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United Kingdom/Things to Do in London, with kids

The British Museum (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is The British Museum?

92%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 92% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can borrow free themed backpacks, follow explorer trails, and handle artefacts at Hands-on desks, turning learning into play. Fragile displays mean constant supervision is essential.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 168,666 reviews)
1 HOUR CHALLENGE at the British Museum: I can’t believe what I saw!
20 min
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1 HOUR CHALLENGE at the British Museum: I can’t believe what I saw!
26.6K views • 10 months ago
[4k] British Museum Tour | British Museum London | British Museum highlights | London museum
6 min
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[4k] British Museum Tour | British Museum London | British Museum highlights | London museum
2.7K views • 2 years ago

Positives:

  • Free Admission: All permanent galleries and family trails are free, keeping costs low.
  • Interactive Learning: Backpacks and QR challenges make history hands-on for all ages.
  • Central Location: Easy walk from Tottenham Court Road and Holborn stations.

Challenges:

  • Crowded Galleries: Midday can be busy around the Rosetta Stone; plan breaks to avoid queues.
  • Deposit Required: Backpacks need a £10 cash deposit returned when you finish.
  • Limited Weekend Slots: Popular activities fill up fast on weekends and holidays; arrive early.
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🏖️ Explore The British Museum with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around The British Museum. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is The British Museum?

  • A public national museum in central London preserving global art and antiquities since its establishment in 1753
  • A custodian of more than eight million objects spanning two million years, from Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone to Parthenon sculptures and Asian ceramics
  • A neoclassical 19th-century building centered on the glass-roofed Great Court redesigned by Foster and Partners

What is so special about The British Museum for with kids?

  1. Free entry to world-class antiquities with no admission fee
  2. Hands-on backpacks and trails make learning active
  3. QR challenges and handling desks engage different interests
  4. See iconic objects like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies
  5. Centrally located with family-friendly cafés and facilities

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to see key highlights, use activity trails and take breaks without tiring younger children.

(View The British Museum on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in The British Museum

Themed Activity Backpacks:

Pick up a free backpack filled with hands-on tasks and art materials.

Tip: Arrive by 10 AM to secure one; bring £10 refundable deposit.

Museum Explorer Trails:

Follow age-tailored printed or digital trails with puzzles and questions.

Tip: Choose a 30-minute trail for shorter attention spans; pick up maps at the Families Desk.

Museum Missions QR Challenges:

Scan codes in six galleries to answer questions and complete photo tasks.

Tip: Bring a charged phone; split tasks between kids to keep them engaged.

Hands-On Desks:

Handle real artefacts like coins and tools with volunteer guidance.

Tip: Drop in anytime 11 AM–4 PM; great for tactile learners.

See the Rosetta Stone & Mummies:

View the Rosetta Stone in the Egyptian sculpture gallery and nearby ancient mummies.

Tip: Use the audio guide app for kid-friendly commentary on these highlights.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The British Museum

  1. Book Free Timed Entry: Reserve your entry slot online to avoid entry queues.
  2. Use Explorer Trails Strategically: Split long trails into two to match kids’ energy levels.
  3. Pack Snacks: Carry small snacks to refuel between galleries and avoid café queues.
  4. Plan Breaks in the Great Court: Rest under the glass roof and let kids run safely in open space.
🏖️ Tour The British Museum like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in The British Museum. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of The British Museum

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Nisal Matharage

Nisal Matharage

Sep 2025

The British Museum in London offers free entry to its world-class collection spanning thousands of years and diverse cultures. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles, and Egyptian mummies, alongside exhibits on Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (with extended hours on Fridays), it’s wise to plan ahead, especially on weekends. While entry is free, spe...

Daily Mail

Daily Mail

Sep 2025

The museum is free and it's HUGE. Just prepare yourself. But it's amazing!! Mummy's we're my favourite. Worth your trip. It is little warm inside, so if you are visiting, leave your jacket in the cloak room. Bags are checked at the entrance and that's good :) plenty of places to eat if you get hungry 😋 over all - really amazing experience.

R. EK (Rez.)

R. EK (Rez.)

Sep 2025

I really love the British Museum because you can experience something powerful from all the world’s cultures and histories. The weather was beautiful during my visit, which made it even better. Sometimes it can get quite crowded, but I still enjoy being there. The fact that entry is free makes it even more worthwhile.

Ulrik Skøien Stafsnes

Ulrik Skøien Stafsnes

Sep 2025

Very nice museum with incredible amounts of very well preserved historical artifacts and objects. The only downside was the ridiculous amount of people visiting, but this is to be expected when entry is free (which is great and makes a visit absolutely worth it). There are also free guided tours of many of the exhibitions by very knowledgeable guides at set times throughout the day. The building i...

manjari jha

manjari jha

Aug 2025

One of my favourite places in London! I particularly love the Egyptian section but if you want to make most of the museum in time then make of list of things that you wish to see. During holidays it gets crowded so getting a reservation before will help. The museum is free for all but in peak season you can book reservations without cost. It is always wise to start with room 4 where you have Roset...

When is the best time to visit The British Museum (London, United Kingdom)?

Backpacks and special family activities run only on weekends and school holidays; midweek visits are quieter but backpacks may be unavailable.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to London on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Themed backpack deposit (refundable)GBP 10
Family lunch at caféGBP 40
SouvenirsGBP 15
Total EstimatedGBP 65

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of The British Museum

Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, UK

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Looking for other Things to Do besides The British Museum (London)?

← See other Things to Do in London (with kids)

About The British Museum

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+44 20 7323 8000

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