London’s museums have a special kind of magic in the colder months. As the days get shorter, these cultural spaces turn into cosy escapes filled with festive cheer, creative programmes, and plenty of things to explore as a family. Whether you’re after hands-on workshops, thought-provoking exhibitions or simply somewhere to spend a winter afternoon, there’s something here for everyone.
Amongst the Trees and Terraces: Donald Towner (1903–1985) is free to visit and is hosted at Burgh House (New End Square, Hampstead, NW3 1LT) until 13 December 2026.
Burgh House is a Grade I listed 18th century manor House in the heart of Hampstead village. A residence until the 1930s, Burgh House is now a self-funding charity and a dynamic space for art, events, and history. Burgh House is open free of charge to the public as an art gallery, museum and exhibition space with a diverse programme of cultural events.
The National Portrait Gallery serves as a fascinating “who’s who” of British history, housing over 215,000 portraits that span from the Tudor era to the present day. Following a three-year redevelopment, the gallery is at the heart of London’s cultural calendar this year with a major retrospective on Lucian Freud’s drawings (until 4May), a centenary celebration of Marilyn Monroe (4Jun – 6Sept), and the fantastical fashion photography of Tim Walker ending on 11 Jan. Plenty of free family creative workshops and classes are on offer too.
Charlie Mackesy iconic drawings are on view at Dulwich Picture Gallery in a new exhibition titled Charlie Mackesy: The Boy, the Fox, the Mole, the Horse… And You . Included in gallery admission.
The Design Museum has been granted unprecedented access to Wes Anderson’s personal archives, which the filmmaker has built up over three decades.
Delve into Wes Anderson’s extensive archive in this first retrospective exhibition devoted to his distinctive cinematic output until 26 July 2026
Step into the world of Paradox Museum where nothing is at is seems. This museum is London’s ultimate destination for the curious, the daring, and the “how did they do that?!” crowd. Challenge your brain with fun and educational paradoxes whilst taking cool photos, and creating memories with an experience that is fun for all ages. Tickets from £18.50
The British Museum Open since 1759 this large museum has 94 galleries and only 1% of its eight-million-strong collection on display at any time. It is free to see its permanent collection and offers lovely storytelling sessions for younger visitors—not to mention the very cool museum sleepovers. Samurai runs until 4 May 2026 and it explores the enduring impact of the samurai across diverse mediums, including gaming, fashion, and film.
Domestic Game Changers at Museum of The Home is a collection of everyday items going back 400 years. From old fashion cutlery to light bulbs and the videosphere television set, they all transformed the ways we live in our homes today. Free to visit.
The Art Deco Season at the London Transport Museum is a jam-packed season of art and design events and talks at the museum’s locations that explore the origins of art deco and its influence on iconic transport posters and transport design over the last 100 years. Most activities are included with general admission; adult tickets give free daytime entry for a year, and kids go free. Ends May 2027.
300 anniversary year at the Old Royal Naval College is packed with events celebrating its rich culture. From Feel Good Fridays to film tours, there is something for everyone at this beautiful location.
Step into Regency-era London on the Colonnades with an elegant afternoon tea inspired by Bridgerton, served beneath historic colonnades featured in the series.
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Natural History Museum is a must-visit London destination for curious minds of all ages. Visions of Nature: A mixed reality experience is a cool mixed reality experience that imagines a possible future 100 years from now. Tickets £9.95. Until Jun 2026.
Discover the power of nature through Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world’s largest nature photography competition, now in its sixth decade, featuring the top 100 images selected from over 60,000 global entries each year.
- Visit our Theatre & Dance page to see a full list of family friendly selection of London theatre and performing arts in London this season.
Tate Modern is a cool creative space with remarkable displays in the iconic Turbine Hall, the café and restaurant with views over the river Thames. It is home of an impressive collection of world’s modern art collection and a global hub for contemporary creativity. Entry is free to its permanent collections. Tate Draw is a great place to get the little ones to create their own modern art!
The National Gallery established in 1824, this is one of the world’s most renowned art museums, located prominently in Trafalgar Square. It houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings spanning from the mid-13th century to 1900, featuring masterpieces by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet. Unlike many European galleries, its collection was not formed from royal holdings but through government acquisitions and generous private donations. With its neoclassical façade designed by William Wilkins and a vibrant calendar of exhibitions and events, the National Gallery continues to be a cultural cornerstone for art lovers and curious visitors alike.
Located in South Kensington, the Science Museum is a celebration of human ingenuity. From the Apollo 10 command module and a real piece of the Moon to the immersive Wonderlab and the retro gaming haven Power Up, the museum invites visitors of all ages to explore the wonders of science and technology.
Water Pantanal Fire, is the free photography exhibition at the Science museum running until 31 May 2026
The Design Museum in London is a dynamic hub for contemporary design. Founded in 1989 by Sir Terence Conran, the museum is now housed in a striking building redesigned by architect John Pawson. Its permanent free exhibition, Designer Maker User, features iconic items like the London 2012 Olympic Torch and the Apple iPhone, exploring the relationship between creators and consumers. The talks, courses and workshops offer are pretty interesting too.
The Museum of the Order of St John tells the fascinating 900-year story of the Order of St John and St John Ambulance. It is free to visit and has a collection of over 60,000 objects, including ancient books and illuminated manuscripts to pharmacy jars, armour, rare coins, first aid equipment, and ambulances. Check out their free family activities, school workshops, gardening clubs, talks and teas and the guided tours.
The Wallace Collection was established in 1897 and opened to the public in 1900; the museum showcases an extraordinary array of fine and decorative arts amassed by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace during the 18th and 19th centuries. Its 28 opulent galleries feature masterpieces of French 18th-century painting, exquisite furniture, porcelain, and a world-class collection of arms and armour. Highlights include works by Old Masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Frans Hals, with iconic pieces like The Laughing Cavalier and The Rainbow Landscape. Entry to the permanent collection is free.
Sir John Soane’s Museum is a uniquely preserved house museum located at Lincoln’s Inn Fields, once the home of the visionary neo-classical architect Sir John Soane. Upon his death in 1837, Soane bequeathed the building and its vast collection to the public under the condition that it remain exactly as he left it – a time capsule of architectural brilliance and personal taste. The museum houses over 45,000 objects, including architectural drawings, antiquities, and artworks by masters such as Canaletto, Turner, and Hogarth. Free entry.
Who doesn’t like a brain in a jar? The Grant Museum of Zoology has been in continuous use by students at UCL since 1828 and first opened to the public in 1996. This year this museum grandfather re-opened its doors to the public and it is Free.
Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s largest museum of applied and decorative arts, design, and performance. With over 2.8 million objects spanning 5,000 years of creativity—from Renaissance sculpture and Islamic textiles to cutting-edge fashion and photography—the V&A is a treasure trove of global artistry. The museum’s grand architecture and free entry makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking inspiration!
Twist Museum in London is an immersive experience on Oxford Street focused on illusions and perception, featuring over 60 interactive exhibits collaboratively developed with artists and scientists. Highlights include the Colour Flip Room, which alters your perception of colours and space. It offers a playful journey into the complexities of the human mind, making it an ideal hands-on experience for curious kids to learn through play.
The Courtauld Gallery is one of the best places to view exquisite art from different centuries and cultures. Seurat and the Sea (13 Feb – 17 May 2026) is first UK display devoted to Seurat in 30 years and the first ever exhibition dedicated to the seascapes of the French artist Georges Seurat (1859–1891). The gallery shop is a must visit too! Tickets from £18.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens was founded in 1901 by tea trader Frederick Horniman. The museum offers a fascinating mix of anthropology, natural history, and musical instruments from around the world. Its family-friendly exhibits include a striking overstuffed walrus, a popular aquarium, and an interactive music gallery. The surrounding 16-acre gardens provide panoramic views of London and include a butterfly house, animal enclosure, and themed plant displays. The museum and gardens are free to visit.
The National Maritime Museum is part of Royal Museums Greenwich and hosts the world’s largest maritime collection along with the Royal Observatory, Queen’s House, and the Cutty Sark. It is a vital part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site serving as a centre for education and research, with a mission to enhance understanding of the sea, space exploration, and Britain’s historical significance.
Go and celebrate the achievements and resilience of women through history, with inspiring stories of courage drawn from Royal Museums Greenwich’s collections.
The full programme for Women’s History Month 2026 will be announced soon, with all event details available on this page.
Moco Museum in London is renowned for its vibrant and unapologetically artistic approach to contemporary culture. With new and cutting edge artworks, large-scale digital installations, and extraordinary masterpieces that capture the essence of modern and contemporary art this museum offers an experience like no other. Tickets from £20.90. Reduced tickets for young visitors and children under 7 go free.
Churchill War Rooms is the authentic WWII bunker where Churchill and his cabinet directed the war. A powerful, immersive historic experience. Tickets £33 – members and under fives free
The Imperial War Museum documents modern conflicts involving Britain and the Commonwealth since its establishment in 1917. It showcases a vast collection of artefacts and personal stories to illustrate the effects of war on society, covering both World Wars, the Holocaust, and recent conflicts.
Make and Meet opens on 6 March at the V&A Museum. This series of free evenings of connection aimed at creators aged 14-26 are packed with free workshops, free food, and free curated displays.
Discover the botanical exchange between John Bradby Blake, Whang At Tong 黃遏東, and Mak Sau 麥秀 at Seeds of Exchange: Canton and London in the 1700s.
The exhibition features Mak Sau’s paintings, herbals, maps, and archival material, highlighting a remarkable 18th-century collaboration between Canton and London.
The Garden museum celebrates the work of Melissa Scott-Miller and her exceptional work in depicting London’s urban landscape from the perspective of a lifelong local to Islington. Melissa Scott-Miller: London Parks and Gardens is free and runs until 29 March 2026.
The Joly Postman at the Postal Museum is an interactive exhibition celebrating 40 years of the much-loved children’s book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Runns throughout the year and is included in the museum ticket (Tickets from £ 12.50)
Royal Museums Greenwich offer the ultimate maritime adventure for families, blending world-class history with interactive play across four iconic sites. At the National Maritime Museum, kids can take the helm in the AHOY! and All Hands children’s galleries, while the Royal Observatory provides a stellar experience as the home of the Prime Meridian and the Peter Harrison Planetarium.
Leighton House in Holland Park is marking its centenary this year with exhibitions that dive into the building’s history and its artistic origins. Check out the diverse programme of exhibitions, special events and outreach initiatives taking place in this magnificent space throughout the year.
Visit our events and activities area for more ideas of things to do with kids in London this season. or have a look at our theatre and dance page to see our selection of family friendly shows.