5 London museums to visit with kids over half term

1. Power UP at Science Museum
At London’s Science Museum families can play their way through 40 years of gaming history when visiting Power UP, which launches on Friday. There will be 180 gaming consoles and lots of games to play, including everything from Mario Kart to the latest in virtual reality technology. Power UP is recommended for ages 5+. (Picture credit: Benjamin Ealovega)

2. Natural History Museum Ice Rink
Wednesday 26 October marks the opening of the Natural History Museum Ice Rink. There are a limited number of penguin skate aids at Natural History Museum Ice Rink, which cost £5, and are available on a first come, first served basis from the skate hire counter. In addition, there are children’s bob skates, twin-bladed skates available for free. Natural History Museum Ice Rink will be open until 7 January. At the actual museum, there is the Whales exhibition to explore (see review here) in addition to the popular dinosaurs.

3. Play Base at National Army Museum
To run around on an assault course, climb aboard a truck or have a go at serving up pretend food in a big toy kitchen, book a ticket to Play Base at Chelsea’s National Army Museum. The space is designed for children aged 0 to 8 and the one-hour sessions are £4.50 for a child and accompanying adult. National Army Museum has also launched new family packs (which we reviewed the other week) for families wanting to explore the galleries.

4. The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace
On Saturday 21 October families visiting the working stables at The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, can create watercolours of horses in the Learning Room from 11am to 3pm. On Tuesday 24 October there are also Little trekkers activities for under 5s at 11am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm. There will be stories about carriages and horses and little ones can learn about colours and shapes.

5. London Transport Museum
London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is another family favourite, and this half-term the museum is brining the current Poster Girl exhibition to life for children. There are 20-minute storytime sessions at 11am and 2pm where children can hear about a brother and sister’s adventure into the world of a magic poster. For children aged 3 to 12, there are also craft sessions where children can make a story book inspired by a poster in the exhibition.

Tags: Buckingham Palace, Half term, Ice skating, London Transport Museum, National Army Museum, Natural History Museum, Play Base, Power Up, Science Museum, The Royal Mews