7 Museums To Take The Kids In London

London has no shortage of museums. While some of these might be a bit dull for kids, there are many that have taken great measures to appeal to visitors of all ages. Such museums can be a great educational experience for kids while also being a very fun London day out. Below are 7 examples of museums in London that are ideal for taking kids to. 

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is a vast museum with plenty of attractions that kids will love. There is a whole section dedicated to dinosaurs with an animatronic T-rex and various fossils. There are lifesize models of various animals including a blue whale. And there’s also an earthquake simulator! Not to mention a ton of interactive exhibits aimed directly at kids. You’ll find the Natural History Museum in South Kensington on Cromwell Road. South Kensington tube station is about a five minute walk away. While this museum is free, you may want to book tickets ahead to skip the queues. 

Science Museum

Also located in South Kensington is the Science Museum. This is a highly interactive museum dedicated to exploring all things science-related over 8 floors. Kids can see a lightning strike and watch a demonstration of the earth going around the sun in the Wonderlab, as well as playing around with reflection and shadows in The Garden. There’s also a space exploration section and exhibition dedicated to gaming. As with the Natural History Museum, the nearest station is South Kensington and it’s worth booking a time ahead (tickets are free) to avoid the queues. 

British Museum

The most visited museum in London is the British Museum. This museum features artefacts from around the world including the Rosetta Stone, statues from the Parthenon, The Ife Head, The Sutton Hoo Helmet and The Bust of Ramesses the Great. Kids will enjoy seeing the mummies and statues and can also choose from a variety of activity backpacks that include puzzles and trail maps. You’ll find this museum on Great Russell Street, which is about a two minute walk from Tottenham Court Road. Entrance is free and you don’t have to book ahead.

National Maritime Museum

You’ll find a boatload of fun exhibits for kids at the National Maritime Museum. This museum is dedicated to all things nautical and includes lots of touchscreen exhibits, interactive shows, costumes to dress up in and various ships you can step on board and explore. Adults will meanwhile be interested in the various artefacts including Nelson’s uniform and various items salvaged from The Titanic. This museum is located in Greenwich and is an 11 minute walk from Maze Hill station. Like other museums listed above, it is free. 

London Transport Museum

Head to Covent Garden to explore the London Transport Museum where you’ll find an array of vintage trams, trains and buses. Kids will be dazzled by the different vehicles on display and have the opportunity to explore several of them up close. There is also a family playzone open here to kids aged 7 and over containing a fleet of mini vehicles. There are also craft activities and singing and story sessions aimed at children. Adults must pay to enter this museum, however under 18s go free. 

Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds is a waxwork museum containing over 150 lifelike celebrity figures. Visitors can take pictures and selfies with these realistic waxworks to impress their friends. Kids will love the Spirit of London ride and 4D Marvel show at the end. Those who are feeling brave enough can also venture into the Chamber of Horrors where you can find waxworks of various villains throughout history. This is not a free museum and it’s often best to pay for tickets in advance so that you can skip the queues. You’ll find the museum on Marylebone Road. Once you’ve left luggage at Marylebone station, head down Great Central Street and then turn left down Marylebone Road until you see the iconic domed building. 

Warner Brothers Studio Tour

Kids and adults that love Harry Potter are certain to enjoy the Warner Brothers Studio Tour. Here, visitors can enter the Great Hall, climb aboard the Hogwarts Express, see the original model of Hogwarts used in the movies and taste butterbeer. This attraction is actually located just outside of London in Watford, however there are shuttle buses you can catch from various stations in London including London Victoria Coach Station and Baker Street. There are also buses available directly from Watford Junction Station if you’re coming from out of London. Make sure to book your tickets in advance online.