10 of London's Best FREE Museums for Kids
London can be expensive—but your family days out don’t have to be. From dinosaurs to mummies, space rockets to Victorian toys, these kid-approved museums are totally free and totally brilliant.
The Design Museum
Creative kids will love this sleek museum celebrating everything from toys to tech. Explore how everyday things — chairs, phones, sneakers — are designed and made. Interactive exhibits and regular family-friendly workshops make it hands-on and inspiring. Located near Holland Park, it’s perfect for budding inventors and young creatives.
Address: 224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG
The Wallace Collection
Step into a real-life treasure house filled with swords, armor, and glittering art. Housed in a beautiful mansion, kids will love spotting knights in shining armor and wandering through rooms packed with gold-framed paintings, chandeliers, and curiosities. A peaceful and surprisingly child-friendly spot near Oxford Street
Address: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
Sir John Soane’s Museum
This is no ordinary museum — it’s a magical maze of hidden doors, mirrors, and ancient artifacts. Once home to a quirky architect, it’s stuffed with mummies, models, and classical ruins. Kids with big imaginations will love hunting for secrets in every corner. Bring curious minds and a sense of wonder.
Address: 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP
Grant Museum of Zoology
Weird and wonderful! This pocket-sized museum is packed with skeletons, stuffed animals, and jars of biological oddities — including a famous jar of moles. Budding zoologists and science-loving kids will be fascinated. It’s a bit spooky, a bit strange, and totally unforgettable. Tucked away at UCL in Bloomsbury.
Address: Rockefeller Building, 21 University St, London WC1E 6DE
Imperial War Museum
Tanks, planes, and real-life war stories — this museum brings history to life. Explore WWI trenches, see a Spitfire hanging from the ceiling, and hear powerful personal stories. Best for kids 8+, it’s emotional and eye-opening, but also packed with interactive displays to help them understand the past.
Address: Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ
Tate Modern
Housed in a converted power station on the Thames, Tate Modern is full of bold, thought-provoking art. Kids can roam huge open halls, discover giant sculptures, and sometimes even join creative workshops. The viewing platform offers sweeping city views — a great reward after exploring wild and wonderful modern art.
Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG
British Museum
Time-travel without leaving London! Gaze at ancient Egyptian mummies, Roman coins, Viking treasures, and the legendary Rosetta Stone. This iconic museum is vast, but free trails and kids’ guides help families focus. Whether you’re into history or hieroglyphics, it’s an awe-inspiring place to spark young imaginations.
Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
The Science Museum
A hands-on heaven for curious kids! From steam engines and space rockets to interactive zones for toddlers and teens, there’s something for every age. Explore how things work, test your reactions, or step inside a flight simulator. Don’t miss the Wonderlab (small fee) — it’s science with serious wow-factor.
Address: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
Natural History Museum
London’s most beloved museum for families. Marvel at the giant blue whale, walk beneath a T. rex, and explore volcanoes, gems, and creepy crawlies. The building itself is like a fairytale castle. Great for rainy days, dinosaur lovers, and curious kids of all ages. A must-do for visiting families.
Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
The Petrie Museum
Step into ancient Egypt with thousands of artifacts packed into a single room. From tiny amulets to giant statues, this hidden gem at UCL offers a quieter, more focused alternative to the British Museum. Ideal for kids fascinated by mummies and pharaohs — and it’s rarely crowded.
Address: Malet Place, University College London, London WC1E 6BT
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