The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
Average K-Rating based
on 13 K-Rating reviews
Next to the Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern—once Bankside Power Station—is the world’s most-visited modern art gallery. Entry is free, with under-12s going free to paid exhibitions too. Families can enjoy hands-on activities, free tours, multimedia guides, and weekend Open Studio fun. Plus, check for details but kidskin often eat free in the café with adults.
Is it free?
Yes – general entry won’t cost a penny. Special exhibitions? Check prices.
Do they have family activities?
Loads – there’s a dedicated room for kids to get arty in. Plus trails, workshops, and things you’re actually allowed to touch.
Teen Tip: Teens will love the weird stuff. Let them react, mock, or get deep with it – there’s no wrong way to do modern art. The Turbine Hall is basically a teen-friendly runway.
Can we bring buggies?
Of course. There are lifts and ramps everywhere.
Are there baby-changing facilities?
Yep – sorted.
How accessible is it?
Very – lots of space and ramps for buggies and wheelchairs.
Can we take our own food?
Yes – there are multiple cafés and a very nice restaurant and bar. But there’s also a picnic area if you’ve brought your own grub.
Is there a cloakroom?
Yes – stash those coats, bags, and buggies.
Can we take photos?
Yes, unless the sign says otherwise.
Do we need to book?
Nope for general entry, but selected exhibitions need tickets.
Can we get discounts on family tickets?
Free to enter, but check exhibition bundles.
Bankside
London
SE1 9TG
All year
+44 (0)20 7887 8888
Tube: Southwark
Email: visiting.modern@tate.org.uk
I’ve been to the Tate Modern a few times and it’s always really good. I like to avoid the school holidays as it can get quite busy and I like to be able to take my time in galleries like this. I saw a really good exhibition on Matisse the last time I went to the Tate Modern so I recommend checking out what they’ve got on. I also love there gift shop and usually will get a tote bag or postcard when I’m there.
You can find loads more information by Laura Porter at aboutlondonlaura.com
Always a winner for us. My 10 year old loves it. He’s more interested in the immersive sculptural pieces than the paintings, but luckily there’s plenty of that!
Great location too and the cafés are good.
Easy to get to from Yorkshire using Thameslink from Kings Cross to Blackfriars and walking along the river.
Art done on a massive scale and they don’t mind if youre noisy and run around – Fascinating building, amazing design, brilliant views – a great bridge just outside – innovative exciting accessible art – it’s a great all seasons and perfect for a damp day.
This is our favourite place to visit in London. The Turbine Hall with the statue and waterfall boobies is great for chasing your sister. We went to Andy Warhol this week. I loved his paintings of people with lots of different colours and we bought some lovely fridge magnets.
Mum said she was a bit disappointed with the exhibition .. she wanted to see some of his shoe stuff. Shoes and mums, eh? What is it with them…?
Really good shop – we bought some books. Big art and big space. Lots to do.
The artwork is interesting as is the architecture, especially the slope.