Wonderful off-peak wintery activities for families in London

It might be cold outside, but things are positively tropical in the Horniman Museum’s steamy indoor garden filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Spot the colourful insects, including rare butterflies like the Horniman swallow tail (named after the south east London museum’s founder), and watch them hatch out of their puparium. You’ll be winging your way there in no time. Free for under 3s, £5.40 for children and adults.
Getting there: Overground to Forest Hill.
Local bus routes: 176, 185, 197, 356, P4.

This super-interactive and fascinating museum is a treat for families at any time of year – but no more so than during the festive period. This year, families can visit the museum's magical forest, meet Santa in his secret cabin, or track him down in the galleries. Children can also join in with sing-a-longs and storytelling sessions, and make transport-inspired decorations, such a bunting and decorations using the iconic Tube logo or 'roundel' to take home. From December 1 to January 6. For the full list of Christmas activities, visit the museum website. Adult prices from £16 (concessions £13.50). Cheapest tickets available online. Adult tickets allow unlimited daytime access for the museum for a whole year.
Getting there Piccadilly or Northern line to Leicester Square.
Local bus routes RV1, 9, 13, 15, 139, 153.

Don’t know your reed warbler from your great crested grebe? Go species spotting at this tranquil nature reserve tucked away behind the high rises of Finsbury Park. The working reservoir with its reed-fringed ponds and dappled woodland, was opened in 2016 after nearly 200 years of being closed to the public. Now it’s the perfect spot for a crisp winter walk. Free.
Getting there: Piccadilly line to Manor House.
Local bus routes: 253, 254, 259, 279.  

Get up close and personal with a bunch of cute creatures at this fabulous city farm huddled around two railway lines at Gospel Oak. See goats larking about beneath railway arches and sheep bleating over the whirring nearby trains. Don’t miss the ducks, chickens, geese, three horses, two donkeys, two pigs and a cow that also call this place home. Free.
Getting there: Overground to Gospel Oak or northern line to Kentish Town.
Local bus routes: 24, 46, 134, 214, C11.

Get little minds excited about all things nautical at the National Maritime Museum’s immersive children's exhibition. Kids can stock the boiler of a steamship, work in an interactive boatyard, find out about pirates and polar exploration and play a game of firing cannons. They’ll be so wowed, they might forgive you for dragging them around Turner's ‘Battle of Trafalgar’ gallery afterwards. Free. 
Getting there: DLR to Cutty Sark.
Local bus routes: 129, 177, 180, 188, 286, 386, N1.

Cold and frosty mornings were made for walking around this beautiful former deer park. A magical mist hangs over the river and wetland area in the early hours, where your can spy egret and snipe in the winter months. Keep an eye out for patches of snowdrops in the arboretum and with no leaves on the trees, you can catch some breathtaking views of the winter skyline from the spacious South Park. Free.
Getting there: Northern line to Morden.
Local bus routes: 80, 118, 157, 164, 201, 470, 93, K5.