RAF Museum, Hendon
This recently-updated museum is a must for airplane fans: its massive hangars are filled with real planes, chinooks, helicopters, and ride-on replicas; there's a new soft play area, a fun outdoor aviation-themed playground, simulators and more. There's a cafe so you can make a day of it. Free tickets can be booked ahead of time; there's scant local parking so you'll need to pay for the car park. Frequently-changed exhibitions are child-friendly and fascinating.
Times change seasonally — always check before you set off.
More museums & galleries in London
All museums & galleries →
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery (And Mini Makers for tots)
Inside the Pitzhanger, the historic countryside retreat of architect Sir John Soane which is set within Walpole Park in Ealing, the main musem has contemporary art exhibitions, free digital family trails, hands-on building block stations, and access to Walpole Park's playground. On Fridays, under 5s will love the Mini Makers dedicated early years sessions, led by experienced artist practitioners, there's messy play, circus play and music and rhyme sessions. Pack a spare change of clothes - the messy play sessions mean business, and make a day of it with Walpole Park and its expansive green lawns, walled garden, and playground area.
See details
Wellcome Collection
A quirky museum exploring medicine, health and human life through bizarre historical objects, art and a wonderfully comfy Reading Room.
See details
The British Library (Family Trails)
Book-loving kids will enjoy an hour here among the world's most famous manuscripts, from the Magna Carta to Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks and Beatles lyrics, mostly in one ground-floor exhibition hall. There are free weekend family workshops too.
See detailsMore ideas in East London
All of East London →
ABBA Voyage
Forget everything you know about holograms: this bespoke arena built in East London delivers a concert experience that feels 100% real.... even though your brain keeps telling you it's not. We went with a ten and 16 year old, and all enjoyed it: the digital "Abbatars" perform alongside a live ten-piece band, surrounded by arena lighting that bleeds into the crowd. The energy is electric from start to finish - go dressed up if you can! It's packed with non-stop Abba hits that really got every generation in the crowd dancing. Kids aged 6 and up are allowed in the seated sections (strictly no under-3s anywhere in the arena), making it a rare multi-generational hit where kids, parents, and grandparents will be able to boogie and sing along together.
See details
Mudchute Park and Farm
One of Europe's largest urban farms, set across 32 acres and home to over 100 animals including cows, pigs, llamas and ducks, with the Canary Wharf skyscrapers rising behind them.
See details
The Line Sculpture Trail and Cable Car
London's first dedicated public art walk winds along the canals and waterways between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2. Kids hunt down giant outdoor installations, like Alex Chinneck's inverted pylon, while spotting dockside wildlife.
See details