Why create the hassle of coming up with a day of activities for your toddler when the Museum of Childhood has got one ready?
Packed with childhood-related objects and artifacts, spanning the 1600s to the present day, the V&A’s Museum of Childhood has plenty to see and do. For more fun ideas, check our our guide to the Best Toddler Days Out!
And best of all? Everything’s FREE.
From 10.30-11am each day, there’s an Animal Magic session that includes sensory storytelling for little ones, inspired by popular animal tales. At 11.15-11.45am your toddler can play with childhood objects, toys or games in the Explore session.
Up next is Telling Tales, an interactive storytelling activity featuring popular tales that runs from 12-12.30pm. Your child will be encouraged to get involved, telling the story using props and actions.
Finally, from 2-4pm the museum hosts an Art Smarts drop-in session where children can get creative and make artwork to take home with them.
When hunger calls, head to the Benugo café that boasts a wide range of food for little stomachs, include a kids ‘pick and mix’ menu. You can heat your baby’s milk up in the bottle warmer location in the Quiet Room on the Lower Ground Floor.
If that’s not enough, you can borrow a Montessori family pack for any children aged five and under from the museum’s information desk. The pack includes play mats, trails, tactile toys and more, and can be borrowed for one hour.
TICKETS
Free for both adults and children.
LOCATION
Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9PA. The closest tube station is Bethnal Green, which is less than a five-minute walk away and on the Central Line. If you’re using a National Rail train, you can buy a Family & Friends Railcard that costs £30 and it’ll save you one third on adult ticket costs and 60 per cent on your little one’s train ticket. But otherwise, up to two children under the age of five can travel free with each adult.
Can’t get to London today? Why not run the museum’s activities at home yourself? You can even invite one of your toddler’s friends round to join in the run.