To take six boys to a London museum for a birthday?

[Puppybrain]

I’ve been thinking about taking my son and five friends for his 11th birthday to one of the London museums. Most likely Natural History, British or Science Museum. I will have at least two other adults with me, but am worried about how we would structure the day. I’m hoping we could choose an area of the museum to explore and take cake and packed lunch with us. My worry is that the boys will aimlessly walk past all the exhibits and chase each other around the museum instead. Am I mad to even consider this? Has anyone else done something similar?

Huh? Why would this be a problem. I always take my 4 to museums on my own.

My worry is that the boys will aimlessly walk past all the exhibits and chase each other around the museum instead.
At 11 years old!

I haven't done this, not living near London, but can I just say that when my youngest DS was that age he & his friends would have absolutely loved that. I'd be inclined not to plan too much, just play it by ear. My pick would be the Natural History Museum, but choose according to their interests - maybe let your DS choose. At 11 they should be sensible enough not to run riot.

Science Museum have so many interactive things for them to use. Great idea!

Science museum much better than natural history museum for interactive entertainment. My recommendation would be to take them to the WonderLab on the 3rd floor (though you have to pay to get in so depends on your budget). Get there for 10am before is gets really busy.

Great idea. If they all have phones make sure you take down their numbers just in case someone wanders off into the throng.

I did exactly this for DD1's 11th! She had a sleepover the Friday night before with her friends (4 or 5 extra?) and we got on the train on the Saturday morning. She was fully absorbed in all things ancient Egyptian at the time so chose the BM.

I think I packed a picnic lunch as I wouldn't have afforded restaurant meals for 7 at that time.

They behaved beautifully and had a great time. That year her twin brother went paintballing, I think, but DH was in charge of that!

Thank you so much for all your replies! I will let DS choose which museum to go to and not plan too much else. Just to clarify, I know my DS would love going to a museum, and we regularly do, but most of the birthday parties his friends have involve a sport of some sort and burning off energy. Hence my hesitation at doing something less ‘active’.

If you think they're going to be running around in a museum, you'll have to read them the riot act and tell them in no uncertain terms, they'll be going home with one of the adults immediately.

With regards to eating your own food in the museum, make sure you phone in advance and ask that it's ok. It might be too cold to eat outside.

All the museums have an area for eating you're own food. I'd be very surprised at running around silliness from 11 year olds tbh.

The major museums all have picnic areas.

And they are so busy that rampaging 11 year olds would barely raise an eyebrow.

Although if your DS wants to do this and is usually good in these circumstances I wouldn’t be worried.

Science museum is excellent they will have a great time!

Ratio for school trip would be 1:10 so I think you'll be fine. They will enjoy doing something different from the normal I would imagine? How far are you going to have to travel?

Great idea. The park is not far away for a run about.

I echo PP, take them to Wonder Lab at the Science Museum. I’ve taken school trips there and they love it. You could always go to Hyde Park to let them run about too?

Sorry Cotton, copying you there!

3:1 ratio means you’ll have so much support! I’ve taken 40 kids with 5 adults to the Natural History Museum before and they were fine.

Great, thank you everyone! The information re adult child ratios is very reassuring. I’ve checked Wonderlab and tickets are available for the date we want. So will book those. Great idea re running off steam in the park. We’ll take a ball with us! We’ll be travelling an hour there and an hour back, so a quick run around in the park might not hurt anyone.

I’ve checked the SM website and there are several picnic areas, so we should be ok to bring our own food. Thank you again everyone. I’m really looking forward to it now!