Fun things to do with kids in London

Themed Family Trails bring the Science Museum’s displays to life, and free interactive galleries such as The Garden (designed for ages 3-6) and multi-sensory Pattern Pod (under 9s) encourage discovery through play. Entry to the fabulous Wonderlab (recommended for ages 7-14) is paid – so book ahead – and don’t miss the much-loved Shake Bar on your way in.

Spot goats and alpacas on the Animal Walk, make music in the Sound Garden, or get playful with the interactive displays – all of this is completely free at the Horniman. And, if you're looking for maximum magic, book tickets ahead of your visit to the Butterfly House, Aquarium and family-friendly exhibitions. Find meals for little people in the Horniman Café, plenty of picnic spots in the gardens and family facilities inside.

Please note: The Natural History Gallery is closed until early 2027 for refurbishment.

Only a seven-minute walk from Osterley Park station on the Piccadilly Line, this National Trust estate comprises a stately house, parkland and formal gardens. Plus, there are lots of fun things for kids to do: a The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail inspired by the much-loved book (until 31 March), Junior Parkrun (every Sunday at 9am), table tennis and bike hire for all ages. A perfect way to blow off steam outside the city.

A museum designed with and for children, the Young V&A has three colourful galleries to explore, alongside special exhibitions geared towards families and young people such as Inside Aardman: The Making of Wallace & Gromit and Friends (opens 12 February), which goes behind the scenes of stop motion animation. Discover den-making, a marble run, interactive activities for toddlers, a stage, a dolls' house collection, the life-size puppet from War Horse, and much more. The Design Gallery is dedicated to older kids with design activities and workshops – and don’t miss the well-stocked shop for fun gifts to remember your day.

As well as monthly free Little Explorers sessions for under fives, the National Portrait Gallery offers illustrated family trails as playful ways to explore the galleries. The perfect starting point for little ones to get to grips with the portraits on display, these encourage children to create their own pocket gallery, or become young detectives and reveal a secret code within the portraits on show. And, SEND families can pick up a special backpack loaded with handy tools and sensory items to enhance your visit.

As an introduction to the planet’s wonders, the Natural History Museum is hard to beat – from the giant whale skeleton in the entrance hall, through to the thrilling Dinosaurs gallery. The special exhibitions here are particularly strong, and there’s a T. rex Restaurant among other family-friendly eateries. Finish your visit with a stop in the irresistible shop where we can almost guarantee that you won't leave empty handed.

Under 18s and National Art Pass holders get free entry at the Cartoon Museum, where the galleries are dedicated to British cartoons from the 18th century to today – and displays are geared towards giving visitors a giggle. Kids can get creative over the half term on their ticketed comic-themed workshops. With special exhibitions, regular events and loads of opportunities to get drawing, this is a creative introduction to the art of cartoons.

Also free to under 18s, Dulwich Picture Gallery has developed a resource pack with and for families, stuffed with entertaining activities and Family Trails around the galleries and the building's surrounding gardens. The family events programme is jam-packed with fun things to do, there are books and art activities for children available in the shop, and the Sculpture Garden is now home to the ArtPlay Pavilion, a ticketed, immersive play space inspired by paintings from the gallery's collection.

If you love visiting picture-perfect historic buildings with stunning gardens but also need to keep the family entertained, this English Heritage property is the perfect day out. Go for the travel themed play area, Folktail Creature Trail and family-friendly interactive audio guide. You might even spot the former owners' ring-tailed lemur about the place... Check ahead for the children’s activities on special event weekends.