Family budgets can’t stretch to a daily trip to the zoo, but that doesn’t mean that an outing is out of the question. Grab a packed lunch and leave your purse at home for these free activities for kids.

Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum’s Life Galleries are devoted to displays on animal life, from creepy crawlies to the plaster cast of a Diplodocus that lords it over the Central Hall. The Earth Galleries explore the natural forces that shape our planet, the treasures we take from it, the effect we have on it and its place in the universe.
Address: Cromwell Rd London SW7 5BD
Venue phone:020 7942 5000
Venue website:www.nhm.ac.uk
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5.50pm (last adm 5.30pm)
Transport: Tube: South Kensington

Kentish Town City Farm
Children are at the heart of the farm, with a range of weekend workshops
Address:1 Cressfield Close off Grafton RdNW5 4BN
Venue phone:020 7916 5421
Venue website:www.ktcityfarm.org.uk
Opening hours:9am-5pm daily
Transport: Tube: Kentish Town.

Coram’s Fields
Bloomsbury-located Coram’s Fields is one of the most child-friendly open spaces in central London. There is an enormous sandpit and all sorts of toddler climbing frames, see-saws and swings on the east side. There’s also a city farm and an adventure playground for the older kids with a zip wire, tunnel slide and lots of climbing equipment made from natural materials.
Address :93 Guilford StLondonWC1N 1DN
Venue phone:020 7837 6138
Venue website:www.coramsfields.org
Opening hours:9am-dusk daily
Transport: Tube: Russell Square

Crystal Palace Park
Children going through the dinosaur phase always enjoy a visit ‘the monsters’ – five dinosaur sculptures that lurk among the trees around the lake.