There are so many terrific things to do with kids across London. From renowned attractions to picture-perfect parks, one of our favourite family-friendly activities is checking out some of the capital’s world-class museums. Most of the big names that cater to families and kids to lesser-known options, we’re here to break it all down to guarantee a fantastic day out!
Whether you’re on the hunt for sensory immersion or some of the city’s best family-friendly exhibitions, keep scrolling to discover everything you need to know about London’s best museums for kids.
The best museums in London for kids:
1. Young V&A
With an exhibition and events programme specifically curated for kids and young adults, Young V&A is undisputedly one of the standout museums for kids in London. The immersive space was designed to inspire creativity, where families are encouraged to imagine, play and design their way through this interactive wonderland of learning.
Young V&A takes the whimsicalness of its sibling museum in Kensington and makes it accessible to kids of all ages. Best of all, the museum is completely free to visit, adding itself to the long list of free museums in the capital for those moments when you need to look after the pennies. For more information on their current exhibitions and events, visit their website.
📍 Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA
🚇 Nearest stations are Bethnal Green and Cambridge Heath.
This topsy-turvey museum is perfect for a family-fuelled day of fun with the kids. Paradox Museum is designed to play with the brain through a series of mind-bending illusions and paradoxes.
See the world from different perspectives, through their fabulous trail of enthralling exhibits and displays where nothing at all seems logical, yet it’s all completely real. Boasting fantastic photo opportunities, immersive spaces, and sensory play, it’s truly one of the best museums for kids in the capital, and it’s here for a limited run only. For more information and tickets, click here.
📍 90 Brompton Rd, London, UK. SW3 1JJ.
🚇 Nearest station is Knightsbridge.
Inspire inquisitive minds with a visit to Moco Museum; works from some of the world’s most influential names in modern and contemporary art line the walls here. School-aged kids will revel in seeing pieces from Banksy, Andy Warhol, and even Picasso, in person, while parents will be loving angels instead as they admire the Robbie Williams exhibition – yes, the stage artist is a sculpture artist too!
If the name Moco sounds familiar, you’ll not be surprised to hear that while London is the museum’s flagship location, the independent museum has locations in Amsterdam and Barcelona too. It has attracted over 5 million visitors worldwide, including big-name visitors such as Barack Obama, Steven Spielberg, Venus Williams, Adele, Tim Cook, Dua Lipa, and Idris Elba.
📍 1-4 Marble Arch, London W2 2UH
🚇 Nearest station is Marble Arch.
Got some budding rebels and artists in the family? For a museum trip that’s less about relics of the past and more about dazzling anarchy of the present, get yourselves down to Banksy: Limitless. This massive, immersive show in South Kensington plunges you straight into the mind of the world’s most famous street artist.
Forget the shushed galleries; this is a multi-sensory experience where all ages are welcome. Kids and teens alike will get a huge kick out of the life-sized installations, such as the “Meat Truck” (yes, it’s the one filled with screaming plushies) and some of Banky’s most recognisable works.
Plus, there’s even a graffiti wall for visitors to leave their own mark and a premium ticket option that lets you spray-paint your own t-shirt. How cool is that?
📍 Sussex Mansions, 79 – 85 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3LD
🚇 Nearest station is South Kensington.
5. Science Museum
Another one of London’s fabulously free museums, the Science Museum is the perfect day out for the whole family. Located on the city’s iconic Exhibition Road, there’s a whole lot of discovery to unravel across this world-class learning sector in South Kensington, especially at this beloved museum.
Explore award-winning exhibitions, fascinating objects and artefacts, as well as insightful stories of scientific achievements. The museum is famous for their interactive exhibits and impressive displays, with an array of family-friendly activities scattered throughout their jam-packed events calendar. If you’re really looking to treat the family, you can even stay the night at the Science Museum thanks to their sleepover packages. Click here for more information.
📍 Exhibition Road, London SW7 2DD
🚇 Nearest station is South Kensington.
6. Natural History Museum
This round-up would not be complete without the Natural History Museum, as many consider this Kensington gem as London’s most iconic museum. From roaming with dinosaurs to learning all about the natural world, channel your inner explorers as a family by visiting this humongous archive and collection of natural history.
Whether it’s their relaxed morning visits for kids or the adorable sensory storytelling for babies, there’s a plethora of things to do at the Natural History Museum that’s solidified it as one of the many family-friendly favourites here in London. To find out more information, click here.
📍 Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
🚇 Nearest station is South Kensington.
Okay, so this one isn’t technically a museum, but if your kids are dino-mad, they will 100% thank you for taking them here. Jurassic World: The Experience at Battersea Power Station is a full-on, roar-some adventure that lets you walk right through those iconic gates. Forget staring at fossils in glass cases; here, you’ll come face-to-face with a towering Brachiosaurus, meet a Velociraptor, and maybe even hear the thud of a certain T-Rex.
It’s the closest you’ll get to being in the famous franchise and an unforgettable way to learn about dinos in the process! It’s a fun 45-minute trip for the whole family, and let’s be honest, seeing a life-sized dinosaur is way better than trying to keep the kids semi-silent in a gallery, right? For more info and tickets, click here.
📍 NEON at Battersea Power Station, 2 Circus Road East, SW11 8DQ
🚇 Nearest station is Battersea Power Station.
Discover a wondrous world of illusions with over 80 exhibits to explore at the mind-warping Twist Museum in Oxford Circus. All the family will delight in the variety of interactive installations, immersive rooms and irresistibly Instagrammable photo ops.
One moment you will be casting multicoloured neon shadows, the next you can stick your head in a hypnotic kaleidoscope and then find yourself wandering through a brain-boggling tunnel. Kids will have no end of fun diving into the puzzling unknown and learning how we all perceive things differently.
📍 248 Oxford Street, London, W1C 1DH – next to Oxford Circus.
🚇 Nearest station is Oxford Circus
Check out the world’s leading museum of urban transportation by visiting the London Transport Museum. If your kids are forever fascinated by the tube or hopping on double-decker buses, then this is the place for you. Featuring incredible exhibitions and interactive displays, historic vehicles and beyond, discover over 200 years of London’s influential transport history, with an incredible family program of events that’s sure to spark curiosity.
Located in Covent Garden, it’s a great option if you’re planning a family outing to the West End or the area’s renowned market hall. For more information and to get your tickets for the London Transport Museum, click here.
📍 39 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7BB
🚇 Nearest stations are Covent Garden, Charing Cross, and Temple.
10. The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition
How about a history lesson so real you can feel it? (Without, y’know, actual volcanic ash). The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition is your chance to time-travel back to 79 AD, and it’s a total must-see for budding historians. Forget static displays; this is a full-blown immersive journey.
You’ll get to wander the ancient streets of the doomed city, peek inside the stunning ‘Villa of the Mysteries’, and then watch the entire story come to life in a mind-blowing 360-degree projection room. It’s dramatic, it’s dazzling, and it’s a fantastic way to get the kids to engage with a massive moment in history.
📍 ImmerseLDN, Excel Waterfront, ExCel, London E16 1XL.
🚇 Nearest station is Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR).
11. Horniman Museum and Gardens
For a blissful retreat from the hustle and bustle of London life, be sure to visit Horniman Museum and Gardens. One of the many gems of South London, this stunning museum boasts an incredible collection of artefacts from across the globe. From natural wonders to must-see temporary exhibitions, there’s so much to see and do at this lesser-known hotspot for local museum-goers.
Even if museums aren’t your thing as a family, there’s a gorgeous garden to explore, as well as some unmissable events throughout the year. For more information, visit their website.
📍 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ
🚇 Nearest station is Forest Hill.
The British Museum is the largest museum in London and the oldest museum in the world, boasting an unmatched collection of art, literature, and other artefacts telling the story of human history. Although this might seem daunting to some children, there’s a fantastic line-up of events and exhibitions for families and kids that’s always worth a gander. For our full Secret London guide to the British Museum, click here.
📍 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
🚇 Nearest stations are Holborn, Russell Square, and Tottenham Court Road.
Learn all about the five senses in a unique and immersive way at SENSAS, a two-hour adventure of fab challenges and vibrant workshops that push your senses to the limit.
Although more of an immersive experience and escape room, this is a great option for older kids and young teens who are more lenient towards sensory learning. You’ll be guided by the mischievous Master of Senses, all while learning together and making a difference as a team in an inclusive, fun-filled adventure. To book your tickets, click here.
📍 Arch 17 Miles Street, London, SW8 1RZ
🚇 Nearest stations are Nine Elms and Vauxhall.
It takes a lot to keep kids engaged these days, right? Well, this immersive museum will transport your group back to 1912 using virtual reality that’s sure to keep children (and adults) enthralled. Most suitable for secondary school-aged kids and older, Titanic: Echos Of The Past takes an informative look at the infamous Titanic ship, from its creation to its fateful maiden voyage. The experience blends historical facts with fictional reconstructions to be both educational and entertaining to visitors; it makes for an ideal school trip, with group bookings available.
📍 213-219 Camden High Street, London, NW1 8QR
🚇 Nearest station is Camden Town.
15. The Victoria & Albert Museum
Featuring one of the largest collections of decorative arts in the world, the Victoria & Albert Museum has become an institutional hotspot for both locals and visitors alike. The spectacular venue plays host to endless must-see exhibitions, as well as a diverse line-up of family fun.
We suggest taking on one of their insightful trails where you can follow the clues to discover the gems of their profound collection. There’s even a Family Trail where you can learn all about family dynamics throughout history. Before leaving, stop off at the Learning Centre for some more kid-friendly activities, before a drool-worthy lunch at their impressive restaurant.
📍 Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL
🚇 Nearest station is South Kensington.
16. Tate Britain
The Tate Britain offers a vibrant and engaging experience for families, with an array of special activities and tours available, perfect for kids to explore their artistic expression and creativity.
There’s a Play Studio and digital drawing station, where you can see your finished drawing projected onto the walls, as well as a Story Space for reading, playing and creating. Find out more about Tate Britain’s family fun by clicking here.
📍 Millbank, London SW1P 4RG.
🚇 Nearest stations are Pimlico and Vauxhall.
When it comes to hidden gems for the family, it doesn’t get much better than The Postal Museum. Delve into the hidden world of Mail Rail, London’s secret underground railway, as well as a vast collection of artefacts retelling centuries of postal history. Ride the mysterious underground train and explore fascinating exhibitions at the capital’s only, totally immersive museum dedicated to the postal service. Click here to get your tickets.
📍 Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DL
🚇 Nearest stations are Russell Square and Farringdon.
18. Tate Modern
As one of the city’s most iconic art galleries, The Tate Modern is a vibrant destination for families that offers a rich cultural experience with free admission to its permanent collection. Engage your children with the interactive installations, or explore the UNIQLO Tate Play program, which features activities and workshops inspired by the art on display.
📍 Bankside, London SE1 9TG
🚇 Nearest stations are Russell Square and Farringdon.
19. Centre of The Cell
Located in Whitechapel, The Centre of the Cell is so much more than your average museum–it’s an immersive journey into the wonders of human biology and medical science. The centre itself is located above a working biomedical research laboratory, giving visitors a glimpse into real-life science in action.
Kids can engage with various hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and activities centred on everything from cells and DNA to the human body and cutting-edge scientific research. Perfect for budding scientists, this museum is designed and curated to spark curiosity and inspire young minds to dive deep into the wonders of biology. For more info, click here to visit their website.
📍 4 Newark St, London E1 2AT
🚇 Nearest station is Whitechapel.
20. The Cartoon Museum
If your kids are mad for animation, be sure to take them to London’s beloved Cartoon Museum. Inspiring families to pick up a pencil and start doodling, this charming museum is dedicated to the perseverance of the absolute best British cartoons, caricatures, comics and animation. Housing a collection of over 6,000 cartoons, on top of the most impressive comic book collections in the capital, it is especially worth checking out if you have any aspiring artists or superhero fans in the family.
📍 Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DL
🚇 Nearest stations are Russell Square and Farringdon.
Greenwich has an awesome mix of museums for your consideration—and there’s even a day pass that combines all four of the iconic royal offerings in one epic ticket. Head to the stunning Queen’s House, a former royal residence located in the heart of this iconic borough.
Then, journey into space at the Royal Observatory before splashing back down into Britain’s seafaring past at the National Maritime Museum. You can even explore the world’s last surviving clipper: the famous Cutty Sark! Get your combo ticket for these must-visit museums in Greenwich, here.
📍 King William Walk, London SE10 9HT
🚇 Nearest stations are Greenwich and Cutty Sark
22. The Royal Airforce Museum
At The Royal Air Force Museum in Hendon, aviation comes alive for kids of all ages, home to more than 100 historic aircraft vehicles. Ranging from vintage Spitfires to impressive modern jets, your young ones can learn about the history of aviation and the Royal Air Force through interactive displays, simulators, and fascinating exhibitions.
Family-friendly trails guide visitors through the galleries with exciting facts, stories, and hands-on activities. There’s even a 4D theatre providing a multi-sensory adventure in the sky. Visit their website for more information.
📍 Grahame Park Way, London, NW9 5LL
🚇 Nearest station is Colindale.
23. The Imperial War Museum
While it may not seem like an ideal place for children on first thought, the Imperial War Museum is the perfect history lesson boasting exhibitions and things to do with kids in mind. Witness real-life tanks, marvel at historic planes, and even walk through.a recreated trench from World War I.
The exhibits are dynamic and interactive, covering everything from the World Wars to modern conflicts. With special family activity trails and one-off events, the Imperial War Museum is a digestable way for kids to learn about the darker sides of history. For more information, click here.
📍 Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ.
🚇 Nearest stations are North Lambeth and Elephant & Castle.
24. Discover Children’s Story Centre
We couldn’t conclude this round-up without a bit of playtime for the little ones, and this is exactly what this museum is famous for. Spark some imagination and creativity at Discover Children’s Story Centre, an adventure play zone that focuses on wonder and storytelling. From sensory stories for babies to their immersive, exploratory play spaces, it’s the perfect place for smaller kids and children aged 0-11. For more information and their full line-up of events, visit their website.
📍 383-387 High Street Stratford, London E15 4QZÇ
🚇 Nearest station is Stratford.
