Parents' survival guide
As well as the handy hints for parents below, browse our highlights for kids.
Special activities
- visit Investigate, the science lab for 7 to 14 year olds
- handle geological specimens in Earth Lab
- inspire children of all ages with our Explorer and Discover guides
- enjoy awesome activities for kids under 7 with our Explorer backpacks
- check out the latest workshops and events in our What's on guide
Footwear
Visits involve plenty of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
Suitability
Please be aware that some Museum areas can seem dark or scary to young children including the T. rex animatronic.
Bags and pushchairs
These can be left in the cloakroom. Please don’t take pushchairs on the escalator. The Exhibition Road entrance is pushchair-friendly. See our Access guide.
Babycare
There are unisex babycare facilities around the Museum. We don’t sell tissues, but they are available from our restaurants, cafés and toilets.
Food and drink
Children are welcome at all our restaurants and cafés, where you can find highchairs. Foods containing nuts and dairy products are labelled, but if in doubt, please check with staff. We also have vegetarian and dairy-free dishes, and food with no gluten-containing ingredients.
Picnic on the front lawns and in our indoor Picnic Area. You’re welcome to bring your own food, it’s especially advisable if you have allergies, but please don’t eat in the galleries.
For more about our restaurants and cafés, please go to Eating and drinking.
First aid or lost children
Go to the nearest information desk. Identify staff by their purple uniforms and name badges.
