Kids and museums aren’t natural enemies. I know, I know – you’re picturing your five-year-old melting down in a gallery while everyone gives you the side-eye. But here’s the thing about the best museums in London for kids: they’re genuinely designed to captivate children, not just bore them with dusty displays and “don’t touch” signs.
London has more than 170 museums, and honestly, that’s overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out which ones won’t result in “I’m bored” complaints after ten minutes. I’ve dragged my crew through countless exhibitions, and I’ve learned which museums are genuinely kid-friendly versus which ones just claim to be.
So grab that coffee (you’ll need the caffeine for all the walking), and let me walk you through the absolute best museums in London for kids. These aren’t just places that tolerate children – they’re museums where kids actually want to spend time, where hands-on exhibits replace “look but don’t touch,” and where learning happens without anyone realizing they’re being educated.
Free Museums: The Best Museums in London for Kids That Won’t Cost a Penny
One of the most brilliant things about London is that many of the best museums in London for kids are completely free. We’re talking world-class institutions with priceless collections, and they don’t charge admission. Your budget thanks you.
Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, Earthquakes, and Pure Wonder
Why It’s One of the Best Museums in London for Kids: The Natural History Museum consistently ranks as one of the absolute best museums in London for kids, and five minutes inside will show you why. The moment you walk into the main hall and see Hope – the massive blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling – kids’ jaws drop. It’s spectacular, and that’s just the entrance.
But let’s talk about what kids really come for: dinosaurs. The Dinosaur Gallery features an animatronic T-Rex that roars, moves its head, and has glowing eyes. It’s genuinely intimidating (might scare toddlers, fair warning), but elementary-aged kids absolutely lose their minds over it. The gallery has real fossils, interactive displays explaining how we know what dinosaurs looked like, and enough prehistoric creatures to satisfy any dino-obsessed child.
The earthquake simulator lets kids experience what a 1995 Kobe earthquake felt like in a Japanese grocery store – it shakes, items fall off shelves, and kids think it’s the coolest thing ever. The Volcanoes and Earthquakes gallery has interactive exhibits where kids can learn about plate tectonics without it feeling like school.
The Treasures Gallery showcases incredible specimens – meteorites, giant crystals, rare gems, and fossils. Kids love the massive geode you can walk into and the glowing minerals under UV light. The Darwin Centre has a giant cocoon structure housing millions of specimens, and if you time it right, you can watch scientists at work through the windows.
What Makes It Work for Kids:
- Dinosaurs – need I say more?
- Interactive exhibits throughout
- The earthquake simulator
- Massive specimens that impress kids (the blue whale, giant sequoia slice, massive crystals)
- Space to move around without feeling cramped
- Multiple floors so you can split the visit across different trips
Age Range: Perfect for ages 3-14; even teenagers find the earthquake simulator and minerals interesting
How Long to Spend: Minimum 2 hours; could easily spend a full day if your kids are really into it
Pro Tips for Visiting:
- Arrive right when it opens at 10 AM to beat crowds
- The dinosaur gallery gets absolutely mobbed – hit it first
- Download the museum app for family trails that turn visits into treasure hunts
- The museum cafe is expensive – there are cheaper options in South Kensington
- The wildlife garden (outside, seasonal) is lovely for a break
Practical Information:
- Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
- Opening Times: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM (last entry 5:30 PM)
- Admission: FREE
- Nearest Tube: South Kensington (2-minute walk)
- Facilities: Excellent – multiple baby changing areas, nursing rooms, cafes, gift shop
Join the Natural History Museum Guided Tour to make the most of your visit.
Science Museum: Where Kids Can Touch Everything
Why It’s One of the Best Museums in London for Kids: Right next door to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum is one of the best museums in London for kids who love pressing buttons, pulling levers, and generally touching everything. This is interactive learning at its finest.
The Wonderlab is the crown jewel (though it requires paid tickets while the main museum is free). This is a massive interactive gallery where kids can experiment with light, sound, forces, and electricity. They can generate their own electricity by pedaling a bike, create a mini-tornado, watch a live chemistry show, and launch paper rockets. My kids spent two hours here and didn’t want to leave.
Even without Wonderlab tickets, the free galleries are exceptional. The Flight Gallery has real aircraft suspended from the ceiling, including a Spitfire and a Boeing 747 cross-section. Kids can climb into some cockpits and pretend to be pilots.
The Space Gallery showcases actual spacecraft, moon rock, and satellites. The interactive exhibits explain gravity, orbits, and space travel in ways kids understand. There’s a space descent capsule you can get up close to, and seeing something that actually went to space captivates children.
The Making the Modern World gallery displays iconic objects from science history – Stephenson’s Rocket (early locomotive), the Apollo 10 command module, the first jet engine. For older kids interested in how technology evolved, this is fascinating.
The Pattern Pod (for under-8s) is a dedicated sensory play area with patterns, shapes, colors, and interactive elements designed for younger children. It’s calmer than the main museum and perfect when little ones get overwhelmed.
What Makes It Work for Kids:
- Wonderlab’s hands-on experiments
- Flight simulators and flight gallery
- The Pattern Pod for younger kids
- Live science demonstrations throughout the day
- IMAX cinema (extra charge but worth it)
- Can touch and interact with most exhibits
Age Range: All ages; Pattern Pod for under-8s, Wonderlab for 4+, main galleries for all ages
How Long to Spend: 2-3 hours without Wonderlab; 4+ hours with Wonderlab
Pro Tips for Visiting:
- Book Wonderlab tickets in advance – they sell out, especially during school holidays
- Morning Wonderlab sessions (10-11 AM) are less crowded
- The IMAX shows are spectacular – book if you have time
- Combining Natural History Museum and Science Museum in one day is ambitious but doable
- Check the schedule for live science shows and plan around them
Practical Information:
- Address: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
- Opening Times: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Admission: FREE (Wonderlab: Adults £12, Children £10; IMAX extra)
- Nearest Tube: South Kensington (2-minute walk)
- Facilities: Excellent – cafes, baby changing, nursing rooms, picnic area
British Museum: Ancient Treasures and Mummy Magic
Why It’s One of the Best Museums in London for Kids: When you tell kids they can see actual Egyptian mummies, ancient Greek statues, and the Rosetta Stone, the British Museum suddenly becomes one of the most exciting best museums in London for kids. The trick is framing it as a treasure hunt rather than a history lesson.
The Egyptian galleries are the main attraction for children. Real mummies in their sarcophagi, canopic jars that held internal organs, elaborate death masks, and hieroglyphics everywhere – it’s like stepping into a book about ancient Egypt. Kids are simultaneously fascinated and a bit grossed out (in a good way) by the mummification process. The interactive displays explain how and why Egyptians mummified people, and children eat this stuff up.
The Rosetta Stone is here (it’s the actual stone that unlocked hieroglyphics), and while kids might not grasp the full significance, they enjoy seeing something so famous in real life. The Greek and Roman galleries have massive statues, including pieces from the Parthenon. The scale impresses children.
The museum offers free family backpacks filled with activities, trails, and games that turn the visit into an interactive adventure. These are brilliant for keeping kids engaged. There are also free family events during school holidays.
The Great Court (the covered courtyard with the geometric glass roof) is beautiful and spacious – kids can run around a bit without disturbing other visitors. It’s a good space to decompress when the galleries get overwhelming.
What Makes It Work for Kids:
- Real mummies (this alone sells most kids)
- Free family backpacks with activities
- Massive scale of the exhibits
- Can framework visit as a treasure hunt
- Free family events during holidays
- The impressive Great Court
Age Range: Best for ages 6+; younger kids struggle with the walking and less tactile exhibits
How Long to Spend: 1.5-2.5 hours (don’t try to see everything – focus on highlights)
Pro Tips for Visiting:
- Request a family backpack at the information desk immediately – they’re popular
- Focus on the Egyptian galleries and one or two other areas; don’t try to see everything
- Download the museum app for family trails
- Weekday mornings are quietest
- The museum is HUGE – pace yourselves and take breaks
- The cafe is expensive; there are Pret a Mangers and cafes nearby
Practical Information:
- Address: Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG
- Opening Times: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Fridays until 8:30 PM)
- Admission: FREE
- Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road (5-minute walk), Russell Square (7-minute walk)
- Facilities: Good – cafes, baby changing, family facilities
Best to take the British Museum guided tour to maximize your time and learning!
V&A Museum of Childhood: Toys Through the Ages
Why It’s One of the Best Museums in London for Kids: This often-overlooked gem in Bethnal Green is one of the best museums in London for kids who love toys, games, and childhood nostalgia. The V&A Museum of Childhood houses an incredible collection of toys, dolls, games, and children’s objects from the 1600s to today.
Kids love seeing toys their grandparents (or even great-great-grandparents) played with. The progression from simple wooden toys to elaborate Victorian dollhouses to modern video games fascinates children. There are vintage teddy bears, antique dolls, toy trains, board games, and even a Punch and Judy booth.
The museum has activity areas where kids can play with toys inspired by the collection. There are also regular workshops, storytelling sessions, and family events. During school holidays, there are usually special activities and craft sessions.
The building itself is beautiful – a Victorian structure with high ceilings and natural light. It’s not overwhelming in size like some London museums, which works well for younger children who tire easily.
What Makes It Work for Kids:
- Kids relate to toys – it’s about childhood
- Can see how play has changed through history
- Play areas with hands-on activities
- Regular family events and workshops
- Smaller size feels manageable
- Free and genuinely interesting for kids
Age Range: Excellent for ages 2-12
How Long to Spend: 1-2 hours
Pro Tips for Visiting:
- Check the website for family events and workshops before visiting
- School holidays have special programming
- It’s in East London (Bethnal Green) – less touristy than central museums
- Combine with a visit to nearby Victoria Park
Practical Information:
- Address: Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA
- Opening Times: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
- Admission: FREE
- Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green (5-minute walk)
- Facilities: Good – cafe, baby changing, accessible
Tate Modern: Modern Art for Curious Minds
Why It’s One of the Best Museums in London for Kids: You might not think modern art museum when considering the best museums in London for kids, but Tate Modern works surprisingly well for families. Kids aren’t bound by preconceptions of what art “should” be, so they often enjoy modern art more than adults.
The massive Turbine Hall (the entrance space) is a work of art itself – it’s huge, and kids love the scale. Large-scale installations are often here, and they’re usually interactive or impressive in size.
The beauty of modern art for kids is that it’s open to interpretation. A Jackson Pollock splatter painting? Kids think it looks fun and wish they could paint like that. A Picasso with weird proportions? They find it funny and interesting. Minimalist sculptures? They can create their own meaning.
Tate Modern offers family trails and activity backpacks that guide kids through the galleries with games and challenges. These transform the visit from “looking at weird art” to “going on an adventure.”
The viewing gallery on Level 10 offers stunning free views across the Thames to St. Paul’s Cathedral – kids enjoy the view and it’s a nice break from galleries.
What Makes It Work for Kids:
- Modern art is weird and different – kids like that
- The huge Turbine Hall for running around
- Free family trails and activity packs
- Can be as short or long as you want
- The viewing level with Thames views
- No “this is important because…” pressure
Age Range: Best for ages 5+; works surprisingly well for teenagers
How Long to Spend: 1-2 hours (can be shorter if kids aren’t engaged)
Pro Tips for Visiting:
- Get a family trail at the information desk
- Don’t try to see everything – pick a floor or theme
- The Turbine Hall is great for burning energy
- The cafe has river views and reasonable prices
- Sunday mornings are quieter
Practical Information:
- Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG
- Opening Times: Sunday-Thursday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Admission: FREE (special exhibitions charge)
- Nearest Tube: Southwark (7-minute walk), Blackfriars (7-minute walk)
- Facilities: Excellent – multiple cafes, baby changing, accessible
Book the official Tate Modern guided tour!
Paid Museums: Worth Every Penny of the Best Museums in London for Kids
While the free museums are incredible, some of the paid best museums in London for kids offer experiences you simply can’t get elsewhere. These are worth budgeting for.
London Transport Museum: All Aboard!
Why It’s One of the Best Museums in London for Kids: The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is absolutely one of the best museums in London for kids, especially those who love vehicles, trains, and buses. This museum is completely hands-on – kids can climb into historic buses, sit in tube train driver’s seats, and operate simulators.
The collection includes horse-drawn buses, early motor buses, trams, and tube trains spanning 200 years of London transport. Kids can board most of them, which is brilliant – these aren’t static displays, they’re adventures waiting to happen.
The simulators let kids drive buses and tube trains. They’re realistic enough to be challenging but accessible enough for children to enjoy. My kids spent 30 minutes just on the tube simulator, taking turns “driving” the Underground.
The stamp trail gives kids stamps to collect as they explore – it’s a built-in treasure hunt. Interactive displays throughout explain how London’s transport developed, but in ways kids understand. Touch screens, puzzles, and hands-on activities are everywhere.
There’s a dedicated play area (The Canteen) for younger children with soft play vehicles and a space to crawl around. The museum really understands families and provides activities for multiple age groups.
What Makes It Work for Kids:
- Can climb on actual historic vehicles
- Tube and bus driving simulators
- Stamp trail treasure hunt
- Interactive displays throughout
- Play area for younger kids
- Central Covent Garden location
Age Range: Excellent for ages 2-12; even teenagers enjoy the simulators
How Long to Spend: 2-3 hours
Pro Tips for Visiting:
- Book tickets online in advance for discounts
- Children under 18 are FREE (adults pay)
- Weekday mornings are quieter
- The museum is compact but packed with activities – you can easily spend several hours
- Get the stamp trail at the entrance
- Right in Covent Garden – combine with street performers and lunch
Practical Information:
- Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB
- Opening Times: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:15 PM)
- Admission: Adults £19.50, Children under 18 FREE
- Nearest Tube: Covent Garden (2-minute walk)
- Facilities: Excellent – cafe, baby changing, accessible
Buy your London Transport Museum tickets here.
London Zoo: Living Exhibits
Why It’s One of the Best Museums in London for Kids: Okay, technically it’s a zoo, but it functions like one of the best museums in London for kids with living exhibits. London Zoo in Regent’s Park is one of the world’s oldest scientific zoos and offers incredible animal experiences.
The penguin pool, gorilla kingdom, tiger territory, and Into Africa exhibit bring kids face-to-face with animals they’ve only seen in books. The Land of the Lions walkthrough exhibit makes you feel like you’re in India, with lions roaming in a realistic habitat.
The daily talks and feeding times are educational and entertaining. Watching zookeepers feed penguins or explain gorilla behavior engages kids in ways static displays can’t. The meet-the-animals sessions let kids get close to smaller creatures.
The Rainforest Life exhibit is a walkthrough tropical forest with free-roaming monkeys, sloths, and birds. Kids love spotting animals hiding in the trees. The butterfly house is magical when hundreds of butterflies flutter around.
The children’s zoo (Animal Adventure) is specifically for younger kids to get close to farm animals, crawl through tunnels, and learn through play.
What Makes It Work for Kids:
- Real live animals
- Daily talks and feeding times
- Interactive Animal Adventure area
- Walkthrough exhibits (butterflies, rainforest)
- Varied enough to keep kids engaged for hours
- Beautiful Regent’s Park setting
Age Range: All ages; even teenagers enjoy it
How Long to Spend: 3-4 hours minimum; could easily spend a full day
Pro Tips for Visiting:
- Book online for better prices (walk-up tickets are expensive)
- Arrive when it opens to see animals at their most active
- Check the daily schedule for talks and feedings
- Bring a picnic – food inside is expensive
- Regent’s Park playgrounds are nearby for afterward
- It’s a LOT of walking – bring a stroller for young kids
Practical Information:
- Address: Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY
- Opening Times: Daily 10:00 AM – varies by season (generally 4-6 PM closing)
- Admission: Adults from £30, Children (3-15) from £20, Under 3s FREE (online prices cheaper)
- Nearest Tube: Camden Town (12-minute walk), Regent’s Park (8-minute walk)
- Facilities: Good – multiple cafes, baby changing, accessible paths
Buy your tickets to London Zoo here.
HMS Belfast: Warship Adventure
Why It’s One of the Best Museums in London for Kids: HMS Belfast is a real wartime battleship permanently moored on the Thames, and it’s one of the most unique best museums in London for kids who love military history, ships, or climbing through tight spaces. This is hands-on history.
Kids can explore nine decks of the ship, from the bridge where the captain commanded to the engine rooms below. They can see where sailors slept (bunks are tiny!), where they ate, the gun turrets, and the operations room. It’s like being inside a piece of history.
The experience is very tactile – climbing ladders, navigating narrow corridors, ducking through hatches. Active kids who hate “look but don’t touch” museums love this. It feels like an adventure rather than education.
Activity trails designed for families guide kids through the ship with challenges and puzzles. Costumed actors sometimes appear during school holidays to bring history to life.
The views from the deck are excellent – you can see Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and along the Thames.
What Makes It Work for Kids:
- Real warship you can explore
- Climbing, crawling, exploring tight spaces
- Feels like an adventure
- Family activity trails
- Unique experience
- Great Thames views
Age Range: Best for ages 6+ (lots of stairs and climbing); not suitable for strollers
How Long to Spend: 1.5-2 hours
Pro Tips for Visiting:
- Not stroller-accessible – lots of steep stairs and ladders
- Kids need reasonable mobility and comfort with heights
- Book online for discounts
- Can be cold on deck – dress warmly
- Combine with Tower Bridge visit (10-minute walk)
- Audio guides are available and worth it for older kids
Practical Information:
- Address: The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2JH
- Opening Times: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
- Admission: Adults £26, Children (5-15) £13, Under 5s FREE
- Nearest Tube: London Bridge (10-minute walk), Tower Hill (12-minute walk)
- Facilities: Limited – small cafe, accessible only to main deck
Join the HMS Belfast Ticket & Southbank Highlights Audio Tour.
The Postal Museum and Mail Rail: Underground Train Ride
Why It’s One of the Best Museums in London for Kids: The Postal Museum might sound boring, but the Mail Rail ride makes it one of the most unique best museums in London for kids. You ride a miniature underground train through the actual tunnels that carried mail beneath London for 76 years. It’s genuinely cool.
The Mail Rail ride lasts about 15 minutes and takes you through the historic tunnels with audio commentary explaining the history. The tunnels are atmospheric, sometimes dark, and feel like a secret world beneath London. Kids absolutely love it.
The museum itself covers the history of the British postal service with interactive exhibits. Kids can sort mail, design stamps, and learn how letters traveled across the country. It’s more engaging than it sounds – the hands-on elements keep kids interested.
For train-obsessed children, this is paradise. The combination of real underground trains, tunnels, and postal history creates a unique experience you can’t get elsewhere.
What Makes It Work for Kids:
- The Mail Rail train ride
- Going underground in historic tunnels
- Interactive postal exhibits
- Stamp design activities
- Unique experience
- Not crowded like major museums
Age Range: Best for ages 4+ (Mail Rail has height restrictions)
How Long to Spend: 1.5-2 hours
Pro Tips for Visiting:
- Book tickets in advance – Mail Rail slots fill up
- Kids must be 85cm tall for Mail Rail
- The museum is in Clerkenwell (less touristy area)
- Combine with nearby parks or restaurants
- School holidays have additional activities
Practical Information:
- Address: 15-20 Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DA
- Opening Times: Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Monday-Tuesday)
- Admission: Adults £17, Children (under 16) £9 (includes Mail Rail)
- Nearest Tube: Farringdon (5-minute walk), King’s Cross (12-minute walk)
- Facilities: Good – cafe, baby changing, accessible museum (Mail Rail not fully accessible)
Buy your Postal Museum Entry Ticket and Underground Rail Ride tickets now.
Specialized Museums: Niche Best Museums in London for Kids
London Film Museum: Movie Magic
Why It’s One of the Best Museums in London for Kids: For film-loving families, the London Film Museum is one of the best museums in London for kids interested in movie-making. The collection focuses on iconic British films with props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes content.
The museum’s strength is showing how films are made – sets, props, costumes, special effects. Kids see the wizard’s robes from Harry Potter, vehicles from James Bond films, and costumes from major productions. It demystifies movie magic while making it more impressive.
Interactive exhibits let kids try their hand at various film techniques. Green screen experiences let them “fly” like Superman or appear in famous film scenes.
What Makes It Work for Kids:
- Real film props and costumes
- Behind-the-scenes filmmaking
- Interactive green screen experiences
- Recognizable films (Harry Potter, Bond, etc.)
- Not overwhelming in size
Age Range: Best for ages 7+
How Long to Spend: 1-1.5 hours
Practical Information:
- Address: County Hall, Riverside Building, London SE1 7PB
- Opening Times: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Admission: Adults £15, Children (5-15) £11, Under 5s FREE
- Nearest Tube: Waterloo (5-minute walk), Westminster (8-minute walk)
Pollock’s Toy Museum: Quirky Childhood Collection
Why It’s One of the Best Museums in London for Kids: This tiny, quirky museum in a historic townhouse is one of the most charming best museums in London for kids. Pollock’s Toy Museum houses an eclectic collection of toys from around the world and throughout history.
Antique dolls, toy theaters, teddy bears, board games, folk toys – the collection is fascinating and a bit weird (some old dolls are genuinely creepy, which kids find hilarious). The museum feels like exploring your eccentric great-grandmother’s attic.
The building itself is part of the charm – creaky staircases, small rooms, atmospheric setting. Kids enjoy the treasure hunt feel of discovering toys in unexpected corners.
What Makes It Work for Kids:
- Quirky, unique collection
- Atmospheric historic building
- Toy theaters (Pollock’s specialty)
- Small enough to not overwhelm
- Weird/creepy dolls fascinate kids
- Central London location
Age Range: Best for ages 5-12
How Long to Spend: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Practical Information:
- Address: 1 Scala Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 2HL
- Opening Times: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Sunday-Monday)
- Admission: Adults £8, Children £4
- Nearest Tube: Goodge Street (5-minute walk)
Should You Buy the London Pass?
The London Pass is a sightseeing pass that promises to save you money on London attractions. But is it actually worth it for families? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is the London Pass?
The London Pass is a digital pass that gives you access to 90+ London attractions for a set number of days. You buy the pass for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 consecutive days, download it to your phone, and show it at participating attractions for entry. No need to buy individual tickets at each place.
What’s Included?
The pass includes many of London’s top paid attractions:
Major Attractions:
- Tower of London (normally £34.80 adults, £17.40 kids)
- Tower Bridge Exhibition (£12.30 adults, £6.20 kids)
- Westminster Abbey (£27 adults, £12 kids)
- St. Paul’s Cathedral (£25 adults, £11 kids)
- London Zoo (£30+ adults, £20+ kids)
- Kew Gardens (£18+ adults, £6+ kids)
- Windsor Castle (£28.50 adults, £16.50 kids)
- Hampton Court Palace (£27.50+ adults, £13.75+ kids)
Also Includes:
- Hop-on hop-off bus tour (1-day pass)
- Thames river cruise
- The View from The Shard (£28+ adults, £22+ kids)
- London Bridge Experience
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour
- Cutty Sark (£18 adults, £9 kids)
- Jason’s Canal Boat Trip
- Kensington Palace
- Historic Royal Palaces
- Various walking tours
- And 60+ more attractions
What’s NOT Included?
These major attractions are NOT included:
- Natural History Museum (but it’s FREE anyway)
- Science Museum (FREE)
- British Museum (FREE)
- Tate Modern (FREE)
- Most free museums
- London Eye (separate ticket required)
- Harry Potter Studio Tour
- West End theatre shows
- Madame Tussauds
- London Dungeon
- LEGOLAND
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices vary by season and how far ahead you book (buying in advance saves money). Here are approximate standard prices:
Adults:
- 1 Day: £114
- 2 Days: £159
- 3 Days: £179
- 4 Days: £204
- 5 Days: £219
- 6 Days: £234
- 7 Days: £249
- 10 Days: £274
Children (Ages 5-15):
- 1 Day: £74
- 2 Days: £104
- 3 Days: £114
- 4 Days: £129
- 5 Days: £139
- 6 Days: £154
- 7 Days: £159
- 10 Days: £174
Children under 5: Many attractions are free for under-5s anyway, so the pass doesn’t make sense for them.
Important: These are consecutive calendar days (not 24-hour periods), so a “1-day pass” must be used within a single calendar day.
Is the London Pass Worth It for Families?
The Short Answer: Probably not for most families with kids.
Here’s why:
The Math Doesn’t Usually Work:
Most families visiting London with kids prioritize the FREE museums (Natural History, Science Museum, British Museum) which aren’t on the pass because they don’t need to be. A typical 5-day family itinerary might include:
- Natural History Museum (FREE)
- Science Museum (FREE)
- British Museum (FREE)
- Hyde Park/Diana Playground (FREE)
- Buckingham Palace exterior (FREE)
- Thames cruise (included in pass but costs £10-15 separately)
- Tower of London (included – £34.80 adults, £17.40 kids)
- Covent Garden/street performers (FREE)
In this realistic itinerary, the pass would only save money on Tower of London and maybe Thames cruise – nowhere near the £179+ for a 3-day adult pass.
Kids Tire Quickly:
To make the pass worthwhile, you’d need to visit 3-4 paid attractions per day. With kids, that’s exhausting and unrealistic. Most families manage 2 major activities per day, and many are free.
The Pass Could Work If:
You’re planning to visit primarily PAID attractions, specifically:
- Tower of London (£34.80/£17.40)
- Westminster Abbey (£27/£12)
- St. Paul’s Cathedral (£25/£11)
- Windsor Castle day trip (£28.50/£16.50)
- Kew Gardens (£18/£6)
- Tower Bridge Exhibition (£12.30/£6.20)
Even then, buying a 3-day adult pass (£179) to visit these six attractions costs about the same as buying individual tickets (approximately £145.60 adult entry). You’d need to add several more paid attractions to truly save money.
For Children, the Math Is Even Worse:
Kids’ tickets are cheaper than adults’, so the pass (£114 for 3 days) needs to cover even more attractions to break even. Most families find their kids prefer playing in parks over touring additional paid attractions anyway.
Better Alternatives for Families
1. Pay for Individual Attractions:
Most families visit 2-4 paid attractions during their trip. Just buy tickets directly:
- Tower of London: £34.80 adults, £17.40 kids
- Westminster Abbey: £27 adults, £12 kids
- One or two more depending on interests
Total for family of 4 visiting Tower + Westminster: approximately £106 vs. £586 for 2-day London Passes for the family.
2. Book Online in Advance:
Many attractions offer discounts when you book online ahead of time. Tower of London, for example, encourages advance booking.
3. Focus on Free Attractions:
London’s biggest advantage for families is that the best museums are FREE. Build your itinerary around these and add 1-2 paid attractions you genuinely want to see.
4. Time-Limited Pass for Specific Plans:
If you’re on a very short trip (1-2 days) and genuinely planning to blitz through multiple paid attractions, run the specific math for your exact plans. But most families don’t travel this way with kids.
The Verdict
Skip the London Pass unless you’re:
- Visiting primarily paid attractions (not free museums)
- Capable of doing 3-4+ paid attractions per day
- Traveling without young children who need playground breaks
- Visiting for 1-2 days and blitzing attractions
- Absolutely certain you’ll use it enough to break even
For most families, the combination of free world-class museums plus 2-3 carefully chosen paid attractions (bought separately) is better value, more flexible, and more realistic given how kids actually travel.
Pro Tip: Before buying, list exactly which attractions you plan to visit each day, add up individual ticket costs for those specific attractions, and compare to pass price. Most families discover individual tickets are cheaper and allow more flexibility.
Planning Your Museum Visits: Making the Most of the Best Museums in London for Kids
How to Choose Which Museums to Visit
With so many best museums in London for kids, choosing can be overwhelming:
- For dinosaur/nature lovers: Natural History Museum (definitely), Science Museum (space and technology)
- For hands-on learners: Science Museum (Wonderlab), London Transport Museum, Postal Museum (Mail Rail)
- For history buffs: British Museum (mummies), HMS Belfast, Imperial War Museum
- For younger kids (2-6): V&A Museum of Childhood, Science Museum Pattern Pod, London Zoo
- For older kids/teens: Science Museum, British Museum, Tate Modern, HMS Belfast
- For rainy days: Any of the indoor museums work, but Transport Museum, Science Museum, and Natural History Museum are the largest
Timing Your Visits
The best museums in London for kids get crowded at predictable times:
- Weekday mornings (10-11 AM): Quietest time at most museums
- Weekday afternoons (2-4 PM): Moderate crowds
- Weekends: Busy all day, especially 11 AM – 3 PM
- School holidays: Very busy – arrive early or late
- First hour after opening: Best time to avoid crowds
Combination Strategies
Smart museum combinations maximize your time:
- South Kensington Day: Natural History Museum + Science Museum (they’re next door)
- Thames River Day: HMS Belfast + Tate Modern + walk along South Bank
- Covent Garden Day: Transport Museum + British Museum + Covent Garden street performers
- Regent’s Park Day: London Zoo + Primrose Hill picnic
Making Museums Work for Different Ages
When you have kids of different ages:
- Focus on museums with multi-age appeal: Science Museum, London Zoo, Transport Museum
- Use family trails and activity packs: Keep everyone engaged at different levels
- Plan breaks: Younger kids need more frequent breaks
- Split up if possible: One parent takes older kids to challenging exhibits while the other stays with younger ones in play areas
- Set realistic expectations: Don’t try to see everything
Museum Fatigue Management
Even the best museums in London for kids can cause exhaustion:
- Limit to 2-3 hours maximum per museum for younger kids
- Plan breaks – most museums have cafes or outdoor spaces
- Don’t schedule museums back-to-back – break them up with parks or other activities
- Listen to kids – if they’re done, they’re done; forcing it ruins the experience
- Use incentives wisely – promise museum gift shop visit or ice cream after can motivate
- Pack snacks – museum cafes are expensive and hungry kids are cranky kids
Budget Considerations
Many of the best museums in London for kids are free, but costs add up:
Free museums: Natural History, Science Museum (main galleries), British Museum, V&A Museum of Childhood, Tate Modern
Paid but worth it: London Zoo (£20-30 per child), Transport Museum (kids free, adults £19.50), Postal Museum with Mail Rail (£9 per child)
Budget tips:
- Free museums are genuinely world-class – you’re not sacrificing quality
- Museum cafes and gift shops are expensive – set expectations or budget for them
- Many paid museums offer family tickets (2 adults + 2-3 kids) at discounts
- Book online for better prices at paid museums
- Some museums offer “pay what you can” days or discounts for local residents
Practical Tips for the Best Museums in London for Kids
What to Bring
- Water bottles – museums get warm and you’ll walk a lot
- Snacks – museum cafes are pricey
- Lightweight backpack or bag – for coats, snacks, water
- Stroller for young kids – though some museums (HMS Belfast) aren’t stroller-friendly
- Change of clothes for toddlers – accidents happen
- Small first aid kit – plasters for blisters from all the walking
Museum Etiquette
Even the best museums in London for kids expect basic behavior:
- Use inside voices – museums aren’t silent, but shouting disturbs others
- Don’t touch exhibits unless they’re interactive (clearly marked)
- Watch kids on stairs and escalators – museums have lots of levels
- Supervise in gift shops – breakables everywhere
- Clean up after snacks if you eat in designated areas
Accessibility
The best museums in London for kids are generally excellent with accessibility:
- All major museums have lifts/elevators
- Baby changing facilities widely available
- Nursing rooms in most major museums
- Wheelchair accessible (though HMS Belfast is limited)
- Sensory-friendly sessions at many museums (check websites)
- Free admission for carers accompanying disabled visitors
Museum Apps and Trails
Most of the best museums in London for kids offer apps and family trails:
- Natural History Museum app: Family trails, AR experiences
- Science Museum app: Interactive content
- British Museum app: Family trails and audio guides
- Tate Modern app: Family-friendly tours
Download these before visiting to save data and prepare kids for what they’ll see.
The Bottom Line on the Best Museums in London for Kids
The best museums in London for kids aren’t just educational – they’re genuinely fun, engaging, and memorable. Whether you’re exploring dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, climbing through a warship on HMS Belfast, riding the underground Mail Rail, or letting kids drive a tube simulator at the Transport Museum, London’s museums offer experiences that captivate children of all ages.
The beauty of the best museums in London for kids is the variety. Got a dinosaur-obsessed six-year-old? Natural History Museum will blow their mind. Have a teenager who thinks museums are boring? The Science Museum’s Wonderlab or a ride on the Mail Rail might change their opinion. Traveling with multiple ages? The Transport Museum and Science Museum work across age ranges.
And here’s the really brilliant part: many of the absolute best museums in London for kids are completely free. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and British Museum are world-class institutions that don’t charge a penny for admission. You’re getting experiences that cost hundreds of dollars elsewhere, absolutely free.
Mix the free museums with a few paid experiences (London Zoo, Transport Museum, Mail Rail), and you’ve got a rich, varied museum itinerary that won’t destroy your budget. Your kids will learn about natural history, science, technology, transportation, and art without realizing they’re being educated – because the best museums in London for kids make learning feel like playing.
Some of our family’s best London memories happened in museums – the first time my daughter saw the T-Rex and grabbed my hand in delighted terror, the afternoon my son “drove” the tube train simulator for an hour straight, the moment they both gasped at the blue whale skeleton, the adventure of exploring HMS Belfast’s engine rooms.
These aren’t dusty, boring, “walk quietly and don’t touch” museums. The best museums in London for kids are interactive, engaging, spectacular spaces where curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcomed, and touching (when appropriate) is the whole point.
So take your kids to London’s museums. Let them marvel at dinosaurs and mummies, press all the buttons at the Science Museum, climb aboard historic buses and trains, and discover that learning can be the best kind of fun. They might not remember every fact or artifact, but they’ll remember the wonder, the excitement, and the joy of discovery.
The best museums in London for kids are waiting. Go explore them!
