Natural History vs Science Museum Post Reply

[burlmouse]

Hi,

Just wondered if fellow users could give me a bit of advice? We are planning on taking our daughter to either the Natural History Museum or the Science Museum for her 4th birthday. We will also be taking our 2 year old son and meeting the grandparents there.

We're just unsure about which one to go to? Which is better for young children? Also any recommendation for child-friendly restaurants nearby for lunch or an early dinner would also be appreciated!

Thanks!

[mgb]

My 2 year old LOVED the Natural History Museum. We arrived when it opened and didn't have to queue for the dinosaur room. I've not been to the Science one yet because friends told me it's better for older children - will leave it to the others to comment if your 4 year old would like it.

For food there's a child-friendly Carluccios across from South Ken tube, about a 5-10 minute walk.

[tamara]

I love Natural History for the building and the history, it feels so grand but the science museum was more fun for the kids

They have lectures in the basement which are all bangs and pops which mine LOVED and a waterplay area they spent hours in.

[elizad]

I normally do both as they are next door.. do the dinosaur first when there is no queue and have a look around the Natural History Museum and then there is always time to do the water play at the Science Museum in its basement which they love. They are both free - though the Science Museum does try to encourage you to make a donation...

Enjoy!

[Beketaten]

I have worked in the interactive galleries of both!

The NHM probably has more interesting displays for little kids - the dinosaurs, blue whale in the Mammals gallery and the leafcutter ants in Creepy Crawlies.

The Science Museum has more interactive opportunities for young children, especially The Garden for under 6s with its water play and building areas and Pattern Pod for under 8s. They might also enjoy Launchpad, which is for all ages.

Depends if they're in the mood to look at stuff or do stuff really. And it's perfectly possible to do both places in one trip. Both have family-friendly cafes inside.

Avoid both museums in October half term!

[babyballetclapham]

We did exactly the bits posted above - dinosaurs and mammals gallery in the NHM and my daughter loved The Garden and Pattern Pod in the Science Museum. The space bit is really good as well. A really great day out for young children!

[MamaH]

I agree, both would be good with the bits mentioned although my kids also love the space gallery. But they find the birds bit of the NHM fascinating too. The dinos are the big draw though so if you have to choose one, choose the NHM except T Rex can be a bit intimidating the first time if you have nervous kids though.

The Garden (which is never explained in the museum as the play area for young kids) has water play. I always take a spare top or too. It's that or stand under the hand dryers in the toilet for ages. They have plastic pinnies for the kids, but that never seems to stop mine from getting sopping.

[MamaH]

Oh and as for restaurants - I agree that the ones in the musems might be the best bet. There's a nice creperie near South Ken station, but it gets rammed at weekends. Well, the whole area does - if at all possible, visit during the week.

[dudette]

When my kids were little I used to take them to both but they were terrified by the animatronic T Rex in the NHM. I personally think the Science museum wins hands down - the Garden and the Pattern Pod are both great for little ones and the cafe with the light up tables (Deep Blue) does pretty good food. I think two and four year olds often get bored with just looking at things (as with the NHM) and prefer to do something and I think there's more stuff to do at the Science Museum.

[BalhamMumWorkingFT]

I vote Science too. NHM is always WAY TOO CROWDED!