10 of London's Best Free Museums for Kids

The Natural History Museum in London is a fantastic place to take kids, offering a mix of education and adventure. From the towering T-Rex skeleton to the shimmering Hope Diamond, children will be mesmerized by the exhibits. The Investigate Centre lets them become little scientists, while the Earth Hall’s earthquake simulator adds excitement. The Butterfly House (seasonal) and interactive Dinosaur Gallery are must-sees. Best of all, entry is free! Arrive early to beat the crowds and don’t forget to explore the museum’s stunning Hintze Hall. It’s a perfect indoor outing for curious young minds.

Tate Modern, housed in a converted power station on the South Bank, is London’s leading gallery for modern and contemporary art. Its vast Turbine Hall hosts immersive installations, while the permanent collection includes works by Picasso, Rothko, and Hockney. The gallery is free to enter, with temporary exhibitions ticketed separately. With striking architecture, panoramic river views, and thought-provoking displays, Tate Modern offers an engaging experience for art lovers and newcomers alike, making it a cultural landmark in its own right.

Located in Marylebone, The Wallace Collection of fine and decorative arts is a cultural jewel. This grand mansion, a gift from the 19th century to the modern world, hosts masterpieces from Titian to Velázquez and includes the curious smile of Hals' Laughing Cavalier. Its lavish rooms abound with paintings, furniture, gleaming suits of armour and French porcelain, inviting you into a world where beauty and history converge. Described by The Guardian newspaper as, 'One of the sexiest collections in Europe,' The Wallace Collection is an immersion into an age of splendour, designed to evoke the lives and tastes of its founders, making it a must-see for any lover of art and history.

The British Museum is one of the world’s greatest cultural institutions, housing over eight million objects that span two million years of human history. From the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles, its collections explore civilisations from every continent. Entry is free, and the museum’s grand neoclassical architecture and soaring Great Court provide a fitting backdrop for its treasures. It’s a must-visit for curious minds of all ages, offering both awe and insight in equal measure.

The British Library is the UK’s national library and one of the largest in the world, home to over 170 million items. Its treasures include the Magna Carta, Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks, and handwritten Beatles lyrics. Free exhibitions showcase rare manuscripts, maps, and sound recordings, while the reading rooms serve researchers and curious visitors alike. Located next to St Pancras Station, the library blends history and modernity, making it a fascinating destination for anyone with a love of knowledge.