From riverside walks and woodland trails to playgrounds, museums and animal encounters, there are plenty of options that won’t break the bank.
Many of these attractions are free or low cost, and several are run by local charities or volunteers, donations are often welcome to help keep them going.
Here is the full list:
Crystal Palace Park
Best known for its Victorian dinosaur sculptures, Crystal Palace Park also offers a maze, a children’s farm, a skatepark, and wide green spaces for games and picnics. It remains one of the most popular free day-out spots in the area.
Address: Thicket Road, London SE19 2GA
Cost: Free
Horniman Museum and Gardens
The main galleries and gardens at the Horniman are free to enter and feature collections of natural history, anthropology and musical instruments. A small charge applies to the aquarium and butterfly house.
Address: 100 London Road, London SE23 3PQ
Cost: Free entry to galleries and gardens. Aquarium and butterfly house from £2.50
Beckenham Place Park
Covering more than 200 acres, this historic park includes woodland, meadows, a popular adventure playground and a swimming lake. While access to the park is free, wild swimming must be booked in advance and costs a few pounds per session.
Address: Beckenham Hill Road, Beckenham BR3 1SY
Cost: Free. Swimming from £4.50 per child
Thames Path walk
The Thames Path between Greenwich and Woolwich offers a flat, family-friendly route with plenty to see along the way — from boats and bridges to playgrounds and parks. Families can also hop on the free Woolwich Ferry.
Start point: Cutty Sark Gardens, London SE10 9HT
Cost: Free
Telegraph Hill Park
Located in New Cross, Telegraph Hill Park is split into two sections. The upper park has sweeping views of the London skyline; the lower park includes a playground, tennis courts and green space for ball games.
Address: Kitto Road, London SE14 5TY
Cost: Free
Oxleas Woods and Severndroog Castle
These ancient woods offer peaceful walking routes and shaded trails ideal for summer days. Severndroog Castle sits within the woodland and opens on select days with entry from around £3.50. Woodland access is free year-round.
Address: Shooters Hill, London SE18 3JA
Cost: Free woodland access. Castle entry from £3.50
Surrey Docks Farm
This working city farm is home to goats, sheep, donkeys, pigs and chickens. Entry is free, with optional low-cost animal handling sessions and weekend craft workshops.
Address: Rotherhithe Street, London SE16 5ET
Cost: Free entry. Some activities from £2
Folkestone Gardens playground
A modern and spacious play area in Deptford, this park features climbing equipment, zip wires, a skate bowl and a pond. It’s a quieter alternative to larger parks and popular with families who live locally.
Address: Trundleys Road, London SE8 5JE
Cost: Free
Mayow Park
One of Lewisham’s oldest public parks, Mayow Park has a large playground with climbing frames, a sandpit and plenty of open space. There’s also a café and facilities for tennis and football.
Address: Mayow Road, London SE26 4JA
Cost: Free
Charlton Park and playground
This open green space near Charlton House includes a well-equipped adventure playground, a sensory garden and plenty of room for outdoor games. Charlton House also hosts free exhibitions and has a family-friendly café.
Address: Charlton Park Road, London SE7 8UB
Cost: Free
Maryon Wilson Animal Park
A hidden gem in Charlton, this animal park allows families to see deer, goats, pigs and more. Free public feeding tours are held every Wednesday at 1pm during school holidays, but numbers are limited and operate on a first-come basis.
Address: Thorntree Road, London SE18 3SH
Cost: Free entry. Animal tours free at 1pm Wednesdays
