The best London museums for kids

What is it?

The National History Museum is a cathedral of curiosities. There are dinosaurs, dazzling gems and a giant blue whale suspended from the ceiling. The whole thing is a hands-on crash course in the wonders of the planet, from deep oceans to outer space. And, all of it is inside one of London’s most jaw-dropping buildings.

Why kids love it:

The museum splits its exhibits into four colour-coded zones, each with its own marvels. In Blue Zone, a life-size model of a blue whale quietens all but the loudest of kids. Geology takes centre stage in the Red Zone. It's a dramatic escalator ascent through the centre of the earth. At the top you'll find the ground-shaking earthquake simulator – a reliable source of giggles and a few shrieks of alarm.

Address: Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD

Price info for families: Entrance is free for both adults and children 

What is it?

Why kids love it:

For children, the London Transport Museum has an under-fives play area decorated with Steven Appleby illustrations and the chance to sit in the driver's cab of a red bus and guide a Northern Line simulator through tunnels and up to platforms – (truth be told, it's fun for adults, too).

Address: Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB

Price: 17s and under can visit the museum for free. Adult tickets are £25 each. 

What is it?

The British Museum is basically a world tour in Bloomsbury. It is packed with treasures from every corner of ancient Egypt, classical Greece, Roman Britain and beyond. It’s big and full of classic art, human history and culture. Don't forget to look up: the glass ceiling is iconic. 

Why kids love it?

Rooms 62 and 63 of the Roxie Walker galleries are top of most children's agendas; it's here that the Egyptian mummies reside, exerting an eerie spell over visitors. Inventive and free family events run on Saturdays. Handling sessions take place daily in various galleries and there are some fantastic trail booklets available in the Paul Hamlyn Library that help kids of different ages get the best out of the museum.

Address: 44 Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG

Price: The museum is free to enter for children age 4-15. Adults pay £5 per ticket.

What is it?

What was once the Museum of Childhood has had a big refurb and is now Young V&A. A lot of thought has gone into making this museum child-friendly; after all, it’s a tease to see so many toys and not be able to play with them. It brings together design, play and imagination under one colourful roof. 

Why kids love it?

There are activity stations in each area with Lego, stickle bricks, a sandpit, board games, rocking horses, a book corner and many other treats. In addition, the museum hosts plenty of kids events at weekends and during school holidays.

Address: Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 9PA

Price: Entry is free

What is it?

A high-energy playground for curious minds: The Science Museum brings big, complicated ideas down to earth. With rockets, robots and world-changing inventions at every turn there's seemingly never-ending stuff to see and do (honestly, you could come back every weekend). From space travel to the human body, it turns complex science into something kids can  actually enjoy.

Why kids love it:

No one's too young (or old) to get a kick out of a visit here. Icons of science (Stephenson's Rocket locomotive, Crick and Watson's DNA model) are treated with due respect, but this place couldn't be less stuffy with its games, simulators and interactive exhibits. The jewel in its crown is Launchpad, where 50 hands-on exhibits and experiments keep kids agog; here, they can make a rainbow or take a dizzying turn on the rotation station.

Address: Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD

Price: Both adults and children go free, although a donation is suggested.

What is it?

A brilliant all-in-one museum at the top of a hill in Forest Hill. The Horniman mixes anthropology, natural history and music under one quirky roof. One minute you’re face to face with a walrus. The next, you’re exploring instruments from around the world. Add to that gorgeous gardens and sweeping city views. Not bad hey?

Why kids love it:

This anthropological museum has to be one of the most child-friendly venues in all London. Set in 16 acres of landscaped gardens, the Horniman provides extensive facilities for families, including a nature trail, weekend workshops and a Hands On Base where children can touch museum objects. There's an aquarium, and the Nature Base explores the natural world with exhibits including the Horniman Museum beehive.

Address: 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ

Price: Entry is free

What is it?

Did you know until 2003 a hidden underground railway, separate from the tube network, used to ferry post across the capital? It’s just one of the secrets hidden in The Postal Museum, which contains records dating from 1636 including reports, maps, posters and photos, plus stamps and objects documenting the development of the Post Office. The museum has a whopping five zones exploring 500 hundred years of the postal world’s most significant events, with interactive exhibits, sculptures and sheets of rare stamps.

Why kids love it:

If you've got kids under 8 take them straight to the Sorted! The Postal Play Space. Buy a £4.50 ticket and here you'll find an immersive world of streets, trolleys and of course, slides. Parents don't need to feel left out either, they can accompany their children for £2.50 a ticket. You can even host your child's birthday party at the museum!

Address: 15-20, Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA

Price: £17.60, young person £12.20, child £10. Ticket includes unlimited access to The Postal Museum for one year from the date of your visit and one ride on Mail Rail, valid on your first visit to the Museum.

What is it?

For hundreds of years, Greenwich was at the heart of maritime Britain – for commerce, travel and naval interests. So it makes sense that the National Maritime Museum is situated on the edge of picturesque Greenwich Park. Part of Royal Museums Greenwich, it’s an unparalleled treasure trove of artefacts, models, maps, art and memorabilia.

Why kids love it?

Families should head straight for the Ahoy! Gallery: a play area specially designed for babies and children aged up to seven. Its themed zones include a vast model of the deck and cabins of a ship, a beach scene, a fresh fish shop, and games which allow you to fire cannons and play iceberg ‘ice hockey’. While, the All Hands interactive gallery is for ages six to 12 where older children can test their skills defending against a pirate attack, use maritime technology and load a cargo ship before it sets sail.

Address: Romney Rd, Greenwich, SE10 9NF

Price: Free entry, some exhibitions may be ticketed. 

What is it?

A powerful museum that brings modern history to life. The Imperial War Museum tells the story of conflict from the First World War to today, through tanks, planes, uniforms and personal stories. It’s big. It’s bold. And it turns textbook history into something kids can really see and feel.

Why kids love it:

This is a museum packed with wow-factor. There are giant tanks in the main hall, planes hanging from the ceiling and hands-on exhibits and immersive galleries that make history feel like an adventure, not a lesson. With interactive displays and family exhibitions, there's plenty for kids to enjoy.

Address: Lambeth Rd, SE1 6HZ

Price: Entry is free

What is it?

Having undergone a £23 million transformation, this free-to-visit Chelsea museum reopened in 2017 with fabulous displays and a serious focus on activities for kids of all ages. Basically a deep dive on all things British Army, you'll find a mix of historic battles and modern tech, with uniforms, weapons and personal stories all on display.

Why kids love it:

You can do a spot of square-bashing and see if you pass muster with the drill sergeant, take command of a battle and test your strategy smarts, and then get stuck into the interactive tank experience where you can get behind the wheel. In the Play Base area there’s an assault course and a themed soft play area, and at weekends and during school holidays there are lots of free activities.

Address: Royal Hospital Rd, SW3 4HT

Price: Free to enter