As a mum to an energetic two-year-old, I’m always on the lookout for affordable family activities in London. With Easter weekend approaching, Steve and I have been planning some exciting adventures that won’t break the bank. After years of exploring the city, both as a local and now as parents, I’ve compiled our favourite budget-friendly Easter activities that are perfect for families with little ones.
Easter Trail at Kew Gardens (Under £20 for adults, children under 4 free)
Having watched our daughter’s face light up at the sight of spring flowers, I can confidently say Kew Gardens’ Easter trail is worth every penny. The gardens have created a special route perfect for little legs, with interactive stops along the way. Steve particularly enjoys photographing our little one’s determined expression as she searches for hidden Easter eggs among the blooms.
Top tips:
- Book online in advance for better rates
- Pack a picnic to save on café costs
- Visit early morning to avoid crowds
- Bring a camera for beautiful spring photos
Natural History Museum Easter Activities (Free entry)
Our daughter still refers to this as the “whale house” after her first glimpse of Hope, the blue whale skeleton. During Easter weekend, the museum offers special activities including:
- Easter-themed craft sessions
- Dinosaur egg hunt
- Interactive science demonstrations
- Wildlife drawing workshops
The museum can get busy, but we’ve found that arriving just after opening time (10 am) helps avoid the largest crowds.
Easter Duck Trail at London Wetland Centre (Under £15 for adults, children under 4 free)
This hidden gem in Barnes has become our go-to spot for outdoor adventures. During Easter, they organise a special duck trail that our toddler absolutely adores. The combination of wildlife spotting and Easter activities keeps both children and adults entertained.
Must-do activities:
- Follow the duck trail map
- Visit the otters (feeding time is fascinating!)
- Explore the adventure playground
- Watch birds from the hides
Easter at Greenwich Park (Free entry)
One of London’s most beautiful royal parks transforms into an Easter paradise. We love:
- Rolling eggs down the hill (our daughter’s favourite activity)
- Picnicking with views of the city
- Visiting the free ecology centre
- Walking through the flower garden
Pro tip: Pack hard-boiled eggs decorated at home for traditional egg rolling – much more economical than buying them there!
Easter Sunday at St Paul’s Cathedral (Free for worship services)
While our toddler might not sit through an entire service, the Easter Sunday morning atmosphere is magical. The cathedral’s children’s corner is perfect for little ones, and the music echoes beautifully throughout the space.
Easter Market at Borough Market (Free entry, bring £10-15 for treats)
Steve and I take turns watching our daughter while the other explores the market stalls. The Easter weekend brings special activities including:
- Face painting
- Easter egg decorating demonstrations
- Live music
- Special holiday treats
Easter at Horniman Museum and Gardens (Free museum entry, gardens free)
This South London treasure offers:
- Easter trail through the gardens
- Animal walk
- Hands-on musical instruments
- Beautiful butterfly house (small additional fee)
Vauxhall City Farm Easter Festival (Under £5 donation suggested)
Our daughter’s eyes light up every time we visit the farm animals. During Easter, they offer:
- Easter egg hunt
- Meet the baby animals
- Craft activities
- Face painting
Money-Saving Tips for Easter Weekend
Transportation:
- Use family travel cards
- Travel during off-peak times
- Consider walking between nearby attractions
- Look for kids-travel-free promotions
Food and Drinks:
- Pack picnics and snacks
- Carry water bottles
- Look for kids-eat-free deals
- Visit markets for affordable treats
Entertainment Extras:
- Download free activity sheets beforehand
- Bring your own craft materials
- Take advantage of free museum activities
- Use family ticket options where available
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything:
- Many attractions are busiest 11am-3pm
- Consider early morning visits
- Plan around nap times
- Check special Easter opening hours
Essential Packing:
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are key!)
- Snacks and drinks
- Activities for queuing
- Camera for memories
Making the Most of Your Budget
To keep costs under £20 per person:
- Focus on free attractions
- Pack your own food and drinks
- Use public transport
- Take advantage of early-bird booking discounts
Final Thoughts
Easter weekend in London doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable. Some of our favourite family moments have been the simplest ones – watching our daughter chase bubbles in Greenwich Park, or her delighted squeals when spotting ducklings at the Wetland Centre.
Remember, at this age, it’s not about expensive activities or elaborate plans. It’s about spending time together, exploring new places, and creating memories. As Steve always says, “The best adventures are the ones where we’re all laughing together.”
Have you tried any of these activities? Or do you have your own favourite budget-friendly Easter spots in London? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
[Note: All prices and opening times mentioned are correct as of Easter 2025. Please check individual websites before visiting.]
