There are many wonderful museums in London for kids and their grown-ups. Not sure where to start? Each year we hold an award to celebrate the most family friendly museums in the UK – and families decide the winner.
From large national museums to hidden gems, the museums on our list are fun, educational – and half of them are free to visit! Remember to check each museum’s website for full details.
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National Maritime Museum
Greenwich
Winner: Best Large Museum – Family Friendly Museum 2022
Photo: The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London.
Set sail back in time on a fun family adventure and discover the great expeditions and explorers that have shaped our world. Pick up a family trail or backpack to help you explore the galleries. Journey across the interactive Great Map or plot a course to AHOY! Children’s Gallery for interactive role play aimed at under 7s. Anchors aweigh! Free entry.
Horniman Museum and Gardens
Forest Hill
Winner: Best Large Museum – Family Friendly Museum 2021
Winner: Family Friendly Museum Award 2013
Photo: Sophia Spring / Horniman Museum and Gardens.
A firm favourite with families in London, the Horniman Museum celebrates global cultures and the natural environment. Stroll around the Gardens, learn about marine life in the Aquarium, visit the Butterfly House and enjoy the popular Animal Walk. Don’t miss the museum’s famous overstuffed walrus! Free entry.
London Transport Museum
Covent Garden
Winner: Best Medium Museum – Family Friendly Museum 2021
© London Transport Museum
Explore the history of London and its transport system over the last 200 years at this interactive, family friendly museum. Climb aboard vintage buses, trains, taxis and, of course, the world’s first underground railway. Try your hand at driving or fixing a modern tube train, learn how to signal a train and play in the museum’s dedicated play zone for children under 7s, All Aboard. Annual pass, kids go free.
London Museum of Water & Steam
Brentford
Shortlisted: Family Friendly Museum 2022
Photo: London Museum of Water and Steam
Once a bustling Victorian pumping station, this museum welcomes you to come and be as loud, messy and curious as possible! See historic steam engines in action, ride the narrow gauge railway and play in the outdoor Splash Zone or Wild Play Garden. The museum is full of thoughtful touches for families, including a spares box of nappies and wipes in case you’re caught short. Annual pass, kids go free.
Museum of London Docklands
West India Quay
Shortlisted: Family Friendly Museum 2022
Photo: © Museum of London
Located in an old warehouse on the waterfront and close to public transport links, the Museum of London Docklands tells the stories of Londoners from 1600 to the present day. There are daily family tours, as well as Explorer Back Packs, family trails and a family map to help you make the most of your visit. Mudlarks is the museum’s popular children’s gallery and play space for under 8s. Free entry.
The Postal Museum
Clerkenwell
Winner: Best Accessible Museum – Family Friendly Museum 2021
© The Postal Museum, London.
The Postal Museum brings five centuries of communications history to life. Enjoy hands-on exhibitions, listen to postal workers’ stories and get dressed up. For kids aged 8 or under, book a session in the Sorted! The Postal Play Space, an immersive mini town with streets, buildings, trolleys, pulleys, slides and chutes! And, of course, take a ride on the Mail Rail, the 100-year-old underground Post Office railway. Annual ticket.
Valence House Museum
Dagenham
Shortlisted: Family Friendly Museum Award 2019
Photo: Valence House Museum
This museum tells the story of Barking and Dagenham and its people throughout the ages – and has its community at the heart of all it does. Based in the borough’s only surviving manor house, explore the galleries with hands-on interactives or visit the peaceful herb garden. There is a year-round programme of family activities, from seasonal crafts, a popular teddy bear’s picnic, farm animals and a Quiet Hour for those who benefit from a quieter environment. Free entry.
Museum of the Order of St John
Clerkenwell
Shortlisted: Family Friendly Museum Award 2018
Photo: Museum of the Order of St John
This hidden gem tells the history of the Order of St John over 900 years, from ancient military Order to modern-day first aid charity, St John’s Ambulance. Family activities include school holiday crafts and storytelling, monthly workshops for under 5s and regular ‘Seacole Sessions’ designed to support autistic and neuro-diverse families. Free entry.
Jewish Museum London
Camden
Shortlisted: Family Friendly Museum Award 2017
Photo: © Jewish Museum London
This museum shares the history and heritage of Jewish people in Britain. Experience a Jewish home in the East End of London, handle tools in the tailor’s workshop or set the Shabbat table. Pick up a Family Backpack for ages 5-11 to learn some Hebrew or Yiddish to create your own Torah cover. Check out the museum’s regular Family Days or join a Bake or Take session to make your own challah bread. Admission charge, kids 4 and under go free.
Rainham Hall
Havering
Shortlisted: Family Friendly Museum Award 2017
Photo: Chris Sparrow / National Trust
Another lesser-known London treasure, Rainham Hall is a Georgian House with gardens and a fun natural play area with log steps and animal sculptures. Pick up a special activity sheet for children to explore the Hall or enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities. Watch bees at work in new hives, create wild art in the outdoor classroom or go on a Minibeast Hunt. It’s a great place to tick off some of the National Trust’s ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’! Admission charge, National Trust Members and kids under 5 go free.
Take a look what’s on for families in museums in London in our online family events calendar.
