30 Free Things to Do in London With Teenagers

You can entertain teenagers in London for free by watching the spectacular Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, exploring world-class art at the National Gallery and Tate Modern, or cycling through the city with Santander bikes for just £1.65. Head to Richmond Park to spot 650 roaming deer, experience underground skate culture at Southbank, or catch street performances along the Thames. From interactive Science Museum exhibits to vibrant street art discoveries, countless adventures await your exploration.

Watch the Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace

When you’re looking for impressive entertainment that won’t cost a penny, the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace delivers world-class pageantry right on London’s doorstep.

This 45-minute spectacle features precision military drills, stirring music from regimental bands, and the formal handover between old and new guards from elite Foot Guards regiments.

The ceremony typically runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:00 am, with daily performances during summer months.

You’ll want to arrive early for prime viewing spots in the forecourt.

The action starts at 10:43 am when guards depart St James’s Palace, followed by the New Guard’s departure from Wellington Barracks at 10:57 am with the band.

For an additional ceremonial experience, you can also witness the mounted guards switching at Horse Guards at 11 am, located between St. James’s Park and Whitehall.

Check official sources beforehand, as schedules can change due to weather or state events.

Take in London Views From Sky Garden

After experiencing royal pageantry at ground level, you’ll want to see London from an entirely different perspective – 525 feet above the streets at Sky Garden.

Perched atop the Walkie Talkie building, London’s highest public garden offers spectacular 360-degree views of iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, the Shard, and River Thames – completely free.

You’ll need to book tickets three weeks ahead since they’re released Mondays and disappear quickly.

With over 3,000 daily visitors, it’s crowded, but weekday mornings offer fewer crowds and better lighting for photos.

The tropical plants and palm trees create an Instagram-worthy forest atmosphere under the glass dome. Since opening in 2015, this remarkable attraction has welcomed 10 million visitors, cementing its status as one of London’s most beloved free experiences.

It’s less touristy than the London Eye but equally impressive, making it perfect for teenagers seeking unique experiences without breaking your budget.

Visit Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square

Though you’ve just seen London from the clouds, Nelson’s Column brings you back to street level for one of the city’s most iconic free experiences. Standing 169 feet tall in Trafalgar Square, this monument commemorates Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Your teenagers can explore the bronze relief panels cast from captured French guns, depicting Nelson’s naval battles.

The square itself offers endless entertainment – from political demonstrations to street performers. Four bronze lions by Sir Edwin Landseer provide perfect photo opportunities, while the Fourth Plinth showcases rotating contemporary art. The monument’s construction spanned decades, with the Corinthian column completed in 1843 but Landseer’s famous lions not added until 1867.

You’re also steps from the National Gallery, making this central London location ideal for combining history, culture, and people-watching without spending a penny.

Explore Richmond Park and Spot Deer

Six hundred and fifty majestic deer roam freely across Richmond Park’s 2,500 acres, making it one of London’s most spectacular wildlife encounters that won’t cost you anything. You’ll spot both red and fallow deer grazing throughout this vast royal park, with fallow deer being slightly more numerous.

The park stays open 24 hours daily, giving you flexibility to visit when it suits your schedule. You can walk, cycle, or simply sit and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Richmond Park’s diverse landscapes provide perfect backdrops for photography and wildlife watching. For the best wildlife viewing experience, visit during early mornings and late afternoons when deer are most active.

Plan your visit outside November and February when the park closes overnight for population management. Bring a picnic and make it a full day exploring one of London’s largest enclosed spaces.

Enjoy Street Performances in Covent Garden

Since street performances have launched the careers of comedy legends like Eddie Izzard and magic sensation Dynamo, you’ll witness world-class entertainment at Covent Garden’s famous Piazza without spending a penny.

You’ll catch incredible acts daily—from chainsaw juggling and sword-swallowing to magic shows and acrobatics. Performers audition for their slots, ensuring you’ll see quality entertainment featuring juggling, live music, mime artists, and living statues.

Visit Monday through Friday from 10AM-8PM, Saturdays 9AM-8PM, or Sundays 12PM-6PM. While shows are completely free, consider tipping performers who rely on audience generosity. The West Piazza stands as one of the rare examples of true public space in London where performances can thrive.

Don’t miss the special 50th anniversary festival on Sunday, May 11, 2025, featuring an 11-piece brass band parade and full programming celebrating five decades of street performance tradition.

Discover Natural History Museum Exhibits

After soaking up Covent Garden’s vibrant street culture, you’ll find equally impressive entertainment at the Natural History Museum—completely free and perfect for curious teenagers.

Head straight to the Dinosaurs Gallery in the Blue Zone, where your teens can get up close with the world-famous roaring T. rex skeleton and the bronze Diplodocus named Fern.

The newly opened Fixing Our Broken Planet Gallery explores energy, health, materials, and food through over 200 fascinating objects—it’s already attracted one million visitors.

Don’t miss Hintze Hall‘s massive blue whale skeleton and the giant squid Archie.

The Red Zone’s Earth’s Treasury showcases stunning gemstones in atmospheric lighting, while touchable specimens in Lasting Impressions let teenagers experience geology hands-on. For art enthusiasts, the Images of Nature gallery features beautiful botanical illustrations and natural history artworks that blend science with artistic creativity.

Browse Modern Art at Tate Modern

When you’re ready to learn about world-class modern art without spending a penny, Tate Modern delivers an unbeatable experience that’s perfectly suited for teenagers.

The permanent collections remain completely free, featuring iconic works from Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí alongside contemporary artists like Monster Chetwynd and Pipilotti Rist.

Follow the curated trail of 25 iconic artworks spanning the building, offering a perfect introduction to modern and contemporary art from around the globe.

You’ll discover how Tate Modern has expanded the art world’s canon beyond traditional boundaries over its 25-year history. The museum has proven its appeal to young visitors, with over 70% of recent weekend attendees being under 35 years old.

The gallery’s Tate Collective membership for ages 16-25 is completely free and boasts over 180,000 members worldwide.

Don’t miss interactive experiences like participatory performances that transform viewing into engaging, hands-on learning.

Admire Masterpieces at the National Gallery

Step into one of the world’s greatest art collections at the National Gallery, where you’ll encounter masterpieces from Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, and Monet without paying admission fees. Located at Trafalgar Square, this cultural treasure attracted over 3.2 million visitors in 2024, making it the UK’s seventh most popular attraction.

You can explore the recently reopened Sainsbury Wing and experience “C C Land: The Wonder of Art,” the gallery’s largest-ever rehang revealed in May 2024. While special exhibitions require tickets, the permanent collection remains completely free.

The gallery’s website offers 14.2 million annual visits with online exhibitions and educational content, perfect for pre-visit planning. With educational programs engaging over 97,000 students yearly, you’ll find teen-friendly resources and interactive experiences throughout your visit. The gallery also engages audiences through social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, reaching 7.4 million engagements across all platforms.

View Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery

Discover over 11,000 portraits spanning six centuries at the National Portrait Gallery, where you’ll encounter everyone from Shakespeare to modern-day celebrities without spending a penny. Located at St Martin’s Place, this treasure trove offers completely free admission to its permanent collection, though donations are welcome.

Plan 30-45 minutes to explore the History Makers gallery with your teenagers.

Join free daily tours including the 45-minute Highlights Tour at 11am and 3pm, or catch the Portrait of the Day talk at 12:30pm.

Download the Bloomberg Connects app for self-guided exploration that’ll keep teens engaged.

The gallery opens daily from 10:30am-6pm, with extended Friday and Saturday hours until 9pm. The gallery was founded in 1856 specifically to collect portraits of important British figures throughout history.

Book free tickets online during busy periods to guarantee entry.

Explore Interactive Exhibits at the Science Museum

Why settle for looking at science when you can touch, experiment, and experience it firsthand? The Science Museum offers free admission to all teenagers, making it perfect for budget-conscious families. You’ll find interactive exhibits like Launch Pad with hands-on activities, Who Am I? exploring human characteristics, and Flight simulators for aviation experiences.

While most exhibits are free, consider splurging on Wonderlab’s Day Pass (£18 per person) for immersive zones covering Matter, Space, Light, and Forces. You can ride a rotating solar system, race down giant slides to test friction, and watch Tesla coil lightning demonstrations.

The museum works best for visitors over 10-11 years old, with technology-focused displays and live science shows like “Flash! Bang! Wallop!” keeping teenagers engaged. Popular displays include the Atmosphere exhibit, which showcases climate science and environmental technology through engaging interactive experiences.

Cycle Through London Streets With Bike Hire

London’s red Santander Cycles offer you an affordable way to explore the city with teenagers who crave independence and adventure. With over 12,000 bikes across 800 docking stations covering areas like Westminster, Camden Town, and Soho, you’ll find convenient access throughout central London.

At £1.65 for 30 minutes, single rides won’t break your budget. However, if you’re planning multiple trips, grab a £3 day pass for unlimited 30-minute journeys—just remember to redock between rides.

Use the Santander Cycles app to locate nearby stations and check bike availability in real-time.

For budget-conscious families, explore free alternatives like Camden Council’s four-week Brompton loans with delivery and training, or Waltham Forest’s community bike schemes for residents. Camden residents can also access the Try Before You Bike scheme through Peddle My Wheels, which covers most hire costs and includes free delivery with essential accessories like helmets and locks.

Practice Skateboarding at House of Vans

Tucked beneath Waterloo Station in Victorian railway tunnels, House of Vans transforms 2,500 square meters of underground space into London’s premier free skateboarding destination for teenagers.

You’ll find a challenging concrete bowl with nine-foot deep ends, a three-and-a-half-foot mini ramp, and street course featuring ledges, banks, and quarter pipes. The venue also welcomes BMX riders.

Book your two-hour session online in advance – there’s space for 66 skaters per session. You’ll need to print an insurance disclaimer before arriving.

The undercover facility offers competition-standard lighting and professional maintenance year-round.

Beyond skating, you can catch live music gigs, art exhibitions, and films. The venue features an 850-capacity music venue alongside its other entertainment spaces.

The on-site café serves affordable food, making it perfect for budget-conscious families seeking quality entertainment.

Try the Southbank Skate Space

For over fifty years, the Southbank Skate Space has served as the beating heart of British skateboarding culture, transforming a concrete undercroft beneath Queen Elizabeth Hall into the world’s longest continuously used skate spot.

You’ll find this legendary venue at Belvedere Road, just four minutes from Waterloo tube station.

The covered concrete plaza offers seventeen mushroom-shaped pillars, ledges, stairs, and banks across 100 square meters of skateable terrain.

Since it’s sheltered, you can skate regardless of weather conditions.

The space welcomes everyone from beginners to pros, operating 24/7 with free entry.

Vibrant graffiti artwork covers the walls, creating an authentic urban atmosphere.

The undercroft faced potential closure in the late 2000s for redevelopment, but passionate community efforts successfully revitalized the space in 2013.

Whether you’re skating or simply watching the action, you’ll experience genuine street culture that’s shaped British skateboarding for decades.

Experience the Olympic BMX Track at Lee Valley VeloPark

While skateboarding offers ground-level thrills, you can elevate your adrenaline experience at Lee Valley VeloPark, where the actual Olympic BMX track awaits your wheels.

This isn’t just any track – it’s where Team GB dominated the 2012 Olympics, now reconfigured for all abilities. You’ll tackle the same jumps, berms, and rhythm sections that elite athletes conquered, completely free during public sessions.

The floodlit track features separate courses for different skill levels, from beginner-friendly sections to challenging obstacles.

Beyond BMX, you’ve got access to five miles of mountain bike trails graded like ski runs, plus a one-mile road circuit for casual riding. The track’s impressive scale includes an 8-meter-high starting ramp that spans 470 meters, utilizing thousands of cubic meters of soil in its construction.

Book sessions in advance and arrive thirty minutes early for safety briefings.

Free parking’s included, making this Olympic legacy site genuinely accessible.

Play Sherlock: The Official Outdoor Game

Where can you step directly into the world of BBC’s Sherlock without spending a fortune on expensive themed experiences? Head to West 12 Centre in Shepherd’s Bush, where you’ll find an immersive escape game created by the show’s actual writers.

While not completely free, this experience offers incredible value compared to typical London attractions, with tickets starting from £30 for children and £35 for adults.

You’ll solve puzzles alongside your friends in iconic sets like 221B Baker Street, guided by original audio from Benedict Cumberbatch and the cast.

The 100-minute experience combines escape room challenges with immersive theater, perfect for teenagers aged 7 and above. Groups can accommodate 4-6 players working together to tackle the detective challenges.

After completing your mission to stop Moriarty, you can celebrate at the themed speakeasy bar.

Attend Free Gigs at House of Vans

Music-loving teenagers can catch world-class artists performing intimate gigs without paying London’s typical concert prices at House of Vans. You’ll find this underground venue beneath Waterloo railway station in the atmospheric Leake Street Tunnel, surrounded by vibrant street art that’ll keep you entertained while waiting.

Free tickets require advance applications since capacity’s limited, but it’s worth the effort. Recent shows have featured major acts like Metallica and Volbeat in surprisingly intimate settings. The venue also hosts emerging artists like Liam Bailey and Harleighblu, plus festival events featuring Raye and Gabrielle Aplin.

Beyond music, your teens can enjoy the free skate bowl and BMX facilities. Beer prices beat typical London pubs, and there’s burger food available. Check schedules carefully since opening times vary with event programming.

Watch Summer Theatre at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Since summer evenings in London can stretch until nearly 10pm, you’ll find Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre offers an enchanting theatrical experience that won’t break your budget.

With 36,000 tickets available at just £15 throughout the 2025 season, you can catch teen-friendly productions like the dystopian drama *Noughts & Crosses* or the comedy musical *Shucked*.

Four free Open Air Theatre Festivals include family days, dance performances, and comedy takeovers, with details announced spring 2025.

Even if you don’t attend a show, you can explore the surrounding Regent’s Park for free.

The magical outdoor setting transforms into an affordable cultural hub where your teenagers can experience professional theatre without the West End price tag.

Catch Live Music at Rough Trade East

Moving from the grandeur of outdoor theatre, you’ll discover an entirely different but equally enchanting performance experience at Rough Trade East on Brick Lane. This 5,000-square-foot flagship store combines record browsing with live performances seven days a week.

You’ll catch emerging and established artists across indie, alternative rock, pop, and electronic genres in an intimate setting that beats massive concert venues.

The venue hosts artist signings, Q&A sessions, and acoustic sets alongside regular performances. Notable acts like Sampha, Little Simz, and The Hives have graced the stage.

Located at the Old Truman Brewery, it’s easily accessible and doesn’t charge admission fees. You can browse vinyl collections, grab drinks at the bar, and enjoy live music without spending money on tickets.

Join Young Creatives Workshops at The Roundhouse

After exploring Brick Lane’s musical offerings, you’ll find another creative haven at The Roundhouse in Chalk Farm, where the Young Creatives programme transforms teenagers into skilled artists across music, media, and performing arts.

For just £2, your teen can try drop-in workshops without any long-term commitment—perfect for testing new interests like filmmaking, poetry slams, or radio broadcasting.

The real value comes with the £25 annual Emerging Artist Membership for ages 13-25. This open(s) studio access for as little as £1 per hour, plus £5 tickets to gigs through the GET IN scheme.

Professional tutors lead workshops in content creation, theater, and digital creativity, giving teens practical experience while keeping costs remarkably low for central London’s creative opportunities.

Experience Open-Air Cinema Screenings

When summer arrives in London, you’ll discover that some of the city’s best cinema experiences happen under the stars—and many won’t cost you a penny. Leicester Square offers daily free screenings from 7 June to 13 August, featuring blockbusters and live sports like Wimbledon. Arrive early to snag deck chairs on a first-come basis.

Head to Granary Square at King’s Cross for Everyman on the Canal (30 June to 17 August), where you’ll enjoy Disney hits and classics on a colorful screen designed by artist Yinka Ilori.

Canary Wharf’s Summer Screens runs longest—29 May to 27 September—with family films on weekends and sporting events throughout the week. Each venue provides unique atmospheres perfect for memorable teenage outings.

Walk Along the South Bank of the Thames

One of London’s most Instagram-worthy walks costs absolutely nothing and delivers million-pound views at every turn. The South Bank stretch between Lambeth Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge offers teens endless entertainment along its wide pedestrian path.

You’ll discover the Southbank Centre Undercroft, the world’s oldest continually used skate park where British skateboarding was born. Your teenagers can watch skilled skaters or try it themselves while you snap photos of Big Ben and the London Eye across the Thames.

Don’t miss Leake Street Tunnel‘s ever-changing street art or the buskers performing near Oxo Tower. Pack snacks for Jubilee Gardens, grab street food along the route, and extend your walk to Tower Bridge via Queen’s Walk for maximum sightseeing value.

Explore Borough Market Food Stalls

While Borough Market charges nothing to enter and explore, your teenagers will quickly discover why this 1,000-year-old market ranks among London’s top food destinations. With over 100 stalls spread across distinct areas, you’ll find everything from Padella’s hand-rolled pasta to Bread Ahead’s pistachio pain au chocolat.

Head to Green Market for cooked food stands or Three Crown Square for fresh produce sampling. Your teens can watch Bomba Paella cook saffron-infused rice in large pans or observe Furness Fish & Game shuck fresh oysters. Borough High Street offers free food demonstrations and tastings.

The Southwark Cathedral area showcases international cuisines, while vegetarian options like Horn OK Please’s Indian street food ensure everyone’s satisfied.

Smart budgeting tip: sample generously before purchasing anything.

Visit Leadenhall Market’s Victorian Architecture

Step into Leadenhall Market and you’ll transport your teenagers back to Victorian London without spending a penny. This stunning 1881 glass and iron structure by Sir Horace Jones showcases ornate green, maroon, and cream-painted arches that’ll have teens snapping Instagram-worthy photos instantly.

Located in the heart of the City’s financial district, the market sits atop ancient Roman ruins dating to 50 AD. Your teenagers can explore the elaborate stone pediments carved with dragons and City heraldry while walking the original cobbled floors under spectacular glass skylights.

The wrought-iron architecture creates mesmerizing repetitive arches that ripple throughout the space. Since it’s completely covered, you’re protected from London’s unpredictable weather while browsing boutique shops, cafes, and wine bars housed within this Grade II* listed Victorian masterpiece.

Stroll Through Hyde Park and Speaker’s Corner

From London’s ornate Victorian interiors, your teenagers will appreciate the vast open spaces that Hyde Park provides across its 350 acres in the heart of the city.

They’ll find plenty of free activities here, from exploring the Senior Playground’s fitness equipment to discovering Henry Moore sculptures and the Diana Memorial Fountain.

Don’t miss Speaker’s Corner in the northeast section near Marble Arch, where passionate debates have happened since 1872. Visit on Sundays to hear orators discussing everything from politics to social issues—it’s a living tradition of free speech that once featured Karl Marx and Emmeline Pankhurst.

Pack a picnic, rent deck chairs, or simply people-watch while your teens enjoy this budget-friendly escape.

Discover Street Art in Shoreditch

Though Shoreditch transforms constantly as artists paint over old works, you’ll discover one of London’s most vibrant free galleries sprawled across its warehouse walls and narrow alleyways. Start at Old Street Station and head to Brick Lane for countless murals in a condensed space. Don’t miss Chance Street’s massive pieces by artists like Reka and Shepherd Fairey, or explore hidden Blackall Alley—too narrow for cars but packed with hundreds of artworks.

Seven Stars Yard serves as London’s most exciting street art hub with constantly rotating international talent. For the biggest mural in the UK, visit King John Court. The art refreshes often, so grab a street art map to navigate effectively.

You’ll find everything from large-scale murals to intricate stencils across this ever-changing outdoor gallery.

Browse Books at Foyles or Waterstones

Six floors of literary treasures await you at Foyles’ flagship store on Charing Cross Road, where you’ll browse over 200,000 titles without spending a penny. This iconic bookshop spans four miles of shelves across every subject imaginable, making it perfect for teens with diverse interests.

You’ll find specialist sections, music departments with sheet music and CDs, plus designer gifts and stationery beyond just books.

The store’s free gallery space and public events in the auditorium add extra entertainment value. Located just three minutes from Tottenham Court Road station, it’s easily accessible.

If you prefer alternatives, Waterstones on Piccadilly offers similar browsing experiences. Both chains welcome you to spend hours discovering new authors, exploring different genres, and enjoying London’s rich literary culture completely free.

Walk Across Tower Bridge

While crossing Tower Bridge costs nothing, you’ll experience one of London’s most iconic landmarks up close as over 40,000 people do daily.

This Victorian masterpiece, spanning 940 feet across the Thames, offers stunning views from its pedestrian walkways positioned 143 feet above the river. You’ll walk alongside cyclists and motorists on the 60-foot-wide bridge while admiring the ornate towers that rise almost 63 meters above road level.

If you’re lucky, you might witness the bridge lifting for passing vessels—though this happens only about 1,000 times yearly with 24-hour advance notice.

The bridge connects significant portions of London and serves as a boundary for the congestion charge zone, making it both historically significant and practically important for the city.

Explore Camden Market’s Alternative Culture

From London’s historic landmarks, head north to Camden Market where you’ll discover one of the city’s most vibrant alternative culture scenes without spending a penny.

You’ll wander through interconnected markets that’ve housed rebels, artists, and punks since the 1970s. The sprawling venue began as a small crafts fair in 1974 and evolved into a mecca for counter-culture movements.

Browse past Cyberdog’s three-story neon wonderland and goth boutiques selling coffin handbags without buying anything.

You’ll spot punks, goths, ravers, and cyberpunks expressing their individuality through wild fashion choices. The vibrant street art reflects decades of non-conformity, while independent traders showcase hand-crafted items and vintage finds.

Camden’s musical heritage adds authenticity to this free cultural exploration that celebrates self-expression.

Visit the Horniman Museum and Gardens

Escape the crowds at this hidden Victorian treasure in South London, where 350,000 fascinating objects await your discovery—all for free. The Horniman Museum encourages hands-on exploration that’ll captivate teenagers. Touch Arctic materials, smell herbal scents, and tie wishes to the Cloutie Tree. Marvel at the giant stuffed walrus and explore global cultures through tribal masks and artifacts.

Don’t miss the 16-acre gardens featuring London’s oldest nature trail, outdoor musical instruments, and stunning city skyline views. While the museum and gardens cost nothing, you’ll pay extra for the Butterfly House and aquarium—though the free exhibits provide hours of entertainment.

Plan over three hours combining indoor discoveries with outdoor adventures at 100 London Road, Forest Hill.

Take Photos at Millennium Bridge

After exploring South London’s hidden gems, head to the heart of the city where the Millennium Bridge offers teenagers endless photography opportunities without spending a penny.

You’ll find the bridge’s sleek modern design creates stunning contrasts against London’s classical architecture. Position yourself on the south side for symmetrical shots of the walkways, or capture the iconic view toward St. Paul’s Cathedral dome.

Visit during dusk for dramatic sky backdrops, or try night photography with the upgraded lighting systems. The bridge accommodates tripods between structural poles – just arrive early to secure prime spots.

From here, you can photograph multiple landmarks including Tower Bridge, the Shard, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in layered compositions that’ll impress your social media followers.

The Sum Up

You’ve got plenty of amazing free options to explore London with teenagers without breaking the bank. From iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace to hidden gems like the Horniman Museum, these activities’ll keep everyone entertained. Mix historic sites with modern attractions, outdoor adventures with cultural experiences. Don’t forget your camera and comfortable walking shoes – you’ll cover lots of ground discovering London’s best free offerings while creating unforgettable memories together.