London: Fun Free Things to Learn When You Visit

Now is a wonderful time to take the children to London, England for some fun and learning, much of it at no cost to parents or grandparents! Learn all about the city and the world through many free, family-friendly museums and attractions that cover topics varying from the Royal Air Force to banking.

CheapFlights.co.uk provides fun information and factoids about the Royal Air Force Museum London, the Bank of England Museum, and other attractions in their infographic:




Not only are all of these listed attractions free to visit, there are a variety of options that cover a wide array of interests. Two of the options that struck me cater to kids with very specific interests:  your Top Gun will love the Royal Air Force Museum and your Wall Street Tycoon will enjoy the Bank of England Museum. 

As mentioned above, the Royal Air Force Museum has a large number of historic artifacts and is the only location with a life-sized model of an F-35 Join Strike Fighter Jet. The museum is located a half hour away from central London by train. The photo below is a Fiat CT.42.

If you are interested in banks, or want to learn more about the history of banks, the Bank of England Museum includes the history of banking from 1694 to present day. Visitors can see pikes and muskets that were used to defend the bank and -- best yet -- can hold a real gold bar.

We always recommend the British Museum and this summer it is open until 8:30pm on Fridays. It is very big but you can take a shorter "themed" tour using one of the family-friendly trails, like the one entitled "Hunting for Dragons" or "Sailing on the Nile."

The Natural History Museum is equally large, but your family can take in the displays without having to read so many labels, ideal with your tiny travelers.

If you have the energy for a few more museums, visit the National Maritime Museum, the largest maritime museum in the world. The kids can learn what sailors eat and play pirate games.

The Tate Gallery is the most visited modern art gallery in the world, with 5 million visitors per year. Children ages 12 and under can eat for free at the café or restaurant, and the museum allows visitors to play with different tools on the weekends.

More Resources for a London Family Vacation

Wouldn’t it be Luverly provides information about the four museums mentioned above, and about other fun places to visit.

While you are in London, you should stop by the recently opened Bond exhibit in the London Film Museum: James Bond Vehicles Showcased in New London Exhibit.

In addition to museums and attractions, discover some of the hotels London has to offer, including one that centers on the world of Harry Potter: Athenaeum Hotel London has Magic Access to Harry Potter's World, and more general options: London, England Hotels.
There are also hotel options specifically for families and expecting parents: Hotels Offering Royal Pampering to Expecting Parents and Families.

Tips for Taking your Family to London has more information about what to do with children during your stay.

Photos courtesy of Wikipedia.  Infographic courtesy of CheapFlights.co.uk