London is home to some of the best museums in the world — and the good news for families is that so many of them are brilliantly geared towards kids of all ages. Whether you’ve got toddlers who love hands-on fun, curious schoolchildren eager to explore, or teenagers who roll their eyes at anything “educational,” there’s a London museum that will spark their imagination.
From world-famous institutions like the Natural History Museum and Science Museum to newer immersive experiences such as the Twist Museum and Jurassic World: The Exhibition, the capital’s cultural scene has never been more interactive, inclusive or exciting. You can spend a rainy afternoon discovering dinosaurs, solving illusions, walking through space, or even spray-painting your own Banksy-inspired masterpiece.
Many of these museums are free, others are ticketed experiences worth every penny — and all offer a day out that blends learning, play and adventure. Here are the best museums in London for families, covering everything from creative arts and science to history, illusions and pop culture — guaranteed to keep everyone from toddlers to teens entertained.
Young V&A
Formerly known as the Museum of Childhood, the Young V&A is a celebration of creativity and play. Kids can explore the “Imagine”, “Play”, and “Design” zones filled with LEGO, costumes, and hands-on crafts. It’s beautifully designed for curious children who love to make, build and explore.
Don’t miss: The sensory Play Gallery for toddlers.
Best for: Ages 1–12.
Good to know: Free entry; fully pram and buggy accessible.
Address: Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA
Nearest station: Bethnal Green
Paradox Museum
A hidden gem in Knightsbridge. This is a relatively new London attraction filled with optical illusions and mind-bending rooms. It’s part science, part art, and entirely fun. Expect gravity-defying rooms, perspective tricks, and endless photo ops. . Walk on walls, shrink or stretch, and capture mind-bending photos as you move through each exhibit where nothing makes sense — yet everything is real.
Don’t miss: The gravity-defying room and mirror maze — both amazing photo ops!
Best for: Ages 4+.
Good to know: This museum is in London for a limited run only; book ahead.
Address: 90 Brompton Rd, London SW3 1JJ
Nearest station: Knightsbridge
Moco Museum
Inspire creative young minds at the Moco Museum, where iconic works from Banksy, Warhol and Picasso hang side-by-side. This independent modern art museum is colourful, accessible and full of pop-culture energy. Even parents will be intrigued by exhibitions from Robbie Williams, showcasing the pop star’s lesser-known artistic side.
Don’t miss: Banksy’s Laugh Now and Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe prints.
Best for: Ages 7+.
Good to know: London’s Moco is the flagship for its Amsterdam and Barcelona sister sites.
Address: 1-4 Marble Arch, London W2 2UH
Nearest station: Marble Arch
Bank of England Museum
Step into the fascinating world of money at the Bank of England Museum, where kids and teens alike can explore how currency, banking and economics shape our lives — in a way that’s hands on, surprising and family friendly. There are interactive displays in the “Modern Economy” section that explain what the bank does today and how it affects everyday life and the banknote gallery shows how money has changed, including forgeries and historic designs.
Don’t miss: The real gold bar visitors can attempt to lift
Best for: Ages 7+
Good to know: Entry is free and no booking is required for normal visits. Open Monday–Friday: 10 am–5 pm (last entry 4.30pm), and until 8pm on the third Thursday of each month. Located just minutes from Bank station in the City of London — excellent if you’re combining it with other central sights.
Address: Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH
Nearest station: Bank
Banksy: Limitless
Got a family of budding street artists? Banksy: Limitless offers an immersive dive into the world of Britain’s most famous graffiti legend. This is a really interactive and multi-sensory space packed with life-sized installations like the infamous “Meat Truck” and rooms plastered with Banksy’s provocative artwork. There’s even a graffiti wall where visitors can spray their own tags or, with a premium ticket, create a custom T-shirt.
Don’t miss: The graffiti wall and animated installations.
Best for: Ages 8+.
Good to know: Interactive and family-friendly; advance booking recommended.
Address: Sussex Mansions, 79–85 Old Brompton Rd, London SW7 3LD
Nearest station: South Kensington
Science Museum
This neighbouring museum is pure excitement for inquisitive minds. The Science Museum lets kids explore how things work through hands-on exhibits — from space travel to engineering and energy. The Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery is a standout but worth the entry fee, with live demonstrations, puzzles, and interactive experiments.
Don’t miss: The “Pattern Pod” for under-8s and the space gallery.
Best for: Ages 4+.
Good to know: Free entry; paid tickets required for Wonderlab.
Address: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
Nearest station: South Kensington
Natural History Museum
A London icon that continues to amaze generation after generation, the Natural History Museum takes kids on a journey from the age of the dinosaurs to the deepest parts of the ocean. You’ll be greeted by “Hope,” the spectacular blue whale skeleton hanging in Hintze Hall, before heading to the dino gallery, volcano zone and there is even an earthquake simulator.
Don’t miss: The animatronic T-Rex and the earthquake experience.
Best for: Ages 5+
Good to know: Free entry; arrive early on weekends.
Address: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Nearest station: South Kensington
Jurassic World: The Exhibition
This isn’t your typical museum, but fans of the film and dinosaur loving families will enjoy Jurassic World: The Exhibition. Step through the iconic gates and straight into the world of dinosaurs at Jurassic World: The Exhibition. This immersive, walk-through experience brings the hit movie franchise to life, complete with towering animatronic dinosaurs and lush prehistoric settings. Families can wander through the jungle, encounter a life-sized Brachiosaurus, come face-to-face with a Velociraptor, and even hear the earth-shaking roar of the mighty T-Rex.
More than just a spectacle, the exhibition weaves in fun educational elements about paleontology and prehistoric life.
Don’t miss: The baby dinosaur encounter and the jaw-dropping moment the T-Rex appears.
Best for: Ages 5–14.
Good to know: This is a timed experience lasting around 45 minutes, so pre-booking is essential. It’s located within the NEON space at Battersea Power Station, surrounded by great family shopping and dining options.
Address: NEON, Battersea Power Station, 2 Circus Road East, London SW11 8DQ
Nearest station: Battersea Power Station
Twist Museum
Another hidden gem that many might walk past on Oxford Street. With over 80 interactive exhibits, this mind-bending attraction is designed to entertain the whole family — from younger children giggling at giant heads and colour shadows to teens perfecting their next viral photo in the kaleidoscope tunnel.
The museum explores the science of perception and how our brains interpret what we see, all through fun, hands-on experiences. It’s a brilliant way to mix learning with play in the heart of London’s West End, and a nice break from shopping!
Don’t miss: The infinity room, the vortex tunnel, and the shadow wall that lets you “paint” with light.
Best for: Ages 6+.
Good to know: Book tickets in advance to secure your time slot. Located just off Oxford Circus, it’s easy to combine with shopping or lunch nearby.
Address: 248 Oxford Street, London W1C 1DH
Nearest station: Oxford Circus
The Cartoon Museum
Introduce your kids to the wonderful world of cartoons and comics at The Cartoon Museum, a colourful space packed with over 6,000 drawings, caricatures, and classic British comic strips. From Beano and The Dandy to modern superheroes, the exhibits bring characters and stories to life. Aspiring artists can even take part in cartoon-drawing workshops and family art days.
Don’t miss: The animation section, original comic art, and kid-friendly drawing stations.
Best for: Ages 6–14.
Good to know: Workshops often run during school holidays; check their website for creative sessions.
Address: 63 Wells Street, London W1A 3AE
Nearest stations: Oxford Circus or Goodge Street
The Royal Museums Greenwich
Enjoy four world-class museums in one incredible family day out at Royal Museums Greenwich. Visit the National Maritime Museum to learn about explorers and pirates, climb aboard the Cutty Sark to experience life at sea, gaze at the stars in the Royal Observatory, and explore royal art and architecture at the Queen’s House. It’s an inspiring mix of science, art, and adventure by the Thames.
Don’t miss: The planetarium shows and the chance to stand on the Prime Meridian Line.
Best for: All ages.
Good to know: A combined ticket offers great value if you plan to visit multiple sites.
Address: King William Walk, London SE10 9HT
Nearest stations: Greenwich and Cutty Sark
Tate Britain
At Tate Britain, families can explore centuries of British art in a welcoming, interactive environment. Children can get creative in the Play Studio or make digital art in the drawing zone, while parents enjoy masterpieces from Turner, Hockney, and Constable. The space encourages creativity, conversation, and curiosity in a relaxed, light-filled setting.
Don’t miss: The Play Studio for hands-on fun and the Story Space for reading and imagination.
Best for: Ages 4–12.
Good to know: Family trails and free drop-in workshops run regularly at weekends and holidays.
Address: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
Nearest stations: Pimlico or Vauxhall
Tate Modern
Dynamic, inspiring, and filled with eye-catching installations, Tate Modern is one of London’s most exciting family art destinations. Explore towering sculptures in the Turbine Hall or join the UNIQLO Tate Play programme for creative workshops and interactive installations designed especially for children. Teenagers will love the edgy modern art and panoramic views of London from the Blavatnik Building terrace.
Don’t miss: The UNIQLO Tate Play space and the ever-changing Turbine Hall exhibits.
Best for: Ages 5+, especially tweens and teens.
Good to know: Entry to the main collection is free; workshops may need advance booking.
Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Nearest stations: Blackfriars or Southwark
The Royal Air Force Museum
The RAF Museum is packed with aircraft and interactive exhibits that bring aviation history to life. Kids can climb into cockpits, test their flight skills in simulators, and see everything from Spitfires to modern fighter jets.Interactive zones explain the science of flight, and there’s a fantastic playground outside. It’s one of London’s best museums for future pilots and adventurers.
Don’t miss: The 4D Red Arrows experience.
Best for: Ages 6+.
Good to know: Free entry; allow a few hours to explore the hangars.
Address: Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL
Nearest station: Colindale
London Transport Museum
Trains, buses and Tube tunnels come to life at the London Transport Museum, where little ones can climb aboard real vehicles and learn about London’s transport evolution. The family play zone for under-fives is a particular hit, and older kids will love the simulators and historical models on display here.
Don’t miss: The red Routemaster bus and tube driving simulator.
Best for: Ages 3–10.
Good to know: Entry tickets last for a whole year.
Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB
Nearest station: Covent Garden
Horniman Museum and Gardens
A South London gem that blends museum fun with outdoor adventure. The Horniman Museum is home to taxidermy animals (including a famous walrus), musical instruments from around the world, wander through the aquarium and beautiful gardens with a butterfly house. The outdoor gardens are perfect for picnics and panoramic London views.
Don’t miss: The aquarium and interactive Hands-On Base.
Best for: Ages 4–12.
Good to know: Free entry; small charges apply for the aquarium and butterfly house.
Address: 100 London Rd, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ
Nearest station: Forest Hill
Museum of London Docklands
Step back in time and uncover London’s fascinating maritime past at the Museum of London Docklands, housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century warehouse. Children can explore Mudlarks, an interactive play area where little ones can load cargo, dress up, and splash around in water play. Older kids and teens will enjoy discovering how the Thames shaped the city through interactive exhibits and stories of pirates, trade, and the Great Dock Strike.
Don’t miss: The immersive Sailortown gallery, recreating Victorian dockside streets.
Best for: Ages 3–14.
Good to know: Entry is free, and Mudlarks play sessions are timed — book ahead online.
Address: No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL
Nearest stations: West India Quay or Canary Wharf
The Postal Museum
At the Postal Museum, families can hop aboard the underground Mail Rail train that once shuttled letters beneath London. There’s also the brilliant Sorted! play zone, where kids can dress as postal workers and deliver parcels around a mini town.
Don’t miss: The 20-minute Mail Rail ride.
Best for: Ages 3–12.
Good to know: Paid entry; book ahead for busy weekends.
Address: 15-20 Phoenix Pl, London WC1X 0DA
Nearest station: Farringdon
The Grant Museum of Zoology
A hidden gem for curious minds, the Grant Museum of Zoology is part of University College London and brimming with over 68,000 preserved animal specimens. Kids and teens alike will be captivated by everything from skeletons and fossils to microscopic creatures displayed in the glowing Micrarium. It’s small but packed with discoveries, making it perfect for families who like science, nature, and a touch of the weird and wonderful.
Don’t miss: The extinct quagga skeleton (only one of seven in the world) and the famous jar of moles.
Best for: Ages 8+.
Good to know: Free entry; the museum is compact but fascinating — ideal for a short visit before exploring nearby Bloomsbury.
Address: Rockefeller Building, 21 University Street, London WC1E 6DE
Nearest stations: Euston Square or Goodge Street
The Imperial War Museum
Bring history to life at the Imperial War Museum, where powerful exhibits tell stories from World War I to modern-day conflicts. Families can step inside a recreated WWI trench, marvel at tanks and planes, and learn about the people affected by war through interactive displays and real artefacts. The museum handles complex themes sensitively, making it an educational and thought-provoking visit for older children and teens.
Don’t miss: The First World War Galleries and the Family Mission activity trails.
Best for: Ages 9+.
Good to know: Entry is free; family-friendly cafés and picnic areas are available on site.
Address: Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ
Nearest stations: Lambeth North or Elephant & Castle
The British Museum
The British Museum brings world history alive, home to the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and treasures from across the globe. Its family trails and children’s audio guides make the vast collection accessible, helping kids connect the dots between what they learn in school and the real artefacts before them.
Don’t miss: The Egyptian mummies and Rosetta Stone.
Best for: Ages 8+.
Good to know: Free entry; plan your route in advance to avoid museum fatigue.
Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG
Nearest station: Tottenham Court Road
Frameless
Inside Frameless you’ll find over 30,000 sq ft of space filled with digital projections, soundscapes and interactive visuals that transport you into the world of famous artists and abstract environments. Younger children will love the “wow” factor: swirling colours, mirrored surfaces, playful motion-sensor elements, whilst older kids and teens will appreciate the modern vibe, the photo-ops and the immersive nature of the galleries.
Don’t miss: The Beyond Reality gallery with wrap around projections, Colour in Motion with interactive brush stroke waves, and World Around Us, featuring digital renditions of Monet, Rembrandt and more.
Best for: Ages 4–16.
Good to know: Timed entry experience suitable for strollers; intense visuals may not suit very young children. Tickets: Children under 5 go free, child tickets from £15, adults from £25.
Address: 6 Marble Arch, London W1H 7AP
Nearest station: Marble Arch