A city for curious minds
Make the most of your family adventures exploring London museums for kids with Off-peak tickets or the London Family Travelcard from London Northwestern Railway.
London's museum scene is a treasure trove, offering something for all ages from tots to teens in world-renowned institutions and quirky hidden gems. Escape the ordinary and give your kids an adventure that will educate, inspire and entertain. Outside the top London museums, here is our favourite family-friendly selection of some of the city's most eclectic and captivating options below.
Bank of England Museum
Can the tooth fairy go contactless? From digital currencies to the importance of cash, the Bank of England Museum is the perfect place for kids to learn about money and economics. The museum offers child-friendly activities, events and workshops. Hold a (replica) gold bar, discover the artistry behind banknotes and coins, and hear spooky tales about the Bank's resident ghost.
Cost: Free entry
Nearest Tube Station: Bank
Cartoon Museum
Grab a sketch pad and pencil as you become inspired to draw at the Cartoon Museum , tracing the hilarious history of British humour from the 1700s with over 6,000 original works. From comics to satirical cartoons, this treasure trove will inspire laughs and doodles galore. Half-term sees cartooning and animation workshops for kids.
Cost: Under 18s free entry. Workshops additional cost. For adults, check out London Northwestern Railway’s 2for1 offers.
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus
Design Museum
Unleash your family's creativity at the Design Museum , where you can explore the world of contemporary designs such as Barbie, skateboards and filmmaker Tim Burton through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. With Design Camps and workshops during school holidays, kids can learn anything from product design to fashion, introducing them to the world of the design process.
Cost: Free entry. Workshops and temporary exhibitions extra.
Nearest Tube Station: High Street Kensington.
Discover Children’s Story Centre
Once upon a time at the Discover Children's Story Centre … Books leap off the page with immersive exhibits, playful activities and inspiring workshops. Spark your child's love of stories in magical Story Worlds and a Story Garden. Children’s imaginations run wild in the exploratory play spaces with hidden trails where they can crawl through caves, perform in a puppet castle or discover a wacky treehouse with chicken legs.
Cost: Adult/child £10. Under 5s free. Activities extra.
Nearest Tube Station: Stratford
HMS Belfast
Ahoy shipmates! Climb aboard the historic HMS Belfast museum boat docked on the River Thames. Climb all nine decks, peek into cabins and discover life at sea for the sailors' experiences during wartime and peacetime in this floating city. Family activities are available every weekend and school holidays, bringing this warship's history to life, discovering areas like the bakery, dental surgery, radio station and chapel.
Cost: Adult £25.45, Child (5-15) £12.70, Under 5s free.
Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge
Horniman Museum and Gardens
Curiouser and curiouser! The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a wonderland. Explore an aquarium, giant bugs and beautiful gardens where kids can learn and play with free weekend crafts. Step inside and lose yourselves in a treasure trove of history from around the world with one of the UK's most significant collections of ethnographic handcrafted items, musical instruments and much more. You’ll be on a global adventure without needing your passport.
Cost: Free entry.
Nearest Tube Station: Forest Hill (Overground)
London Transport Museum
Mind the gap! Next stop, London Transport Museum . Kids will love exploring the history of London's transport system through interactive exhibits and hands-on fun. Climb aboard a classic double-decker bus or vintage horse-drawn omnibus, pretend to drive a tube train, and even design your own Underground roundel symbol (the iconic station signs) in free school holiday events . Book your time slots online.
Cost: Adult £24.50, Child (17 & under) free. Check out London Northwestern Railway’s 2for1 offers, giving you discounted tickets.
Nearest Tube Station: Covent Garden
Magic Circle Museum
Abracadabra! Disappear into the mysterious world of the Magic Circle Museum (open during show bookings). Witness mind-bending illusions, discover the history of magic and even see Houdini's straitjacket. With interactive displays and a chance to see Sooty the puppet in person, this is a magical experience for kids over 5 that'll leave them wanting to pull a rabbit out of a hat.
Cost: Ticket prices dependent on the show.
Nearest Tube Station: Euston Square
Museum of Brands
Trace modern British life through the Museum of Brands . Explore iconic packaging and vintage ads that reveal how brands from cleaning products to chocolate have shaped society. Learn about events such as wars, moon landings and pop culture that have influenced brands. It's a fascinating journey through time and an engaging tale of the evolution of consumer culture for the whole family, where kids will learn the history of their favourite products.
Cost: Adult £10.00, Child (7 to 16) £5.50, Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children). Check out London Northwestern Railway’s 2for1 offers, giving you discounted tickets.
Nearest Tube Station: Ladbroke Grove
Museum of London Docklands
London history comes alive at the Museum of London Docklands , where kids can dress up as sailors, handle historical artefacts, and explore the city's trading past. Interactive exhibits bring the past to life, from sailors and dockers to the slave trade, Windrush and London 2012 Olympics. Step into the Swinging Sixties at an East End tailor's and a Carnaby Street boutique. During school holidays, families can enjoy guided walks, craft workshops and kids' events.
Cost: Free entry.
Nearest Tube Station: West India Quay
Young V&A
See the world through children’s eyes at the Young V&A (formerly Museum of Childhood), a realm of art, design, performance and creativity. Explore childhood, from traditional games and toys to modern apps and social media, and how they shape young perspectives. Celebrate the joys of growing up with design workshops, performances and screenings, offering a place for kids and parents to explore, create and play together.
Cost: Free entry.
Nearest Tube Station: Bethnal Green
Museums for kids London: Get exploring today
With a diverse range of museums catering to different interests and age groups, London offers endless opportunities for educational and entertaining family adventures. Make the most of your London visit by taking advantage of London Northwestern Railway's Off-peak tickets and London Family Travelcard providing affordable and convenient travel throughout the capital.
Book your Off-Peak ticket today online or via our app.
