Planning a day out in London with little ones? Located in Canary Wharf, the Museum of London Docklands is a free, hidden gem that is surprisingly family-friendly! In this review, we share everything you need to know about visiting the Museum of London Docklands with kids, including the best interactive exhibits, facilities for young children, and tips to make your visit stress-free and fun.
I’ve been here many times with my kids (two boys under 5) and it is one of our favourite places in London!
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Good to Know Before You Visit the Museum of London Docklands with Kids
How to Get to the Museum of London Docklands
The closest tube station to the Museum of London Docklands is West India Quays DLR station. It is also just a short walk from Canary Wharf station, which is on both the Jubilee line and the Elizabeth tube lines. Overground trains also stop at Canary Wharf.
Both of these stations are accessible stations, which are perfect for families visiting with a pushchair (stroller).
Tickets for the Museum of London Docklands
Entry to the museum is FREE! Yes, it’s great for kids and it’s free! You don’t need to book tickets in advance, just turn up.
The museum also has a family gallery called Mudlarks, which I will talk more about below. Visiting this gallery is £3.50 per person and should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. Click here for the booking information!
Accessibility
It’s very easy to get around with a pushchair, and they have great baby-changing toilets, making this museum extremely family-friendly. Especially for those with babies and toddlers.
Can You Eat at the Museum of London Docklands?
There is a picnic area that is available on weekends and school holidays. During the week, there’s a cafe. Lots of people were having picnics in this area, and food was also available for purchase.
There are also plenty of resteraunts in Canary Wharf.
Our Complete Museum of London Docklands Review for Families
Is the Museum of London Docklands good for kids? Yes! It has been so well designed with children in mind and is one of our favourite museums to visit!
Below is a full review of the Museum of London Docklands for kids and some tips on how to make the most of your visit there!
Tips for Visiting the Museum of London Docklands with Kids
- When you arrive, head right to the family desk. Here you can pick up a ‘Family Highlights Map’ and a couple of other activity leaflets. They have things designed for kids aged both for under 5 and 5+.
- Start your visit on the top floor. The museum staff recommended that we start at the top and work down, which is what we did, and it worked perfectly.
- Explore every floor. Each floor has many activities specifically aimed at children, and the boys loved exploring them all, so make sure not to miss anything!
- Read the red signs. If your kids (like mine) want you to read all the information to them, the red signs are perfect. They are written specifically for kids to understand and are perfect for parents (unlike all the dinosaur names in the Natural History Museum, which I can’t pronounce!)
- Book Mudlarks in advance. While the Museum is free and there is no need to book in advance, the Mudlarks gallery should be booked in order to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited.
Floor 3 of The London Museum of Docklands with Kids
Best Family-Friendly Exhibits at the Museum
Each floor has dedicated activities aimed at kids.
The above photos are from Floor 3. The middle one is a hamster wheel-type setup, as you turn it, the barrel winches up. My 5-year-old isn’t heavy enough to make it turn, so I had to assist. This is a great activity for older kids though. There is also a lift-the-flap style Q&A activity that they love!
Enjoying the child-friendly activities on floor two.
I think the second floor of the London Museum of Docklands is the best for kids. The photos above are just some of what you’ll find on Floor 2. There is also drawing, dress-up, puzzles, wooden trains and more. I think this proves that the Museum of London Docklands is a perfect place for kids!
Floor 1 also has some great kids’ activities, including a little role-play shop and colouring.
Finally, on the ground floor, you’ll find the Mudlarks Family Gallery. This role play and sensory area is aimed at children under 8 and is so hands-on and fun for them! There is even a small soft play which my kids love!
There is a small, padded sensory soft area for babies and a slightly larger soft play area for kids. You will also find lots of other hands-on tables, activities and sensory items which are brilliant to encourage fine motor skills and learning through play.
READ MORE: OUR FULL MUDLARKS AT THE MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS REVIEW
The Mudlarks Family Gallery, a must-visit when at the Museum of London Docklands with kids.
So, is the Museum of London Docklands good for kids? Absolutely, we have visited many of London’s museums and this is one of our absolute favourites!
Thank you so much for reading our review of the Museum of London Docklands for kids. I hope we’ve convinced you that The Museum of London Docklands is great for kids, and we hope you have the best time there!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
MUDLARKS – AT THE LONDON MUSEUM DOCKLANDS REVIEW
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Happy Exploring,
