Looking for something different to do with the kids before the summer holidays are over? From riding through London’s hidden postal tunnels to meeting farm animals in the heart of the capital, there are plenty of unusual family days out to discover – and some won’t cost you a penny.
With the summer holidays nearly over, there is still time to squeeze in one more family adventure. If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual attractions, London is packed with quirky experiences, fascinating museums, unusual playgrounds and green spaces to explore.
TrainPal is encouraging families to plan ahead, with new Family Advance rail fares offering a potentially more affordable way to travel to London this summer, with fares starting from £22 return for eligible groups when booked in advance.
Unusual things to do in London with kids
1. The Postal Museum and Mail Rail
Ever wondered what lies beneath London’s streets? At The Postal Museum, families can climb aboard Mail Rail and travel through the city’s hidden underground postal tunnels.
The miniature railway once carried post beneath London and offers children a chance to experience a fascinating – and often overlooked – part of the capital’s history. The museum above adds plenty more to discover, making this a great option for curious kids and grown-ups alike.
2. Babylon Park, Camden
Hidden beneath Camden Market, Babylon Park is an indoor, space-themed amusement park packed with rides and arcade games.
There is a rollercoaster, drop tower, bumper cars and soft play, making it a good option when the British weather doesn’t cooperate. It’s also the sort of attraction you could easily walk past without realising what’s underneath!
3. Twist Museum
For children who love optical illusions, puzzles and getting hands-on, Twist Museum in the West End offers something rather different.
The interactive exhibits are designed to be explored rather than simply viewed, with illusion rooms and mind-bending installations that encourage children to touch, climb and play.
Free family days out in London
London doesn’t have to be an expensive day out. Some of the capital’s best family attractions are completely free to visit.
4. Crystal Palace Park
Head south to Crystal Palace Park to see its famous Victorian dinosaur sculptures. Dating from the 1850s, they are believed to be the world’s first dinosaur sculptures.
The park also has a huge playground and boating lake, so there is plenty to keep children entertained after they’ve met the prehistoric residents.
5. Vauxhall City Farm
Fancy meeting goats, alpacas and sheep without leaving central London?
Vauxhall City Farm is a working farm tucked away in the middle of the capital. Children can get close to a variety of farm animals, making it a lovely change of pace from London’s busy streets.
6. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a classic London family day out for good reason.
Children can come face-to-face with dinosaurs and discover the museum’s fascinating collections, while the enormous blue whale skeleton, known as “Hope”, is suspended in the spectacular main hall.
General admission is free, although families are advised to book a timed entry slot online in advance.
7. Young V&A
The Young V&A in Bethnal Green is specifically designed with children in mind.
Its hands-on galleries encourage youngsters to play, create, design and use their imaginations. Rather than simply looking at exhibits, children can get involved and explore at their own pace.
8. British Museum
The British Museum offers enough to keep families coming back again and again.
Younger visitors may particularly enjoy the Egyptian galleries, including the mummies and famous Rosetta Stone. Families with younger children don’t need to tackle the whole museum – a shorter highlights route can make the visit much more manageable.
9. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
Recently reopened on 6 August, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens is another brilliant free option for families.
The Peter Pan-inspired playground features a huge wooden pirate ship, sand areas, treehouses and sensory trails, giving children plenty of opportunities for imaginative play.
Family train fares from £22
For families travelling into London from elsewhere in the country, new Family Advance fares from London Northwestern Railway and TrainPal could help make a day in the capital more affordable.
The fixed-price fare allows up to two adults and four children aged 5–15 to travel together for one fare. Prices start from £22 return from selected stations including Stafford, Wolverhampton, Birmingham New Street, Coventry, Rugby and Northampton.
Fares from Liverpool stations, including Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool South Parkway, start from £35 return when booked in advance.
One of the useful features for larger families is that the fare doesn’t increase when additional eligible children join the trip. Whether one child or four children are travelling, the Family Advance fare remains the same.
Children under five continue to travel free.
The tickets can be booked up to 12 weeks before travel, although they are subject to availability, so families are advised to plan ahead.
You can find out more and book through TrainPal and London Northwestern Railway.
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.”
Plan your final summer adventure
Whether your children would rather travel beneath London, meet farm animals, hunt for dinosaurs or let off steam in a giant playground, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a memorable final day out before the school holidays come to an end.
And with so many free attractions available, families don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune to enjoy a great day in London.
