Discover the best London museums for kids, with plenty of interactive exhibits to keep them entertained, from unusual things to see at the Natural History Museum and quirky exhibits at the Science Museum to maritime marvels at Royal Museums Greenwich and cool history at the London Transport Museum.
Most London museums for kids offer fun workshops and activities for all ages, with a regular programme of events for the whole family. Almost all are free to enter. Take your pick of the best museums for kids in London and get ready to explore imaginative exhibits with the little ones.
The best museums for kids in London
The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden hosts exhibitions connecting transport with the history of London. Find more than 80 vehicles, including a red London bus and the world's first Tube train. The galleries are full of exhibits for children to play on. Look out for All Aboard, the children's interactive area. Free entry for under-18s.
Opening times: Daily 10am-6pm
Kids highlights: All Aboard play zone (under-7s), term-time singing and story sessions (under-5s), events designed for families with Special Educational Needs
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Nearest Tube station: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line)
Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7BB
From £24.50
Based on 3,259 reviews
Step aboard Europe's largest preserved WW2 warship and experience the legend of HMS Belfast. The ship has nine decks steeped in history, from the Captain's Bridge to the sailor's mess, and offers hands-on activities for children. Free family audio tours are available, as well as free admission for under-5s.
Opening times: Daily 10am-6pm
Kids highlights: Free hands-on activities for children every weekend and during the school holidays, free trail guides for families
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Nearest Tube station: London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines)
The Queen's Walk, London, SE1 2JH
From £26.35
Based on 4,048 reviews
The British Museum is one of the world's greatest, showcasing objects from prehistoric to modern times. Entertain kids at the Digital Discovery Centre and check out the free events for kids of all ages. Free activity backpacks are also available.
Opening times: Daily 10am-5pm
Kids highlights: Free themed explorer trails, interactive missions and activity backpacks to explore the museum with kids, playful workshops during the school holidays, family events throughout the year
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Nearest Tube station: Tottenham Court Road (Central, Elizabeth and Northern lines)
Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG
Free
Based on 74,835 reviews
Meet a life-sized blue whale or a roaring T-Rex dinosaur at one of the most fascinating London museums for kids. At the Natural History Museum, children can delve into the Darwin Centre, get hands-on at the Investigate science lab or shaken up in the earthquake machine. Some charges apply.
Opening times: Daily 10am-5.50pm
Kids highlights: Events throughout the year including dinosaur-themed sleepovers (for kids aged 7-11 or 7-17) and behind-the-scenes tours, free family activities during the school holidays
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Nearest Tube station: South Kensington (Circle, District and Piccadilly lines)
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD
Free
Based on 38,569 reviews
Teach kids the value of money the fun way at the Bank of England Museum. See gold bars from ancient times – even try to lift one – and hear unexpected tales about the Bank's ghostly nun.
Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am-5pm
Kids highlights: Child-friendly displays and interactives, themed activity sheets for kids to explore the museum, free events and activities during the school holidays (best for children aged 5-11)
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Nearest Tube station: Bank (Central, Northern and Waterloo & City lines, DLR)
Bartholomew Lane, London, EC2R 8AH
Free
Based on 865 reviews
Lover of illustrations? Pencil in a date with The Cartoon Museum which explores and preserves British cartoons, comics and animation. Discover a treasure trove of more than 6,000 original artworks and 8,000 books during your visit. Free entry for under-18s.
Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am-5.30pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm
Kids highlights: Engaging workshops for families, schools and youth groups, inspired by comics and cartoons, including drawing workshops for children aged 8-14 during the school holidays (book in advance)
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Nearest Tube station: Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines)
63 Wells Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1A 3AE
From £8.50
Best museums for toddlers London
7. Science Museum Free
Museums don't get more family-friendly than the Science Museum. With interactive, multi-sensory areas for children of all ages to discover science through play, it's one of the best museums for kids in London. Trace the space rocket's history, meet Isambard Kingdom Brunel or catch a 3D movie. Teenagers can get hands-on at Wonderlab, and young kids will love Pattern Pod. Some charges apply.
Opening times: Daily 10am-6pm
Kids highlights: Power Up hands-on gaming experience (best for kids aged 5 to 12), Wonderlab interactive gallery with 50 hands-on exhibits (best for kids aged 7-14), regular events for kids of all ages
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Nearest Tube station: South Kensington (District, Circle and Piccadilly lines)
Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD
Free
Based on 9,622 reviews
8. Young V&A Free
One of the best London museum for kids, Young V&A enables children and young people to experience their inner artist. The museum seeks to inspire the next generation and to help them to gain new skills and confidence with activities they enjoy.
Opening times: Daily 10am-5.45pm
Kids highlights: Three permanent gallery spaces called Imagine, Play and Design, all created with children in mind, interactive displays, workshops and Open Studio
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Nearest Tube station: Bethnal Green (Central line)
Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9PA
Free
Based on 922 reviews
Kids will love the National Maritime Museum as there's plenty to engage and entertain young minds. Explore a range of free family-friendly spaces, including the All Hands children’s gallery, Sea Things and The Cove playground. Look out for family events during the week and school holidays.
Opening times: Daily 10am-5pm
Kids highlights: All Hands children's gallery (for kids aged 6-12), Sea Things gallery, Play Tuesdays (under 5s), hands-on activities, workshops and family events
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Nearest Tube station: Greenwich (DLR)
Romney Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF
Free
Based on 2,734 reviews
Set sail for a fun day out at one of the best museums for kids in London. Children of all ages can learn the history of the river Thames at London Museum Docklands. Venture through the 19th-century Sailortown, let them loose in the Mudlarks soft play area, or join the fun at free family events during the weekend.
Opening times: Daily 10am-5pm
Kids highlights: Interactive Mudlarks family gallery (under-8s), workshops, events, family trails
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Nearest Tube station: West India Quay (DLR)
West India Quay, London, E14 4AL
Free
Based on 1,525 reviews
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a children's paradise. As well as a programme of free activities for kids, there's an aquarium, a hands-on centre, a Nature Base, plus beautiful gardens perfect for picnics. Some charges apply.
Opening times: Daily 10am-5.30pm
Kids highlights: Free activities, workshops, storytelling, arts and crafts, aquarium exhibits
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Nearest Tube station: Forest Hill (Overground)
Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, London, SE23 3PQ
Free
Based on 768 reviews
What is the most interactive museum in London for kids?
There are plenty of kids museums in London that host interactive exhibitions to inspire the curious minds of younger ones. The London Transport Museum is full of exhibits for children to play on in the All Aboard children's interactive area, while the Young V&A has several work stations where you can get creative.
Are museums free for kids in London?
Almost all museums for kids in London are free to enter and many offer interactive activities, workshops and events to keep families thoroughly entertained. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and the British Museum are just some of the best free kids museums in London that make a great addition to a day out in the capital.
What is the best free museum in London for kids?
London has a wide range of free museums that offer imaginative exhibits and activities for kids. The London Transport Museum and the Science Museum host exciting interactive areas, while the National Maritime Museum and the Young V&A are full of free exhibits for children to play on.
Plan your visit
Plan your day out at the best museums in London for kids:
- Buy tickets for iconic kids-friendly attractions such as the London Transport Museum and HMS Belfast.
- Book fascinating guided tours of the British Museum and Natural History Museum for the whole family.
- Or choose from a range of free children's museums in London (see all museums marked as free above).
