Museums in London

A family guide to London

Hands-on museums and family-friendly collections for curious minds.

London's museums include plenty built around play. Young V&A has free entry and a lot to do, with pirate ships, imaginative play areas, design activities and a street of dolls houses, though it is best visited earlier in the day as it can get busy. The Victoria and Albert Museum runs drop-in design activities, including Design Baby for ages 0-3 in February half term, and has a well-regarded cafe to break up a visit. The Royal Air Force Museum is home to AEROPLAY, an indoor soft play set inside a real aircraft, with a separate baby and toddler area beside the museum's aircraft exhibits. Older children who like immersive worlds are well served. Pompeii: The Immersive Experience combines free roaming VR with an immersive film; the tone is atmospheric rather than frightening, though it is less ideal for toddlers. House of Dreams Museum is an immersive personal art museum, and Paradox Museum offers mind-bending illusions and photo opportunities for all ages. The British Museum has run family events such as the Smurfs Trail, and London Museum of Water & Steam has hosted an Easter egg hunt and trains. Bank of England Museum is free. Natural History Museum, Imperial War Museum London, British Library, Horniman Museum and Gardens and National Maritime Museum are also listed. Hands-on museums and family-friendly collections for curious minds.