IS THE MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS GOOD FOR KIDS?

THINGS TO DO IN LONDON WITH KIDS

If you’re reading this post, I assume you’re wondering is the Museum of London Docklands good for kids? In short, yes – it’s great for kids! Read on for our full review and tips on how to enjoy one of the best free museums in London with your kids. Yes, you read that right, it is free!!

I’ve been here many times with my kids (two under 5) and find it such a great hidden gem in London!

GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Getting There: 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 here. Both of these stations are pushchair (stroller) accessible stations.

Entry: It’s FREE! Yes, it’s great for kids and it’s free! You don’t need to book, just turn up.

Activities: If you visit the information desk on arrival, you can pick up a selection of activity sheets which are perfect for kids. They have different ones designed for each age group.

Accessibility: It’s very easy to get around with a pushchair and they have great baby-changing toilets.

Eating: There is a picnic area that is available on weekends and school holidays. During the week there’s a cafe. Lots of people were eating picnics in this area and food is available to purchase.

Mudlarks Family Gallery: This is a paid activity (£3 each) and does need to be booked in advance. While there’s plenty to do at the museum without this, we did really enjoy it. I’ve written a separate review on Mudlarks. READ IT HERE.

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 under 5’s and 5+.

They also recommended that we start at the top and work down which is what we did.

Each floor has lots of activities specifically aimed at children and the boys loved exploring them all.

The above photos are from Floor 3. The middle one is a hamster wheel-type setup, as you turn it, the barrel winches up. Freddie wasn’t heavy enough to make it turn so of course I ended up having to do it! We laughed a lot though.

They have special signs that look like this, that have been designed for children. I really liked this as Freddie likes me to read them all to him and it was in easy terms I could just read out and he could understand.

This is 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!

Parent Tip: as I was on my own with two little kids, I didn’t get a chance to read everything I wanted to. So I just took a quick photo to read it later.

We have visited many of London’s museums and this is one of our absolute favourites!

Thank you so much for reading our guide, I hope we’ve convinced you that The Museum of London Docklands is good for kids and we hope you have the best time there!