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# London with children: museums, boats and city farms

Family days in London need not revolve around expensive tickets. Museums, canal boats, city farms and parks offer several ways to balance a bigger outing with something simpler.

## Museums, canals and city farms

The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A are grouped around Exhibition Road and Cromwell Road. Permanent galleries are free. The Natural History Museum opens 10am–5.50pm, with last entry at 5.30pm. Book its free entry ticket to secure admission for your chosen time. It closes on 24–26 December.

The London Waterbus Company’s Little Venice-to-Camden Market narrowboat trip takes about forty-five minutes along Regent’s Canal. It passes London Zoo and goes through a tunnel; the towpath offers a walking alternative for the return.

Vauxhall City Farm and Surrey Docks Farm in Rotherhithe offer free visits with animals including goats, pigs and ponies. The Old Dairy café is at Vauxhall. Either can provide a shorter outing between larger plans.

## Kew, Hampton Court and a West End show

At Kew Gardens, the Treetop Walkway rises eighteen metres into the canopy. Hampton Court Palace is reached by train from Waterloo, with a maze and Tudor kitchens to explore. Bushy Park nearby has deer.

Matilda, The Lion King and Paddington The Musical are options for a family theatre trip. Recent cheapest-seat examples started around £25 for Matilda, with the other two higher. Compare age guidance, performance times and seat access before choosing.

Keep the daily journeys manageable. A kitchen and separate bedrooms can leave room for quiet meals and rest between outings, particularly with a park or museum nearby.

## More guides

- [Michelin-starred restaurants in London: booking windows and prices](https://londonresidency.com/michelin-london/)

- [London restaurants: dining rooms, terraces and recorded menu prices](https://londonresidency.com/best-luxury-restaurants-london/)

- [Private dining rooms in London, by party size](https://londonresidency.com/best-luxury-private-dining-rooms-london/)

- [London museums and galleries: collections and exhibitions](https://londonresidency.com/museums-galleries/)