V&A Museum of Childhood

If you're looking for something in London that has free admission, the Museum of Childhood is a good option to have. There's plenty to look at from story collections to art collections, and Montessori family packs are available to families with children under 5 which I liked a lot as it allowed little one to make creative choices in what he wanted to do.

Love this museum. Free entry, and loads of interactive stuff for kids to do - massive robot with wind up cogs, rocking horses, dressing up clothes, drawing with magnets in iron filings, coin operated train set, play kitchen, dolls houses, indoor sandpit, punch & judy puppets, baby play area, books to read, couple of terminals with info about exhibits and a simple maze game, and so on. They offer regular craft and story telling sessions too, and temporary exhibitions. Just a bit frustrating that the best toys are in glass cases, but I defy you not to come over nostalgic when spotting childhood favourites! It's on several levels in a massive tram shed, so tricky to keep kids in sight if you have runaways. Gift shop and cafe are good but pricey. We tended to use the picnic room in the basement, though it gets crowded at peak times. Worth arriving straight after opening time in school holidays. Avoid the lift if you can - slow and small.