Planning a family day out in London this summer? While favourites like the London Eye and Buckingham Palace are always popular, the capital is also packed with hidden gems that offer something a little different – and many won’t cost a penny.
With Google Trends showing a 110% rise in searches for things to do in London for kids, families are clearly looking for fresh ideas that won’t break the bank.
TrainPal has rounded up some of the best unusual attractions and free family days out to help you make the most of the school holidays.
Unique Family Attractions
The Postal Museum
Step aboard the fascinating Mail Rail, a miniature underground railway that once transported letters beneath London’s streets. Families can ride through the original postal tunnels before discovering interactive exhibits about the history of the UK’s postal service. It’s an unexpected adventure that both adults and children will enjoy.
Location: 15-20 Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DA
Babylon Park
Hidden beneath Camden Market is London’s only indoor, space-themed amusement park. Expect exciting rides including a rollercoaster, bumper cars, drop tower, arcade games and soft play, making it an excellent rainy-day destination for families.
Location: 8 Castlehaven Road, London NW1 8QU
Twist Museum
Perfect for curious children and budding photographers, Twist Museum is packed with optical illusions, interactive exhibits and immersive rooms that encourage visitors to touch, explore and become part of the displays. It’s a brilliant place for memorable family photos.
Location: Oxford Street, London W1
Fantastic Free Family Days Out
Crystal Palace Park
Meet the famous Victorian dinosaurs that have been delighting families for more than 170 years. Alongside the iconic prehistoric sculptures, there’s a huge playground, boating lake and plenty of green space for picnics.
Vauxhall City Farm
A working farm in central London where children can meet goats, alpacas, sheep, rabbits and other friendly animals. Admission is free, although donations are always welcome.
Natural History Museum
A family favourite for good reason. Children will love coming face-to-face with towering dinosaur skeletons before marvelling at Hope, the enormous blue whale skeleton suspended in Hintze Hall. Entry is free, but booking a timed slot online is recommended during busy holiday periods.
Young V&A
Designed especially for children, the Young V&A in Bethnal Green encourages hands-on play, creativity and discovery through interactive exhibitions, design activities and imaginative displays.
British Museum
Journey back in time to Ancient Egypt, where children can discover fascinating mummies and the famous Rosetta Stone. Younger visitors can also enjoy family-friendly trails that highlight the museum’s biggest treasures.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
Recently reopened, this much-loved Kensington Gardens playground is inspired by the world of Peter Pan. A giant wooden pirate ship, sensory trails, treehouses and sandy play areas make it one of London’s best free playgrounds.
Affordable Rail Travel for Families
Getting to London can be much more affordable this summer thanks to new Family Advance rail fares available through TrainPal and London Northwestern Railway.
Families of up to two adults and four children (aged 5–15) can travel together on one fixed fare, with return journeys starting from £22 from selected stations including Birmingham New Street, Coventry, Rugby and Northampton, and from £35 from Liverpool stations when booked in advance. Children under five continue to travel free.
Unlike standard rail tickets, the fare stays the same whether you’re travelling with one child or four, helping families budget for a fun-filled day in the capital.
Tickets can be booked up to 12 weeks before travel, giving families the opportunity to secure the lowest fares ahead of the school holidays.
Sara Paoloni, Marketing Manager at London Northwestern Railway, said:
“Booking rail travel in advance is one of the easiest ways families can reduce the cost of a day out, and fixed-price family fares make planning even simpler. Whether it’s a visit to one of London’s free museums, a trip to the parks or a day exploring the capital, travelling together by train can offer great value while taking the hassle out of the journey.”
Whether you’re discovering hidden underground tunnels, spotting Victorian dinosaurs or climbing aboard a pirate ship, London is full of exciting family adventures beyond the usual tourist attractions. With so many free activities and affordable travel options available, it’s never been easier to plan an unforgettable summer day out.
