11 Best Museums for Kids in London – Top Museums to Visit with Children in 2024
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London is a treasure trove of museums that cater specifically to children, offering interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and engaging learning experiences. Whether you’re looking to spark your child’s curiosity about science, history, or the arts, these family-friendly museums provide the perfect setting for a fun and educational day out. Here’s our guide to the 11 best museums for kids in London, each guaranteed to captivate young minds and provide a memorable experience for the whole family.
1. Natural History Museum – Dinosaurs and Beyond
Location: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, UK
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Overview:
- Price Range: Free (some special exhibitions may charge)
- Link to the Exhibitions: Natural History Museum Exhibitions
- Tickets:
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM–5:50 PM
- Average Visit Length: 2–4 hours
- Family Facilities: Baby changing stations, accessible toilets, stroller-friendly
- Age Suitability: Best for ages 5 and up
- Educational Value: Offers extensive exhibits on natural history, including dinosaurs, fossils, and earth sciences, which are both fun and educational for children.
- Contact Details: +44 20 7942 5000
- Map: Natural History Museum on Google Map
The Natural History Museum is a favorite among kids, particularly for its impressive dinosaur exhibits, including a life-sized animatronic T-Rex. The museum also features interactive displays on volcanoes, earthquakes, and the natural world, making it both fun and educational. The grand architecture and iconic Hintze Hall are a must-see.
2. Science Museum – Where Learning Meets Fun
Location: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD, UK
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Overview:
- Price Range: Free (some special exhibitions may charge)
- Link to the Exhibitions: Science Museum Exhibitions
- Tickets: Science Museum Free Entry Ticket
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Average Visit Length: 2–3 hours
- Family Facilities: Baby changing stations, accessible toilets, stroller-friendly, cafes
- Age Suitability: Best for ages 4 and up
- Educational Value: Engages children with interactive exhibits in science, technology, space exploration, and the natural world.
- Contact Details: +44 20 7942 4000
- Map: Science Museum on Google Map
The Science Museum is a fantastic destination for curious kids. With hands-on exhibits that explore space, technology, and the natural world, this museum encourages children to engage with science in an exciting way. The interactive Wonderlab and the immersive IMAX cinema are particularly popular with families.
3. V&A Museum of Childhood – A Journey Through Toys
Location: Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA, UK
Google Rating: 4.3/5
Overview:
- Price Range: Free (donations welcome)
- Link to the Exhibitions: V&A Museum of Childhood Exhibitions
- Tickets: Free, you do not need to book a ticket.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM–5:45 PM
- Average Visit Length: 1–2 hours
- Family Facilities: Baby changing stations, accessible toilets, cafes
- Age Suitability: Best for ages 3 and up
- Educational Value: Explores the history of childhood, toys, and games, offering children insight into how past generations played.
- Contact Details: +44 20 8983 5200
- Map: V&A Museum of Childhood on Google Map
The V&A Museum of Childhood offers a nostalgic look at toys, games, and childhood objects from the past and present. Kids will love the interactive displays, where they can play with traditional toys and discover how children around the world have played through the ages.
4. The Postal Museum – Mail Rail Adventures
Location: 15-20 Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DA, UK
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Overview:
- Price Range: £11–£16 (varies by age and ticket type)
- Link to the Exhibitions: The Postal Museum Exhibitions
- Tickets: Postal Museum Entry Ticket and Underground Rail Ride
- Opening Hours:
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Average Visit Length: 1.5–2.5 hours
- Family Facilities: Baby changing stations, accessible toilets, cafes
- Age Suitability: Best for ages 5 and up
- Educational Value: Teaches children about the history of communication and the postal service, with interactive exhibits and the unique Mail Rail ride.
- Contact Details: +44 300 030 0700
- Map: The Postal Museum on Google Map
The Postal Museum offers a unique experience where kids can learn about the history of the postal service and take a ride on the underground Mail Rail. The interactive exhibits and engaging storytelling make this museum a fun and educational visit for children of all ages.
5. The London Transport Museum – A Journey Through Time
Location: London WC2E 7BB, UK
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Overview:
- Price Range: £13.50–£18.50 (kids under 17 go free)
- Link to the Exhibitions: London Transport Museum Exhibitions
- Tickets: Entry Ticket (Timed)
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Average Visit Length: 2–3 hours
- Family Facilities: Baby changing stations, accessible toilets, cafes, play area
- Age Suitability: Best for ages 3 and up
- Educational Value: Explores the evolution of transportation in London, teaching children about the city’s history through interactive exhibits and vehicles.
- Contact Details: +44 343 222 5000
- Map: London Transport Museum on Google Map
The London Transport Museum takes kids on a fascinating journey through the history of London’s transport systems. The museum’s collection includes vintage buses, trains, and trams, and offers interactive exhibits that let children explore how transportation has evolved in the city.
6. Horniman Museum and Gardens – Nature and Culture Combined
Location: 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ, UK
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Overview:
- Price Range: Free (some exhibitions and events may charge)
- Link to the Exhibitions: Horniman Museum and Gardens Exhibitions
- Tickets: Guided Visit of the Horniman Museum and Gardens
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM–5:30 PM
- Average Visit Length: 2–4 hours
- Family Facilities: Baby changing stations, accessible toilets, cafes, gardens, play area
- Age Suitability: Best for ages 4 and up
- Educational Value: Combines natural history, anthropology, and musical instruments, offering kids a broad educational experience in various fields.
- Contact Details: +44 20 8699 1872
- Map: Horniman Museum on Google Map
The Horniman Museum and Gardens offer a mix of natural history, anthropology, and musical instruments, with plenty of hands-on exhibits for kids. The museum’s aquarium and the beautiful gardens, complete with a nature trail and animal enclosure, make it a perfect spot for a family day out.
7. The British Museum – A World of Discovery
Location: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Overview:
- Price Range: Free (some special exhibitions may charge)
- Link to the Exhibitions: British Museum Exhibitions
- Tickets: British Museum Guided Tour
- Opening Hours:
- Monday 10 AM–5 PM
- Tuesday 10 AM–5 PM
- Wednesday 10 AM–5 PM
- Thursday 10 AM–5 PM
- Friday 10 AM–8:30 PM
- Saturday 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday 10 AM–5 PM
- Average Visit Length: 2–4 hours
- Family Facilities: Baby changing stations, accessible toilets, cafes, lockers
- Age Suitability: Best for ages 6 and up
- Educational Value: Offers children a global view of history through artifacts from ancient civilizations, with dedicated resources for young learners.
- Contact Details: +44 20 7323 8299
- Map: British Museum on Google Map
The British Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world and provides a variety of kid-friendly exhibits and activities. Children can explore ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, among other cultures, through interactive displays and guided tours designed specifically for young visitors.
8. London Museum Docklands – Maritime Adventures Await
Location: No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL, UK
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Overview:
- Price Range: Free (donations welcome)
- Link to the Exhibitions: Museum of London Docklands Exhibitions
- Tickets: You don’t need to book a ticket in advance
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Average Visit Length: 1.5–3 hours
- Family Facilities: Baby changing stations, accessible toilets, cafes, play area
- Age Suitability: Best for ages 5 and up
- Educational Value: Focuses on the history of London’s docks and maritime history, providing engaging insights into the city’s trade and economy.
- Contact Details: +44 20 7001 9844
- Map: Museum of London Docklands on Google Map
The Museum of London Docklands explores the history of the River Thames, the port of London, and the people who lived and worked there. The museum features interactive galleries, including a recreation of a Victorian street, making it an exciting experience for kids interested in London’s maritime past.
9. London Canal Museum – Life on the Waterways
Location: 12-13 New Wharf Rd, London N1 9RT, UK
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Overview:
- Price Range: £3.75–£7.50
- Link to the Exhibitions: London Canal Museum Exhibitions
- Tickets: You don’t need to book a ticket in advance
- Opening Hours:
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM–4:30 PM
- Average Visit Length: 1–2 hours
- Family Facilities: Baby changing stations, accessible toilets
- Age Suitability: Best for ages 5 and up
- Educational Value: Educates children about the history of London’s canals and the importance of waterways in the city’s development.
- Contact Details: +44 20 7713 0836
- Map: London Canal Museum on Google Map
The London Canal Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of London’s canals and the people who lived and worked on them. Kids will enjoy exploring the traditional narrowboat and learning about the life of canal boat families. The museum also features interactive exhibits on the history of ice cream, which was transported via the canals.
10. The Cartoon Museum – Fun with Comics and Cartoons
Location: 63 Wells St, Fitzrovia, London W1A 3AE, UK
Google Rating: 4.1/5
Overview:
- Price Range: £4–£9.50
- Link to the Exhibitions: The Cartoon Museum Exhibitions
- Tickets: The Cartoon Museum General Admission
- Opening Hours:
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday 10:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Wednesday 10:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Thursday 10:30 AM–8 PM
- Friday 10:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Saturday 10:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Sunday 12–4 PM
- Average Visit Length: 1–2 hours
- Family Facilities: Baby changing stations, accessible toilets
- Age Suitability: Best for ages 6 and up
- Educational Value: Offers children an insight into the history and craft of cartooning and comics, with interactive workshops to spark creativity.
- Contact Details: +44 20 7580 8155
- Map: The Cartoon Museum on Google Map
The Cartoon Museum is a quirky and fun destination for kids who love comics and cartoons. The museum’s collection includes original comic strips, caricatures, and animation. Interactive workshops allow children to try their hand at creating their own cartoons, making it an engaging experience for budding artists.
11. The Household Cavalry Museum – Soldiers and Horses
Location: 66 Horse Guards Ave, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX, UK
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Overview:
- Price Range: £5–£9
- Link to the Exhibitions: Household Cavalry Museum Exhibitions
- Tickets: Household Cavalry Museum Entry Ticket
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Average Visit Length: 1–1.5 hours
- Family Facilities: Baby changing stations, accessible toilets
- Age Suitability: Best for ages 5 and up
- Educational Value: Teaches children about the history and traditions of the Household Cavalry, including their role in ceremonial events and the care of horses.
- Contact Details: +44 20 7930 3070
- Map: Household Cavalry Museum on Google Map
The Household Cavalry Museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ceremonial duties of the Household Cavalry, including the famous Changing of the Guard. Kids will love seeing the horses and the soldiers up close, as well as exploring the museum’s interactive exhibits on the history and traditions of this elite regiment.
Explore London’s Family-Friendly Museums
London’s museums offer a wealth of opportunities for children to learn, play, and explore. From hands-on science exhibits to the wonders of natural history, these 11 museums are sure to provide a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages. Make the most of your family day out with this guide to London’s best museums for kids!