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London with kids on a budget
As any born-and-bred Londoner will tell you, the capital is simply the best place in the world to grow up. Packed with fabulous museums, interactive shows and a healthy scattering of charming petting zoos, the city has plenty to keep families entertained. In a city known for its penchant for the exclusive, many of the most engaging tot-friendly attractions are purse-friendly and open to all. Here are five of the best.
Free, fun and family-friendly activities in London
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road, SW7 5BDExperience the earthquake simulator, then creep past the animatronic T-rex, all for free.
Kensington Gardens
W2 2UHRun riot in the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, with its pirate-ship centrepiece.
National Maritime Museum
Park Row, SE10 9NFUnder-sevens love the free ‘Ahoy’ gallery, stoking boilers, fixing boats and steering an ice-breaker.
Mudchute Park and Farm
Pier Street, Isle of Dogs, E14 3HPEntry’s free at this urban farm, whose residents run from rabbits to alpacas.
The South Bank
SE1Great for families, from the buskers and splashy fountains to the singing lift at the Royal Festival Hall.
Image credits: © Belinda Lawley; © Belinda Lawley; © Natural History Museum; © Kensington Gardens; © National Maritime Museum; © Mudchute Park & Farm; © Belinda Lawley