Free May half term activities in London

May half term is nearly here again and, as ever, London has an enormous amount of things to do. Plan the whole week with your young children with our list of 50 free things to do.

1. Diana Memorial Playground – Pirate ship, sensory play, and sand in a secure setting.
   Kensington Gardens

2. Coram’s Fields – Only accessible with children; includes playgrounds, sandpit, and animal enclosure.
   Bloomsbury

3. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – Tumbling Bay – Natural play structures with sand, water, and climbing.
   Stratford

4. Crystal Palace Park – Huge playground plus a free dinosaur sculpture trail in the woods.
   Crystal Palace

5. Holland Park Adventure Playground – Wooden climbing areas with toddler and young children sections.
   Kensington

6. Greenwich Park Playground – Big and varied equipment, suitable for both toddlers and young kids.
   Greenwich

7. St James’s Park – Feed ducks, spot pelicans, and run on wide lawns.
   Westminster

8. Primrose Hill Playground – Small but well-equipped, with views and space for scooters.
   Camden

9. Regent’s Park – Gloucester Gate Playground – Redesigned with great equipment for ages 2–7.
   Regent’s Park

10. Battersea Park Playground – Multiple areas for different ages, including younger children.
    Battersea

11. Vauxhall City Farm – Friendly animals including alpacas, rabbits, and chickens.
    Vauxhall

12. Hackney City Farm – Hands-on urban farm with donkeys and gardens.
    Hackney

13. Spitalfields City Farm – Welcoming and peaceful, with goats, chickens and nature zones.
    Shoreditch

14. Mudchute Farm – Large city farm with wide paths and views of Canary Wharf.
    Isle of Dogs

15. Freightliners Farm – A quiet and tidy farm in the middle of Islington.
    Islington

16. Science Museum – The Garden (Under-7s play area) – Water, light, and building play in a safe zone.
    South Kensington

17. Natural History Museum – Dinosaur exhibits and hands-on discovery zones.
    South Kensington

18. Young V&A (formerly Museum of Childhood) – Free museum full of creative play, toys, and design.
    Bethnal Green

19. Horniman Museum & Gardens – Includes musical instruments, galleries, and outdoor nature trails.
    Forest Hill

20. Museum of London Docklands – Mudlarks gallery (check for free entry slots) – Soft play and interactive games.
    Canary Wharf

21. Urban Village Fete (Sunday 25 May) – Family-friendly music, crafts, and games.
    Greenwich Peninsula

22. Chelsea in Bloom (until 26 May) – Streets and shops transformed with giant floral displays.
    Chelsea

23. Covent Garden Street Performers – Magicians, jugglers and living statues, always entertaining for children.
    Covent Garden

24. London Festival of Architecture – Family activities – Free walking tours, model-making, and mini-build projects.
    Various locations

25. Southbank Centre – Family-friendly installations – Music, crafts or open art spaces on terrace.
    South Bank

26. Camley Street Natural Park – A small city nature reserve with paths and pond life.
    King’s Cross

27. Walthamstow Wetlands – Nature walks with birds, insects, and free visitor centre.
    Walthamstow

28. Crossrail Place Roof Garden – Indoor tropical garden that’s stroller and child-friendly.
    Canary Wharf

29. Jubilee Gardens Playground – Compact riverside playground near the London Eye.
    South Bank

30. Stave Hill Ecology Park – Hidden gem for bug hunting and pond watching.
    Rotherhithe

31. The Line Art Trail – Outdoor sculptures along a flat walking path (good for scooters too).
    Stratford to North Greenwich

32. South Bank Walk – Between London Eye and Tower Bridge with entertainers and open space.
    Central London

33. Canal Walk – Little Venice to Camden – Short, calm stretch with ducks and canal boats.
    West London

34. Hampstead Heath – Parliament Hill Fields – Playground plus wide open spaces and nature trails.
    Hampstead

35. Paddington Bear Trail – Spot themed statues and signs across Paddington and Little Venice.
    Paddington

36. Discover Story Centre Garden (outdoor play is free) – Climbing structures and a book-themed garden.
    Stratford

37. British Library – Family Station – Craft materials, soft seating, and quiet activities.
    King’s Cross

38. Waterstones Piccadilly – Children’s floor – Browse books and enjoy reading corners.
    Piccadilly

39. Tate Modern – Drawing bar and Turbine Hall play – Giant indoor spaces to move and create.
    Bankside

40. Local libraries – Storytime or rhyme-time sessions often run during holidays.
    Across London boroughs

41. Sky Garden (book in advance) – Panoramic views and indoor greenery; fun and calming for young children.
    Fenchurch Street

42. Pelican feeding in St James’s Park – Daily at around 2:30pm by Duck Island Cottage.
    Westminster

43. Ride the Dangleway (Emirates cable car – free for under-5s) – Adults pay, but young kids love the views.
    North Greenwich

44. Explore Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel – Colourful art and buskers, stroller-friendly and safe.
    Waterloo

45. Watch the Changing of the Guard (from a distance) – Bright uniforms, music, and horses.
    Buckingham Palace

46. Southbank Fountains (weather-permitting) – Kids can splash and play near Royal Festival Hall.
    South Bank

47. Ride the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) – Sit at the front and “drive” the train.
    East London

48. Spot London Landmarks on a Walk – Look for Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and red buses on foot.
    Any central route

49. Giant Chess at Holland Park – Playful space and plenty of grass nearby.
    Kensington

50. Picnic in a royal park – Pack sandwiches and pick any London green space with space to run and roll.
    Hyde Park, Green Park, or Kensington Gardens

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