Which London museums offer the best interactive exhibits for children?

London, a city rich in history, culture, and art, offers a world of discovery for young minds. With numerous museums spread across the city, from South to North, it's easy to find a destination that will ignite your children's interests and keep them entertained. But how do you know which ones offer the best interactive and child-friendly exhibits? As you plan your family day out, we have rounded up five of the top London museums to visit, providing fun, interactive educational experiences.

The Science Museum

Located in South Kensington, the Science Museum is a must-visit for children of all ages. The museum's interactive exhibits make it fun for kids to learn about the wonders of science, technology, and innovation.

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The museum houses seven levels of galleries, each focusing on a different aspect of science and technology. The "Wonderlab" is a particular favourite among kids, where they can explore over 50 mind-blowing exhibits, live demonstrations, and exciting showpieces. Kids can launch a hydrogen rocket, create their own rainbow, or observe a live scientific demonstration.

The museum also hosts "The Garden," an interactive gallery for children aged 3-6. It encourages learning through play, with exhibits that help children understand construction, water, light, and sound. The Science Museum is open seven days a week and is completely free to enter, although some exhibits and activities may require a small fee.

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The Natural History Museum

Next door to the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum offers a journey through the natural world. Renowned for its dinosaur exhibits, the museum brings history to life with its impressive range of fossils, interactive displays, and life-size models.

The "Investigate Centre" is an interactive space designed specifically for children. Here, they can get hands-on with hundreds of real natural history specimens. With the help of friendly science educators, kids can examine rocks, fossils, and even insects under microscopes, igniting their curiosity about the natural world.

Another highlight is the "Dino Snores for Kids" where children aged 7 to 11 can experience a night at the museum with a host of fun activities. While the museum offers free entry, some special exhibitions may attract charges.

The National Gallery

The National Gallery, located in Trafalgar Square, allows children to immerse themselves in the world of art. It houses an impressive collection of over 2,300 paintings, spanning the 13th to the 20th centuries.

While art galleries may not seem as obviously interactive as science or natural history museums, the National Gallery has made significant efforts to engage young visitors. "The Magic Carpet Storytelling" sessions weave exciting tales about the paintings, while the "Art Detective" encourages kids to engage with the artworks through interactive trails.

The gallery also provides art materials for children to create their own masterpieces inspired by the exhibitions. Entry to the National Gallery is free for all visitors, making it an affordable option for families.

The V&A Museum of Childhood

The V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green is a wonderland for kids. Its collection is one of the largest related to childhood in the world. It houses toys, dolls, games, costumes and more, dating from the 1600s to today.

The museum features interactive exhibits, storytelling sessions, and hands-on workshops that cater to children of all ages. They can dress up as characters from different eras, play with traditional Victorian toys, or build their own creations in the "Sensory Pod".

In addition to the interactive galleries, the museum organises regular family activities during weekends and school holidays. Admission to the V&A Museum of Childhood is free, making it an ideal destination for a family day out.

The London Transport Museum

Situated in Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum offers an exciting journey through the history of London's iconic transport system. Children can climb aboard real buses, trains, and trams, explore a mini underground tube, or take the wheel in a simulated taxi.

The museum hosts an interactive play zone, "All Aboard", for children aged 0-7. It allows kids to repair a mini tube train, serve passengers in the play cafe, or sail the 'Thames Nipper'.

There is also a specially designed 'Interchange' area for children aged 7-12, offering interactive digital games, uniforms to try on, and a signalling game. Although the museum charges a fee for adults, children go free, and the ticket allows unlimited visits for a whole year.

There you have it, five of the best London museums offering interactive exhibits for children. Each provides a unique, enriching experience that's guaranteed to be both fun and educational. They offer an excellent way to encourage curiosity, ignite imagination, and make learning exciting for kids. However, this list is by no means exhaustive. London boasts a diverse range of museums catering to all interests, so don't hesitate to explore. Just remember to check the museums' websites for up-to-date visitor information before planning your visit.

The Horniman Museum and Gardens

A hidden gem in South London, the Horniman Museum is a fascinating place for families to explore. Set in 16 acres of beautiful gardens, the museum offers a diverse range of exhibits, each with their own interactive elements, making it an ideal destination for children.

The museum's "Natural History" collection is a favourite amongst young visitors, featuring an awe-inspiring display of over 250,000 specimens. Kids are encouraged to take a closer look at the natural world, with interactive displays, touch-screen games, and hands-on exhibits that make learning about nature a fun and engaging experience.

The "World Gallery" presents an array of artifacts from across the globe, offering an insight into other cultures. The interactive "Hands on Base" is an opportunity for kids to handle real museum objects, learning about history and world cultures in a tactile way.

The museum's "Aquarium" houses over 250 species of aquatic life from around the world, and children can learn about different habitats and conservation efforts.

For outdoor exploration, the "Animal Walk" provides an opportunity to meet and learn about animals, and the "Sound Garden" allows children to create music with large outdoor instruments.

While the Horniman Museum and Gardens charge for some exhibits, the museum itself is entry free. It’s perfect for a full day out with a picnic, affording stunning views over London.

The Tate Modern

For young art lovers, the Tate Modern is a must-visit. Located on the former Bankside Power Station in Southwark, it’s one of the world's most visited contemporary art museums.

The "Tate Kids Pick" encourages kids to explore the artworks through interactive displays and videos. It offers a fresh, child-friendly perspective on the displayed art pieces. The museum also provides sketchbooks for children, encouraging them to create art inspired by their museum visit.

The "Digital Drawing Bar" allows children to use digital tools to create their own art, which can be projected onto the museum walls, creating an immersive and interactive art experience.

The "Tate Create" workshops, run every weekend and during school holidays, provide hands-on experience in creating art, guided by professional artists. The art created by the children can be displayed in a dedicated gallery within the museum.

While the Tate Modern is entry free, some special exhibitions may incur a charge.

London boasts a wealth of museums that cater to children's curiosity and learning. The Science Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery, V&A Museum of Childhood, London Transport Museum, Horniman Museum, and Tate Modern offer a variety of exhibits that are both educational and interactive. These museums provide children with opportunities to explore science, history, art, transport, and more in an engaging and fun manner. With most museums in London being family-friendly and offering free entry, there is no shortage of options for a memorable and educational family outing. Remember to check opening hours and any special events or temporary exhibits on the museums' websites to plan your visit better. London's vast offering of interactive children's museums ensures an enriching learning experience for kids, sparking their curiosity and encouraging their continued learning.