The Science Museum

Brilliant fun - my son loves it there and would go every day if he could! It does get busy, so avoid the middle of the day if you can. Take a packed lunch to eat in the basement and have a coffee or ice cream in the cafe. The shop is great for pocket money treats as well as bigger purchases (v good for birthday presents of all ages).

Top tip: pick up a map at the entrance, as it is quite big to find your way around (even if you go regularly)!

Combine it with the Natural History Museum next door for a whole day out.

Excellent cheap day out for families. Lots of hands on multi sensory experiences which keep a variety of ages (and genders) occupied. We took a picnic lunch and ate it in the basement as like all these places, food is pricey and the queues are long. It is the only museum to which my DS (8) has asked to return. TOP TIP the basement with the garden and water play area is the best bit for under 5s,

Great museum where hands on play and discovery is encouraged - all ages have enjoyed this and the exhibits change so there is always somethign new to find.

We love the science museum, there is so much for children to do, great for a cheap day out.

There are lots of interactive exhibitions that children love.

Fabulous place: we've visited loads of times over the years and the boys still always want to go back when we're in London. TOP TIP: In school holidays do get there early to avoid the crowds and if you have littlies head straight down to the basement to the interactive areas first before they get too busy.

The garden is a multi sensory play area part of the museum. I thought it was amazing, I went with DD 6 months and DS 2.4, it is recommended for 3 - 6 year olds, but DS LOVED it, we were there for 2 hours, there is water play, giant lego, all sorts of music machines, a climbing part, a curtain made of rubber strings which entertained DD for most of the time we were there.

The staff were really helpful and watched DS while I changed DD and put pram away.

It was a bit busy with school trips, but then I did go 2 days before the end of term and after some schools had already broken up.

I cant wait to go back with DS again when he is a little older and can begin to understand some of the science instead of just playing.

and best of all its FREE.

great museum, lots of buttons to press. The water ad play area in the basement is great for younger kids.

A great museum for children and adults, there is loads for children to do, lots of hand-on experiences.

The water garden in the basement is excellent on a wet day for children from about 18 months. There is not only a water garden to play in (with aprons provided) but also construction toys and a music area. The pattern pod on the ground floor is also good. And its FREE!!!

We've visited the science museum again and again and each time the kids get different things from it. They have some great special exhibitions and the space section is worth wondering around the best area to head for is definitely the basement where you will find the launch pad and the garden which are full of interactive exhibits and experiments. The garden is for younger children where they can experiment with water, kaleidoscopes, sound and generally run around and shout. The launch pad is great fun with loads of handson exhibits for older children plus a side room which has hourly shows - look out for the bubble show. The pattern pod is also worth looking out for on the first floor (I think). There's also an Imax Theatre (extra cost) and the ride stimulator by the cafe is also worthwhile for a treat. If you're planning on doing either of these,it's a good idea to get the tickets as soon as you arrive as the queues do get quite long. Check the slot times for the stimulator as you will have to queue again to get on the ride. There's a lot to do so don't be tempted to try and do the Natural History Museum (next door) or V and A (along the road) as well - there's enough to fill a day here.

Thinking particularly of the special exhibit from the Intellectual Patent Office on inventions, themed with Wallace & Grommit. Great idea, great link up, but fails in the delivery (having said this nothing would actually work IMHO, so it is as good as you'll get). IPO stuff is very relevent to the Science Museum, but is boring. Wallace & Gromit appeal to all kids, especially the young. The W & G bits were great & lots of fun, but my kids did not make the link with IPO: they were no wiser about the IPO at the end of the exhibition. The more the IPO stuff was pushed, the more my kids were bored; whilst the W & G stuff was loads of fun - thus a no brainer for the kids. Set in the fantastic SC, with lots & lots of other things to do (which are free), plus a great shop with Scientific toys