the environment. Little ones can enjoy sessions such as decorating a mini Bee House, growing their own Mini Farm, or painting a terracotta Bee Bath—each combining craft, education, and eco-awareness. With expert guidance and a touch of farm inspiration from Garsons’ very own PYO fields. More info here.

44. Post Early: Relaxed Events

Post Early: Relaxed Events returns to The Postal Museum on 18 May from 10:00 to 17:00, offering a calm and inclusive experience for autistic and neurodiverse visitors, as well as anyone who prefers a quieter environment. Co-produced with Ambitious about Autism and their autistic Youth Patrons, this relaxed day allows guests to explore the museum at their own pace, with reduced crowds and a welcoming atmosphere. Admission is £3.50 per person, including access to all exhibitions and an optional ride on the Mail Rail. One accompanying companion or carer is included in the ticket price. More info here.

45. Moomin 80: Play, Make, Dream

Celebrate Moomin 80: Play, Make, Dream from Tuesday 27 May to Sunday 1 June 2025 at the Southbank Centre’s Riverside Terrace. This free, hands-on event invites children aged 4 and up to chop wood, hammer nails, and get creative as they help bring the iconic round Moominhouse to life! With a run time of approximately one hour, kids can team up with parents, carers, grandparents, and more to craft interior details like picture frames, paintings, furniture, fishing rods, clocks, and beyond. It’s a joyful celebration of imagination, teamwork, and all things Moomin! More info here.

46. Dawnosaurs: Relaxed Morning Visit

Head to the Natural History Museum on Saturday 10 May, from 08:00–10:00 for Dawnosaurs, a free, early-morning event designed specifically for neurodivergent children, including those with autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, OCD, and other sensory processing differences. This special experience allows children and their families to explore the museum’s galleries and enjoy engaging activities in a calm, supportive environment—before it opens to the general public. Suitable for ages five to 15, with siblings welcome. Booking is essential, and free tickets must be secured online in advance.

47. Welcome Day with London Play

On 29 May from 11am to 3pm, families are invited to Greenwich Park Welcome Day with London Play—a free, drop-in event filled with fun, nature-inspired activities. Hosted in Greenwich Park, this public event encourages children, young people, and their families to explore the brand-new Nature Play Space in the Flower Garden, followed by engaging activities at the Greenwich Park Learning Centre. No booking is required, and all ages are welcome to join in a day of creative outdoor play and wildlife discovery.

48. Brockwell Bounce

Head to Brockwell Bounce this May for a FREE family-friendly festival bursting with fun! Taking place in the heart of South London at Brockwell Park, this lively event offers a full day of music, entertainment, arts and crafts, workshops, dance classes, funfair rides, and delicious street food. There’s no need to book—just turn up and enjoy the festivities! While entry is free, please note that some activities and food stalls may require payment.

Stay up to date with the latest events by following us on Instagram! I regularly share new events in my stories and save them to highlights for easy access.