Whether you're looking for things to see at the Natural History Museum, exploring the Horniman Museum, or taking a trip of discovery at the Science Museum, there are a host of top museums in London for families. Most London museums offer activities for kids and things to do for children and almost all are free to enter. Take your pick of the top family-friendly museums in London.
1. HMS 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.
Read More2. Bank 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. Download free activity sheets for kids beforehand.
Read More3. The 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 More4. 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 Interchange, the children's interactive area. Free entry for under 18s.
Read More5. Museum of London Free
Take the kids on a journey through London's past – 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 More6. Museum 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 More7. National Maritime Museum Free
Kids'll 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 More8. Natural History Museum Free
9. 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 get hands-on at Launchpad, and young kids'll love Pattern Pod. Some charges apply.
Read More10. V&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 More11. The Crystal
Take your children to see the world's largest exhibition about the future of our cities, the Crystal. Through interactive touch-screens, immersive experiments and personal swipe cards, kids learn how to create a sustainable building and how to produce energy. Free to enter for under-18s. Travel there on the Emirates Air Line cable car nearby.
Read More12. Horniman Museum and Gardens Free
The Horniman Museum 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.
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