London is an incredible destination for families visiting from across the UK and beyond. Packed with iconic landmarks, diverse neighbourhoods, and fantastic green spaces, the city offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and entertainment. It’s a place where children’s curiosity can be sparked at every turn, with world-class museums right on the doorstep, many of which are free to enter. Whether you’re based locally or planning a family trip, London’s museums provide inspiring, hands-on learning experiences that appeal to all ages.
London boasts an outstanding range of museums that combine education with fun, perfectly suited to families. Interactive exhibits, fascinating artefacts, and creative workshops mean there’s plenty to engage children and grown-ups alike. We’ve chosen eight family-friendly museums featured on our blog or recommended by others as family friendly. Would you add any to our list?
Natural History Museum
TripAdvisor rating: 4.6/5
Google rating: 4.7/5
The Natural History Museum is a firm favourite with families, renowned for its impressive dinosaur exhibits, the giant blue whale model, and hands-on discovery zones. Its interactive galleries like Investigate encourage kids to explore science in a fun, accessible way. Free entry makes it an easy and popular choice for a family day out.
Read our review: Natural History Museum, London by Kids Days Out Reviews
Science Museum
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Google rating: 4.6/5
Situated next door to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum delights children with interactive galleries, experiments, and simulators. Highlights include the Wonderlab, where children can enjoy live science shows and hands-on experiments, and the Pattern Pod for younger visitors. It’s a brilliant venue to inspire budding scientists of all ages.
Read our article: A night at the Science Museum, London by Kids Days Out Reviews
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) – Young V&A
TripAdvisor rating: 4.6/5
Google rating: 4.7/5
The V&A’s Young V&A programme is perfect for families, offering specially designed activity spaces, family trails, and workshops. Kids can explore art, design, and history through creative play and crafts in a stunning museum setting. It’s a quieter, inspiring alternative for families seeking culture with a hands-on twist.
Museum of London
TripAdvisor rating: 4.3/5
Google rating: 4.5/5
The Museum of London brings the city’s history to life with immersive galleries that transport visitors from prehistoric times through the Great Fire to the modern era. Family-friendly activities, interactive exhibits, and storytelling make it ideal for children curious about London’s past.
Foundling Museum
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Google rating: 4.6/5
The Foundling Museum tells the poignant story of London’s first children’s charity, blending history, art, and social justice. It offers family-friendly activities that help children understand the lives of abandoned children and the museum’s role in caring for them. The museum provides a unique, thoughtful experience that’s both educational and moving.
Read our article: Meeting Jacqueline Wilson at The Foundling Museum, London
British Museum
TripAdvisor rating: 4.7/5
Google rating: 4.7/5
The British Museum is one of the world’s greatest cultural landmarks, with vast collections spanning thousands of years and countless civilisations. While we haven’t reviewed it on the blog yet, we’ve visited and can vouch for its incredible family appeal. Highlights include the Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, and the hands-on activity trails designed for children. Entry is free, making it accessible to all.
London Transport Museum
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Google rating: 4.6/5
Located in Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of London’s buses, trains, and underground. Its interactive exhibits and vintage vehicles are a hit with transport-loving children. The museum provides workshops and play areas that bring the city’s transport story to life for families.
The Cartoon Museum
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Google rating: 4.6/5
This smaller but wonderfully quirky museum is dedicated to British cartoons, comics and caricatures. It offers an engaging and fun experience with workshops, interactive displays, and an excellent gallery shop. It’s a great choice for families looking for something a little different in central London.
London’s museums offer a treasure trove of discovery, perfectly suited to families eager to combine education with fun. From dinosaurs and science experiments to art, history, transport and cartoons, there’s something to capture every child’s imagination. Have you visited any of these museums? We’d love to hear about your favourite family-friendly spots in London or any hidden gems you think we should explore next. Please share your recommendations and experiences in the comments below!
