Science Museum with kids

This is the museum where small children get to touch things. The Garden, on level -1, is a free play gallery for 3 to 6 year olds built around water, construction, light and sound. Pattern Pod on level 0 is another free sensory area. Both have free buggy parking beside them.

South Kensington

Tickets

FreeNo ticket needed

Go to the official site

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More in London

London Zoo SEA LIFE London Aquarium London Eye Tower of London

The family card

Family card

Minimum ageNo minimumNo minimum. Under 12s must be with an adult.

Enjoys from3 years

Duration2h – 3h

StrollerStroller OKFree buggy parks opposite The Garden on level -1 and next to Pattern Pod on level 0.

Child priceFree entry with a pre-booked ticket. Wonderlab from £13.50, free for ages 3 and under.

Toilets and changingChanging tableBaby changing facilities are spread through the museum.

QueueModerate queuesA free timed ticket is required, so book before you travel.

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Best timeNot confirmed yet

Verdict by age

Not a general rating. How each age band actually experiences it.

0-2

Fine

3-5

Great

6-10

Great

11+

Great

From three years old this is hard to beat, because there is a dedicated gallery for each age group. Babies are fine but have little to do. Teenagers do well in Wonderlab and the upper floors.

Older children should go to Wonderlab, a paid hands-on gallery designed for ages 7 to 14. Day passes start at £13.50 and under-4s are free. The museum suggests about two hours for a visit, which matches what a six-year-old can take. Entry to the museum is free, but you must pre-book a free ticket.

Tips for the visit

It is next door to the Natural History Museum. Do one before lunch and one after, not both in a morning.
Open daily 10:00 to 18:00, last entry 17:15.
There is a Family Room on level -1 if someone needs a quiet break.

Sources

Facts checked on Oct 4, 2026 against these pages: