Whether finding unusual things to see at the Natural History Museum, quirky exhibits at the Science Museum, maritime marvels at Royal Museums Greenwich or delving into the history of the capital at the Museum of London and London Transport Museum, there are a host of top museums in London for families.
Most London museums offer fun or interactive activities for kids and other things to do for children, and almost all are free to enter. Take your pick of the top family-friendly museums in London.
London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden hosts exhibitions connecting transport with the history of London. Find more than 80 vehicles, including a red London bus and the world's first Tube train. The galleries are full of exhibits for children to play on. Look out for All Aboard, the children's interactive area. Free entry for under 18s.
Read MoreThe British Museum Free
The British Museum is one of the world's greatest, showcasing objects from prehistoric to modern times. Entertain kids at the Digital Discovery Centre and check out the free events for kids of all ages. Free activity backpacks are also available.
Read MoreMuseum of London Free
Take the kids on a journey through London's past at the Museum of London – from when lions roamed Trafalgar Square, to the city under Roman rule and the 21st-century capital. Don't miss the midweek events for the under-fives and free family events at weekends.
Read MoreNational Maritime Museum Free
Kids will love the National Maritime Museum as there's plenty to engage and entertain young minds. For under-sevens, there's the AHOY! children's gallery, while older children can steer a ship into port at All Hands. Look out for family events during the week.
Read MoreBank of England Museum Free
Teach kids the value of money the fun way at the Bank of England Museum. See gold bars from ancient times – even try to lift one – and hear unexpected tales about the Bank's ghostly nun.
Read MoreNatural History Museum Free
Science Museum Free
Museums don't get more family-friendly than the Science Museum. Trace the space rocket's history, meet Isambard Kingdom Brunel or catch a 3D movie. Teenagers can get hands-on at Wonderlab, and young kids will love Pattern Pod. Some charges apply.
Read MoreV&A Museum of Childhood Free
Take a trip down memory lane at the V&A Museum of Childhood. Join free daily activities, from storytelling to treasure hunts, or explore the collection of teddy bears and dolls' houses. Family packs for under-fives are available.
Read MoreHorniman Museum and Gardens Free
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a children's paradise. As well as a programme of free activities for kids, there's an aquarium, a hands-on centre, a Nature Base, plus beautiful gardens perfect for picnics. Some charges apply.
Read MoreMuseum of London Docklands Free
Kids can learn the history of the river Thames at Museum of London Docklands. Venture through the 19th-century Sailortown, let them loose in the Mudlarks soft play area, or join the fun at the free family events during the weekend.
Read MoreThe Cartoon Museum
Lover of illustrations? Pencil in a date with The Cartoon Museum which explores and preserves British cartoons, comics and animation. Discover a treasure trove of more than 6,000 original artworks and 8,000 books during your visit.
Read MoreHMS Belfast
Step aboard Europe's largest preserved WW2 warship and experience the legend of HMS Belfast. The ship has nine decks steeped in history, from the Captain's Bridge to the sailor's mess, and offers hands-on activities for children. Free family audio tours are available. HMS Belfast is currently closed. It is expected to reopen in summer 2021.
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