Stop 1: The Mill Engine in Energy Hall (Level 0)
The first stop on our tour is right as you enter the museum in the Energy Hall, where you can trace the remarkable story of steam and how it shaped the world we live in today. Made in 1903, this large stationary steam engine was used to power a cotton mill in Burnley, Lancashire.
See it in action in the video below – or during one of your visits to the Science Museum in London.
Stop 2: Bubble Explorers (Level -1)
Join the Science Museum’s Explainers for a fun and fascinating interactive live show, Bubble Explorers in the Basement Studio on Level -1. Designed especially for young children and their families, watch bubbles drift, stretch and shimmer as little ones learn how they form, move and change. Filled with hands-on moments, surprising demonstrations, and plenty of chances to join in, this live show introduces early years’ audiences to science through curiosity and participation.
On weekends and daily during school holidays. Show times vary. £4.50 per person, ages 2 and under go free. Book tickets here.
After enjoying the show, check out one of our family favourites and a must-visit for 3–6-year-olds, The Garden. Discover science through play in 4 exciting interactive areas – construction, water, light and sound. Plus, our friendly Explainers are on hand to answer any questions.
Stop 4: Pattern Pod (Level 0)
Head back up to the ground floor and towards the back of the museum. Our next stop is Pattern Pod. This free multi-sensory area allows children to play with water ripples without getting their feet wet, create symmetrical images on touch screens, follow robot trails and much more. Fun, interactive exhibits encourage them to recognise and copy patterns—or create entirely new ones of their own.
Stop 5: Flight (Level 3)
Love planes? We do too. Head up to the Flight gallery on level 3 and discover the absorbing story of flight, from mankind’s earliest dreams of flight to the wide-body aeroplanes of today. Find Lucky Jim, a toy cat mascot who accompanied pilots in the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919, on display in the gallery. You can also follow a cartoon version of the mascot dotted around the gallery to help guide younger visitors through the amazing objects on display which trace the remarkable achievements in the history of aviation.
Where to eat
We have several cafés and picnic areas in the museum. When you arrive please speak to a member of staff if you’d like to know which cafés are open.
Baby changing
Baby changing facilities are located throughout all floors of the museum. You can locate them on the museum map here.
Buggy parking
Buggies are allowed in the museum and galleries. However, in certain areas, you may be asked to leave your pram in a buggy park as it will be too bulky to be allowed into the area or exhibit.
Buggy parking is available free of charge in the Spare Room, located opposite The Garden gallery on level -1. Please ensure that the pushchairs are empty. Additionally, you can use the coin-return pushchair locks that require a £1 coin. You can access the Spare Room by using glass lift D, which is situated in the middle of the museum.
We have a small free buggy parking area next to Pattern Pod on level 0 for the duration of your visit in that area.
Please note that belongings left in the above buggy parks are left at the owner’s risk, and they may be removed by the security team if left unattended for extended periods of time.
The Science Museum is open 10.00-18.00, seven days a week (last entry 17.15). Head to our website to pre-book your free tickets.
Free WiFi is available throughout the museum.