Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum · London
Marvel at dinosaur skeletons and interactive nature exhibits across one of London's most iconic free museums. Brilliant for curious kids of all ages.
Pre-schoolers (3–5)Primary (6–10)Tweens & teens (11–16)FreeIndoorHalf day
Why families love it
- The blue whale skeleton suspended in Hintze Hall never fails to stop children in their tracks, setting the tone for an awe-inspiring visit.
- The dinosaur gallery features genuine fossils and an animatronic T-rex that roars convincingly enough to thrill older children while startling younger ones.
- The earthquake simulator in the Earth Hall lets families experience what a Japanese supermarket feels like during a genuine tremor, complete with shaking shelves.
Best for
Families with children who ask endless questions about animals, fossils, and how the world works, particularly those aged five and up who can handle crowds and walking.
Good to know
Arrive before opening at 10am or after 2pm to avoid the worst queues, and head straight upstairs to the dinosaurs before the school groups descend. The basement Darwin Centre is quieter and has fascinating specimen jars that older children love. Bring snacks as the cafe gets rammed and overpriced, though there are plenty of spots to sit and eat your own food.
Practical info
- Age guidance
- Free entry for all ages, though toddlers may find the scale overwhelming and tweens often get the most from the interactive exhibits and detailed information.
- Typical cost
- Completely free admission, though some special exhibitions require advance booking and ticketed entry, typically around fifteen to eighteen pounds for adults.
- How long to allow
- Plan for three to four hours minimum if you want to see the main highlights without exhausting younger children, though you could easily spend an entire day here.
- Last checked
- May 2026