The British Museum with kids: a short route, challenges and tips
Quick answer
With kids, the British Museum works best as a 60–90 minute visit with a mission: find mummies, a Viking-era helmet and the Lewis Chessmen. Entry is free for everyone and the best time is 10am on a weekday with a booked timed slot.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
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A 75-minute route designed for kids
- 1
0:00 · Great Court
Start in the Great Court
Let the kids breathe in the atrium and choose an object from the plan to find.
- 2
0:10 · Room 4
The Rosetta Stone: a secret code
Explain that three different scripts say the same thing, which is how hieroglyphs were cracked.
- 3
0:25 · Room 10
Assyrian lions
The lion-hunt reliefs are very visual and easy to talk about.
- 4
0:40 · Rooms 62–63
Mummies: an animal hunt
Look for cat and other animal mummies as well as human ones.
- 5
1:00 · Rooms 40–41
Lewis Chessmen and Sutton Hoo helmet
The chess pieces are a sure hit with kids and Harry Potter fans.
Practical tips for families
- Book the free timed slot online before you go.
- Arrive at opening to beat the school-group peak.
- Don't try to see everything: pick two areas and save the rest for another visit.
- Plan a break at one of the museum's cafés.
- With the AnyArt app they can point at any object and hear its story, handy for the endless "what's this?".
Frequently asked questions
Do kids pay?
No. The permanent collection is free for all visitors.
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, the museum has lifts and step-free access. Check the official website for details.
What age is it good for?
From about 5–6 with a short visit focused on mummies and eye-catching objects.
Are there family activities?
The museum runs family activities on specific dates; check the programme on the official website.