13 Fun Filled Museums to Visit this Summer…
Posted by Kat Heath on 28 Jul 2025
With the summer holidays in full swing it can be difficult to think of days out with the kids that are both fun, inspiring and educational! Tearing the kids away from their precious screens will be easy with this comprehensive guide to the many amazing museums and galleries that are practically on our doorstep.
Gone are the days where Museums were considered slightly stuffy and starchy. Now they are vibrant, inspiring and interactive spaces suitable for the whole family to enjoy.
Here is a list of brilliant museums perfect for curious kids and their curious grown-ups:
SURREY & SOUTH LONDON:
Brooklands Museum
Brooklands Drive, Weybridge. KT13 OSL
01932 857381
Best for: Budding engineers and speed lovers!
Explore the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation.
Families can get up close to vintage cars, motorbikes, and aircraft – and during school holidays, kids can try driving experiences or sitting in a real Concorde cockpit.
During the summer holidays there is a Summer Science Show, a 30 minute musical exploring the role of science and technology within transportation.
For more information visit: https://www.brooklandsmuseum.com/
Horniman Museum
100 London Road, London SE23 3PQ
020 8699 1872
(Nearest BR: Forest Hill)
Best for: Nature lovers and little explorers.
This ultimate family favourite has something for everyone (and is a personal favourite)
Be amazed by the beautiful natural history gallery with a giant walrus, a hands-on music room, a lovely aquarium, and even a butterfly house.
The gardens are perfect for picnics and letting off steam after visiting the inside of the museum.
For more information visit: https://www.horniman.ac.uk/
Whitehall
1 Malden Road, Cheam. SM3 8QS
020 8770 5000
Best for: Time-traveling history fans!
Step into the wonderful Tudor world inside this 500-year-old timber-framed house.
With seasonal crafts, storytelling sessions, and dress-up opportunities, it’s a cosy little adventure in local history.
For more information visit: https://whitehallmuseum.wordpress.com/
Bourne Hall Museum
Spring Street, Ewell Village KT17 1UF
020 8393 9571
Best for: Locals and curious kids!
The infamous Bourne hall is not just a library and theatre space!
Upstairs lies a museum’s which tells the story of Ewell’s past—with fascinating objects and fun activities for kids.
Look out for their regular events, from Roman days to spooky ghost hunts.
For more information visit: https://www.bournehall.org/
Reigate Caves
Tunnel Road, Reigate. RH2 9AY
Best for: Little adventurers and cave explorers
Open on specific days, these sand caves take you underground for a glimpse of Reigate’s hidden history.
Bring a torch and a sense of adventure, it’s a family experience they won’t forget! The next event is 9th August however you must book online prior to event.
For more information visit: https://reigatecaves.org.uk/
Gatwick Aviation Museum
Lowfield Heath Road, Charlwood, RH6 0BT
01293 862294
Best for: Plane-crazy kids, see real fighter jets, peer into cockpits, and learn all about Britain’s aviation history.
Friendly volunteers love answering questions, and many planes are open for kids to explore.
Be aware the museum is open Thursday to Sunday during the summer holidays.
For more information visit: https://www.gamc.org.uk
Honeywood Museum
Honeywood Walk, Carhsalton, SM5 3NX
Best for: Creative kids and local families Set beside the pretty Carshalton Ponds, Honeywood is packed with interactive exhibits, family trails, and seasonal workshops. It’s small but full of charm, ideal for little legs.
For more information visit: https://friendsofhoneywood.co.uk/index.html
CENTRAL LONDON:
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road, London, SW7
(Nearest tube: South Ken)
Best for: Dinosaur mad kids and science fans!
Marvel at life sized dinosaurs, walk through an interactive earthquake, and voyage through the solar system – all under one beautiful roof.
Currently there is an interactive exhibit called Space which will inspire the whole family.
The museum often hosts child-friendly trails and many interactive exhibits…a definite go to!
For more information visit: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/
The Science Museum
Exhibition Road, London, SW7
0330 058 0058
(Nearest tube: South Kensington)
Best for: Curious minds and mini inventors!
Another favourite of our family!
This super cool exhibition space has everything from a space gallery to the incredibly interactive Wonderlab.
All aspects of science from Biological science to technological science are featured in the museum! There are exciting ways for kids to get hands-on with science.
Currently there is the infamous Power Up exhibition which features hundreds of game consoles from 1970s to current day!
For more information visit: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/power
V&A Museum
Cromwell Road, London. SW7
020 7942 2000
(Nearest tube: South Kensington)
Best for: Culturally curious and lovers of art and design.
Founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the V&A is the world’s largest museum dedicated to applied arts and decorative art and design , exhibiting 2.8 million pieces!
There really is so much to see at the V&A museum especially ideal for a wet afternoon!
Currently there is a Cartier exhibit which I’m particularly looking forward to. The cafe is highly recommended also.
For more information visit: https://www.vam.ac.uk/south-kensington
Tate Modern
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
020 7887 8888
(Nearest tube: Southwark)
Best for: Contemporary art lovers.
The Tate Modern is one of our favourite places, with interactive and inspiring contemporary pieces of art and design which really shape the world we live in today.
There are often activities throughout the holidays aimed at children also.
For more information visit: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Moco Museum
1 Marble Arch, London. W2 2UH
(Nearest tube: Marble Arch)
Best for: Sensory seekers and modern art lovers.
Moco is a fairly new addition to the museum list, following the success of the Moco Galleries in Barcelona and Amsterdam.
Moco really is a beautiful space celebrating modern artists such as Basquiat, Warhol and Keith Haring!
There is also a bright immersive sensory experience which is fantastic for children who need sensory stimulation.
An inspiring art space for all modern art lovers!
For more information visit: https://london.mocomuseum.com/
London Transport Museum
Covent Garden, London. WC2E 7BB
0343 222 5000
Best for: London transport enthusiasts and future TFL operators.
This is a firm favourite in our family, a great day out on a rainy afternoon.
The LTM is the world’s leading museum specialising in showcasing urban transportation from trams to tubes and trains!
There is so much to see and do with various interactive displays for children to enjoy during their visit!
Your day pass will give you an annual membership meaning you can revisit as many times as you would like within a year!
For more information visit: https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/
Family Tip:
Many of these museums run free or low-cost family events during weekends and school holidays, so be sure to check their websites for what’s on before your visit.
To keep costs down bring a packed lunch.
With TFL zip card 11-15 year olds travel FREE on the tube and bus! If you live within Travel card zone 1-6 you can apply (Epsom is now in travel card zone 6)
Visit https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/11-15-zip-oyster-photocard
Have fun!
Kat x
