THE BEST FREE MUSEUMS IN LONDON FOR KIDS

If you follow my Instagram account @muminthecity, you’ll know I love free activities. We’ve lived here for almost a year now, and we have loved discovering all of the amazing, free, family-friendly museums in London. In this post, I am going to share the very best free museums in London for kids that the whole family will enjoy.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly free day out in London, then this post is perfect for you. Museums are one of the best free indoor activities in London for kids and parents to enjoy, perfect for the winter or rainy days. I’m also going to share honest thoughts on one popular one to avoid, so read on!

THE BEST FREE MUSEUMS IN LONDON FOR KIDS

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS

This has to be one of the best free museums in London! It is our favourite of all the museums we’ve been to, we’ve visited many times and always want to go back for more.

This museum is vastly underrated in my opinion but this means it’s usually not too crowded. I love that they have put a lot of effort into designing it with children in mind. There are free activity sheets specially designed for different ages and so many hands-on activities for them to enjoy as they explore. They even have special red signs explaining things in an easy-to-read, child-friendly way.

They run a toddler activity session called Tots at the Docks. This is a free session which runs monthly, usually on the last Wednesday. Find out more about what’s on for families on their website here.

The museum is free to enter and you don’t need to book. The museum also has a family gallery called Mudlarks which is £3 per person and does need to be booked. It is a room dedicated to under 8’s with sensory play, water tables and a small soft play.

Address: 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Road, London E14 4AL
Closest Stations: Canary Wharf Rail or West India Quays DLR – both pushchair (stroller accessible)
Opening Hours: 10-5 daily.

READ OUR FULL MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS REVIEW HERE

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM

I had never heard of the National Army Museum before we moved to London and I started researching the best free London attractions. This is a hidden gem if you’re looking for museums in London that are free for families.

You can pick up activity sheets from the cart located near the entrance. They also have plenty of hands-on activities, including dressing up like one of the Royal Guards (or Beefeaters) and a life-sized tank kids can climb in!

They also have a playspace aimed at under 8’s. This costs £7 per child and you can see more about that on their website HERE.

Address: National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4HT
Closest Stations: Slone Square tube station is just a 10-minute walk, however, this is not an accessible station. London Victoria Rail/tube is the closest accessible option. It’s a beautiful 20-minute walk so I’d recommend doing that!
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10-5:30. Closed on Mondays.

READ OUR FULL NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM REVIEW HERE

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

This is another fun and educational, free museum in London for kids. We go here a lot and always enjoy it. There’s no need to book, you can just turn up and enjoy.

They have various worksheets available for kids to enjoy as they explore and most of the exhibits here have child-friendly activities. The All Hands Children’s Gallery is specifically designed just for kids so make sure to check it out.

On Saturdays, they have “Character Encounters” which will really bring your visit to life. Find out more HERE.

The National Maritime Museum has a great role-play space for kids under 8 that is also free during the week but does require advance booking. – UPDATE: Unfortunately, this area is currently closed for renovations, due to reopen in Summer 2025.

Address: Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF
Closest Stations: Located between Greenwich and Maze Hill train stations or the Cutty Sark stop on the DLR.
Opening Hours: 10-5 daily.

The Maritime Museum - Free museum in London

BRITISH MUSEUM

The British Museum is one of London’s most iconic and most visited museums. It is also a great free London museum for families to enjoy.

Entry is free but you do need to book an entrance ticket in advance on their website HERE.

Visiting here is culture and educational while still being fun for children. When you arrive, visit the family desk. Here you can get a selection of activity sheets and also borrow an Explorer Backpack (£10 cash deposit is required, refunded when you return it). There are different options for different ages and they are packed full of kid-friendly to keep children engaged throughout their visit.

NOTE: The family desk is only open at weekends and school holidays: 10.00–12.30 and 13.15–16.30. I’d highly recommend arriving at 10 am on a weekend! See more information HERE.

Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG
Closest Stations: Tottenham Court Road tube station (Northern and Central Lines) is just a 5-minute walk.
Opening Hours: 10-5 daily.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM HERE

THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND GARDENS

The Horniman is another hidden gem, this child-friendly museum in South East London has so much for the whole family, including a small farm area! The museum has many great hands-on exhibits and the gardens are beautiful! I’d highly recommend visiting on a warm day to enjoy them properly.

The museum also has an aquarium and butterfly house which require an entry fee. (I haven’t been to either of these personally) You can find out more information HERE.

Address: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ
Closest Stations: Forest Hill Station is the closest station, this is an accessible station.
Opening Hours: 10-5 daily.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE HORNIMAN HERE

YOUNG V&A

The Young V&A is a great free London attraction for families with children. It has been specifically designed with children in mind so there is plenty to keep them entertained.

As this museum is so popular, I would recommend avoiding it at peak hours.

Address: Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA
Closest Stations: Bethnal Green Tube (the Central Line) is only a 2-minute walk, the nearest overground station is Cambridge Heath which is a 5-minute walk. However, neither of these are accessible stations, meaning if you have a pushchair/ stroller, you’ll have to carry it up the steps. The closest accessible station is Whitechapel which is a 30-minute walk.
Opening Hours: 10-5:45 daily.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE YOUNG V&A HERE

SCIENCE MUSEUM

Most likely, you will have heard of The Science Museum, it’s one of the best free things to do in London with kids! It’s a huge museum and can easily keep kids entertained all day!

Although it is free, you need to book an entrance ticket HERE. I also recommend trying to avoid weekends and school holidays if possible. Due to popularity, it does get crowded.

Address: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD
Closest Stations: South Kensington Tube station (District & Circle and Picadilly lines) is just a 5-minute walk away. Earls Court (also on District & Circle and Picadilly lines) is the closest tube station with step-free access. Alternatively, London Victoria Train Station is a 35-minute walk. There are also busses available.
Opening Hours: 10-6 daily

READ OUR FULL GUIDE ON THE SCIENCE MUSEUM HERE

ONE POPULAR MUSEUM I WOULD AVOID

THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

This may come as a shock as The Natural History Museum is one of the most popular London attractions, especially for families on a budget. I really want to love the History Museum but it always leaves me slightly disappointed.

It is always very crowded and the Dinosaur Exhibit (which is the one all kids want to see) is not very well designed. You’re headed through a narrow walkway. Most of the dinosaurs are high up and it’s difficult to see the signs around the edge due to the volume of people.

If you do have little dino lovers, try to get there for opening time, and see the dinos first thing!

Thank you for reading our guide on the best free museums in London for kids. I hope we’ve helped you to plan a fun and educational day out in London!