Young V&A

Address
Cambridge Heath Rd London E2 9PA
Opening Hours
10.00-17.45 daily
How to get there
Tube: Bethnal Green
Duration
2 - 3 hours
Age
0-14 year olds
Accessibility
Very accessible. Accessible toilets.
Price
FREE
8.5

Based on 9 reviews

06 January 2021

i dont like this museum its scary and the toys are dusty!

06 January 2021

I find this museum scary. It's creepy and all the toys look dusty

31 October 2020

I love this museum! We go a lot and there are always arts and crafts for children to get involved and make things. It's great looking at all the old fashioned toys in glass cabinets but I wish I could touch them. Mummy and daddy love it because they see old toys from when they were kids about 100 years ago. I think real dinosaurs were around when they were little..

25 June 2014

lots of fun arts and crafts activities on offer on weekends and holidays. my kids love this place. take 20ps for the different antique slot machines.

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About Young V&A

Young V&A is a hands-on haven for curious kids and creative chaos. Packed with play zones, retro toys, dress-up, and design fun, it’s totally free and brilliant for ages 0–14. No boring signs, no barriers – just imagination, energy, and endless “can we come back tomorrow?” vibes.

Top tip from the KidRated Team:

Go early on weekends or school holidays – the play zones fill up fast, and you’ll get first dibs on the building blocks and the best café tables.

Quick Inspiration

Is it really free?

Yep – not a single pound coin needed. Which means more cash for emergency snacks, coffee, or a tactical gift shop bribe.

What age is it best for?

Perfect for ages 0–14. There’s crawling space for tiny tots, play zones for big kids, and enough cool stuff for tweens to almost forget they’re too cool for everything.

Can we bring a buggy?

100%. It’s a buggy paradise – lifts, ramps, and loads of space. You won’t be doing the awkward three-point turn around priceless exhibits here.

Is there food? Because someone’s always hungry.

Yes – there’s a family-friendly café, plus a designated picnic zone if you prefer to BYO carrot sticks and crisps.

How long should we stay?

A couple of hours is a safe bet, but if your kids hit “turbo explore mode,” cancel your afternoon plans. You’ll be here a while.

Is it good in bad weather?

Oh yes. This is indoorsy heaven – dry, warm, and full of stuff to prod, play with, and pretend you understand (“Mum, this is design thinking!”).

Do we need to book in advance?

Nope! Just show up and let the fun unfold. It can get busy during holidays, though – early birds get the quietest play zones (and best café tables).

What’s in it for older kids – or is it all Duplo and nappies?

Oh, it’s not just for the littlies. Older kids can flex their creative muscles with digital design, fashion exhibits, build-your-own worlds, and loads of Instagrammable moments. Think cool, not cutesy

Is it a good place for grandparents if they’re on duty?

Absolutely. It’s warm, spacious, buggy-friendly and packed with stuff to keep kids busy while you supervise from a comfy seat with a coffee. Grandparent win.

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