It at all times amazes me when folks suppose children gained’t get pleasure from museums. With interactive and even digital actuality reveals, child-friendly actions, hands-on experiences, and an opportunity to reply a few of the limitless questions they’ve, so many are good for a household day trip – particularly in London.
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And for those who’re visiting London museums with toddlers and children, you might be spoiled for alternative. Even higher there are such a lot of free museums in London for youths – thankfully, as my dwelling metropolis is just not the most affordable.
Whether or not you’re in search of one thing interactive, a museum for animal-lovers, a style of historical past – targeted on London itself or the world – or one of many many particular collections the UK capital has, these are my prime tips about the perfect London museums for toddlers and children earlier than you go to.
For extra concepts of the perfect issues to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers, take a look at this publish
The Pure Historical past Museum, London
Famously certainly one of London’s hottest museums for toddlers and kids, to not point out loads of teenagers and adults, the Pure Historical past museum’s assortment is way larger than most guests may guess.
For those who’re counting, there are round 80 million gadgets (though not all on show) protecting zoology, paleontology, botany, entomology and mineralogy, in certainly one of London’s most eye-catching museum buildings.
Nevertheless it’s the dinosaurs which draw many of the guests, at the least on the primary event. My daughter was a toddler after we made our first visits, already fascinated by the Dippy the diplodocus (now changed by a blue whale skeleton referred to as Hope).
We’ve been again numerous instances exploring new areas and trying out a few of the particular exhibitions, together with one on mammoths and one other linked to Harry Potter.
Ideas for visiting the Pure Historical past Museum
No matter age your children are, it pays to get to the museum early – and ideally on weekdays or exterior college holidays. Do prebook tickets to skip the queues at peak instances as properly.
The museum is at all times in style, so be ready for some queues (although you may generally skip the worst of the Pure Historical past Museum queue by taking the facet entrance in Exhibition Highway, which can be buggy-friendly) however when you’re inside, there’s a lot to see that solely the dinosaur part is prone to really feel busy.
Try my full set of suggestions right here for visiting the Pure Historical past Museum with younger children, together with what’s finest within the Pure Historical past Museum for toddlers
There’s way over simply dinosaurs too, with galleries on mammals and sea creatures, which is a good choice with littler ones who don’t fancy an encounter with a shifting T-Rex or the earth sciences of the Purple Zone, with volcano locator and earthquake simulator.
The rumbles and flashes of pink gentle coming from the highest of the escalator as much as this part may be distinctly off-putting for youthful children (or totally thrilling!). You can too escape to the museum’s gardens, together with the Evolution Backyard for some extra dino hyperlinks.
Can you are taking buggies in?
You possibly can take pushchairs and strollers in to the museum, or there’s the chance to retailer buggies within the cloakroom for £5 (though they need to fold flat), in addition to coats and different gadgets for a charge.
You can too retailer youngster scooters for £3, or wheel/carry them across the museum (although you may’t scoot round on them).
Different suggestions
It’s additionally just some minutes from the Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert museum if you wish to mix two in at some point.
Pure Historical past Museum: Must know
Opening instances: The museum is open each day besides December 24-26, from 10am to five.50pm, with final entry at 5.30pm.
The place: Cromwell Highway, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD. Closest tube station: South Kensington.
Costs: Free entry though there are prices for momentary exhibitions (and you could must guide these prematurely).
The place to remain: For those who’re in search of family-friendly lodges close to the Pure Historical past Museum, the selection is between the funds chains, such because the Ibis Types on Gloucester Highway, and Premier Inn at Earl’s Court docket (a brief journey from South Kensington) or high-end and classy lodges close by, together with The Ampersand.
Reserving.com additionally has a listing of lodges close to the Pure Historical past Museum to match costs.
There’s additionally a YHA youth hostel in Earl’s Court docket with household rooms sleeping between three and 6 (although guide forward) for those who’re visiting London on a funds.
For extra solutions on what to do in London with children who love animals, take a look at my prime picks from zoos and aquariums to museums.
The Science Museum, London
One other of London’s hottest museums with youthful children, the Science Museum is good in case you have youngsters who wish to get arms on.
And with collections protecting science and expertise from the oldest surviving steam locomotive to the mannequin of DNA and the forerunners of computer systems, it is a museum that you would revisit over and over.
Together with the area and flight galleries, you may observe humanity’s technological advances, medical historical past, extra interactive shows and in addition the IMAX 3 cinema displaying documentaries.
Only some areas are geared toward toddlers and preschoolers, particularly The Backyard which is targeted on under-fives on the Science Museum – though with reveals that make noise, a mini puppet theatre, areas to climb and play and the water function (at all times a giant favorite), this space alone can entertain youthful children for fairly a while.
The Sample Pod is geared toward ages 5 to eight, however preschoolers will discover lots to get pleasure from right here as properly, and by the point they’re approaching college age, there are galleries galore for various pursuits, particularly area and completely different automobiles by means of historical past.
The favored Wonderlab additionally has science exhibits and demonstrations (entry is additional) which can attraction most to high school age youngsters and older – value each penny, my daughter might spend hours right here.
There are common momentary exhibitions too, together with Energy Up (which can attraction to players).
Ideas for visiting the Science Museum
Like most museums, it’s quietest early or late, however as most under-fives might be targeted on a couple of completely different areas, it actually pays to show up when there aren’t crowds of preschoolers all making an attempt to entry the identical issues.
The museum additionally has occasional ‘early birds’ opening for households with youngsters who want a quieter surroundings.
Preserve a watch out on the Science Museum weblog too, with solutions for household trails across the museum.
Try my full set of suggestions right here on visiting the Science Museum with toddlers.
Can you are taking buggies in?
You possibly can take buggies into the museum, though they aren’t allowed inside some areas for area causes.
There are buggy parks dotted round too, together with reverse The Backyard, by the Sample Pod and inside Wonderlab – these are unmanned although, so don’t go away valuables within the pushchair. Yow will discover coin-return pushchair locks within the Spare Room reverse The Backyard however these want a £1 coin.
The cloakroom is just not at the moment accepting buggies, solely smaller gadgets.
Any possessions within the buggies are left at your individual danger although. If you wish to go away luggage someplace safe, there are additionally lockers on degree -1, which value from £3 for small lockers (large enough for coats). These are card cost solely.
Different suggestions
It’s value having spare garments for those who’re visiting The Backyard and its water exercise: waterproof cover-ups are not supplied, however even with one, my daughter by no means as soon as emerged from this space with out getting moist!
The Science Museum can be just some minutes from the Pure Historical past Museum and the Victoria & Albert museum if you wish to mix two in at some point.
Science Museum: Must know
Opening instances: Open day by day from 10am to 6pm, with final entry at 5.15pm (besides December 24-26). Galleries start to shut at 5.30pm. There are generally longer opening hours throughout college holidays. Test the museum web site for exact particulars and dates.
The place: Exhibition Highway, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD. Closest tube station: South Kensington.
Costs: Free entry though there are prices for momentary exhibitions (and you could must guide in style momentary exhibitions prematurely).
The place to remain: For those who’re in search of family-friendly lodges close to the Science Museum, the selection is between the funds chains, such because the Ibis Types on Gloucester Highway, and Premier Inn at Earl’s Court docket (a brief journey from South Kensington) or high-end and classy lodges close by, together with The Ampersand.
Reserving.com additionally has a listing of lodges close to the Science Museum to match costs.
There’s additionally a YHA youth hostel in Earl’s Court docket with household rooms sleeping between three and 6 (although guide forward) for those who’re visiting London on a funds.
The Victoria & Albert Museum, London
The world’s largest museum of ornamental arts and design is just not probably the most clearly household pleasant museum in South Kensington, however there’s much more to the Victoria & Albert museum for youths than you may count on.
Higher with older preschoolers than toddlers, there are household occasions throughout college holidays and a few weekends, in addition to digital and bodily trails to observe (the household backpacks are at the moment unavailable).
As you may count on from a museum targeted on ‘ornamental and utilized arts’, there are many artistic actions as properly – the possibility to attract and let imaginations be impressed by the reveals in addition to alternatives to decorate up.
And with collections spanning 5,000 years of artwork, in addition to cultures from around the globe (to not point out momentary exhibitions which have featured Winnie the Pooh or 60s artwork and music), there’s an limitless supply of inspiration.
Ideas for visiting the V&A
For those who’ve arrived to face large queues on the Pure Historical past and Science Museums, there’s much less probability of standing in line right here – there’s additionally a facet entrance from the tunnel main from South Kensington tube.
Try my full set of suggestions for visiting the V&A with children right here
It’s simple to get distracted en route however head straight to the Studying Centre if you wish to decide up actions earlier than you discover. The museum additionally has actions on for various age teams each day – take a look at the small print right here.
That is additionally a superb museum to save lots of for afternoons, because it tends to be quieter from 2pm onwards.
Can you are taking buggies in?
You possibly can take pushchairs across the museum, and there are lifts between flooring. A buggy park is obtainable close to the Exhibition Highway entrance and Cromwell Highway Entrance.
There’s additionally a cloakroom out there at each entrances the place you may go away youngster scooters for £3, in addition to coats and small luggage. (Bigger gadgets value extra)
There’s additionally a Quiet Room with child altering and bottle hotter
Different suggestions
It’s additionally just some minutes from the Pure Historical past Museum and Science Museum if you wish to mix two in at some point.
The Younger V&A, its sister museum, is predicated in east London – previously the Museum of Childhood, it reopened in 2023 underneath the brand new title. Additionally free, you may spot toys, dolls, video games and extra, courting again to the seventeenth century, in addition to numerous interactive enjoyable.
The V&A: Must know
Opening instances: The V&A is open day by day from 10am to five.45pm, and till 10pm on Fridays (decreased gallery opening after 5.45pm). Closed on December 24-26.
The place: Cromwell Highway, South Kensington, London, SW7 2RL. Closest tube station: South Kensington.
Costs: Free entry though there are prices for momentary exhibitions (and you could must guide in style momentary exhibitions prematurely).
The place to remain: For those who’re in search of family-friendly lodges close to the V&A, the selection is between the funds chains, such because the Ibis Types on Gloucester Highway, and Premier Inn at Earl’s Court docket (a brief journey from South Kensington) or high-end and classy lodges close by, together with The Ampersand.
Reserving.com additionally has a listing of lodges close to the V&A to match costs.
There’s additionally a YHA youth hostel in Earl’s Court docket with household rooms sleeping between three and 6 (although guide forward) for those who’re visiting London on a funds.
The Younger V&A
The sister museum to the V&A in South Kensington, the previous London Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Inexperienced reopened in summer season 2023 with a brand new look and a brand new title – the Younger V&A.
With its shows of toys and video games, it has been a household favorite for years (not least for the nostalgia worth), and the much-loved highlights are additionally again – look out for one of many unique Paddington Bear toys.
Nonetheless whereas the constructing is similar grand corridor (referred to as the City Sq.), children have been concerned in arising with the redesigned look, now themed round three galleries: Play, Think about and Design.
Better of all there are many possibilities to get arms on, whether or not that’s creating your individual board sport, listening to storytelling, or hitting the sandpit, in addition to new gadgets happening show, with a complete of two,000 gadgets to get pleasure from.
Ideas for visiting the Younger V&A
Free to enter, it does get very busy at weekends, so arrive early for those who can.
For those who’re planning to go to one of many momentary exhibitions, attempt to guide your timeslot after you’ve had probability to go searching the primary museum – with restricted numbers within the exhibitions, that gained’t get too busy later within the day.
Permit loads of time as properly – there may be merely a lot to get arms on with, so many alternatives to get artistic, in addition to trying on the enjoyable shows, that this isn’t someplace you may whizz spherical in an hour (or not with out main annoyance as you drag the children out once more).
The Design gallery is the perfect space for older children, in addition to a few of the momentary exhibitions, however rather a lot is targeted on the under-10s for those who’re visiting with tweens and teenagers.
Can you are taking buggies in?
You possibly can take buggies in however with so many children round, and never at all times a variety of area between shows, it’s higher to go away it within the buggy park for those who can.
Buggy parking is obtainable within the Welcome Space close to the primary entrance, and if wanted, there’s an overflow buggy park throughout peak instances (each unmanned so don’t go away something precious).
There are additionally 24 free storage lockers positioned on the lower-ground flooring, however I’d purpose to get there early to ensure discovering one free.
Different suggestions
There’s a cafe serving cold and hot meals and snacks, together with lunchtime meal packing containers, highchairs and bottle-warming amenities.
You’re welcome to deliver your individual chilly foods and drinks from dwelling, and you can too eat packed lunches within the Widespread Room at weekends and through college holidays, or within the museum gardens.
In addition to the museum gardens and Bethnal Inexperienced gardens, you’re additionally not removed from Victoria Park for an opportunity to get exterior and burn off some extra vitality.
The Younger V&A: Must know
Opening instances: The V&A is open day by day from 10am to five.45pm (galleries begin closing from 5pm). Closed on December 24-26.
The place: Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Inexperienced, London E2 9PA. Closest tube station: Bethnal Inexperienced
Costs: Free entry though there are prices for momentary exhibitions (and you could must guide in style momentary exhibitions prematurely).
The place to remain: As Bethnal Inexperienced is barely exterior the centre of London, you’ll have a decreased alternative of lodges close by. Nonetheless, 4 Factors Flex Shoreditch may be very shut by.
Or City Corridor Resort has household packages for its rooms and residences. Alternatively Liverpool Avenue is simply a cease away on the Central Line and has an even bigger alternative of locations to remain.
The British Museum, London
One of many world’s best collections protecting human historical past, artwork and tradition, the British Museum has round eight million artefacts (solely a tenth are ever on show) in virtually 100 galleries.
I’ve been visiting the museum since I used to be a baby myself, fascinated by the Egyptian galleries – and the sheer scale of things on show, the range and the fascinating tales behind so many artefacts imply that children are prone to be simply as enthralled, whether or not it’s by the mummified crocodile, the Easter Island Moai or one thing else.
That is one I’d personally keep away from throughout the early toddler years: preschoolers are sufficiently old to have an interest, infants younger sufficient to snooze round, however chasing after enthusiastic 18-month-olds in a gallery of priceless artefacts makes me shiver.
And the museum can be among the best at offering actions for youths from free trails and backpacks to a highlights information (useful for those who’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the 80,000 potential issues to see), in addition to crayons, pencils and pads to borrow for budding artists.
The British Museum youngsters’s actions embody eight Museum Explorer trails, together with two geared toward age 3+ targeted round numbers and hues, or there are extra themed trails for six+ and object dealing with classes. Test the museum’s web site for the small print.
For those who’re in need of time or wish to make sure you see a few of the highlights, there’s additionally a Twelve Objects to see with Kids path. The Households Desk is simply open at weekends and native college holidays, however you may decide up the paths from the data desk exterior these instances.
Ideas for visiting the British museum
Until you intend to observe one of many trails or highlights, it pays to do your analysis prematurely. Don’t even contemplate making an attempt to see every part in a single go, there’s merely an excessive amount of.
One large bonus of free entry is which you could spend a enjoyable hour then go away, however museum fatigue units in shortly for preschoolers for those who plan a protracted go to. Remember that even for those who’ve prebooked free tickets, you’ll nonetheless need to queue to enter – the rear entrance on Montague Place may be quieter.
Try my full set of suggestions for visiting the British Museum with children
Can you are taking buggies in?
You possibly can take buggies into the museum, and there are lifts between flooring – be ready for some manoeuvring within the busier galleries although.
You can too go away folded pushchairs within the cloakroom at no cost (area is restricted, you’ll discover it to the left when you’ve entered by means of the primary entrance).
There may be additionally locker storage for households within the Ford Centre for Younger Guests at weekends
Different suggestions
Preserve a watch out for bogs as you stroll across the museum: there are some on each flooring, however the ones within the Nice Court docket at all times appear have an enormous queue – not best when children need to go urgently.
There are child altering amenities by the North Stairs (degree 0 and degree 3) in addition to within the Nice Court docket and the Ford Centre for Younger Guests.
There’s additionally a restaurant and family-friendly pizzeria on the museum however for those who’re visiting at a weekend or throughout college holidays, households may eat their very own meals within the Ford Centre for Younger Guests – head down the steps close to the Info Desk (or lifts by the Nice Russell Avenue entrance). You possibly can’t eat within the galleries although.
Breastfeeding and bottle feeding is permitted wherever however the mbruseum does even have two feeding rooms.
For those who want some contemporary air after visiting the museum, Coram’s Fields is a brief stroll away, a park and play space which you’ll be able to solely enter with children.
British Museum: Must know
Opening instances: The museum is open each day from 10am-5pm, and till 8.30pm on Fridays. Final entry is quarter-hour earlier than closing. The museum is closed on December 24-26.
The place: Nice Russell Avenue, London, WC1B 3DG. Closest tube stations: Russell Sq., Tottenham Court docket Highway, Holborn and Goodge Avenue
Costs: Free entry aside from momentary exhibitions
The place to remain: Not removed from Bloomsbury, Holborn and Covent Backyard, there’s loads of alternative for locations to remain close to the British Museum.
The Radisson Blu Tottenham Court docket Highway and Doubletree by Hilton London West Finish might each hardly be nearer to the museum.
For extra solutions on what to do in London with children who love historical past, take a look at my prime picks from castles and palaces to centuries-old traditions.
The London Museum
EDIT: The museum is now briefly closed till reopening in its new web site at Smithfield in late 2026
London’s personal museum about London itself, proper from prehistoric instances by means of to extra fashionable eras.
The London Museum (previously the Museum of London) explores the individuals who lived on the positioning over the centuries and the way their affect endures – Romans, Saxons (together with an opportunity to pop inside a recreated Saxon home), medieval London and the plague, the Nice Hearth and extra.
Effectively, the place higher to find London’s historical past than a museum devoted to it?
Even after many years dwelling in and visiting the capital, I hadn’t realised that hippos as soon as roamed what’s now Trafalgar Sq.. Specified by chronological order, there was a alternative of exercise trails for youths to observe, plus some alternatives to get arms on and occasional movies dotted alongside the route.
Youngsters had been welcomed with a stand on the entrance for households to get extra data, however that is one museum which is finest for five-year-olds and up, or older preschoolers slightly than toddlers – though there are particular backpacks for under-fives too, and getting to the touch sharp flints and eye up gleaming helmets and shields will seize any age’s creativeness, at the least briefly.
Ideas for visiting the London Museum
Beforehand set within the Metropolis of London, on London Wall itself (a part of the outdated Roman Wall), the museum is anticipated to open on its new Smithfield web site in late 2026.
Its location does imply it tends to be quieter at weekends, and even on a cloudy financial institution vacation weekend in the summertime holidays, it’s much less busy than the extra high-profile trio in South Kensington. Best for those who’re a bit fed up of crowds.
Can you are taking buggies in?
Buggies had been beforehand welcome wherever within the museum, which was absolutely accessible in case you are bringing youthful children, and had lockers for baggage at £1.
Different suggestions
There have been beforehand early ‘Morning Explorers’ occasions for households with youngsters on the autistic spectrum, in addition to child-sized ear defenders on the Info Desk.
There was additionally a separate space which households can eat picnics in, set within the next-door constructing – solely throughout college holidays although, because it’s reserved for college teams in any other case. There are additionally a number of cafes with a museum dedication to supply excessive chairs, colouring and actions and wholesome youngsters’s meals.
In addition to exercise sheets which you’ll be able to obtain and print or decide up if you arrive, under-fives backpacks with toys and puzzles had been out there from the entrance desk for a £5 refundable deposit, plus hands-on shows with members of workers.
There’s additionally a sister museum, the Museum of London Docklands, following life on London’s river from Roman instances to the current – one other attention-grabbing choice (take a look at what we thought after we visited).
Museum of London: Must know
Opening instances: tbc
The place: Beforehand the Museum of London was positioned at 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN. (The museum is because of transfer to Smithfield into its new dwelling close to Farrington, which might be double the scale).
Costs: Free, with prices for some momentary exhibitions.
The place to remain: Loads of the locations to remain close to the Museum of London are geared in the direction of enterprise travellers – however that does imply you may generally decide up nice offers at weekends. For additional area, Citadines Barbican have residences which may sleep as much as 4.
Or for a keep in fashion, The Montcalm on the Brewery can be a brief stroll away, whereas for an actual splurge, The Ned is among the metropolis’s most fun luxurious lodges, set in a transformed financial institution constructing.
The Horniman Museum, London
The Horniman Museum is someplace which regularly will get neglected by guests to London, because it’s additional out of the centre, however is definitely an ideal museum with toddlers and children.
In case your children get overwhelmed by the larger museums, it’s a extra manageable dimension and has a mixture of completely different reveals – half pure historical past museum, half aquarium, a couple of mummies and different reveals which could not be misplaced on the British Museum.
Edit: the Pure Historical past gallery is closed for refurbishment till 2027
Look out for the Nature Base too, the place children can get arms on – the stuffed fox is convincing sufficient that my daughter, then three, needed to be persuaded that it wasn’t simply curled up asleep.
There are extra interactive choices within the Arms On Base, in addition to trails observe indoors and out.
There are additionally 16 acres of grounds with a nature path, a sound backyard, butterfly home and a few small animals in a mini zoo, together with alpacas, goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits and chickens.
And whereas most of the sections are small, together with the compact aquarium, it makes it among the best for toddlers who’ll be as fascinated and completely satisfied to gaze for ages.
Plus the often momentary exhibitions have household pleasant themes together with dinosaurs and animals, amongst others.
Ideas for visiting the Horniman Museum
Though the museum isn’t as large as a few of the different better-known spots, it’s very simple to spend hours right here – and since there’s such selection, even toddlers and youthful preschoolers have a tendency to not really feel overwhelmed or get museum fatigue.
It’s quietest after 2.30pm on weekdays throughout time period time, though with many guests spreading out into the grounds on sunny days, it typically gained’t appear as crowded as on wet ones.
Exhibitions do guide up quick, as numbers are restricted, so it’s value prebooking tickets for these, in addition to to the aquarium and butterfly home.
Can you are taking buggies in?
You possibly can take pushchairs all through the museum and gardens – there may be additionally a free buggy park in Gallery Sq. and subsequent to the Butterfly Home, with strollers left at your individual danger.
You can too discover self-service lockers out there through the Café, which want a £1 coin (refundable). There are restricted cloakroom and locker amenities, so the museum asks guests to solely deliver coats and luggage which you could carry.
Different suggestions
There’s a cafe on the museum, though you can too deliver your individual packed lunches and picnics to eat within the gardens (in good climate) and the Dutch Barn reverse the bandstand if the climate is dangerous.
If you wish to take advantage of your time within the space, a number of buses from the museum additionally go to Crystal Palace Park with its dinosaur statues, outdated favourites which can nonetheless attraction to youthful children.
The Horniman Museum: Must know
Opening instances: The museum is open day by day from 10am-5.30pm, though the butterfly home closes at 4pm (final entry 3.30pm). The aquarium opens at 10.30am till 5.30pm (final entry 4.30pm).
The character path opens at 9am and is open till 4pm from February to October, and till 3pm from late October to early February. The gardens have separate opening hours, normally from 7.15am till 6pm (or from 8am on Sundays and financial institution holidays. Test the museum’s web site for exact particulars.
The place: 100 London Highway, Forest Hill, London, SE23 3PQ. Closest rail station: Forest Hill – there aren’t any tube stations on this a part of London, though the London Overground goes to Forest Hill, in addition to trains from London Bridge and Victoria, which take 20-Half-hour. Bus routes 176, 185, 197, 356, P4 cease exterior the Museum and Gardens on London Highway.
Costs: Entry to the everlasting galleries and gardens is free. There’s a cost for the Butterfly Home, the Aquarium, momentary household exhibitions, and a few occasions, however you may guide on-line (together with on the day of your go to) which additionally allows you to skip the queues on the ticket desk.
The place to remain: As Forest Hill is a residential space, there’s far much less alternative of locations to remain close to the Horniman Museum – and until you could have a selected purpose for desirous to be on this particular space, it’s higher to remain extra centrally and take the practice out to go to, as you’ll additionally then be nearer to London’s different household points of interest.
Round Victoria, you’ll discover funds choices such because the Premier Inn London Victoria, in addition to the Victoria Park Plaza which regularly has offers for households, and the Doubletree by Hilton London Victoria, that are all a superb base to find Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park. Or splurge on The Goring for some five-star luxurious with some very family-friendly touches, resembling a bedtime story library, stamps to gather and a fluffy toy for little ones.
Or near London Bridge, you may keep within the Ibis Types Southwark for a funkier funds break in addition to the Novotel London Bridge. For sheer fashion and a keep to recollect, theShangri-La resort on the Shard has numerous rooms for households and a few of the finest views in London.
Learn extra: Try our assessment of our day on the Horniman Museum, together with certainly one of their momentary exhibitions – the museum’s web site has extra particulars of present occasions and further actions too.
Look out for Accor’s family-friendly gives too, resembling 50% off a second room if you’re travelling with children
The London Transport Museum, London
The gathering on the London Transport Museum is sort of 100 years outdated, having grown out of a choice within the Nineteen Twenties to protect two Victorian horse buses.
However the spotlight right here, other than having the ability to see altering designs for London’s transport and the event of the well-known tube map and indicators, is having the ability to fake to drive a bus and get behind the controls of a tube practice simulator.
With numerous quirky information, together with the eye-watering quantity of dung scooped off London’s streets throughout the days of horse-drawn automobiles, and plenty of shows the place you may get arms on, there’s tons to entertain children – and for vehicle-obsessed toddlers, it’s heaven.
There’s additionally the particular All Aboard play space for youths aged underneath seven, together with the possibility to decorate up and play with constructing blocks, plus the Child DLR space if there are even youthful siblings to entertain.
Preserve a watch out for the common household actions which occur all year long, together with workshops for older children and drop-in crafts and storytelling for youthful ones. Santa normally makes an look at Christmas as properly.
Ideas for visiting the London Transport Museum
As there’s an entry charge for adults, the museum does are usually quieter than a few of the different in style ones, though count on to see college teams right here too on weekdays in time period time.
Everytime you go to, you’ll virtually actually need to queue for a few of the hottest choices, like driving the bus and tube.
Decide up the stamp path if you arrive as properly, as an added strategy to hold children engaged as they discover.
Can you are taking buggies in?
The entire museum is accessible for pushchairs, though there’s additionally buggy parking reverse the cloakroom.
You can too go away coats and luggage on the cloakroom at no cost.
Different suggestions
For those who’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the issues to see and do (or are in need of time), there’s a listing of the highest 10 issues for households on the London Transport Museum.
The museum additionally runs SEN Early Morning Explorer classes, which should be booked prematurely.
There are cafes on the London Transport Museum and you may eat picnics/packed lunches on the Decrease Deck cafe bar on the bottom flooring throughout college holidays and at weekends.
Preserve a watch out for normal pop-up occasions going down in Covent Backyard too, that are simple to mix with a go to. There are at all times avenue performers to look at as properly.
London Transport Museum: Must know
Opening instances: Open day by day from 10am to 6pm, with final entry at 5.15pm. Closed December 24-26.
The place: Covent Backyard Piazza, London WC2E 7BB. Nearest tubes: Covent Backyard, Temple and Embankment.
Costs: Entry is free for youngsters underneath 17, and prices £27 for adults – which provides you limitless entry for 12 months. There’s additionally an off-peak annual go for £22.50.
You may get a reduction on annual tickets for those who guide through tiqets utilizing my code, MUMMYTRAVELS6.
The place to remain: Set in Covent Backyard, this isn’t an ideal place to stick with youthful children – there are fewer lodges in Theatreland than elsewhere and so they’re pricy plus you may count on it to be busy late into the evening.
However Covent Backyard may be very accessible from most locations in central London, so contemplate a few of the lodges near the British Museum (above) which is simply a few stops away on the tube, such because the Radisson Blu Tottenham Court docket Highway and Doubletree by Hilton London West Finish .
Different London museums for youths
The Postal Museum
One of many newer museums to open in London, the Postal Museum covers the historical past of the Royal Mail. However earlier than you dismiss it as slightly dry and dusty, it’s been designed to be very interesting to children in addition to stamp collectors together with a particular play area for underneath 8s, plus the Mail Rail practice to trip.
Entry prices from £20.50 for adults, from £11 for youths with limitless entry for 12 months, together with one trip on Mail Rail in your first go to. A forty five-minute session within the Sorted! play area prices from £5 for youngsters aged 1-8 for those who prebook on-line (£2.50 for accompanying adults).
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, at 15-20 Phoenix Place, London, WC1X 0DA (close to Russell Sq. tube).
London Museum Docklands
The London Museum Docklands – sister museum to the at the moment closed Museum of London – focuses on one other slice of the capital’s historical past, on its as soon as thriving docks and maritime business.
Set in a transformed warehouse on West India Quay, galleries are set out in chronological order, so guests journey from late Tudor instances by means of to the trendy day, when London’s monetary district took over the realm, with trails to assist discover.
In addition to interactive sections, resembling strolling by means of a recreation of Sailortown and looking out inside an air raid shelter, there are shows on slaver, in addition to on the Nice Stink and the Nice Dock Strike, so some harder-hitting matters coated right here. For youthful children, there’s the Mudlarks play space.
Entry is free, though there’s a cost for the Mudlarks play space (prebooking strongly suggested)
Open day by day from 10am to 5pm. London Museum Docklands, No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL. Closest stations: West India Quay DLR or Canary Wharf tube and Elizabeth line stations.
Nationwide Maritime Museum
The free Nationwide Maritime museum traces Britain’s maritime historical past, with an interesting assortment that ranges from artworks and maps to mannequin ships and even the coat Nelson was carrying when he died – to not point out tales of journey and piracy in Tudor instances, the challenges of the Polar adventures, and tales of exploring the Pacific.
There are additionally household trails, together with ones for mini mariners, whereas the enormous map proper on the coronary heart of the museum is ideal for any age, in addition to loads of household enjoyable actions geared toward youthful guests.
Don’t miss the Ahoy Gallery for underneath sevens; the immersive play area allows you to do every part from stoking the boiler of a steamship to promoting fish within the market, in addition to discovering extra about pirates, polar tales and adventures galore. Plus The Cove playground is simply across the nook.
Entry is free. The Ahoy gallery has a small cost at weekends and college holidays, however is free on weekdays (prebooking suggested)
Open day by day 10am-5pm. Nationwide Maritime Museum, Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF. Closest stations: Cutty Sark DLR and Cutty Sark pier for the river boat service.
For concepts of extra of the perfect issues to do in Greenwich with children, take a look at my prime picks
Nationwide Gallery
The Nationwide Gallery has common occasions for households throughout college holidays in addition to The Keeper of Work immersive app to assist children discover the primary assortment.
And stopping to color and draw is positively inspired.
Entry is free. Actions might have a cost, though some are free and drop-in classes.
Open day by day aside from December 24-26 and January 1, from 10am–6pm and till 9pm on Fridays. Trafalgar Sq., London, WC2N 5DN. Closest tube stations: Charing Cross, Embankment and Leicester Sq..
For extra issues to do round Leicester Sq. with children, take a look at my prime picks
The Grant Museum of Zoology
Britain’s oldest pure historical past museum is one with a distinction – the 67,000 completely different specimens on the Grant Museum of Zoology embody some distinctly quirky gadgets resembling a jar of moles and mind assortment.
Extra squeamish little ones are unlikely to really feel at dwelling, however endlessly curious preschoolers might discover various fascinating gadgets. Newly reopened in 2024 after a yr’s refurbishment, it appears at human impression on biodiversity.
There are additionally common occasions, together with household classes on chosen Saturday – beforehand children had the possibility to really feel how sharp a shark’s tooth is or how heavy an elephant’s tusk, whereas there’s additionally an opportunity to make use of VR expertise to move you to a coral reef.
Entry is free – you may’t guide so you could want to attend if it’s busy, though it’s uncommon to have to hold round lengthy on weekdays.
Open from 1-5pm Tuesday to Friday, from 11am-5pm on Saturdays. Rockefeller Constructing, College School London, 21 College Avenue, London, WC1E 6DE. Nearest tube stations: Warren Avenue and Goodge Avenue.
Tate Trendy
This up to date artwork museum may be very welcoming to children, with lots for households at Tate Trendy.
Together with common actions and occasions (some are extra appropriate for older children), you can begin with a decide of the 5 artworks to see with your loved ones and the Begin Show targeted on a few of the most well-known works, serving to to get youthful guests interested by artwork.
There are additionally recommended video games, together with exercise packs, and also you’re reminded it’s OK to make some noise!
Entry is free – adults need to pay for particular exhibitions, however under-12s can enter free for these as properly.
Open from 10-6pm (10-9pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Closed December 24-26. Bankside, London SE1 9TG. Closest tube stations: Blackfriars and Southwark
For my prime free issues to do in London with children, take a look at this publish
The Nationwide Military Museum
With 5 galleries taking a look at every part from life as a soldier to the impression the military has had on the world, the Nationwide Military Museum in Chelsea is a good choices for youths who love historical past (or enjoying troopers).
There are sections on the English Civil Conflict, in addition to later conflicts, plus artefacts linked to everybody from Napoleon to Lawrence of Arabia.
However the preferred space for youthful children is the museum’s Play Base, geared toward children aged one to eight, with a gentle play assault course, and play vehicles and cookhouses.
Entry is free. There’s a cost of £7.50 for youths for Play Base (adults go free) and timed classes, so prebooking is advisable.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5.30pm. Nationwide Military Museum, Royal Hospital Highway, London, SW3 4HT. Closest tube Sloane Sq..
Day journeys from London – different family-friendly museums
Roald Dahl Museum
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is about in Nice Missenden, Buckinghamshire, the place the writer lived and was impressed to put in writing lots of his well-known youngsters’s tales.
A mixture of reveals on the writer, together with his writing shed, and on the books themselves is simply the beginning – there are storytelling classes and an entire space to encourage children to get artistic, to not point out copies of his books dotted round.
Entry value £13.95 for adults and £9.95 for youths aged 5 to 18, free for under-fives and also you mechanically get an annual go. No must prebook however it’s advisable at busy instances.
Open from Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4.30pm. Throughout Buckinghamshire college holidays, the museum is normally open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as properly, generally Mondays. Test the total opening hours right here. 81-83 Excessive Avenue, Nice Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 0AL. Trains run from London Marylebone to Nice Missenden twice an hour, taking round 45 minutes, and the station is a brief stroll away.
Try my assessment of our day visiting the Roald Dahl Museum and following one of many trails across the village.
Oxford Museum of Pure Historical past
Simply an hour from London, there’s lots to do on a day journey to Oxford (or an extended keep) however the Oxford College Museum of Pure Historical past – aka Oxford’s dinosaur museum for those who’re a toddler – is a good place to spend a couple of hours.
In addition to dinosaurs, there are animals galore together with a dodo, different dramatic skeletons, a number of stuffed reveals which you’ll be able to contact and stroke, together with historic rocks that are additionally out to the touch and household trails to observe.
The Pitt Rivers Museum, with its crammed cupboards of artefacts from around the globe, is within the constructing too.
In case your children love historical past and tradition, head to the Ashmolean Museum, which has some nice trails for all ages, in addition to the Story Centre
Entry is free
Open from 10am to 5pm each day, besides December 24-26. Oxford College Museum of Pure Historical past, Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3PW. It’s round a 20-minute stroll by means of Oxford from the railway station, or there are buses. Trains run often from Paddington station in London (the place you can too spot the Paddington statues in your manner)
For extra of the perfect issues to do in London with children, take a look at my prime picks
*first printed 2018, final up to date 2026*
PIN FOR LATER: TIPS FOR LONDON MUSEUMS WITH TODDLERS AND KIDS
Disclosure: Incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own, and primarily based by myself expertise of exploring London’s museums with toddlers and children.
Photos: Most important picture/British Museum/London Transport Museum photos/Science Museum transport gallery/Tate Trendy courtesy Depositphotos; All others copyright MummyTravels
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