Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained, preferably away from a screen? London is packed with family-friendly museums that make great indoor family days out. From science and technology to the city’s maritime history, there are lots of attractions for families to spark children’s interest and imagination. Here’s an overview of some of the best museums for kids in London.
1. Natural History Museum
Full of life-size models and interactive exhibits, the Natural History Museum is an easy win for little ones and guarantees a fun family day out. Discover the awe-inspiring dinosaur displays, the colourful bird and mammal galleries, and even step inside an earthquake simulator in the Volcanoes and Earthquakes exhibit. An educational treat for all the family!
Where: Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
When: 10am–5:50pm every day
Tickets: Free entry
2. Science Museum
The Science Museum is another family favourite. Kids can learn about science and technology in an array of hands-on exhibits designed to entertain and educate. Check out the life-size Apollo 11 Eagle model in the Exploring Space exhibition, for example, or examine a slice of a Boeing 747 jumbo jet in the Flight gallery.
The Wonderlab gives kids the chance to discover the joy of science first-hand, from live chemistry displays to friction slides and an artificial lightning strike. The Science Museum is also home to its very own IMAX cinema, which shows everything from family-friendly 3D documentaries to the latest blockbusters.
Where: Exhibition Road, London SW7 2DD
When: 10am–6pm, Wednesday–Sunday
Tickets: Free entry (£9 for the Wonderlab. For IMAX ticket prices, check out the current showings)
3. Museum of London
Family-friendly activities don’t get much better than a trip to the Museum of London. Find out all about London’s past, present and future, from its Roman and Medieval roots to modern-day life in the capital. It’s kitted out with numerous immersive exhibits that little ones will love, including a Saxon cottage and a full-scale Victorian shopping street. Look online to find activity sheets and museum trails specially designed to help kids engage with the exhibits.
Where: 150 London Wall, London EC2Y 5HN
When: 10am–5pm every day
Tickets: Free entry
4. Museum of London Docklands
A branch of the Museum of London, the Museum of London Docklands is located in the east of the city. Housed in a historic warehouse building near the river, it focuses on the city’s history as a maritime and trading hub. There are four floors of exciting interactive exhibits, including the immersive world of “Sailortown”, where kids can explore the winding alleys of the old London docklands as they would have looked in the 1800s.
Where: No. 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL
When: 10am–5pm every day
Tickets: Free entry
5. Wellcome Collection
This fascinating free museum is a particular hit with school-age kids. A little on the quirkier side, it features a blend of medicine, research and art installations that offer a fresh perspective on relevant topics. The permanent exhibitions include a collection of Sir Henry Wellcome’s medical artefacts and artworks, alongside an interactive reflection on “Being Human”. In addition, there is an ongoing rotation of temporary exhibitions—check out the website to find out what’s on.
Where: 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE
When: 10am–6pm, Tuesday–Sunday
Tickets: Free entry
6. British Museum
When it comes to the biggest attractions for families in London, the British Museum is a must-see. There are huge and impressive artefacts on display from the ancient world, alongside other fascinating objects from across the globe, including the ever-popular Egyptian mummies exhibition. The museum offers an array of family-friendly events and trails, too—check out the website for more details.
Where: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
When: 10am–5pm every day
Tickets: Free entry
7. London Transport Museum
Tubes, trains, buses and bikes—the London Transport Museum is an accessible and entertaining way for kids to engage with the vehicles that get us from A to B. Discover the history of the city’s transport through the ages, from horse-drawn carriages to big red buses. There’s a fun, themed play area for younger ones, and interactive problem-solving activities on offer in the “Future Engineers” exhibit—the kids even get the opportunity to “drive” a tube train themselves!
Where: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB
When: 10am–6pm every day
Tickets: Free entry for children (<17). Adults will need to buy an annual pass for £21
8. Imperial War Museum
The Imperial War Museum (IWM), which offers an interactive and educational look at conflict since World War I, is another great attraction for families. Check out original uniforms, tanks and aircraft, including the iconic World War II Spitfire. While the museum does cover some heavy material—as in the Holocaust exhibition—this is well signposted, and there are plenty of more accessible areas that allow you to tailor your visit to the age and sensibilities of the kids in your care.
Where: Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ
When: 10am–6pm every day
Tickets: Free entry
9. Cutty Sark
If you make your way over to Greenwich in the east of the city, there’s a hidden gem waiting for the whole family: the Cutty Sark is a reconstruction of a historic sailing ship from the 1800s, originally used to transport tea from China to Britain. Visitors can find out all about the history of the ship and international trade in the interactive, family-friendly exhibition below deck, while the cabins above deck offer an insight into everyday life for sailors aboard the 19th-century trading vessel. Don’t miss the world’s largest collection of ship figureheads, too!
Where: King William Walk, London SE10 9HT
When: 10am–5pm every day
Tickets: £8 for children, £16 for adults
10. Museum of the Home
Formerly the Geffrye Museum, the Museum of the Home recently underwent extensive refurbishment and re-opened in 2021 with fresh exhibitions. Exploring the history of the home through the centuries, the highlight is the gallery of different living spaces from the 1600s to the present day. The museum also hosts regular events for all ages—take a look at what’s on for kids here.
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA
When: 10am–5pm, Tuesday–Sunday
Tickets: Free entry
