Family visits
Bag searches and large luggage: for everyone’s safety all bags, rucksacks, packages and personal items may be searched before entry. Wheeled cases and large items of luggage are not allowed on British Museum premises. Storage for luggage is available at major rail stations, including Euston, King’s Cross and Charing Cross.
Ideas for families
Activity trails
Exciting free trails to follow at the Museum
Gallery backpacks
Art materials
Borrow crayons, pencils and pads. Just ask at the Families Desk in the Great Court
Highlight objects
12 objects to see with children
Family guide
Challenge your family to complete fun, creative challenges around the Museum
Family events and activities
Family events at the Museum
Take advantage the Museum's range of family-friendly activities throughout autumn and winter.
See the family events calendar
New app for families
Take on Baron Ferdinand's Challenge, a free app based on the Museum's newest gallery, the Waddesdon Bequest.
Information to support visits for families with additional sensory needs
Families enewsletter
Sign-up for regular emails about family events and activities
Young Friends
Children aged 8–15 can join Young Friends for a chance to explore the Museum at night and many more activities
See latest Young Friends events
Exhibition visits
Discover special family-friendly activities at our temporary exhibitions. All special exhibitions are free for children.
Facilities for families
Families Desk
Visit the Families Desk in the Great Court to borrow activities and for advice on your visit.
Open weekends and every day during London Borough of Camden school holidays.
Picnic area and cafés
Families picnic area at the Ford
Centre
Enjoy child-friendly food at the Museum
cafés
Buggies and cloakrooms
Buggies may be left free of charge in the cloakroom, located to the west of the main entrance. Alternatively on weekends families can store belongings in the Ford Centre for Young Visitors.
Free digital workshops
A gift for Athena
Sunday 4 August, 11.00
Come to the Parthenon gallery with your family and see the sculptures come to life while you play an…
A gift for Athena
Saturday 10 August, 11.00
Come to the Parthenon gallery with your family and see the sculptures come to life while you play an…
A gift for Athena
Sunday 18 August, 11.00
Come to the Parthenon gallery with your family and see the sculptures come to life while you play an…
Visit the Samsung Digital Discovery Centre and discover free digital workshops for families every weekend.
Visiting with under 5s
Little Feet programme
Drop in to one of the free Little Feet sessions for under 5s. These sessions offer opportunities for creative play, making and exploring.
Trails
Head off to the galleries to practise counting, look for colours and spot some shapes with one of the free under 5s trails.
Alfred the Explorer back packs
Borrow an Alfred the Explorer backpack full of things to help you explore and suggestions of things to do around the Museum.