It all the time amazes me when folks assume children gained’t get pleasure from museums. With interactive and even digital actuality displays, child-friendly actions, hands-on experiences, and an opportunity to reply among the infinite questions they’ve, so many are excellent for a household time out – particularly in London.
accommodates affiliate hyperlinks*
As a result of in case you’re visiting London museums with toddlers and youngsters, you might be spoiled for alternative. Even higher there are such a lot of free museums in London for teenagers – thankfully, as my residence metropolis isn’t the most affordable.
Whether or not you’re searching for 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 high recommendations on one of the best London museums for toddlers and youngsters earlier than you go to.
For extra concepts of one of the best issues to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers, take a look at this put up
The Pure Historical past Museum, London
Famously one in every 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 greater than most guests would possibly guess.
Should you’re counting, there are round 80 million gadgets (though not all on show) protecting zoology, paleontology, botany, entomology and mineralogy, in one in every of London’s most eye-catching museum buildings.
However it’s the dinosaurs which draw a lot of the guests, at the very least on the primary event. My daughter was a toddler once we made our first visits, already fascinated by the Dippy the diplodocus (now changed by a blue whale skeleton known as Hope).
We’ve been again numerous instances exploring new areas and trying out among 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 faculty holidays. Do prebook tickets to skip the queues at peak instances as effectively.
The museum is all the time standard, so be ready for some queues (although you’ll be able to generally skip the worst of the Pure Historical past Museum queue by taking the aspect entrance in Exhibition Street, which can be buggy-friendly) however when you’re inside, there’s a lot to see that solely the dinosaur part is more likely to really feel busy.
Take a look at 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 superb choice with littler ones who don’t fancy an encounter with a shifting T-Rex or the earth sciences of the Crimson Zone, with volcano locator and earthquake simulator.
The rumbles and flashes of crimson gentle coming from the highest of the escalator as much as this part could be distinctly off-putting for youthful children (or totally thrilling!)
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 £4 (though they need to fold flat), in addition to coats and different gadgets for a price.
You may as well retailer youngster scooters for £2, or wheel/carry them across the museum (although you’ll be able to’t scoot round on them).
Different suggestions
It’s additionally only a few minutes from the Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert museum if you wish to mix two in in the future.
Pure Historical past Museum: Have to know
Opening instances: The museum is open day by day besides December 24-26, from 10am to five.50pm, with final entry at 5.30pm.
The place: Cromwell Street, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD. Closest tube station: South Kensington.
Costs: Free entry though there are fees for short-term exhibitions (and you could have to ebook these prematurely).
The place to remain: Should you’re searching for family-friendly lodges close to the Pure Historical past Museum, the selection is between the funds chains, such because the Ibis Kinds on Gloucester Street, and Premier Inn at Earl’s Courtroom (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 check costs.
There’s additionally a YHA youth hostel in Earl’s Courtroom with household rooms sleeping between three and 6 (although ebook forward) in case you’re visiting London on a funds.
For extra ideas on what to do in London with children who love animals, take a look at my high 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 right you probably have kids who prefer to get palms 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, this can be a museum that you might revisit again and again.
Together with the house and flight galleries, you’ll be able to observe humanity’s technological advances, medical historical past, extra interactive shows and in addition the IMAX 3 cinema exhibiting documentaries.
Only some areas are geared toward toddlers and preschoolers, specifically The Backyard which is targeted on under-fives on the Science Museum – though with displays that make noise, a mini puppet theatre, areas to climb and play and the water function (all the time 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 a lot to get pleasure from right here as effectively, and by the point they’re approaching faculty age, there are galleries galore for various pursuits, particularly house 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 kids and older – price each penny, my daughter might spend hours right here.
There are common short-term exhibitions too, together with Energy Up (which can attraction to players) and Flip It Up on the science of sound and music.
Ideas for visiting the Science Museum
Like most museums, it’s quietest early or late, however as most under-fives can be targeted on a number 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 kids who want a quieter setting.
Take a look at my full set of suggestions right here on visiting the Science Museum with toddlers.
There’s additionally the choice to search the museum’s what’s on part by age, so you’ll be able to search for particular choices to go well with underneath fives or six to 11-year-olds for instance
Can you are taking buggies in?
You possibly can take buggies into the museum, though they aren’t allowed inside some areas for house 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 depart valuables within the pushchair. You’ll find coin-return pushchair locks within the Spare Room reverse The Backyard however these want a £1 coin.
The cloakroom isn’t presently accepting buggies, solely smaller gadgets.
Any possessions within the buggies are left at your personal threat although. If you wish to depart luggage someplace safe, there are additionally lockers on stage -1, which price from £3 for small lockers (large enough for coats). These are card fee solely.
Different suggestions
It’s price having spare garments in case you’re visiting The Backyard and its water exercise: waterproof cover-ups are now not offered, however even with one, my daughter has by no means as soon as emerged from this space with out getting moist!
The Science Museum can be only a few minutes from the Pure Historical past Museum and the Victoria & Albert museum if you wish to mix two in in the future.
Science Museum: Have to know
Opening instances: Open each day from 10am to 6pm, with final entry at 5.15pm (besides December 24-26). Galleries start to shut at 5.30pm. There are normally longer opening hours throughout faculty holidays, to 7pm throughout October and February half-term, and to six.30pm throughout different faculty holidays. Examine the museum web site for exact particulars and dates.
The place: Exhibition Street, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD. Closest tube station: South Kensington.
Costs: Free entry though there are fees for short-term exhibitions (and you could have to ebook standard short-term exhibitions prematurely).
The place to remain: Should you’re searching for family-friendly lodges close to the Science Museum, the selection is between the funds chains, such because the Ibis Kinds on Gloucester Street, and Premier Inn at Earl’s Courtroom (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 check costs.
There’s additionally a YHA youth hostel in Earl’s Courtroom with household rooms sleeping between three and 6 (although ebook forward) in case you’re visiting London on a funds.
The Victoria & Albert Museum, London
The world’s largest museum of ornamental arts and design isn’t essentially the most clearly household pleasant museum in South Kensington, however there’s much more to the Victoria & Albert museum for teenagers than you would possibly count on.
Higher with older preschoolers than toddlers, there are household occasions throughout faculty holidays and a few weekends, in addition to digital and bodily trails to observe (the household backpacks are presently unavailable).
As you would possibly count on from a museum targeted on ‘ornamental and utilized arts’, there are many artistic actions as effectively – the prospect to attract and let imaginations be impressed by the displays in addition to alternatives to decorate up.
And with collections spanning 5,000 years of artwork, in addition to cultures from all over the world (to not point out short-term exhibitions which have featured Winnie the Pooh or 60s artwork and music), there’s an infinite supply of inspiration.
Ideas for visiting the V&A
Should you’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 aspect entrance from the tunnel main from South Kensington tube.
Take a look at my full set of suggestions for visiting the V&A with children right here
It’s straightforward to get distracted en route however head straight to the Studying Centre if you wish to choose up actions earlier than you discover. The museum additionally has actions on for various age teams day by day – take a look at the small print right here.
That is additionally a very good 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 out there close to the Exhibition Street entrance and Cromwell Street Entrance.
There’s additionally a cloakroom out there the place you’ll be able to depart youngster scooters for £3, in addition to coats and small luggage. (Bigger gadgets price extra)
There’s additionally a Quiet Room with child altering and bottle hotter
Different suggestions
It’s additionally only a few minutes from the Pure Historical past Museum and Science Museum if you wish to mix two in in the future.
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 identify. Additionally free, you’ll be able to spot toys, dolls, video games and extra, courting again to the 17th century, in addition to a lot of interactive enjoyable.
The V&A: Have to know
Opening instances: The V&A is open each day from 10am to five.45pm, and till 10pm on Fridays (decreased gallery opening after 5.30pm). Closed on December 24-26.
The place: Cromwell Street, South Kensington, London, SW7 2RL. Closest tube station: South Kensington.
Costs: Free entry though there are fees for short-term exhibitions (and you could have to ebook standard short-term exhibitions prematurely).
The place to remain: Should you’re searching for family-friendly lodges close to the V&A, the selection is between the funds chains, such because the Ibis Kinds on Gloucester Street, and Premier Inn at Earl’s Courtroom (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 check costs.
There’s additionally a YHA youth hostel in Earl’s Courtroom with household rooms sleeping between three and 6 (although ebook forward) in case you’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 time 2023 with a brand new look and a brand new identify – 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 authentic Paddington Bear toys.
Nevertheless whereas the constructing is identical grand corridor (generally known 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 probabilities to get palms on, whether or not that’s creating your personal board recreation, listening to storytelling, or hitting the sandpit, in addition to new gadgets occurring 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 in case you can.
Should you’re planning to go to one of many short-term exhibitions, attempt to ebook 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.
Enable loads of time as effectively – there may be merely a lot to get palms on with, so many alternatives to get artistic, in addition to trying on the enjoyable shows, that this isn’t someplace you’ll be able to whizz spherical in an hour (or not with out main annoyance as you drag the children out once more).
The Design gallery is one of the best space for older children, in addition to among the short-term exhibitions, however lots is targeted on the under-10s in case you’re visiting with tweens and youths.
Can you are taking buggies in?
You possibly can take buggies in however with so many children round, and never all the time a number of house between shows, it’s higher to go away it within the buggy park in case you can.
Buggy parking is out there 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 depart something priceless).
There are additionally 24 free storage lockers situated on the lower-ground flooring, however I’d goal 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 bins, highchairs and bottle-warming services.
You’re welcome to convey your personal chilly foods and drinks from residence, and you too can eat packed lunches within the Widespread Room at weekends and through faculty 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: Have to know
Opening instances: The V&A is open each day from 10am to five.45pm. 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 fees for short-term exhibitions (and you could have to ebook standard short-term 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. Nevertheless, Yotel Shoreditch may be very shut by and youngsters aged 3-12 could keep free (so long as you don’t have greater than the utmost occupancy allowed).
Or City Corridor Resort has household packages for its rooms and residences. Alternatively Liverpool Avenue is barely a cease away on the Central Line and has a much bigger alternative of locations to remain.
The British Museum, London
One of many world’s biggest collections protecting human historical past, artwork and tradition, the British Museum has round eight million artefacts (solely a tenth are ever on show) in nearly 100 galleries.
I’ve been visiting the museum since I used to be a toddler 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 more likely 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 in the course of 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 teenagers from free trails and backpacks to a highlights information (useful in case you’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 kids’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. Examine the museum’s web site for the small print.
Should you’re in need of time or wish to make sure you see among the highlights, there’s additionally a Twelve Objects to see with Kids path. The Households Desk is barely open at weekends and native faculty holidays, however you’ll be able to choose up the paths from the knowledge desk exterior these instances.
Ideas for visiting the British museum
Except you intend to observe one of many trails or highlights, it pays to do your analysis prematurely. Don’t even think about making an attempt to see every little thing in a single go, there’s merely an excessive amount of.
One massive bonus of free entry is that you may spend a enjoyable hour then depart, however museum fatigue units in shortly for preschoolers in case you plan an extended go to. Remember that even in case you’ve prebooked free tickets, you’ll nonetheless need to queue to enter – the rear entrance on Montague Place could be quieter.
Take a look at 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 may as well depart folded pushchairs within the cloakroom without spending a dime (house is restricted, you’ll discover it to the left when you’ve entered by means of the primary entrance).
There’s additionally locker storage for households within the Ford Centre for Younger Guests at weekends
Different suggestions
Maintain an eye fixed out for bogs as you stroll across the museum: there are some on each flooring, however the ones within the Nice Courtroom all the time appear have an enormous queue – not very best when children need to go urgently.
There are child altering services by the North Stairs (stage 0 and stage 3) in addition to within the Nice Courtroom and the Ford Centre for Younger Guests.
There’s additionally a restaurant and family-friendly pizzeria on the museum however in case you’re visiting at a weekend or throughout faculty 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 museum does even have two feeding rooms.
Should you 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: Have to know
Opening instances: The museum is open day by 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 Courtroom Street, Holborn and Goodge Avenue
Costs: Free entry aside from short-term 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.
Should you’re on a funds, it’s price trying out the YHA youth hostel in St Pancras, which has personal en-suite household rooms sleeping as much as 4 (ebook forward!) in addition to rooms sleeping as much as 5 – 6.
Or the Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth and Doubletree by Hilton London West Finish might each hardly be nearer to the museum.
For extra ideas on what to do in London with children who love historical past, take a look at my high picks from castles and palaces to centuries-old traditions.
The Museum of London
EDIT: The museum is now quickly closed till reopening in its new website at Smithfield in 2026
London’s personal museum about London itself, proper from prehistoric instances by means of to extra fashionable eras.
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 residing 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 teenagers to observe, plus some alternatives to get palms 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 quite 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 very least briefly.
Ideas for visiting the Museum of London
Beforehand set within the Metropolis of London, on London Wall itself (a part of the outdated Roman Wall), the museum is predicted to open on its new Smithfield website in 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. Superb in case you’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 if you’re bringing youthful children, and had lockers for luggage at £1.
Different suggestions
There have been beforehand early ‘Morning Explorers’ occasions for households with kids 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 faculty 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 offer excessive chairs, colouring and actions and wholesome kids’s meals.
In addition to exercise sheets which you’ll be able to obtain and print or choose 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 employees.
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 fascinating choice (take a look at what we thought once we visited).
Museum of London: Have to know
Opening instances: tbc
The place: Beforehand the Museum of London was situated at 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN. (The museum is because of transfer to Smithfield into its new residence close to Farrington, which can be double the dimensions).
Costs: Free, with fees for some short-term 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’ll be able to generally choose up nice offers at weekends. For additional house, Citadines Barbican have residences which may sleep as much as 4.
Or for a keep in model, The Montcalm on the Brewery can be a brief stroll away, whereas for an actual splurge, The Ned is without doubt one of the metropolis’s most fun luxurious lodges, set in a transformed financial institution constructing.
The Horniman Museum, London
The Horniman Museum is someplace which frequently will get missed by guests to London, because it’s additional out of the centre, however is definitely a terrific museum with toddlers and youngsters.
In case your children get overwhelmed by the larger museums, it’s a extra manageable measurement and has a mixture of completely different displays – half pure historical past museum, half aquarium, a number of mummies and different displays which could not be misplaced on the British Museum.
Edit: the Pure Historical past gallery is closed for refurbishment till 2026
Look out for the Nature Base too, the place children can get palms 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 Palms 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 happy to gaze for ages.
Plus the commonly short-term exhibitions have household pleasant themes together with dinosaurs and animals, amongst others.
Ideas for visiting the Horniman Museum
Though the museum isn’t as massive as among the different better-known spots, it’s very straightforward 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 ebook up quick, as numbers are restricted, so it’s price 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 personal threat.
You may as well discover self-service lockers out there by way of the Café, which want a £1 coin (refundable). There are restricted cloakroom and locker services, so the museum asks guests to solely convey coats and luggage that you may carry.
Different suggestions
There’s a cafe on the museum, though you too can convey your personal packed lunches and picnics to eat within the gardens (in good climate) and the Dutch Barn reverse the bandstand if the climate is unhealthy.
If you wish to profit from 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: Have to know
Opening instances: The museum is open each 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. Examine the museum’s web site for exact particulars.
The place: 100 London Street, 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 Street.
Costs: Entry to the everlasting galleries and gardens is free. There’s a cost for the Butterfly Home, the Aquarium, short-term household exhibitions, and a few occasions, however you’ll be able to ebook 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 may have a specific motive for eager to be on this particular space, it’s higher to remain extra centrally and take the prepare out to go to, as you’ll additionally then be nearer to London’s different household sights.
Round Victoria, you’ll discover funds choices such because the Premier Inn London Victoria, in addition to the Victoria Park Plaza which frequently has offers for households, and the Doubletree by Hilton London Victoria, that are all a very good 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, comparable to a bedtime story library, stamps to gather and a fluffy toy for little ones.
Or near London Bridge, you’ll be able to keep within the Ibis Kinds Southwark for a funkier funds break in addition to the Novotel London Metropolis South. For sheer model and a keep to recollect, the Shangri-La resort on the Shard has numerous rooms for households and among the finest views in London.
Learn extra: Take a look at our overview of our day on the Horniman Museum, together with one in every of their short-term exhibitions – the museum’s web site has extra particulars of present occasions and additional actions too.
The London Transport Museum, London
The gathering on the London Transport Museum is sort of 100 years outdated, having grown out of a call within the Nineteen Twenties to protect two Victorian horse buses.
However the spotlight right here, other than with the ability to see altering designs for London’s transport and the event of the well-known tube map and indicators, is with the ability to fake to drive a bus and get behind the controls of a tube prepare simulator.
With a lot of quirky info, together with the eye-watering quantity of dung scooped off London’s streets in the course of the days of horse-drawn automobiles, and many shows the place you may get palms 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 teenagers aged underneath seven, together with the prospect to decorate up and play with constructing blocks, plus the Child DLR space if there are even youthful siblings to entertain.
Maintain an eye fixed 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 effectively.
Ideas for visiting the London Transport Museum
As there’s an entry price for adults, the museum does are usually quieter than among the different standard ones, though count on to see faculty teams right here too on weekdays in time period time.
Everytime you go to, you’ll nearly definitely need to queue for among the hottest choices, like driving the bus and tube.
Decide up the stamp path if you arrive as effectively, as an added approach to maintain 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 may as well depart coats and luggage on the cloakroom without spending a dime.
Different suggestions
Should you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the issues to see and do (or are in need of time), there’s a listing of the high 10 issues for households on the London Transport Museum.
The museum additionally runs SEN Early Morning Explorer classes, which have to 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 faculty holidays and at weekends.
Maintain an eye fixed out for normal pop-up occasions happening in Covent Backyard too, that are straightforward to mix with a go to. There are all the time avenue performers to observe as effectively.
London Transport Museum: Have to know
Opening instances: Open each day from 10am to 6pm, with final entry at 5pm. 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 £24 for adults – which provides you limitless entry for 12 months. There’s additionally an off-peak annual cross for £22.
You may get a reduction on annual tickets in case you ebook by way of tiqets utilizing my code, MUMMYTRAVELS6.
The place to remain: Set in Covent Backyard, this isn’t a terrific place to stick with youthful children – there are fewer lodges in Theatreland than elsewhere they usually’re pricy plus you’ll be able to count on it to be busy late into the night time.
However Covent Backyard may be very accessible from most locations in central London, so think about among the lodges near the British Museum (above) which is barely a few stops away on the tube, such because the Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth and Doubletree by Hilton London West Finish .
Different London museums for teenagers
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 quite dry and dusty, it’s been designed to be very interesting to children in addition to stamp collectors together with a particular play house for underneath 8s, plus the Mail Rail prepare to experience.
Entry prices from £16 for adults, from £9 for teenagers with limitless entry for 12 months, together with one experience on Mail Rail in your first go to. A forty five-minute session within the Sorted! play house prices from £4 in case you prebook on-line, from £5 on the day.
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, at 15-20 Phoenix Place, London, WC1X 0DA (close to Russell Sq. tube).
Museum of London Docklands
The Museum of London Docklands – sister museum to the presently closed Museum of London – focuses on one other slice of the capital’s historical past, on its as soon as thriving docks and maritime trade.
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, comparable to 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 subjects lined 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 each day from 10am to 5pm. Museum of London 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 a captivating 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 large 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 house allows you to do every little thing 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 faculty holidays, however is free on weekdays (prebooking suggested)
Open each 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 one of the best issues to do in Greenwich with children, take a look at my high picks
Nationwide Gallery
The Nationwide Gallery has common occasions for households throughout faculty holidays in addition to a brand new immersive app to assist children discover the primary assortment.
And stopping to color and draw is positively inspired.
Entry is free. Actions could have a cost, though some are free and drop-in classes.
Open each 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 high 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 comparable to a jar of moles and mind assortment.
Extra squeamish little ones are unlikely to really feel at residence, however endlessly curious preschoolers might discover various fascinating gadgets. Newly reopened in 2024 after a 12 months’s refurbishment, it seems at human impression on biodiversity.
There are additionally common occasions, together with household classes on chosen Saturday – beforehand children had the prospect 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’ll be able to’t ebook 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 modern artwork museum may be very welcoming to children, with a lot for households at Tate Trendy.
Together with common actions and occasions (some are extra appropriate for older children), you can begin with a choose of the 5 artworks to see with your loved ones and the Begin Show targeted on among the most well-known works, serving to to get youthful guests fascinated about artwork.
There are additionally steered 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 effectively.
Open from 10-6pm. Closed December 24-26. Bankside, London SE1 9TG. Nearest tube stations: Blackfriars and Southwark
For my high 49 free issues to do in London with children, take a look at this put up
The Nationwide Military Museum
With 5 galleries every little thing from life as a soldier to the impression the military has had on the world, the Nationwide Military Museum in Chelsea is a superb choices for teenagers who love historical past (or taking part in 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 probably the most standard areas for youthful children is the museum’s Play Base, geared toward children aged one to eight, with a smooth play assault course, and play vehicles and cookhouses.
Entry is free. There’s a cost of £6.25 for adults for Play Base and timed classes, so prebooking is beneficial.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5.30pm. Nationwide Military Museum, Royal Hospital Street, 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 ready in Nice Missenden, Buckinghamshire, the place the creator lived and was impressed to put in writing a lot of his well-known kids’s tales.
A mixture of displays on the creator, 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 price £9.95 for adults and youngsters aged 5 to 18, free for under-fives. No have to prebook but it surely’s beneficial at busy instances.
Open from Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4.30pm. Throughout Buckinghamshire faculty holidays, the museum is normally open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as effectively, generally Mondays. Examine 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.
Take a look at my overview 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 a lot 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 in case you’re a toddler – is a superb place to spend a number of hours.
In addition to dinosaurs, there are animals galore together with a dodo, different dramatic skeletons, a number of stuffed displays 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 all over the world, 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 day by 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 commonly from Paddington station in London (the place you too can spot the Paddington statues in your means)
For extra of the finest issues to do in London with children, take a look at my high picks
*first revealed 2018, final up to date 2024*
PIN FOR LATER: TIPS FOR LONDON MUSEUMS WITH TODDLERS AND KIDS
Disclosure: Comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own, and primarily based alone expertise of exploring London’s museums with toddlers and youngsters.
Pictures: Fundamental picture/British Museum/London Transport Museum photos/Science Museum transport gallery/Tate Trendy courtesy Depositphotos; All others copyright MummyTravels
