London – the land of Sky-rocketing rent and extortionate espresso. Luckily, for the savvy, culture comes for free. The city is brimming with fantastic museums that offer free admission, making them perfect for budget-conscious families.
From exploring ancient civilisations to marvelling at the natural world, these free museums in London for kids will spark curiosity and provide hours of educational entertainment. Enjoy!
The British Museum
Open Daily 10am-5pm (Tues until 8.30pm)
Sometimes referred to as London’s History Museum, the British Museum is a world-renowned institution that houses one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of antiquities and artefacts from around the globe. From the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon Marbles, the museum showcases a vast array of treasures spanning millennia in its vast galleries.
If you have school aged children, this museum will become all too familiar over the years as it is a great resource for children learning about ancient civilisations with a permanent collection spanning Ancient Egypt ,The Romans and the Stone Age. Possibly the most popular and captivating for youngsters are the Egyptian galleries, home to mysterious mummies, sphinxes and hieroglyphs.
Whilst the cafes are mediocre at best I do recommend you stop to peruse the gift shop, a destination in itself, where savvy parents can be found stocking up on educational gifts and stocking fillers.
The Natural History Museum
Arguably the most popular of London’s museums, the Natural History Museum genuinely offers something for everyone. Here you will find the Dinosaur Gallery featuring an infamous if slightly terrifying animatronic Trex. The museum also houses an extensive collection of natural curios, fossils, a vault of precious gems and cabinets of stuffed and pickled species large and small. There is an impressive wing dedicated to the Earth, where you can learn about Volcanoes, experience an earthquake simulator and ride on an escalator through a huge red planet.
For young animal lovers there is the Animal Kingdom where they can gaze up at a colossal blue whale model, suspended above, whilst on the ground you will find extinct mammoths and giant elk, alongside their modern-day counterparts, including giraffes, hippos, and horses.
New as of Summer 2024, is the addition of the Museum’s Evolution Garden – a beautifully curated outdoor space featuring a huge bronze diplodocus and ample seating shaded by fern and palm trees.
You will need all of a day if not three to see everything on offer at The Natural History Museum. Read 10 Best things to see at the Natural History Museum before you visit.
Science Museum
Open Daily 10-18.00
Nestled next door to The Natural History Museum is another world class museum dedicated to Science, Medicine and Technology. The Science Museum caters to all the family with dedicated STEM play areas for small children (The Garden, Pattern Pod). School age children will enjoy the Space Exploration gallery featuring astronaut suits and actual space mission artefacts as well as a gallery dedicated to engines and transport throughout the modern ages.
Bizarrely my own children were most fascinated by The Clockmakers Gallery entirely dedicated to clocks from grandfather clocks to antique pocket watches. There are also in-depth galleries dedicated to Mathematics and Medical History and Flight.
There are various paid for exhibitions well worth considering. ‘Wonderlab’ is a great interactive attraction for children aged 5+ whilst older children may enjoy the Gaming Exhibit ‘Power Up’ (read more about London Gaming Exhibitions)
The Museum is also home to an IMAX cinema and flight simulators.
More things to do with Kids in Knightsbridge
Young V&A
Open Daily 10am – 5.45pm
The Young V&A is a vibrant and interactive museum designed specifically for children and families. Formerly known as the Museum of Childhood, this recently renovated playful space puts children at the forefront with hands-on activities, workshops, and exhibitions. The space seeks to encourage children to imagine, play and design, to create their own masterpieces and discover the stories behind iconic artworks.
A real hub of joy and creativity, the young V&A offers families a lovely relaxed space for learning and play. Be sure to keep an eye out for forthcoming special exhibitions including ‘Making Egypt’ opening February 2025.
Grant Museum of Zoology
Open Tues – Fri 1-5pm Sat 11-5pm
The lesser known Grant Museum can be found in the UCL Building in the university district of Bloomsbury. It’s a small but jam packed treasure trove of curiosities. The museums collection founded by Robert Grant in 1827 contains specimens of animal species large and small. Here children can marvel and squirm at a jar of moles, a collection of animal brains, skeletons of the extinct Quagga and Dodo bones.
The Museum also boasts the intriguing Micrarium – a backlit cave of slides showing species of animals, unknown to most. that are smaller than your thumb.
A treat for inquisitive young minds and easily combined with nearby Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology.
Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
Open Tues- Fri 1-5pm Sat 11-5pm
Do you have a child captivated by the mystery and intrigue of Ancient Egypt? If so a trip to the Petrie Museum is a must. The collection, often overshadowed by that at the British museum, comprises over 80,000 artefacts making it one of the largest and most important Egyptian hauls in the world outside of Egypt.
The museum provides real insight into ancient life in the Nile Valley with amulet, faience, jewellery, pots, tiles, carvings and frescoes displayed in abundant series. There are also a couple of mummy coffins as well as an intriguing preserved peasant skeleton in a burial pot.
Be sure to grab a member of staff who I always find to be passionate and generous with their knowledge.
Horniman Museum
Open Daily 10am-5.30pm
If you are looking for the perfect summertime Museum, the Horniman Museum perched on Forest Hill with impressive views out to the city, is an ideal choice. There really is a little bit of everything in this South London secret gem, cherished by its local community but lesser known by other Londoners.
It houses a diverse collection of natural history, musical instruments, and anthropology exhibits. Visitors can explore exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to African masks, making it a great destination for families and curious minds alike.
The museum has an excellent cafe, beautiful walled garden, Sunday artisan market and small animal farm. In addition to its free offerings, the Museum also has an aquarium, Butterfly house and various specialised exhibitions including Dinosaur Revolution which can be enjoyed for a small fee.
Please note: The Natural History Gallery is currently closed until 2026 for refurbishment.
Hunterian Museum
Open Tues- Sat 10am – 5pm
The Hunterian Museum, founded by renowned surgeon John Hunter, showcases a fascinating collection of preserved animals, human body parts, and natural curiosities. From bats and snakes to elephant skulls and a narwhal skeleton, the museum offers a unique and sometimes unsettling glimpse into the natural world.
While the museum’s extensive collection is a marvel, sensitive viewers may find certain exhibits, such as human foetuses and a cabinet of penises, disturbing. Whilst some caution is recommended for very young children, the Hunterian Museum is a compelling delight for anyone aged 6+. Is the Hunterian Museum suitable for Kids?
The collection can be viewed in just under an hour. Combine with a picnic in leafy Lincoln’s Inn Fields or the nearby Artist’s Garden above Temple Station.
Imperial War Museum
Open Daily 10am-6pm
The Imperial War Museum London is a leading museum dedicated to preserving the stories of war and conflict. It houses a vast collection of artefacts, photographs, and personal accounts that offer a powerful insight into the experiences of those involved in wars throughout history. From World War I and World War II to contemporary conflicts, the museum provides a thought-provoking and informative experience.
Whilst the subject matter is obviously adult in nature, the Museum is actually very popular with all ages. Toddlers will love the various war planes suspended from the austere ceiling, a preserved wreckage of a bombed vehicle, war tanks. and of course the iconic 15 inch naval guns that stand guard at the entrance.The exhibits are interactive and my own children enjoy the recreated war trenches and trying on artillery. The building itself is architectually impressive and adults will enjoy the art exhibition on the top floor. You will also discover a holocaust exhibit that will touch the hearts of older children.
National Army Museum
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am-5.30pm
Spread over three floors this modern museum tell the history of the British army from the Napoleonic wars to modern day conflicts. The National Army Museum has a loyal young fanbase and every effort has been made to make this otherwise heavy topic interactive and interesting for young visitors.
Children will enjoy driving a recreated tank, marvelling at richly decorated uniforms and a real life suspended helicopter,
The Museum also has a child friendly cafe and themed soft play area although this requires booking and is paid for.
The Bank of England Museum
Open Monday- Thursday 10-5pm, Fridays 10-4pm
The Bank of England Museum is a small museum, in the heart of London’s historical financial centre, which relays the history of money and finance. Here you can learn about the Bank’s role in the British economy, see historic banknotes and coins and even try your hand at lifting a real bar of gold.
Lots of interactive elements for children can be found. A great way to spark conversations about money and its value.
Combine with nearby The London Centre or the Monument or the Sky Garden, all just a short walk away.
Museum of London Docklands
The London Docklands Museum is a fascinating place for kids to learn about the history of London’s waterfront. Through interactive exhibits and displays, children can discover how the docks were once the heart of London’s trade and commerce. They can explore old warehouses, see historic ships, and learn about the people who worked in the docks. It’s a great way for kids to understand how London has changed over time and to appreciate the city’s rich maritime heritage. There is also a Soft Play!
National Maritime Museum
Open Daily 10 – 5pm
Learn about the history of the sea with a trip to The National Maritime Museum at Greenwich. With interactive exhibits, historic ships, and fascinating stories, children can discover the adventures of explorers, the bravery of sailors, and the importance of the sea to our world. From pirate treasure to modern-day maritime technology, the museum offers a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages.
Be sure to check out the Museum’s new maritime adventure adventure playground – The Cove. Unfortunately the Ahoy! interactive Children’s Gallery and Great Map is closed until Summer 2025. There is still lots to see here and many of the special exhibitions are currently free of charge. Combine with the nearby Cutty Sark or Greenwich Royal Observatory.
Museum of the home
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10-5pm
The Museum of the Home is a fascinating often overlooked museum in East London, which explores the history of domestic life in Britain. Through interactive exhibits, visitors can delve into the past and discover how homes, families, and everyday life have evolved over time. Children and Adults will enjoy seeing how the nature of domesticity has changed and the museum has an extensive outreach program for families with frequent free workshops and family events.
There is also a domestic themed play area that my toddler adores equipped with wooden cooking appliances and cleaning toys. Well worth a visit.
The London Museum
OPENS 2026
Opening in 2026, The new London Museum will revitalise two historic buildings in the City of London. The new venture is highly anticipated and will illuminate the history of London in a modern and fresh take on the old museum. With extended hours, this museum will embody London’s 24/7 spirit. Excited yet? More info soon.
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