This is one of the top attractions for kids in London. The entrance hall with the huge dinosaur skeleton is well known and never ceases to amaze.
It is a huge place, so it is advisable to visit only a couple of different zones to really enjoy the place. You will find the helpers in red fleeces very knowledgeable and able to point you in the right direction (which is necessary because the maps are not very detailed).
The most popular zone by far is the Dinosaur Zone. It has an impressive start to it, with a Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. You then climb steps to cross the sky walk. This gives you a great view of all the displays. Towards the end you will come across animatronic dinosaurs which are very impressive, but a bit scary for the younger ones. The only down side is that due to the one way system, once you are in this zone, you have to keep going if you want to leave. There are no short cuts. Also, be warned that the last exhibit shows Dinosaur themed toys and surprise, surprise the exit faces the toy shop. A good marketing ploy for the museum but infuriating for parents.
Look out for the “Focus Points” where staff allow children to learn about the exhibits through touch and games. They are a good way of bringing some of the displays to life, because there are limited interactive exhibits (although the number is growing).
Great fun, especially for kids aged 4 and above.
Address:
Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 5BD
Telephone:
020 7942 5725
Admission:
Free!
Opening Times:
Daily 10am to 5.30pm including Bank Holidays
Nearest Tube:
South Kensington
Where to Eat:
On site cafe
What’s nearby:
Have you been here? Tell us what you think of this place!
This is one of my favorite places to take the kids when it’s raining. Fortunately I live quite close so it’s a viable alternative to the hideous jungle gym things that have sprouted up everywhere (my idea of HELL, kids idea of HEAVEN – Natural History Museum is where we compromise…) but it’s well worth a trip however far you have to travel to get there.
A word of warning though – the Dinosaur Zone is very realistic (well, if you’re under the age of 6…) and if your kids are of a sensitive disposition then be prepared for tears! The bug zone is also pretty cool and there are lots of interactive exhibits (some more technologically advanced than others) which kids go crazy over. My two are also fascinated by the small collection of stuffed animals, but I think this is more morbid curiosity than anything else (“Are they dead? Why are they dead? Are you sure they’re dead? How were they killed – did a baddy get them? Why have they been stuffed? Where are their mummies and daddies? etc).
The other thing is that it can get uncomfortably packed so try to get there as early as possible or on a weekday if you can to avoid the crowds, especially at the weekend and during school holidays. Obviously I am not suggesting that you and your child play hooky from school (that would be terribly irresponsible, wouldn’t it?) but the earlier the better…
Oh, and take your own packed lunch.