inspiration for free days out in london
summer in the city
Looking to entertain the kids on a shoestring this summer? We’ve compiled a list of free activities for children of all ages. Scroll down for more info!
If you’re aware of other free days out in London, which aren’t listed below, please let us know by emailing info@hackneyfoodbank.org
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Free Family Swim
Enjoy a free family swim session at a Better leisure centre in Hackney each week in the summer holidays.
Britannia Leisure Centre; July 24th (12.45pm-3.15pm) or August 14th (12.45pm-3.15pm)
King’s Hall Leisure Centre: August 2nd (1pm-4pm) or August 23rd (1pm-4pm)
Clissold Leisure Centre: August 14th (12.45pm-3.15pm) or August 30th (1pm-4pm).
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Events at Hackney Libraries
From reading challenges to domino championships and carnival crafts, Hackney’s libraries are hosting plenty of free, fun activities this summer. There’s lots for younger kids and also a writing course for over 12s.
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Free School Holiday Club
Daubeney School is offering a free summer holiday 2 week camp for those eligible for free school meals.
Book by emailing info@alh.org.uk or Call 0208 432 6699) 0
Daubeney Primary School, E5 0EG
Read more
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horizon 22
Visit London’s highest free viewing platform. It’s situated on the 58th floor of a tower block in Bishopsgate and offers amazing views of the Thames and Tower Briidge. Book well ahead to avoid disappointment.
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visit the pelicans!
Did you know that there are pelicans in St James’ Park? They were presented to King Charles II by a Russian ambassador in the 1600s.
You’ll find them close to the bridge to Duck Island (head to the Horse Guard Parade park entrance). Feeding time is 2.30pm each day!
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FOUNTAINS KINGS CROSS
Little children love the fountains at Kings Cross. The 1,080 jets are individually controlled and lit. Kids run in and out of them! Bring swimming costumes or a change of clothes!
It’s open daily during daylight hours.
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olympics on a big screen - kings cross
Celebrate the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in King’s Cross, with big screen sporting action and appearances from Team GB stars.
July 26th - August 11th
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the wellcome collection
There’s a really fun exhibition at the Wellcome Collection in Euston throughout the summer of 2024.
Jason and the Adventure of 254 is a whimsical look at how society perceives disability. There are giant sculptures and push-button lights.
Admission is free.
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hackney city farm
Open Tuesday to Sunday, this city farm offers a chance to get close to a range of farmyard animals. Admission is completely free. Find the farm at Goldsmiths Row (E2 8QA)
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Activities with Hackney Council
During Summer school holidays in July and August 2024, Hackney Council will once again be teaming up with a number of schools, sports activity providers and community services to offer a wide range of exciting activities and a daily healthy free meal.
It’s first-come first-served so book your place early!
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freightliners farm
Located in Liverpool Road, Islington, this city farm is wonderful. There are pigs, sheep, cows, chickens, rabbits, ducks and more.
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museum of the home
This museum at 136 Kingsland Road offers exhibits about how homes have evolved over the decades. Check out a typical room from the 1800s or the 1970s!
Admission is free. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
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The Young V&A
Located on Cambridge Heath Road in Bethnal Green, this is very much a hands-on doing museum.
There’s a play gallery and toys from throughout the decades. This place is a must-see!
Open daily - 10am - 5.45pm.
Admission Free.
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The Science Museum
Packed with exhibits that will blow your mind, this free museum in South Kensington is so special.
There are cars and aeroplanes from through the ages and their space exhibition is incredible. There’s a fun interactive space for pre-schoolers downstairs.
Open daily 10am-6pm
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Appearing Rooms at The Southbank Centre
Dress the kids in their bathers or bring a change of clothes! The Riverside Terrace at the Southbank Centre is being transformed this summer with shooting jets of water that disappear as quickly as they emerge.
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the design museum
The Design Museum’s collection is an important record of the key designs that have shaped the modern world. It tells the history of mass production, from the manufacturing innovations of the nineteenth century up to the digital and making revolution of the last few years
.224 – 238 Kensington High Street.
Open daily from 10am. Admission: free
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grant museum of zoology
Established in 1828 as a teaching collection in comparative anatomy, the Grant Museum of Zoology is now home to around 68,000 zoological specimens, including extinct and extant animal species, fluid preserved specimens, taxidermy, glass and wax animal models, fossils and pinned entomology.
University College London , 21 University Street , WC1E 6DE.
Open: Tuesday – Friday: 1pm-5pm and Saturday: 11am-5pm
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The British Museum
2 million years of human art, history and culture.
Come face-to-face with objects from the Sutton Hoo ship burial, explore the wonderful collection of the Islamic world and learn more about Egyptian mummies.
Open daily from 10am.
Admission free.
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London walks
TFL has compiled a list of brilliant walking routes. It’s a great way to discover more of the city. Each walk takes around half an hour.
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Watch Tower Bridge open
You can get a good view from the banks of the Thames with a lovely grassy area near City Hall where you can have a picnic and watch the bridge open.
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National Maritime Museum
There are child-friendly tours, several excellent play spaces and a giant map for kids to leap around on. Advanced booking is recommended.
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Tate Modern
See some of the world’s most exciting modern and contemporary art at Tate Modern's art gallery. On display are paintings, sculptures and large-scale installations from artists around the world.
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Mudchute Farm
Visit one of the largest inner city farms in Europe with 32 acres of countryside and over 100 animals for all to enjoy in the heart of East London.
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Crystal Palace Park
Explore this family-friendly park where you can pet animals in a children’s farm, get lost in a Victorian maze, skateboard in the skatepark or admire dinosaur statues that were erected in the 1850s.
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Barbican Conservatory and Art Gallery
Visit London's second largest conservatory in London. Tickets must be booked in advance. There are also tours and exhibitions to see - check out their upcoming events here:
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Hip Hop Dance Battle
East Bank Waterfront, Olympic Park.
August 3rd. Watch talented east London dancers face off in an epic hip hop dance battle, packed with creative challenges and spontaneous moves.
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Short Walks with TFL
TFL has compiled a list of brilliant walking routes. It’s a great way to discover more of the city. Each walk takes around half an hour.
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Shakespeare Walk Adventure Playground
This Stoke Newington playground is free and children aged six-16 can be dropped off. There are staff on hand to keep an eye! Open weekdays during the holidays: 12pm-5pm.
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Free Family Swim Lessons at Kings Hall
Kings Hall Leisure Centre is offering free family swimming lessons from Monday July 29th till Friday August 2nd. 9.30am-11.30am. First come-first served.
The centre is in Lower Clapton Road. The first registration is at 9am, the second at 10am.
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Holiday Activities for those eligible for free school meals
Hackney Council are teaming up with schools, sports activity providers and community services across the borough to provide a variety of exciting activities alongside a daily healthy meal throughout July and August.
The scheme is free for those eligible for free school meals benefits. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis.
