Including Reviews of The Pattern Pod and Garden
Planning a family day out and wondering if the Science Museum London is good for kids? It’s great for kids of all ages, especially toddlers and under-5s. This hands-on museum in South Kensington is packed with child-friendly exhibits, including two special areas designed for younger visitors: The Garden and the Pattern Pod.
In this post, I’ll share our review of the London Science Museum, including what to expect, which areas are best for little kids, and tips to make your visit stress-free and fun. Whether it’s your first time or you’re looking for new ideas, this guide will help you get the most out of your trip.
OTHER GUIDES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
6 LONDON MUSEUMS WITH KIDS’ PLAY SPACES
THE BEST ONE DAY IN LONDON ITINERARY
HUGE FAMILY-FRIENDLY MUSEUM BUCKET LIST
GUIDES & TIPS ON ALL THE LONDON MUSEUMS WE’VE BEEN TO
Is the Science Museum London Good for Kids?
The Science Museum is one of the most popular museums in London for families, and for good reason. It is amazing for kids! There are so many hands-on activities and specially designed areas that children of all ages will love. To make it even better, it’s free to visit!!
Useful Information to Know Before You Visit the Science Museum with Kids.
Getting to the Science Museum London
The Science Museum is located in the beautiful area of Kensington, close to both the Natural History and the V&A museums. The address is Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD.
The closest tube station is South Kensington, which is just a five-minute walk away. This is on both the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines. Unfortunately, this station does not have step-free access. The closest one where you won’t have to lift your pushchair (stroller) is Earls Court. That’s a 25-minute walk, and again on the District and Picadilly lines.
The closest train station is London Victoria, which is a 40-minute walk. It is possible to take a bus, but from my experience, this takes longer than walking!
Do you Need Tickets for the Science Museum?
Entry to the Science Museum is free, but you do need to book a timeslot online. I’ve linked the website here. Some of the exhibitions have an entry fee. You can also book those online if you wish.
Is the Science Museum Accessible for Families with a Pushchair?
The museum is fully accessible and easy to get around with a pushchair, making it perfect for families visiting with a baby or toddler.
Can You Eat at the Science Museum?
There is a large picnic area. It’s a little strange, you’ll find rows of steps rather than tables and chairs, and sometimes it’s very crowded with school groups. The museum also has several places that sell food, including a cafe, diner and even a shake bar.
Glider in the Flight Exhibition | The Science Museum | Apollo Command Module in the Space Exhibit
The Best Areas for Kids at the Science Museum
One of the things that makes the Science Museum London good for kids is that there is so much for them to explore. The Garden and The Pattern Pod have been specifically designed for young children to enjoy. I will share a full review on those areas below.
The other sections of the museum that my kids enjoyed most were the Energy Hall, Exploring Space, Flight and Making the Modern World. You might not be able to visit all of these in one day with little kids, so pick your priorities depending on your child’s or children’s interests!
Flight, Exploring Space and Making the Modern World Exhibits
The Science Museum Pattern Pod Review
You’ll find the Pattern Pod located on floor 0 of the Science Museum. It is a small but interactive area designed for children under 8 to enjoy.
As the name suggests, this gallery focuses on getting children to create patterns, both visually and through sound. There are interactive touch screens that kids can draw on to create symmetrical designs. There is also an interactive floor and a pod that, when you step inside, creates patterns through your movement.
My kids really enjoyed this area, and I would recommend it for toddlers and young children.
There is no need to book this area, you just turn up! The Pattern Pod is often quieter than the Garden.
Interactive fun at the Pattern Pod, an area of the Science Museum London that’s great for kids.
Visiting The Garden at The Science Museum Review
The Garden at the Science Museum is so fun and my kids’ favourite part of the museum! We had to drag them out to explore other areas because they would have stayed there for hours!
It is a sensory playroom for kids aged 3-6. They also allow younger kids; my youngest really started enjoying it when he was about 17 months and able to walk.
In the Garden, you’ll find many hands-on and sensory items from building blocks to a toddler-sized room of lights and mirrors! There is also a large water play table with levers, pulleys and lots of little boats.
I would highly recommend you visit this area, it’s located in the basement right by the toilets and picnic area. You don’t need to book and can just turn up, but you may be asked to wait in line at busy periods.
Pushchairs (strollers) can’t be taken in, but there is a room close by to store them in. They have cables to tie them, but a £1 coin is required; it’s returned to you when you unlock it!
Tips for Visiting The Science Museum with Kids
Below are some extra tips on making your family visit to the Science Museum a memorable one!
Avoid Busy Rainy Weekends
As I mentioned, we’ve been to The Science Museum many times. Visiting on a rainy Sunday is a very different experience from a sunny weekday.
Although you may think a visit to The Science Museum London would be good for kids on a rainy day, it is extremely popular and can get very busy. One of the best things about having kids under 5 is, you can avoid going on weekends and during the school holidays. I would highly recommend doing this! If possible, go on a weekday and avoid the crowds.
Allow all Day
There is enough to do at the Science Museum to fill a full day. When visiting with children under 5’s it’s best to take your time, you’ll also want to allow time for lunch and plenty of snacks, or even a nap break.
Although there is enough there to fill a day, little ones might not last that long. The great thing about it being free is you can always come back another time if they’re not in the mood!
Pack Spare Clothes
As I mentioned, there is a water table in the Garden, and they don’t provide aprons, so make sure to pack a change of clothes.
OTHER GUIDES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
6 LONDON MUSEUMS WITH KIDS’ PLAY SPACES
THE BEST ONE DAY IN LONDON ITINERARY
HUGE FAMILY-FRIENDLY MUSEUM BUCKET LIST
GUIDES & TIPS ON ALL THE LONDON MUSEUMS WE’VE BEEN TO
Thank you so much for reading our guide and review of the Science Museum London with kids and toddlers. I hope we’ve helped you plan your visit!
Have an amazing time,
