11 tips for visiting London’s Victoria & Albert museum with kids
Perhaps it’s because its neighbours are so obviously family-friendly that I didn’t think of visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum with kids at first. While we visited the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the British Museum while my daughter was toddling, it took over four years to discover if the V&A is child-friendly.
Well, more fool me. Because although the world’s largest museum of decorative and applied arts doesn’t instantly shout ‘perfect with small kids’, they have such a fabulous and fascinating range, not to mention some very child-friendly activities, that we had huge fun visiting.
So whether you fancy seeing the world’s most important Persian carpet, 16th century English knightly artefacts, golden Buddhas, the costumes from the Lion King, historic court dresses or art and sculpture from the Great Masters, here are my tips on visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum with kids.
For my complete set of tips on visiting London’s museums with toddlers and kids, check out my ultimate guide as well as the best things to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers
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1. Go in the side door
It’s usually easier to enter by the smaller Exhibition Road entrance or from the tunnel attached to the tube at South Kensington, rather than the Grand Entrance on Cromwell Road.
There’s a cloakroom here too where coats, small bags and child scooters cost £3, as do coats and small bags, and also maps as you come in.
There’s also a buggy park near both the Exhibition Road entrance and Cromwell Road Entrance. Don’t miss seeing the spectacular main entrance though: after you exit, gaze back up the stairs, before walking a short way towards the Natural History Museum and the entrance back into the underground.
- Gaskell, Katja (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 108 Pages – 02/03/2025 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)
2. Head straight to the Learning Centre
With a whole array of activities for five to 12-year-olds on different themes, it’s no surprise they’ve won awards. The free family activities do vary and there are digital trails to follow as well.
Keep an eye out for events where younger kids can borrow backpacks – my daughter loved the special ‘Agent Animal’ backpack for under-fives, with six animals to track down in several of the museum galleries. Along with a jigsaw to complete for each, there were six little gadgets making the noise of the animal as well.
You need ID to leave as a deposit (a credit card or driver’s licence for example) with a map to help parents work out on where to find them, so you needn’t wander every single gallery, as well as images of the six animals in case you happen to stumble across multiple elephants.
During our visits, my daughter has also tried out the explorer and adventurer trails with their activity sheets – everything from the challenge of designing her own fantastic beast to sitting on the sofas imagining where she’d fly her magic carpet, as we surveyed the impressive Persian rug.
3. Play dress up
Around the corner from the Learning Centre, head to the Theatre Collection. As well as some fascinating costumes and miniature stage sets, with impressive detail – don’t miss the wonderful costumes from the Lion King, which are guaranteed to appeal to all ages
You’ll often find outfits for kids to dress up in as well. Most were gigantic on my petite four-year-old but that was half the fun, and she strolled regally around wearing one cloak before reinventing herself and offering me three wishes.
4. Check out the picnic spot
If you’ve brought your own food, there are also tables in this part of the museum for lunch – these may only be available outside school hours though – along with some seats outside in good weather, including the Exhibition Road Courtyard and John Madejski Garden, as you’re not allowed to eat in the galleries themselves.
If not, the cafe has children’s meal deals (a mini baguette with veg pot, fruit and drink) as well as some lovely options for adults. They’re pricy though if you just want a snack. High chairs are provided in the main cafe and Garden Café (only open at weekends during the winter period).
5. Get outdoors
If you need a break and some fresh air, there’s a garden in the centre to walk (run) around. It’s worth noting that the shallow water, with its gently bubbling fountains, would also be very easy to run straight into if you’ve got an inquisitive toddler but it’s a lovely space on a sunny day.
The garden cafe is on other side, so it’s easy to combine lunch or a snack break with some time outside the galleries.
6. Make a noise (well, some noise)
You’re encouraged not to stand in reverent silence before the exhibits but to discuss, debate, enjoy, and some seats are dotted around to sit as you eye everything up, such as that priceless (possibly flying) carpet.
Minnie tested that tacit noise approval to its limit in the Theatre Collection as a preschooler but staff are very welcoming and approving of kids in the museum.
7. Find the interactive elements
Some galleries have more that’s hands on than others – during one visit, the collection from England 1500-1600 included a carved piece of wood you could touch, a ruff and mailed gauntlet to wear, plus you could design your own coat of arms and email it to yourself.
My daughter had to be coaxed away after designing three. Other galleries give you the chance to make a brass rubbing or do a giant puzzle of replica medieval tiles, plus we’ve also designed an impressive wig.
You can also play various games on your phone or a tablet while you’re there – the museum has free WiFi so you don’t need to download anything.
8. Make the most of the facilities
There are lifts all around the museum if you have a buggy, as well as some impressive sweeping stairs tucked away near two of the temporary exhibitions.
You’ll also find toilets there which are a lot quieter – and bigger – than those than the entrance. There are toilets on all levels, as well as baby changing on 0, 1, 2 and 4.
9. Save your pennies
Although entrance is free, the exhibitions each have a separate cost (unless you’re a member) but 11-year-olds and under go free.
But there is SO much to see, you don’t need to go in unless you really want to. Now a tween, my K-Pop fan daughter has been tempted by an exhibition on Korea, while others have featured Alice in Wonderland and Peter Rabbit.
Something like the Opus Anglicanum: masterpieces of English Medieval embroidery showing on one of our earliest visits, are almost certainly more fascinating to adults however.
For more ways to see London without spending a penny, I’ve got 52 of the best free things to do in London with kids
10. Keep an open mind
But never underestimate what catches a small child’s attention. As we walked through the sculpture gallery, I was quizzed about Greek mythical heroes, Samson wielding the jawbone of an ass and a male nude by Rodin.
About the only thing I wasn’t asked about was why none of these disparate statues had any clothes on…
11. Set your imagination free
Keep an eye out for activities taking place during the school holidays, usually focused around something creative, whether that’s design, illustration, collage, draw and play, or storytelling.
For many activities you don’t need to book, just drop in with activities for all ages including ideas for under-fives, although some have limited numbers and are ticketed.
12. Leave plenty of time
On our first visit, I’d assumed we might while away an hour of the school holidays before heading back home – in the end, we only ran out of steam (and time) after four hours.
While we’ve been back multiple times over the years, I’d never claim that we’ve seen and done everything though.
As it’s quieter than other nearby museums – both fewer children (although we certainly weren’t the only family), and fewer visitors in total – you can usually pack a lot more in without battling the crowds too.
For more things to do in South Kensington with kids, check out my pick of the best
*First posted 2016, last updated 2025*
PIN FOR LATER: VISITING THE V&A WITH KIDS
Images and video copyright MummyTravels
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Great post and great tips. I’ve never taken Monkey here as yet but I’ve wanted him to go – we just get side tracked with all the others nearby! Great it has dress up and a learning centre!
Thanks – we are spoiled for choice in London but definitely worth tempting him away from the dinosaurs etc.
I love that so many of the museums in London seem to have free admission. It is so hard to find a free museum in Chicago- they’re all so expensive!
It is such a wonderful philosophy- I remember a few briefly talked about charging and there was uproar. We really are lucky.
These places always take longer to see than you’d imagine, don’t they? I’m inspired by your post – the V & A is beautiful (and I too love the sneaky side entrance), but I’d never even thought of taking the kids there. Silly, really!
They do – somehow that always surprises me. I think the V&A is categorised as something for ‘grown-ups’ in my head, art/culture as opposed to nature or something hands-on but I should know by now that my daughter can be fascinated by all kinds of things.
Great post. I love the V&A but haven’t yet been with children. I guess I would have combined with a visit to NHM or perhaps the Garden or Wonderlab at the Science Museum but great to know that it is possible to do alone. I always love the people sketching in the sculpture gallery and I guess this could also be done with children/ Thanks for showing me it is possible with children #citytripping
Thanks! You could definitely split the day between two of the museums – it’s very easy to while away a lot longer at any of them though, I think.
I love this museum!:) #citytripping
Amazing isn’t it.
I visited V&A during their Persian festival a couple of years ago and I was impressed that they had so many interactive activities for children around the theme of the festival. Hope you had a great holiday season, Cathy!
They do seem to put a lot of effort into having activities which tie in with specific events or times of year, as well as the general ones, which is lovely – I think a lot more visits are in order. And thank you, very lovely (if quite busy!)
Brilliant tips Cathy! I haven’t been to the V&A in ages so you’ve inspired me to revisit. Love the sneaky side entrance and I’m very impressed with you finishing the ‘Agent Animal’ activity so swiftly! #citytripping
Thanks! It had been years since I was last there – definitely somewhere that’s worth quite a few visits. And my daughter was definitely not hanging around when there were more animals to spot. 🙂
They really seem to be thinking about gaining children’s interest and interaction in museums more and more. I think (as an ex history teacher) and Mum that it is fantastic – get them interested and they will learn so much.
I really need to visit the V&A – the Natural History museum gets me everytime! #citytripping
I agree – I have memories of lots of boring things in dusty glass cases and everyone whispering at a lot of museums during my childhood. They seem so much better for kids these days, much more imagination about how to get them interested.
This is really interesting, seeing the museum from a parent’s point of view. We visited last year just as a couple and had a fabulous time and still didn’t see half the things on show. Do they let adults dress up too as I’d love that!
#citytripping
It’s an amazing place, isn’t it – would love to go back solo and properly look at some of the exhibits we raced past. A day probably isn’t enough… And I bet you could dress up too.
I can’t believe they have dress ups for kids! That’s very thoughtful and I kind of want to be a kid again so that I can dress up. #citytripping
I had trouble getting her away from the dress-up – it’s pretty much all adult sized, so I reckon grown-ups could join in too 🙂
London is high on the list for my kids of places they want to visit. We love museums and find them fascinating and educational and London has so many wonderful museums to choose from!
So much to discover and learn here – especially the history, but you could spend days in the museums alone. Hope you do get to visit.
We loved this museum, but I wish I would of had this post before our visit as it would have made all the difference! #citytripping
Ah that’s a shame my timing was off – another visit is in order perhaps?
I’m definitely going back! And will reference your post before doing so! 🙂
🙂
I’ve taken school trips around the V&A and always had a great time. Your post has some great pointers, love the Agent Animal’ backpack! #citytripping
Thanks! I can imagine they’re just as good with school groups too.
I am not generally a museum person but have to admit that London’s are truly awesome. Great tips for young and less young!
We are lucky to have some amazing museums, especially considering they’re mostly free.
The V&A was the first museum we took the juniors to when they were 3 months and in papooses. We’ve been countless times and it’s slightly confusing layout led to the invention of museum roulette. Whereby one child selects a destination on the map and we never get there because we find so many interesting things on the way.
I love the sound of this game – and I can absolutely believe that would happen every time.
I think I could just get lost in the V&A for hours and hours. We went so long ago I think it was before kids! I definitely need to go again, it’s just so beautiful in there!
I felt like four hours whizzed past and although we packed a lot in, we barely scratched the surface of a lot of it. Definitely one I want to go back to.
I always wondered what was inside the Victoria & Albert Museum! Now I know! 🙂 I also haven’t made it there yet! #CityTripping
It’s amazing – a proper treasure trove (animal trails optional!)
This sounds like another great place to take kids in London. I must admit that I wouldn’t have thought of visiting here as we would probably go to the Science Museum or Natural History Museum, but the thought of an Agent Animal backpack is tempting! Thanks for sharing.
Definitely – I do love the Science Museum and Natural History Museum too, but lovely to discover somewhere a bit less popular and also very fun right next door.
How interesting that the V&A museum was so child-friendly! I would never have thought! It’s great that you ran out of energy before you ran out of things to do; those are some of the best museums! 🙂 #citytripping
Absolutely – I definitely think it’s how you approach it when it comes to museums, especially with curious (but easily distracted) small people and there’s so much to discover here.
What a brilliant review of – what looks like – a superb museum. Very interesting that the guests are encouraged to make (some) noise; I completely agree with that and it makes it much easier to visit with kids. I can also relate fully when you write about never underestimating what catches a child’s attention: I find it fascinating to see what my kids pick out in museums; sometimes the most trivial or understated object (to me anyway) can fill them with awe and wonder. And I guess that’s exactly why we take our kids to museums. Thanks!! #citytripping
Exactly that – I’ve discovered that I can learn as much from here, definitely not a one-way process.
Have to admit applied arts and decoration do not sound interesting to me. But, I think the least obvious choice can end up being the most interesting. I am glad you decided to visit this museum and discovered great things to enjoy with your daughter. I may give it a try in the future. #citytripping
I definitely think the name can be a bit offputting – it sounds very serious and a bit esoteric, but actually seems to equate to lots of beautiful things to look at.
Great tips! Who doesn’t want to dress up, make noise and be interactive – I would say these ideas are great for big kids as well as little ones (and by that I mean the adults, I know I would be heading for these sections!). I love that some of the big museums in London are free as well which is always a bonus if you have kids – free entertainment, what more could you ask for 😀 #citytripping
Thanks! And absolutely – judging by the comments here and elsewhere, you’re never too old to dress up 🙂
You’ve covered a few London museums 🙂 This one I can’t say I’ve heard about. Thanks! #citytripping
Probably one of the city’s top five…