British Science Museum ©VisitBritain / Britain on ViewBe amazed at the many ways in which the world has become an easier place in which to live at the Science Museum. Fun and education are rarely so closely entwined as they are in this vast five-storey venue right next to the Natural History Museum, and you’re sure to find something to fascinate all members of the family.
Entrance is free, making this a top destination on a rainy day (it does get terribly busy in the school holidays, mind). Charges do apply to certain temporary exhibitions and areas, including the IMAX 3D cinema. See full details on the website.
Best for: From age 2 and up.
Email a friend
Print this page
Share this
20.00
Today
18°C
66°F
What to Expect:
- Cafe/restaurant
- Educational
- Free to enter
- Great for kids 4-12
- Great for teens
- Great for toddlers
- Special events
- Public transport
- Pay on day
- Open year-round
What to do
Head for one of the touchscreen terminals near the museum’s front desk, which can suggest family or teen itineraries. Also check the website for details of the many daily events and activities, including workshops, drama, and model-making.
Admire the museum's permanent displays on everything from movie animation and espionage to rockets and satellites, classic cars and working engines.
Look out for the new interactive Wonderlab: The Statoil Gallery, which you need to pre-book (a day pass is £6). As well as hands-on experiments and experiences, there are daily science shows.
With younger kids, head for the indoor Garden, with dressing up, water- and soft-play, and building activities designed for under-5s.
Enjoy a scientific sleepover on a regular activity-packed Science Night, open to kids aged 7–11.
Catch a 2D or 3D nature-themed movie at the IMAX cinema, ride the Force Field, which lets you experience the impact of an rocket launch, or try one of the thrilling Flyzone simulators. Extra charges apply to all.
Visit the shop for excellent toys and games with an educational bias.
Where to stay
Due to its central London location, the Science Museum is surrounded by good family accommodation options, from luxury family-friendly hotels and B&Bs to self-catering apartments – see our London with kids guide for our hand-picked recommendations.
When
Open 10am–6pm exc 24–26 Dec.
How
The nearest Tube station is South Kensington a few minutes’ walk away.
Eat
There’s a seated picnic area as well as space in the basement, but you are free to eat and drink in any uncarpeted area of the museum. Otherwise, there are 4 cafés, a shake bar, and the Deep Blue Diner restaurant, with pizza and pasta, including children’s meals, as well as activity boxes to entertain younger children.
Cost
Entrance is free, making this a top destination on a rainy day (it does get terribly busy in the school holidays, mind). Charges do apply to certain temporary exhibitions and areas, including the IMAX 3D cinema.
Related features
-
Rhonda checks out a family-friendly hotel with a pool, just a short stroll from the London Eye.
-
Rhonda checks out unmissable festive events and the top accommodation in the British capital for 2018.
-
Rhonda looks at old favourites and new offerings on the family-friendly festival scene.
-
Eleven-year-old Dan Cook shares his experiences of two iconic sites in the British capital.
-
Inspiration for taking the kids away for the festive season, whether to visit Santa, hit the ski slopes or bask in the sunshine.
-
Rhonda and sons check out some of the British capital's free and low-cost attractions.
-
Rhonda and crew have a blast on the water - and suggest other great river-based activities in the British capital.
-
A review of a kids' cookery class in London and round-up of other family cooking experiences in the UK and abroad.
-
Rhonda checks out one of the capital's most family-friendly hotels.
-
Rhonda rounds up some family days out that will make you and the kids feel on top of the world.
-
Rhonda discovers a new way of getting under the skin of the British capital.
-
Dea takes a family holiday in her home town.
-
Georgina digs deep to uncover the world’s most fertile fossil and dinosaur-bone hunting grounds.
-
Dea Birkett of the charity Kids in Museums inspires with some original days out ideas.
-
Rhonda rounds up our favourite sustainable and environmentally friendly family holidays and breaks around the UK.
-
Rhonda and Ethan get creeped out at the classic attraction.
-
Emma and family discover a wildlife oasis only a short hop from the city centre.
-
Dea and family discover a living museum in the heart of the capital.
-
Georgina picks out the best places around the country to explore by campervan with kids.
-
Tracey shares her top places to stay with rooms for five people or more.
-
We check out the famous waxworks attraction as part of the London Cluster ticket.
-
Rhonda and kids find that it can pay to go a little off-the-beaten track during the school holidays.
-
Lucy and daughter fall under the spell of The Wizard of Oz prequel.
-
Rhonda finds a haven of upmarket family-friendly dining and boutique accommodation in the heart of London.
-
Rhonda gets some festive retail therapy in the British capital.
-
Rhonda and kids preview the British capital’s sparkling Christmas amusement park and market.
-
We take a tour around the globe in search of the best places to meet Father Christmas.
-
Rhonda revisits a hip hangout from a parent’s perspective.
-
Rhonda checks out a family-friendly B&B in the heart of London.
-
We travel round the world in the company of the world’s best-loved secret agent.
-
Rhonda and boys experience the perfect blend of culture, fun… and bling.
-
Dea and daughter make some crafty moves at the family-friendly luxury hotel.
-
Rhonda looks at the best festive outings – and top family-friendly accommodation – around the country for 2016.
-
The biggest, brightest Guy Fawkes Night events around the country in 2016 – and some great places to stay nearby.
-
Great ideas for festive family holidays or breaks, whether you head to the beach, the ski slopes or the snowy wilds, or to a sparkling city.
-
Rhonda and family enjoy a hotel with some of London's finest views.
-
Rhonda charts a family love affair with the stylish Covent Garden hotel.
-
Rhonda and family check into one of London's most family-friendly luxury hotels.
-
Rhonda checks out the best solo and family breaks for fathers, for Father's Day or all year round.
-
Rhonda asks what mums really want, and where they can get it.
-
Tracey rounds up the UK’s best spots for those living on the sledge.
-
Rhonda checks out the best New Year events for families around the globe.
-
Dea gets nostalgic about childhood meals at the family-friendly rock 'n' roll-themed restaurant.
-
Rhonda and boys find out why the budget chain is so popular with those travelling with kids.
-
Rhonda and a friend make a one-night bid for freedom at the luxury property.
By
Take The Family
