The British Museum London With Kids: All You Need To Know

Our Review of Visiting the British Museum with Kids

The British Museum is one of London’s most popular attractions. But is visiting the British Museum London with kids a good idea? Located in a stunningly beautiful building housing two million years’ worth of history, art and culture from around the world. The British Museum is a great free museum in London for families.

In this honest family review, I’ll share what it’s really like to explore the British Museum with kids, including what worked, what didn’t, the best exhibits for keeping kids engaged and some additional tips to enjoy your visit.

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Good to Know Before You Visit the British Museum London with Kids

Getting to the British Museum

The British Museum is located at Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. The closest tube station is Tottenham Court Road (on the Central and Northern Lines). This is an accessible station for those of you with pushchairs (strollers).

How to Get Tickets for the British Museum

The British Museum is free to visit! However, you do need to book tickets in advance, I have linked the British Museum’s website here.

I would recommend trying to get there as early as possible, as this is a popular activity and it does get crowded. There was quite a line to get in when we arrived, but it moved quickly.

Accessibility at the British Museum for Kids

The Museum is fully accessible. Lots of people were carrying pushchairs up the front steps; however, if you go to the right, there is a mini lift (elevator) you can use. My 4-year-old loved operating it! There are lifts to all floors inside.

They also have baby changing toilets, which are great for families with young children.

Where to Eat at the British Museum with Kids

There is a choice of cafes and restaurants inside the museum, and also an indoor picnic area. In the summer months, you can also picnic on the grass in front of the museum.

As the museum is located in Central London, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants close by as well!

Exterior view of the British Museum in London on a family day out

Mum in the City and her son standing on the grand steps inside the British Museum London

Review & Tips for Visiting the British Museum London with Kids

Overall, we had a great time at the British Museum with our kids (two boys under age 5). We got there early and explored there at 10am when it opened and left at about 12 as it was getting so busy. It’s great that its a free museum as, if you dont end up staying too long, it hasnt cost you anything!

1. Arrive Early

We visited on a weekend, when we first arrived at around 10 am, it wasn’t too busy. By about 12 it was getting pretty crowded. There were also long lines for the cafe and restrooms. I think the key to enjoying the British Museum Lonodn with toddlers or small children is to arrive early, it’s easier with little kids to have a bit more space to explore. I’d recommend booking the earliest ticket you can.

2. Visit the Family Desk

The first thing you should do when visiting the British Museum with children is go to the Family Desk. They have various age-appropriate kids activities you can pick up. You can also download them here.

Our 4-year-old chose the Fantastic Creatures treasure hunt. It is recommended for age 6+, but he really enjoyed it. This kept him entertained and engaged throughout the museum visit. I really don’t think he would have enjoyed it so much without this. At the end of the treasure hunt, you can go back to the desk and get it stamped which he loved.

You can also get an explorer backpack. I’m not sure why this wasn’t offered to us but we saw them demonstrating it when we returned for our stamp. It’s full of things little kids will love such as a torch, magnifying glass and books relating to the museum’s exhibits. You will need to have a £2 0 cash deposit to borrow a backpack.

Note: The Family desk is only open on weekends and school holidays. If you have young kids, I would highly recommend visiting when it’s open and getting the backpack.

Young boy holding a British Museum kids’ activity booklet during a visit

Child closely observing an ancient artifact at the British Museum London with kids

3. Don’t Miss the Hands-On Desks

There are various hands-on desks around the museum, these are great family-friendly activities at the British Museum. (You can see the schedule and locations here.) They are great for kids to touch, ask questions and learn. Our 4-year-old really enjoyed these and we found they were great to keep him engaged longer.

Child using a magnifying glass at the hands-on learning desk in the British Museum

Toddler gazing at a glass display cabinet of artifacts at the British Museum London

4. Dont Try to see Everything in One Visit

The museum is huge and trying to see the whole of the British Museum London with kids all at once would be quite overwhleming. Have a look at the map before you go and pick your priorities based on your interests.

If you’re not sure, the assistant at the family desk will be able to advise you!

Thank you for reading our review and tips on visiting The British Museum London with kids. It really is a great London museums for young children and families. We hope you have a great time there!

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Happy Exploring,