Museums make for a fantastic family day trip, as they offer the perfect combination of entertainment and education.
With so many varied museums in London and the surrounding areas, it’s easy to fill your weekends and school holidays with exciting days out whilst also teaching your children about history, science, art and more!
With dedicated days, events, workshops and activities for children of all ages, many of the museums in London are winning a lot of family-friendly points.
What’s more, a lot of these museums can be visited for free or by purchasing just one ticket that you can use over and over again all year.
As an added bonus, several of those listed below offer special quiet sessions for those with sensory needs.
Whether you live in the capital or you’re visiting with young children, you’ll want to know which museums are the most family-friendly, so read on to find out!
1. Science Museum
South Kensington, SW7
The Science Museum is a hit with children of all ages thanks to the interactive displays, games, experiments and simulators. There is simply so much to see and do, whether self-guided or on a booked tour.
Music lovers won’t want to miss the Turn It Up exhibition, which explores the influence that music has on our lives.
If your little ones enjoy movies, then a trip to the IMAX theatre is a must, where you can catch a selection of educational and entertaining films.
There are several cafés within the museum, each of which has their own opening hours. To help you plan your day, lunch can be pre-ordered and collected from the Energy Café. There are also several areas where you can sit and eat packed lunches.
Entry to the Science Museum is free, but tickets should be pre-booked online to avoid disappointment on busy days.
Wonderlab at the Science Museum
Your little ones also have the opportunity to think like a scientist when they visit the Wonderlab.
The Wonderlab is an interactive experience that provides kids aged 7-14 with live science shows and demonstrations.
There are more than 50 hands-on activities for kids to enjoy.
Children are invited to create their own electronic music by using different sound frequencies, build electric circuits and create a miniature lightning storm in glass tubes!
This unique space is the perfect way to demonstrate the beauty and power of science to children.
Day passes to the gallery start at £9.
There’s no guarantee that tickets will be available at the door, so it is recommended that you book your tickets online beforehand.
Opening days/times:
Open Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (last entry 5:15 pm)
Family events:
Plan your visit to the Science Museum
Visit the Science Museum website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
2. The Young V&A
Bethnal Green, E2
The Young V&A is a newly opened branch of the well-known Victoria and Albert Museum. This new museum was co-designed with young people and is intended as a space where children can explore their imaginations and learn more about the world around them.
The first exhibition to go on display at the Young V&A is Japan: Myths to Manga, which explores various influences on Japanese culture.
A visit to the Young V&A is an opportunity to enjoy the various exhibits. It’s also a chance to partake in different experiences, such as a sensory play area, sand pit, storytelling stage and a finger skateboard park.
Entry is free for all.
Opening days/times:
Open Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:45 pm (galleries close from 5 pm)
Family events:
Plan your visit to The Young V&A
Visit The Young V&A website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
3. The Natural History Museum
South Kensington, SW7
The Natural History Museum has been entertaining and educating kids of all ages since it first opened its doors in 1881!
As you step into the main hall of the museum, you’ll be greeted by the magnificent sight of a blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.
The whale, known as Hope, was installed after the famous Diplodocus replica went on tour after 37 years of welcoming guests!
This museum is a wonderful place for your young ones to explore their curiosity across 4.6 billion years of history. The exciting range of exhibits focuses on life on Earth, from dinosaurs to wildlife and the ocean to space.
The dinosaur collection is always a hit with young children, and the nearby human evolution exhibition is an amazing way to introduce your kids to our ancient past.
You can find a number of cafés within the Natural History Museum providing a range of fresh food and hot and cold drinks.
General entry is free, but some temporary exhibitions may require a paid ticket. While pre-booking is available, it is not required.
However, it’s advisable to book online during busier times to ensure entry.
Opening days/times:
Open Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:50 pm (last entry 5:30 pm)
Family events:
- Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur
- The Wild Escape
- Jurassic Encounters: Animal Show
- Adventure Babies
- Dino Snores for Kids
Plan your visit to The Natural History Museum
Visit The Natural History Museum website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
4. Tate Modern
Bankside, SE1
The Tate Modern is home to one of the largest collections of contemporary and modern art in the world.
It’s also a fantastic place to immerse your family in interactive culture with child-friendly art exhibitions and activities.
New exhibitions are launched regularly, so this is a great place to visit over and over again!
The Terrace Café is the perfect place to refuel on your day out at the Tate Modern, with a deli-style menu and a selection of hot and cold drinks.
Entry to the main gallery is free, and it’s not necessary to book ahead. Certain exhibitions need to be booked in advance with paid tickets.
Members and supporters can enjoy all exhibitions for free with no need to book.
Opening days/times:
Open Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (last entry 5:30 pm)
Family events:
Plan your visit to Tate Modern
Visit the Tate Modern website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
5. Shakespeare’s Globe
Bankside, SE1
Shakespeare’s Globe is a world-famous theatre and education centre on the bank of the River Thames.
The Globe offers a range of different shows and activities to enjoy throughout the year, with family-friendly events that are tailored to younger audiences.
Some of the most popular shows to see are Richard III, The Taming of the Shrew and The Comedy of Errors.
Also, if you want to soak up some history in the area, you can book a walking tour.
The Swan Bar & Restaurant is next door to the theatre and boasts an expansive menu for meals, snacks and drinks. Indoor and outdoor dining is available.
Tickets to shows can be purchased online, with the option to see which shows are accompanied by British Sign Language or captions.
Opening days/times:
The theatre is open at different times for specific events.
Family events:
There’s a great selection of shows, tours, storytelling sessions and workshops for all ages happening throughout the year — more details and booking are available here.
Plan your visit to Shakespeare’s Globe
Visit the Shakespeare’s Globe website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
6. The British Museum
Bloomsbury, WC1B
The British Museum provides an exciting opportunity for children to experience cultures from all around the globe and throughout history.
Current exhibitions on display offer an insightful introduction to the ancient civilisations of Greece, Persia and Egypt, as well as an exploration of Chinese cultures.
There are so many fun family activities to enjoy year-round, with extra workshops available during the school holidays.
For a hot meal, you can treat everyone at the Great Court Restaurant or head to the pizzeria, and for lighter dishes and snacks, there are a number of cafés around the museum. There are also two food trucks outside for hot snacks and desserts.
Walk-in entry is available but can’t be guaranteed, so it’s advisable to book a free ticket online in advance.
Opening days/times:
Open Saturday – Thursday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:00 pm)
Open Friday 10:00 am – 8:30 pm (last entry 7:30 pm)
Family events:
Plan your visit to The British Museum
Visit The British Museum website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
7. London Transport Museum
Covent Garden, WC2E
An afternoon at the London Transport Museum is a chance to discover more than 200 years of the city’s transport history, as well as the transport of the future.
Guided tours will take you behind the scenes at the museum and allow you to explore historical tube stations that are otherwise closed to the public!
The museum hosts a session for those under five years old to enjoy singing, storytelling and crafts once a week. Plus, different activities take place during the school holidays.
When you’re ready to recharge, head to the Canteen, where you can choose from a huge menu of hot and cold food and drinks. This is also a great spot to enjoy a stunning view over the Piazza.
Adults must purchase an annual ticket, which allows unlimited entry for one year, and book timed entry online. Children go free, but pre-booking is still required.
Opening days/times:
Open Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm)
Family events:
Plan your visit to the London Transport Museum
Visit the London Transport Museum website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
8. The Postal Museum
Clerkenwell, WC1X
The Postal Museum calls itself one of London’s friendliest family museums, and with good reason.
There’s something for kids of all ages to get involved with year-round, plus there are dedicated quiet times for families with neurodiverse children to experience the museum away from the crowds.
Collections at The Postal Museum showcase 500 years of postal history, including letters, stamps, books, vehicles, posters, maps and more.
Also, don’t forget to take a ride on the Mail Rail, which is a journey through time on the 100-year-old underground postal railway!
Light snacks and refreshments are available in the café, which can be found in the Welcome Space.
Tickets are on sale online and allow for unlimited entry for one year, as well as one ride on the museum’s Mail Rail. Children under three years old can visit the museum for free.
Opening days/times:
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Family events:
Plan your visit to The Postal Museum
Visit The Postal Museum website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
9. The Cartoon Museum
Fitzrovia, W1A
The Cartoon Museum calls itself “the only museum in London where you’re encouraged to laugh out loud” and offers a fun and friendly atmosphere for all.
As the name suggests, this museum showcases cartoons, comic strips and caricatures from the 18th Century to the present day.
New exhibitions are featured throughout the year. The permanent collections include work from Victorian cartoonists and some of the most popular cartoonists of today.
Workshops for kids
The Cartoon Museum also offers a range of creative workshops for kids. Children are encouraged to craft their own comic strips and given the chance to draw caricatures of famous people.
Refreshments are not available in the museum itself, but there are plenty of great options nearby.
Tickets can be bought online and include access to all exhibitions. Free sessions are available on certain days for young people with autism or sensory processing differences.
Opening days/times:
Open Tuesday – Saturday 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Open Sunday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Open the last Thursday of the month 10:30 am – 8:00 pm
Family events:
Plan your visit to The Cartoon Museum
Visit The Cartoon Museum website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
10. London Museum of Water & Steam
Brentford, TW8
The London Museum of Water & Steam is home to the biggest steam engine collection in the world! With educational hands-on exhibitions, plus the Splash Zones and Wild Play Garden, it makes for a great day out for the whole family, including babies and toddlers.
Metal stairs around the giant steam engines allow adventurous little ones to climb up high to get a good look. There’s also plenty of space to have a picnic outdoors and a chill-out zone for those in need of a break.
Refreshments are available from the Pump & Grind Café, which is run by Our Barn Community, a charity that provides work opportunities to young people with learning disabilities.
Tickets allow unlimited access for one year and are available online or upon entry to the museum. Children under 16 years old go free.
Opening days/times:
Open Thursday – Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
During half term and the Easter holidays, the museum is open every day. During the summer holidays, the museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
Family events:
Plan your visit to the London Museum of Water & Steam
Visit the London Museum of Water & Steam website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
11. Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
Great Missenden, HP16
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is slightly outside of London, in Buckinghamshire, but it’s well worth the trip. It is located in the village where Roald Dahl lived and wrote his stories!
The museum features more than 40 interactive activities for children, plus character sculptures and Roald Dahl’s writing hut.
The interactive story centre for theatrical shows and the walking trail around the village are highlights not to be missed.
Picnic space is available outside, where you can enjoy your own food and drink, and you can buy refreshments from the museum shop.
Pop-up food stalls are often available during the school holidays.
Tickets are available online and allow re-entry for one year. Children under the age of five go free.
Opening days/times:
Open Thursday – Sunday 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
The museum is also open on certain Bank Holiday Mondays. Check the website for specific dates.
Family events:
Plan your visit to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
Visit the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
12. Imperial War Museum
Lambeth, SE1
London’s Imperial War Museum is a family-friendly way to teach your little ones about the history of war.
The permanent collections of objects from the First and Second World Wars tell the human story of the conflicts and explain how these events have shaped the world today.
Events for families take place regularly, such as storytelling sessions that explore different important topics throughout the year.
The café serves a good range of freshly prepared hot and cold food, as well as a selection of drinks and desserts. The café is also a great place to take a break and relax during the day.
Tickets are free and can be obtained on arrival or online in advance. Pre-booking is advised to avoid disappointment on busy days.
Opening days/times:
Open Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Family events:
Plan your visit to the Imperial War Museum
Visit the Imperial War Museum website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
13. National Maritime Museum
Greenwich, SE10
The National Maritime Museum is a fantastic way to inspire your children with stories of exploration and adventure that shaped the modern world.
The permanent collections feature paintings, photographs and artefacts of maritime history, and there’s also an immersive gallery for children under seven.
The museum hosts an amazing selection of free and ticketed family events throughout the week, including events specifically for LGBTQ+ families and foster families, so you’re sure to find something to get stuck into.
There are two cafés to choose from during your visit to the National Maritime Museum.
The Parkside Café is on the ground floor and offers indoor and outdoor seating with a beautiful view of Greenwich Royal Park. Alternatively, you can enjoy the Great Map Café on the first floor, right next to the giant world atlas.
General entry tickets are free for adults and children, with entry guaranteed at all times.
Certain exhibitions and activities require a paid ticket and advance booking.
Opening days/times:
Open Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Family events:
- Play Tuesdays
- Play Outdoors Tuesdays
- Character Encounters
- Discover Sundays
- SENsory Sailors
- LGBTQ+ Family Network
- Safe Harbour
Plan your visit to the National Maritime Museum
Visit the National Maritime Museum website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
14. RAF Museum
Barnet, NW9
The RAF Museum is home to a fascinating display of exhibitions showcasing the history of British aviation and the Royal Air Force.
You can choose to make your way around the museum or book a tour.
The 4D Theatre and Flight Simulator are family favourites and allow everyone to enjoy an interactive RAF experience!
There are two cafés within the museum: Hendon Kitchen, which provides hot meals and is open every day, and The Sunderland Café, which offers lighter snacks and is only open at weekends and school holidays.
Tickets are free but must be booked online with a dedicated time slot.
Opening days/times:
Open Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Family events:
Plan your visit to the RAF Museum
Visit the RAF Museum website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
15. Peter Harrison Planetarium & Royal Observatory
Greenwich, SE10
A visit to the Peter Harrison Planetarium is an amazing opportunity to take the whole family on a journey into space, as well as to enjoy science and astronomy lessons.
And just a short walk away is the equally impressive and entertaining Royal Observatory, which is home to one of the UK’s largest telescopes and an amazing selection of astronomical instruments.
The Royal Observatory is also a chance to see and stand on the historic Prime Meridian Line — the divider of the eastern and western hemispheres!
Within the Royal Observatory, you can enjoy refreshments at the Astronomy Café & Terrace during weekends and school holidays.
Food and drink are also available from stalls by the observatory entrance and at the nearby National Maritime Museum’s Parkside Café.
Tickets to the planetarium and the observatory can be bought online or on the day, but pre-booking is recommended to guarantee entry.
Opening days/times:
The Royal Observatory is open from Monday – Sunday between 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (last entry is at 5:15 pm).
Please note that show times at the Peter Harrison Planetarium vary.
Family events:
- The Sky Tonight
- Ted’s Space Adventure
- Moonbase
- Moons Beyond Counting
- Meet the Neighbours
- Starstruck
- Bilingual Families
- Once Upon a Star
Plan your visit to the Peter Harrison Planetarium & Royal Observatory
Visit the Peter Harrison Planetarium & Royal Observatory websites to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
16. Cutty Sark
Greenwich, SE10
The Cutty Sark is a famous historical ship that you can visit at Greenwich Pier.
Kids of all ages will enjoy an adventure around the ship, with the chance to take the wheel, climb the rigging and explore the family-friendly interactive exhibits.
A café can be found on the lower ground deck for a selection of sandwiches, cakes and other snacks, as well as the chance to enjoy a British classic — afternoon tea!
You’ll need a timed-entry ticket to Cutty Sark, so it’s a good idea to book online in advance to make sure you don’t miss out.
Opening days/times:
Open Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:15 pm)
Family events:
Plan your visit to the Cutty Sark
Visit the Cutty Sark website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
17. HMS Belfast
The Queen’s Walk, SE1
The HMS Belfast is an impressive ship museum made up of nine decks, all waiting to be explored.
This unforgettable day out is a chance to teach your little ones about the history of this famous warship.
Everyone will enjoy learning the stories of the crew and solving puzzles through interactive exhibits, as well as having a chance to learn how to take the wheel!
You can easily find places to sit and enjoy a packed lunch around the ship, or you can head to the onboard Stoker’s Café, which serves a selection of hot and cold food and drinks.
Tickets are available to buy online, with children under five going free.
Opening days/times:
Open Monday to Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm)
Family events:
Plan your visit to the HMS Belfast
Visit the HMS Belfast website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
18. Horniman Museum and Gardens
Forest Hill, SE23
Horniman Museum and Gardens makes for an enchanting day out for the whole family.
The museum itself features a range of permanent displays, such as anthropology collections, musical instruments and natural history exhibits.
The gardens also have much to offer, with animals to visit, trails to explore and numerous family-friendly workshops and activities.
Food and drink can be found at the Horniman Café and the Bandstand Kiosk. You can also bring your own snacks to eat in the gardens or in the Dutch Barn on rainy days.
Entry is free, although there is a fee to enter the Aquarium, Butterfly House, Brick Dinos and certain other exhibitions. If you wish to visit a paid attraction, it’s wise to book in advance online.
Opening days/times:
The museum is open Monday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm, and the gardens are open from 7:15 am – 8:30 pm (the gardens open at 8:00 am on Sundays and Bank Holidays).
Family events:
Plan your visit to the Horniman Museum and Gardens
Visit the Horniman Museum and Gardens website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
19. Grant Museum of Zoology
Camden, WC1E
The Grant Museum of Zoology is home to around 67,000 specimens and makes for a fascinating day out for kids of all ages.
A walk around the museum will introduce your children to different kinds of exhibits, from preserved skeletons to lifelike taxidermied animals and even microscopic creatures.
This is a relatively small museum within University College London, so there are no cafés inside, but there are plenty of places to eat nearby.
Entry to the museum is free, and no booking ahead is required, but you may be required to join a short queue on busier days.
Opening days/times:
Open Tuesday – Friday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm and Saturday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Family events:
Plan your visit to the Grant Museum of Zoology
Visit the Grant Museum of Zoology website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
20. Museum of London Docklands
West India Quay, E14
The Museum of London Docklands is a fascinating place to explore the rich history of London’s docks, from the history of the River Thames to the Atlantic slave trade and beyond.
The museum has some great family-friendly highlights, such as trails to follow and interactive exhibits and games.
Also, for an extra special birthday event, the Mudlark Family Gallery can be hired for an exclusive introduction to the docks.
A café within the museum is open daily for snacks and drinks. A picnic area is also available at the weekend and during school holidays for packed lunches.
Admission is free, and there’s no need to buy a ticket in advance; simply turn up and enjoy!
Opening days/times:
Open Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:00 pm)
Family events:
Plan your visit to the Museum of London Docklands
Visit the Museum of London Docklands website to see what’s on this week and plan your visit.
Planning a family day out in London
With so much to see and do, London is the perfect choice for a family day out. To ensure your trip goes without a hitch, you’ll want to make sure you do some forward planning!
You’ll first want to plan how you’re going to get to the museum of your choice, with public transport likely being the best choice for navigating London.
Check where the nearest tube or train station is and the route to arrive at your final destination from there.
If you do decide to drive, then you’ll want to check out the parking situation in advance.
Most of the museums on our list have refreshments available, but it can be a good idea to take some snacks and drinks with you, just in case.
You’ll also want to make sure you take your phone or camera to capture memories on your fun-filled family day out!
