London
Rainy day activities in London with kids
A wet London day needn't mean crossing the whole city in soggy coats. Choose one museum or indoor attraction, build in a proper lunch break, and leave enough time for the journey home. These six stops offer different ways to play, explore and follow a child's curiosity.
Ages 3–12; choose galleries and experiences for your child's interests.
Plan My Family DaySix ideas for your day
1. Science Museum: space and flight
Free general entryindoorFollow a rocket-and-aircraft spotting trail through the free galleries; paid experiences are optional.
Venue information2. Natural History Museum: dinosaur detectives
Free general entryindoorPick a handful of dinosaur and animal displays rather than trying to see the whole building.
Venue information3. Young V&A: play and design
Free general entryindoorExplore child-centred play, imagination and design spaces in Bethnal Green.
Venue information4. London Transport Museum
Paid adult tickets; check child admissionindoorTurn a love of buses and trains into an indoor transport adventure in Covent Garden.
Venue information5. The Postal Museum
Paid; check museum and ride ticketsindoorExplore how letters travel, adding Mail Rail only if its ride requirements work for your family.
Venue information6. SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Paid; family price varies by dateindoorChoose a slow animal-spotting visit among aquatic habitats, allowing for busy entry queues.
Venue information
Three practical tips
- Reserve free museum entry where offered; free does not mean queue-free.
- South Kensington's two museums pair well geographically, but one may be enough for younger children.
- Leave paid exhibitions out of the plan unless you have checked both price and age suitability.
Before you go
Which London rainy-day ideas have free general entry?
The Science Museum, Natural History Museum and Young V&A offer free general entry. Special exhibitions or experiences may cost extra, and booking arrangements can change.
Can we visit both South Kensington museums with a five-year-old?
You can, but a short visit to one gallery and a lunch break may be more enjoyable than two full museums. Let your child's energy guide the second stop.
Ideas are guidance only. Please check opening times and prices before you travel.
Plan My Family Day