Best London museums for kids

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.

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Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Harry Potter films with photographs taken during filming as part of entry to the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition at The London Film Museum. As well as seeing images of key scenes, you can have a go at fun experiences, such as posing on a broomstick with green screen technology or taking a selfie in the Ministry of Magic's phone box. Read More: The Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition at The London Film Museum

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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Meet a life-sized blue whale or a roaring T-Rex dinosaur. At the Natural History Museum, kids can delve into the Darwin Centre, get hands-on at the Investigate science lab or shaken up in the earthquake machine. Some charges apply. Read More: Natural History Museum

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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