Rainy day fun in London: V&A Museum of Childhood

Ever wonder what to do with the kids in London on a rainy day? Especially if you DON'T want to spend megabucks? I always thought there isn't a huge amount of free things to do, but, as ever, I was totally mistaken. One rainy day we found ourselves at the V&A Museum of Childhood and gosh is that a place that is going to my must-visit-again list! And because it was such a cool and FREE place, I wanted to tell you guys all about it too.


kid in front of V&A museum of childhood

large hangar area inside V&A museum of childhood


To be honest, I heard of this museum ages ago and just sort of discounted it as a big museum of some boring old toys. I mean, I do like museums and old toys are fascinating, but I figured I don't really want to traipse all the way to Bethnal Green to look at toys. And then I had kids.

If you have kids, V&A Museum of Childhood really is a fantastic place to visit. For younger kids, there are huge amounts of play areas to choose from. There are dress-up toys, books, cars, doll houses, rocking horses, Lego, and even a small sand pit to choose from. And a great big robot, and various old-fashioned 3D-pictures and moving pictures would appeal to older ones. There was a small cinema (at the time playing Moomins) and story-telling sessions and arts and crafts too. 

As an adult, I did find it fascinating to learn about old toys and see some real antique childhood objects, and I think this would be interesting for older kids as well. My five year old mostly whizzed past all the collections, but some were interesting for her as well - the modern toys more-so, and the cots and prams that looked like they had belonged to princesses in the old days. 

I definitely recommend V&A Museum of Childhood for families, especially with young kids. We spent hours there, and could have easily spent longer... It doesn't even need to be a rainy day, actually, any day would be great to visit this museum. So yes, do pay a visit when you can! 



child in a sand pit

moving images display

child looking at stereoscope

child looking at dolls

shadow puppets play

london v&a museum of childhood



Top tips for V&A Museum of Childhood:
  • It is free! Yay!
  • Check out the daily drop-in activities to plan your visit time
  • For kids under 5, you can borrow toys and an activity pack (but remember to bring a form of ID)
  • Great for kids aged 3 to 12. Loads and loads of play areas to keep the kids occupied, especially under six or seven years of age. Some of the toy demonstrations and arts and crafts would interest older kids as well. 
  • Closest tube station is Bethnal Green, on the Central Line. 
  • There is a cafe with food - or you could take a picnic and eat in the park next to the museum (there are also outdoor area in the museum with tables, and sometimes indoor areas for packed lunches too).
  • There is a quiet room - to use for prayers, nursing mothers and SEN needs.
What to do in London with kids? A free rainy-day proof day out with kids in London UK - V&A Museum of Childhood! This post tells what V&A Museum of Childhood is like, is it worth a visit (short answer, YES), and top tips when visiting!
What to do in London with kids? A free rainy-day proof day out with kids in London UK - V&A Museum of Childhood! This post tells what V&A Museum of Childhood is like, is it worth a visit (short answer, YES), and top tips when visiting!


What is your favourite rainy day place to visit in London?





Comments

  1. It's a shame it's such a trek because it does look great. My type of thing and I know N would love it. Might try and put it on our list for next time we're in London.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This does look like a great day out. I will have to keep it in mind next time we are in the area x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, the V&A Museum of Childhood sounds like a fabulous place with 3D pics, dress up toys, doll houses, rocking horses and a sand pit. I can't believe it is free. This is such a wonderful place to keep the kids happy and playing.

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