London is home to some of the world’s best museums, and many of them offer engaging, hands-on experiences that are perfect for families with kids. Whether your children are budding scientists, history buffs, or budding artists, there’s a museum in London that will spark their curiosity and provide plenty of fun along the way. Here are 11 kid-friendly museums in London that offer an unforgettable day out for the entire family.
1. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a must-visit for families. It’s packed with exhibits that captivate young imaginations, from the towering dinosaur skeletons in the famous Hintze Hall to the fascinating exhibits on earthquakes, volcanoes, and wildlife. Kids can experience the roar of an animatronic T-Rex, explore the Creepy Crawlies gallery, and get hands-on with activities in the Investigate Centre, where they can examine specimens like real scientists. Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly outing too.
2. Science Museum
The Science Museum is perfect for curious minds who love to learn about technology, space, and scientific discoveries. The museum’s exhibits feature everything from historic steam engines to space rockets. Kids will love the Wonderlab, where they can interact with over 50 hands-on experiments covering topics such as electricity, sound, and motion. The interactive exhibits make learning fun, and there are IMAX 3D films available for an even more immersive experience. With free entry, this is a great spot for a day of educational fun.
3. The British Museum
The British Museum is not just for history buffs—kids will enjoy it too, thanks to the museum’s family-friendly trails and interactive displays. The Ancient Egypt gallery, featuring the Rosetta Stone and mummies, is always a hit with young visitors. There are also free activity backpacks that kids can borrow to help them explore the exhibits, packed with games, puzzles, and challenges. The museum also regularly hosts family events and workshops, bringing history to life in a fun and engaging way.
4. The Horniman Museum and Gardens
Situated in Forest Hill, the Horniman Museum is a hidden gem that combines natural history, anthropology, and musical instruments. The hands-on exhibits are designed to be interactive, encouraging kids to touch and play with various objects. There’s a Butterfly House, an aquarium, and a Nature Base where children can explore natural habitats up close. The gardens surrounding the museum offer a perfect spot for a picnic, with plenty of space to run around and even a small animal enclosure.
5. The V&A Museum of Childhood
Located in Bethnal Green, the V&A Museum of Childhood is dedicated to all things related to children’s toys, games, and play. The museum’s collections feature toys from throughout history, including dolls, teddy bears, board games, and even video games. There are plenty of interactive exhibits and craft workshops where children can get creative. It’s a wonderful place to introduce kids to the history of play, and there are plenty of spaces where they can explore and enjoy hands-on activities.
6. The London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is ideal for young ones who are fascinated by trains, buses, and everything transport-related. The exhibits take you through the history of London’s transportation, from horse-drawn carriages to the famous red double-decker buses. Kids can climb aboard vintage vehicles, explore interactive displays, and even drive a simulated Tube train. The museum also has a special play zone for under-7s, making it a great choice for families with younger children.
7. The Museum of London Docklands
The Museum of London Docklands is located in a historic warehouse on the Isle of Dogs and tells the story of London’s river, port, and people. The museum has a fantastic interactive play area called Mudlarks, where kids can learn about life on the docks through fun water play and role-playing activities. There are also exhibits on the history of pirates, trade, and maritime London, which will surely captivate young minds. Family-friendly workshops and events are regularly held, making it a dynamic place to visit.
8. The Postal Museum
The Postal Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of Britain’s postal system. The main attraction is the chance to ride on the Mail Rail, a miniature underground railway that was once used to transport letters and parcels beneath the streets of London. The museum’s exhibits are interactive, featuring vintage postal vehicles, early stamps, and historical uniforms. The Sorted! play area is perfect for younger children, where they can dress up as postal workers and sort parcels themselves.
9. The Geffrye Museum of the Home
The Geffrye Museum of the Home, located in Hoxton, explores how home life has evolved over the centuries. The museum’s family-friendly activities include hands-on crafts and interactive displays where kids can learn about different aspects of home life, from furniture and décor to cooking and family traditions. The period rooms, depicting various living spaces from the 1600s to the present, offer a glimpse into how homes have changed over time. The herb garden and café provide a nice spot for a relaxing break during your visit.
10. The Design Museum
The Design Museum in Kensington is perfect for budding creatives and innovators. It features exhibitions on graphic design, fashion, architecture, and industrial design, making it a visually stimulating experience for kids and adults alike. The Design Ventura challenge offers a special activity for young visitors, where they can create and submit their own designs. The museum also hosts family workshops and interactive events that encourage children to get hands-on with creative projects.
11. The Bank of England Museum
Money might not be the most obvious topic to engage kids, but the Bank of England Museum manages to do it in a fun and educational way. Kids can learn about the history of money, see ancient coins, and even lift a real gold bar! The museum also features displays about famous banknote forgeries, financial crises, and how the Bank of England works. It offers interactive displays and games that explain complex financial concepts in a simple and entertaining manner, making it suitable for the entire family.
Conclusion
London’s museums offer more than just historical artifacts; they provide exciting and interactive experiences that are perfect for a family day out. With these 11 kid-friendly museums, you can introduce your children to new worlds of discovery and learning in a fun and engaging way. Whether they’re fascinated by dinosaurs, space, or even money, there’s a museum in London ready to inspire and entertain the entire family.
