London's Best Museums for Kids

Meet a life-sized blue whale, a roaring T-Rex and a gigantic crocodile; the Natural History Museum has something to keep all young visitors entertained. Delve into the Darwin Centre, get hands-on at Investigate – the science lab for 7-14 year olds – or get shaken up in the earthquake machine. Entry is free, some charges apply.

Step aboard Europe's largest preserved WW2 warship and experience the legend that is the HMS Belfast. The ship boats nine decks steeped in history, from the Captain's Bridge to the sailor's mess, and offers hands-on activities and workshops for younger visitors, plus regular family-focused special events. Children under 16 go free.

The Horniman Museum is a children's paradise. As well as a fantastic programme of free kids' activities, it has an aquarium, a hands-on centre and a Nature Base, complete with live animals, plus 16 acres of beautiful gardens perfect for picnics, or when little explorers need to let off steam! Entry is free, with charges for some exhibitions.

Take the kids on an unforgettable journey into the story of London's past – from a time when lions roamed Trafalgar Square, through the city under Roman rule, to the 21st century capital: there's something for all ages. Don't miss the Galleries of Modern London, too. Entry is free, as are family events at weekends.

Take a trip down memory lane and keep kids entertained with a visit to the V&A Museum of Childhood. Join in with free daily activities, from storytelling to treasure hunts, or explore the collections of rag dolls, teddy bears and dolls' houses dating from the 1600s. Entry is free, some charges apply.

The Museum of London Docklands, based in an old sugar warehouse, unlocks the story of London's famous river and ports. Kids can take a 2,000-year journey through the life of the river Thames, discover the fate of captured pirates and take cover in a WW2 bomb shelter. Entry is free, as are family events on Saturdays.

Museums in London don't get more family friendly than the Science Museum! Trace the history of the space rocket, meet Sir Isambard Kingdom Brunel and catch a 3D movie; all for free. There are galleries for under 5s, the Pattern Pod for 5-8-year-olds and Launchpad, a hands-on exhibition for teenagers. Some charges apply.

In the heart of Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum offers plenty to engage and entertain young minds, from loading a cargo ship and firing a cannon to manoeuvring a ship into port using the interactive simulator. Entry is free and the museum also runs a programme of free family events. Some exhibitions require tickets.

Take your kids on a walk through time and explore the history of English interiors at the Geffrye Museum. Set in 18th-century almshouses, the museum also boasts a walled herb garden and award-winning period gardens, and runs Saturday Specials for kids. Entry is free, with a charge for the restored almshouse.

Teach your kids the value of money the fun way at the Bank of England Museum. Look at gold bars dating from ancient times – and test your strength by trying to lift one – hear unexpected tales about the Bank's ghostly nun, and find out how the pound sign was developed… Admission is free and includes a museum guide.