Science Museum or Natural History Museum to blow their minds?

[LilyWasThere]

I haven't been to the science museum or the natural history museum in years - but have the opportunity to take a handful of my most unprivileged children to one of them for about 2 hours next week, in between other events.

Which museum should we go to? And what should we see? I want to be really targeted rather than wandering aimlessly (my preferred museum technique!).

I want to blow their minds with the possibilities that are available to them beyond the end of their sofa and gaming devices.

Any help would be most gratefully received!

The NHM has the dinosaur exhibition which, although packed, is always a hit with children. I have to say the other areas of the museum are a bit dated (I always found the stuffed animals to be off putting) and when we went last year there weren’t many interactive, fun exhibits to keep my DCs interested.

The SM is our favourite. If you only have limited time the Wonderlab would be my choice. You’ll see (and in many cases touch and operate) everything from the solar system, to a lightning bolt, to bubbles. There is a charge for this part of the museum. Here is a guide for teachers which might be helpful

learning-resources.sciencemuseum.org.uk/resources/wonderlab-equinor-gallery-introduction/

Science Museum. We did a similar kind of trip with a group of children last year. Def do wonderlab though. Best part by far

Great. Thank you - have booked the Science Museum and will have a look at the Wonderlab too. Many thanks!

Science museum, and particularly Wonderlab and in the basement the space modules. Though if you've got a spare half hour it's worth going in the next door entrance to the NHM to see the moving earth/dynamic earth exhibition about tectonic plates and earthquakes. Whizz round there in half an hour and then quickly leave before it gets too overwhelming.