Best Free Things to do with Kids in Kensington, London

Exploring London with kids is an incredibly exciting thing to do, but it can also be costly if you decide to visit all the top paid attractions for families like the London Eye, Madame Tussauds or the Tower of London. The good news is that there are also numerous of fun free things to do in London for families with children. 

Kensington is a great location for families with exciting museums in South Kensington cultural quarter and plenty of green space in the Royal Parks. Full of inspiration and entertainment, here are some of the best things to do in Kensington with children, to have that perfect family weekend in London central. 

1. Natural History Museum

Known by most children as 'the dinosaur museum', the Natural History Museum is a stunning Romanesque revival building with so much to discover inside. As well as those dinosaurs, do go to the Red Zone to find out about earthquakes and volcanoes. And visit the Darwin Centre's Cocoon where you can see scientists at work. One of the UK's most popular visitor attractions, the Museum's collections are vast: 80 million plants, animals, fossils plus rocks and minerals spanning 4.6 billion years of history. With such a large variety of collection this is a perfect natural history museum for kids. 

The Museum has three entrances. The main entrance is on Cromwell Road, the side entrance is on Exhibition Road and is a great alternative when you see long lines at the front of the building, and the Queen's Gate entrance is opened during school holidays when it's busy.

2. Science Museum

Another major, and free, museum in South Kensington, the Science Museum is fun and perfect for kids. This interactive museum has everything from space travel and computing to medicine and steam trains, they have it all. There are 15,000 objects on display so make sure you get off the ground floor to see more (and it's generally, less busy on the higher floors).

Book for the Wonderlab gallery where they have science shows for kids, try experiments and have fun at the same time. A day pass means you can revisit throughout the whole day. There are family activities and the Treasure Hunters app lets you set challenges and design your own tour of the Museum. You'll find it hard to leave without visiting the ground floor shop too.

3. Victoria And Albert Museum (V&A)

Of the three South Kensington museums, the V&A is the one you may think is less suited to kids as it's about decorative arts and design. But it's very welcoming to families with lots of free activities, gallery backpacks to borrow, trails and hands-on discovery areas. The Imagination Station has free things to do during school holidays from digital fashion design to mosaic and collage.

There is so much to see as the Museum has over 2.3 million objects that span over 5,000 years of human creativity. The V&A has some of the world's finest and most comprehensive collections of jewellery, ironwork, costumes, sculpture, ceramics, silver, glass and printmaking. It's a lovely place to sketch with children as the galleries always lead to unexpected discoveries.

4. Natural Army Museum

The National Army Museum, nestled in the vibrant district of South Kensington, is a must-visit attraction for those seeking engaging things to do in Kensington. This renowned museum stands as a captivating tribute to the military heritage of the United Kingdom, housing a remarkable collection of artifacts and exhibits that chronicle the nation's rich history of warfare and heroism. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, a journey through its halls offers an enlightening experience that highlights the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces. When exploring museums in South Kensington, make sure to include the National Army Museum on your itinerary for a compelling glimpse into Britain's military past. 

5. Kensington Palace

Take your prince or princess for free to Kensington Palace. A royal palace since the 17th century, this was the birthplace of Queen Victoria and it is still home to some royals including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William and Kate) and their children. You and your kids can wander through the rooms where Queen Victoria spent her childhood and see the sumptuous King's State Apartments used by William III. You can see royal clothing and jewellery on display as well as paintings and furniture.

Visitors can dress up for photo opportunities and there are always free holiday activities. And the free Digital Missions app has games and interactive adventures to enjoy as you explore.

6. Diana Memorial Playground

One of the best free kids playgrounds in London, the Diana Memorial Playground is close to Kensington Palace (as Princess Diana lived there). There is a Peter Pan theme and the centrepiece is a huge wooden pirate ship surrounded by sand. There are teepees, swings, slides, climbing areas, treehouses, a sensory trail, water play and more. You'll soon see why people stay all day (there is a cafe here too). This does mean there can be a wait to enter as they operate a queuing system once the playground reaches capacity. 

7. Kensington Gardens

One of London's royal parks, Kensington Gardens is a lovely space to run around to use up children's boundless energy. You can pop in and ask questions at the allotment and do look for the Peter Pan statue which was commissioned by the famous author J.M. Barrie who lived nearby. Use the Talking Statues app and you can hear more. There's also a Step Outside Guidebook of the area (it includes stickers). It is not a history book but an excuse for a day out with interesting things to find along the way.

8. Hyde Park

Another royal park, Hyde Park has lots of space for running around too. There's even horse riding available. Kids will enjoy the Discovery Days on during school holidays for free nature-inspired activities for families. Or why not go looking for local wildlife? From insects and bugs to birds on the water, there's more than you might expect in the heart of a capital city. And you may well see flocks of green ring-necked parakeets. You'll know when they are around as you'll hear the squawks first!

9. Royal Albert Hall

A beautiful concert hall, opposite the Albert Memorial, the Royal Albert Hall was built as the practical part of Queen Victoria's memorial to her husband. The Grade I listed building was opened in 1871 and hosts the Proms – a classical music festival held every summer. So many famous names have performed here including Eric Clapton, Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran and even Muhammed Ali and Winston Churchill. There are fabulous Films in Concert too where you can watch a family show accompanied by a live orchestra. Even if there isn't a performance on that appeals, do consider a tour as you get to see the auditorium and behind the scenes as well as hearing interesting stories about the building.

10. Serpentine Galleries

Located within Kensington Gardens, the Serpentine Galleries are two galleries connected by a bridge over the Serpentine lake. The original Serpentine Gallery and the newer Serpentine Sackler Gallery (opened in 2013) both have free contemporary art exhibitions. The exhibitions are not aimed at families but you can check online what's on. Over the years there have been some big names exhibited here including Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor and Damien Hirst. The shop is excellent, especially for art books.

A great time to visit is for the annual summer Pavilion – a temporary summer structure designed each year by an international architect – which always welcomes families.

11. Boating On The Serpentine

Serpentine lake is the perfect place for your family to go boating in Hyde Park. From April to October, there are rowing boats and pedalos available to hire on the Serpentine lake. You can get a pedalo for four people so families can go out on the water together (with two pedalling and up to three littles ones admiring the view). 

12. Holland Park

Not a royal park but in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Holland Park is large and even has free-roaming peacocks. Most stay in the Kyoto Garden – a tranquil and peaceful Japanese garden for reflection and relaxation. On the estate of the ruined Jacobean Holland House, you can go on woodland walks and kids love the wonderful Holland Park Adventure Playground that reopened in 2019 after refurbishment. There are sports facilities and a giant open-air chessboard for families and friends to compete. Holland Park is also the base of the borough's Ecology Service. The Ecology Centre runs events and activities throughout the year, including a wildlife club for children.

13. Leighton House Museum

Close to Holland Park, Leighton House Museum is the former home of the Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton (1830-1896). It is the only purpose-built studio-house open to the public in the UK. From the outside you think it's just a 'normal house' but once inside you'll see what all the fuss is about. The Arab Hall in this 'private palace of art' 

has a golden dome and walls lined with more than 1,000 stunning Islamic tiles. And upstairs, his painting studio has paintings and sculpture by Leighton and his contemporaries.

14. Design Museum

The Design Museum London serves as an inspiring playground for young minds, offering an exploration of creativity and innovation. Geared towards children, this dynamic institution provides interactive exhibits, workshops, and activities that ignite imagination and nurture design thinking. Through hands-on experiences, kids discover the power of design in shaping everyday life, from products and architecture to technology and fashion.

Relevance to kids lies in the museum's ability to cultivate problem-solving skills and artistic expression. It encourages them to view the world through a lens of innovation, fostering a deeper understanding of the design process. By engaging with diverse design concepts, children learn to appreciate aesthetic, functional, and sustainable elements.

In a rapidly evolving landscape, the Design Museum equips kids with adaptable skills and a broader perspective, fostering future designers, thinkers, and makers.

15. Japan House London

Japan House London stands as an enchanting portal for children to delve into the captivating realm of Japanese culture. This cultural centre offers an array of engaging experiences that cater to young minds. Through interactive exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and immersive demonstrations, Japan House London sparks curiosity and cultivates cross-cultural understanding.

For kids, this institution is a window into the vibrant tapestry of Japan's traditions, arts, and innovations. It not only encourages creative expression but also promotes open-mindedness and global awareness. From origami and calligraphy sessions to glimpses of modern technology, children are invited to explore the rich fusion of the past and present.

In an increasingly interconnected world, Japan House London equips kids with valuable insights and skills that transcend borders. By embracing the beauty and diversity of Japan, children are inspired to become culturally sensitive and appreciative other cultures.

16. Institut Francais Royaume-Uni

Institut Francais Royaume-Uni is the French Cultural Institute, representing all things French in the UK. Ciné Lumiére has plenty of family films and there are French classes, art workshops and baby sessions too. There's also a large French library including an area dedicated to French children's literature.

17. Royal Geographical Society

The UK's learned society and professional body for geography, supporting geography and geographers across the world, the Royal Geographical Society has some excellent exhibitions and lectures that may appeal to older children.

The Royal Geographical Society serves as a captivating gateway for children to explore the wonders of our world. This esteemed institution offers a rich trove of resources that kindle curiosity and learning. Through engaging exhibitions, interactive maps, and immersive workshops, the RGS instills a profound understanding of geography in young minds. By spotlighting diverse cultures, ecosystems, and landscapes, it fosters global awareness and empathy.

The RGS's educational programmes cater specifically to children, nurturing their innate sense of exploration. Its initiatives empower kids to decipher maps, unravel geographical mysteries, and comprehend the interconnectedness of our planet. This exposure not only boosts their academic prowess but also nurtures their environmental consciousness.

In a world rapidly evolving, the RGS equips children with the tools to become informed global citizens. By igniting a passion for geography, it sparks a lifelong journey of discovery and appreciation for the marvels of Earth.

Where To Stay In Kensington, London

Choosing a family stay near Hyde Park is an excellent decision if you’re looking for a holiday that offers easy access to world-class museums, parks, cultural experiences and even shopping malls in London central. This way, you can head back to relax between your outings.

Stay at our family friendly hotel near Hyde Park and feel like a resident of one of the nicest neighbourhoods in Kensington at Fraser Suites Queens Gate London. The modern serviced one or two-bedroom apartments can comfortably accommodate a family of up to 4 people. Each apartment incorporated with a fully-equipped kitchen so you can prepare meals for your loved ones at your convenience. Complimentary baby cots and babysitting services are also offered for your infants, while toddlers can enjoy playtime in our secluded patio garden, allowing you to relax and enjoy family quality time.