Explore London on a Budget: 50+ FREE/affordable Fun Things to Do with Kids This April!

Looking for affordable ways to keep the kids entertained this April? Explore our great guide featuring over 50 FREE and low-cost activities for children in London and nearby areas. From exciting Easter themed 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 Easter 2025 can be found here.

All my cinema money saving tips 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. LEGO Creativity workshops

For just £5 per child, The LEGO Store is offering a Creativity Workshop: Celebrate Friendship, where kids aged 6-12 can build and decorate a trophy for a loved one. Spaces are limited, so booking ahead is recommended. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Book here.

3. Clay Fruit and Vegetables Workshop – The Garden Museum

The Garden Museum is offering a Clay Fruit and Vegetables Workshop, where kids can create air-dry clay bowls inspired by John Morley’s paintings. Using coil and pinch pot techniques, they’ll shape, texture, and paint their designs. Plus, the museum has plenty of other free and affordable Easter activities—perfect for a creative day out! All their events can be found here.

4. Easter fun at Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station is offering plenty of affordable Easter fun, with activities under £10! Kids can enjoy chocolate decorating, games with Sharky & George, spring basket decorating, and dreamcatcher crafting—perfect for a creative day out. Book the events here.

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. Easter at your local Waterstones

Check your local Waterstones for free and affordable Easter activities! Waterstones Lewisham will have egg hunts, storytime, and more, while Waterstones Finchley Road O2 Centre will have storytime for ages 0-6 throughout the holidays. Find more events here.

10. Easter at Camden Market

Camden Market is celebrating Easter and spring with a week of family fun from April 16-23. Relax in the Easter Garden, featuring giant deck chairs and spring flowers, or join the Easter Treasure Trail from April 18-21. Check out all the events for a fun-filled day out! Find all the events here.

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. Fun at John Lewis

Your local John Lewis is hosting fun and free Easter activities, including a Kids Easter Decoration Crafting Event and a Sylvanian Families Treasure Hunt, plus more. Check out their events page for all the details!

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. Easter breakfast at Harvester

This Easter weekend, at your local Harvester, kids can enjoy a special Easter Breakfast for £8.99, including breakfast, an activity sheet, a drink, and a Cadbury Crème Egg. It’s a great way to kickstart your day before heading off to Easter activities! Be sure to check with your local Harvester for availability. More info here.

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. Lush bath bomb making

Visit the LUSH Spa Oxford Street for a fun and hands-on experience where you can make an exclusive Easter bath bomb, Follow the White Rabbit. Book here. Book other Lush events here.

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. Annual FREE Easter Egg Hunt at Merchant Square

The Merchant Square Egg Hunt returns on 11 April with an exciting Easter adventure, “Hunt for the Hidden Eggs: A Whisker-Twitching Easter Adventure!” Join Max, Mila, and Milo, the Marvellous Mouse Trio, as you help them track down their lost nest and uncover hidden Easter treats. Find more info here.

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 Paintingsession, creating their own unique artwork for their bedroom. Explore more events and activities at your local store here.

27. My Pet Pals workshops

From 5th April to 19th April, families can enjoy My Pet Pals – Easter workshops for free. Visitors will learn about the pets and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities. It’s a great opportunity for pet lovers to spend quality time together! Book 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. UNIQLO Tate Play: Bruce Asbestos.

UNIQLO Tate Play: Bruce Asbestos, S/S 2025 runs from 5th to 21st April at Tate Modern. Create your own snail-inspired outfit using paper, paint, and card, then strut your stuff on the runway set to a soundtrack by grime artist Snowy. Don’t miss the vibrant finale on April 17, featuring a spectacular runway event! More info.

30. Crafternoon: Easter Special

At Woolwich Works, the Crafternoon Easter Special offers fun for the whole family! Create 3-D daffodil flowers, handprint Easter bunnies, and colour-in Easter eggs. The session is simple, accessible, and designed for all ages—take your time or complete it quickly. This activity is offered on a PAY WHAT YOU CAN basis. More info here.

31. Baby & Toddler Café at John Lewis Brent Cross

Join the Baby & Toddler Community Café, a welcoming space for new parents and carers to connect, share experiences, and chat with a John Lewis Nursery team host. Pre-school siblings can enjoy sensory toys and a colouring station. Tickets are free and include a complimentary hot drink for adults and juice for preschoolers. Book here.

32. The Big Egg Hunt

From 24th March to 27th April 2025, explore a free-to-view trail of 2ft egg sculptures scattered across iconic London locations, including Chelsea, Canary Wharf, Covent Garden, and Marble Arch, as part of a citywide celebration—stay tuned for more details.

33. 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.

34. Little Angels Club – Spring Animal Masks and Easter Bunnies Craft

Celebrate spring at Angel Central with free drop-in craft sessions for children aged 3-9! On 5th, 12th, and 19th April, kids can create Spring Animal Masks and Easter Bunny Puppets to take home. Each session runs from 10:00 – 13:00 and includes one free golf ticket at Birdies Angel with every booking. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Find more info here.

35. London Square Twickenham Easter Trail Event

Join the London Square Twickenham Easter Trail on Saturday 13th April from 11 AM to 3 PM for an exciting adventure with special guest Peter Rabbit! Meet Peter Rabbit at scheduled times (11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM). Don’t miss out—book your timeslot today!

36. 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.

37. Easter Family Festival at The Natural History Museum

Head to the Natural History Museum in South Kensington for a range of activities celebrating the natural world and the beauty of spring. Enjoy fun, free events for the whole family from Saturday, 5th April to Sunday, 23rd April. More info here

38. Doodle Day inspired by Tim Burton

Join artists Josie Britton and Mark Connolly at the Design Museum on Friday, 11th April 2025, from 13:30 to 16:30 for a £5 per person afternoon of playful drawing activities inspired by The World of Tim Burton exhibition. Celebrate sketching, doodling, and mark-making in a creative session for all ages, exploring Tim Burton’s imaginative characters and unique aesthetic. Book here.

39. Easter at The Foundling Museum

This April, the Foundling Museum offers plenty of family-friendly fun, from stop-motion animation workshops to clay crafting sessions. Check out this page to see what’s going on!

40. Family Station: Explore and Play at The British Library

At the British Library, the Family Station: Explore and Play is a drop-in event for all ages, available on the last Sunday of each month and select school holidays. Visit anytime between 11:00 and 15:00 to explore creative resources and enjoy fun activities in the Library. More info here.

41. 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.

42. Friends of Streatham Common Easter Egg Hunt

Join the Easter Egg Hunt on 19th April 2025, starting at 11:00 am alongside the Rookery Market. Aimed at young children, they can collect an activity sheet, solve clues, and collect a prize (while stocks last).

43. The Mantis Muse: Stories and crafts

For £7 per child, kids can visit the Horniman Museum this Easter to hear the story of Manuelo the Playing Mantis and create a colourful mantis mask. They can also see The Mantis Muse, a 3m-tall sculpture by David Shrigley in the Conservatory. More info here.

44. Track Play at Big Penny Social

On Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 4:40 PM, kids can play on giant train tracks with tunnels, stations, and bridges, featuring all their favourite characters. Suitable for children 18 months+, from £8.50. Book one or multiple sessions here.

45. Pop-up Performance: Caribbean Collection Family Storytelling Journey

Join a playful, family-friendly exploration of the Caribbean Collection at the V&A South Kensington. Starting April 19th, discover artists, designers, and stories behind Caribbean objects through activities, games, and storytelling. This free event is suitable for ages 5+ and requires children to be accompanied by an adult. Capacity is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. More info here.

46. East Ham Fire Station open day

Join East Ham Fire Station on Saturday, 5th April 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 210 High Street South, E6 3RS. Meet firefighters and Fire Cadets, explore a fire engine, and get fire safety advice while enjoying activities with Blue Light partners and local stallholders. More info here.

47. Hoppily Ever After: Chocolate Egg Decorating Workshop

Head to St Nicholas Shopping Centre in Sutton for a fun-filled Easter Chocolate Egg Decorating Workshop! For just £3 per child, kids can get creative with icing, sprinkles, and colourful toppings to design their very own chocolate egg. Book here.

48. Children’s events at Garsons Esher

Visit Garsons in Esher for a range of fun and affordable children’s activities, including the Edible Garden & Garden Tool event and the LEGO Mini Flower Garden workshop. Kids can decorate and create their own mini flower gardenand plant it with a variety of seeds. Book now for a hands-on, creative experience!

49. Easter at London Museum of Docklands

Head to the Museum of London Docklands for free family workshops this Easter and explore the fascinating archaeology of the Thames. Kids can mould a clay coin, learn from a Victorian mudlark, and even handle real artefacts found on the foreshore. With a mix of bookable and drop-in events, there’s something for everyone—check session details before you visit!

50. Free Easter Sports Activities for SEND Children Aged 8-16 Years

Enjoy free sports activities this Easter, specially designed for children aged 8-16 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). A great opportunity to stay active, have fun, and make new friends. Find more info and book here!

51. Free family fun at Brent Cross Town

Celebrate nature and the outdoors this April with a fantastic lineup of free workshops and activities at Brent Cross Town. From yoga and a women’s running group for adults to pickleball, football skills, nature workshops, arts & crafts, and a spring discovery trail for kids, there’s something for everyone. Get creative, stay active, and enjoy the Easter break! More info here.

52. Discovery Days: Spring Surprises

Free Spring Discovery Days at Hyde Park (8th–10th April, 11am–3pm) Celebrate the arrival of Spring with free, educational activities at Hyde Park! Join the Discovery Days at the Hyde Park Learning Centre, where the whole family can connect with nature. Drop in anytime between 11am-3pm to enjoy pond dipping, explore the wildlife garden on a spring nature trail, and make a seedball to plant at home. Perfect for all ages to celebrate the season together! More info here.

52. KitKat x Blockbuster Pop-Up

Step back in time at the KitKat x Blockbuster Pop-Up in London! From Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th April, experience a nostalgic throwback with iconic video cases and a retro chill-out zone. Browse the shelves, choose a movie, and get a free KitKat sharing bar and movie streaming code. Visit 59 Greek Street, W1D 4NQ. Opening hours:

• Wednesday to Friday: 14:30 – 20:30
• Saturday: 11:00 – 17:00

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.