Activities & Days Out / 23 July, 2026 / Ellie Thompson
If your children groan at the mention of a museum, it might be time to rethink what a museum visit actually looks like.
New research from Art Fund has found that children stay engaged for longer at museums and galleries than they do watching television, while nine in ten parents believe museum visits help expose children to new ideas, boost creativity and reduce screen time.
Yet surprisingly, almost two-thirds of parents admit they feel worried or embarrassed about taking their children to museums, often fearing they’ll be too noisy or disturb other visitors.
The good news? London’s museums have never been more family-friendly.
Here are some of our favourites.
Address: 40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ
Website: https://foundlingmuseum.org.uk
One of London’s hidden gems, the Foundling Museum tells the remarkable story of the UK’s first children’s charity. Throughout the holidays, you’ll often find family workshops, creative activities and storytelling sessions designed especially for younger visitors.
Address: 28 Bow Street, London WC2E 7AW
Website: https://bowstreetpolicemuseum.org.uk
Perfect for curious older children, this fascinating museum explores London’s policing history with real prison cells, crime stories and interactive exhibits.
Address: Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AQ
Website: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms
Step underground into Winston Churchill’s secret wartime headquarters. Older children will love exploring the preserved rooms where history was made.
Address: The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2JH
Website: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast
Climb aboard this historic Royal Navy warship and discover everything from engine rooms to gun turrets. It’s one giant adventure.
Address: 10 Keats Grove, Hampstead, London NW3 2RR
Website: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/keats-house
Ideal for creative children, Keats House regularly hosts family workshops alongside beautiful gardens to explore.
Address: Chobham Road, Woking GU21 4AA
Website: https://www.thelightbox.org.uk
Technically just outside London, but easily reached by train, The Lightbox is packed with family exhibitions, craft sessions and interactive activities.
Address: 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, King’s Cross, London N1C 4DY
Website: https://lightroom.uk
One of London’s newest immersive experiences, Lightroom combines enormous digital projections with storytelling, making it ideal for children who love visual experiences.
Address: Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA
Website: https://www.serpentinegalleries.org
Modern art meets beautiful parkland. Family workshops regularly encourage children to get hands-on with creativity.
Address: 65 Peckham Road, London SE5 8UH
Website: https://www.southlondongallery.org
Free to visit and brilliantly welcoming, the South London Gallery often runs family art sessions during school holidays.
Address: 39a Canonbury Square, London N1 2AN
Website: https://www.estorickcollection.com
A quieter gallery offering colourful modern artworks and regular family-friendly events.
Address: Eastbury Square, Barking IG11 9SN
Website: https://www.lbbd.gov.uk/eastbury-manor-house
History comes alive in this beautiful Tudor house, with gardens perfect for children to explore.
Address: London
Website: https://theclockworks.org
A fascinating space celebrating horology, engineering and craftsmanship through family-friendly events.
Museum visits aren’t just educational; they’re fun.
Whether your child is fascinated by dinosaurs, history, art, engineering or simply enjoys discovering something new, museums encourage curiosity, imagination and conversation in ways screens simply can’t.
Better still, many museums offer free entry, making them one of London’s best-value family days out.
If you’re planning several museum visits this year, it’s worth looking at the National Art Pass, which offers free or discounted entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK.
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