Top 10 Educational Science Activities for Children in London
Educational and Fun Activities
Written by Harry Davies
19 December 2024
🕓 13 min
London is a treasure trove of educational and entertaining opportunities for children, making it a fantastic destination for young science enthusiasts. From interactive museums to hands-on workshops, the city offers a wealth of activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire young minds. With its vibrant array of science-centered attractions, London provides the perfect setting for children aged 5-12 to explore the wonders of the natural world, technology, and innovation. Whether your child is fascinated by space, engineering, or the human body, there’s something to capture their imagination and fuel a passion for learning.
For families seeking exciting ways to engage children in science, London offers the perfect blend of entertainment and education. Whether you’re visiting world-class museums, attending live science shows, or joining interactive workshops, there are endless opportunities to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. To help you navigate the city’s wealth of educational offerings, here are the top 10 educational science activities in London that will captivate and educate children aged 5-12.
1. The Science Museum
The Science Museum in South Kensington is a must-visit destination for young science enthusiasts. With its interactive galleries, engaging exhibits, and hands-on activities, it’s the perfect place for children to explore the wonders of science. Highlights include the Wonderlab, where children can conduct experiments, witness live science demonstrations, and explore fascinating concepts such as forces, electricity, and magnetism. The Flight Gallery, showcasing the history of aviation, features full-size aircraft and models that captivate visitors of all ages.
One of the museum’s main attractions for families is the interactive “Pattern Pod,” designed specifically for younger visitors to explore patterns in nature, art, and technology through play. It provides an excellent way to introduce children to scientific concepts in a way that feels like fun. For older children, the “Engineer Your Future” gallery challenges them to solve real-world engineering problems through simulations and interactive displays, inspiring curiosity about engineering careers. The Science Museum also runs seasonal workshops and events tailored to families and children. For instance, during school holidays, children can participate in coding workshops, build model robots, or learn about space exploration through hands-on rocket-building sessions. These activities are designed to engage children in creative problem-solving and scientific thinking.
Another feature that sets the Science Museum apart is its IMAX Theatre, where families can enjoy breathtaking educational films about space, wildlife, and more. These immersive experiences provide an additional layer of learning that complements the museum’s exhibits.
2. Natural History Museum
Located just a stone’s throw from the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum is another iconic destination for children. The museum’s dinosaur exhibits, complete with animatronic models and a towering T-Rex, are always a hit with younger visitors. These exhibits not only captivate children but also provide an educational journey into the world of palaeontology. Interpretative displays, 3D models, and fossils allow children to learn about extinct species, evolution, and the environmental changes that shaped our planet. Engaging activities such as a fossil discovery trail keep young visitors immersed in learning while they explore.
For budding geologists, the Earth Hall offers fascinating insights into the formation of our planet. Children can marvel at glittering gemstones, examine volcanic rocks, and experience a giant earthquake simulator, which provides a thrilling yet educational demonstration of natural forces. The interactive displays explain complex scientific concepts in an accessible way, making it easier for children to grasp topics like tectonic plates and mineral formation. The museum also hosts science-themed workshops that cater to various interests and age groups. Programmes like “Fossil Fun” and “Dino Detectives” enable children to handle real specimens, such as ammonites and trilobites, while learning about their origins and significance. Led by museum experts, these workshops encourage hands-on participation and spark curiosity about the ancient world. Additionally, the Attenborough Studio frequently hosts live science shows and interactive talks. These sessions delve into topics ranging from biodiversity to climate change, offering a deeper understanding of the natural world.
3. London Planetariums: Royal Observatory Greenwich
The Royal Observatory in Greenwich is home to London’s only public planetarium, offering a spectacular way for children to explore the cosmos. The Peter Harrison Planetarium features immersive shows that transport viewers to distant galaxies, dive into black holes, and unravel the mysteries of the universe. Popular shows like “The Sky Tonight” provide an engaging introduction to constellations and celestial events, making astronomy accessible and exciting for young minds. Other favourites include “Meet the Neighbours,” which explores planets within our solar system, and “We Are Aliens,” a fascinating journey into the search for extraterrestrial life.
Workshops and events, such as “Astronomy for Families” and “Space Explorers,” provide hands-on learning opportunities that deepen children’s understanding of space science. For instance, in the “Space Explorers” workshop, participants build and launch their own mini-rockets, simulating real-world space missions. Children also have the chance to use telescopes to observe celestial objects, learning about the equipment astronomers use to study the night sky. These interactive sessions are designed to inspire curiosity and provide practical insights into scientific methods.
In addition to the planetarium, children can visit the historic observatory itself, where they’ll find the famous Prime Meridian Line. Here, they can learn about the role Greenwich played in shaping our understanding of timekeeping and navigation. Exhibits feature antique timepieces, early astronomical instruments, and interactive displays that explain the science of measuring time and mapping the Earth.
4. ZSL London Zoo’s “Zoo Academy”
ZSL London Zoo offers a range of educational programmes that combine science with a love for animals, making it an ideal destination for curious young minds. Their “Zoo Academy” workshops provide children with an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at how the zoo operates. These workshops introduce children to critical concepts like conservation, biology, and animal care through engaging, hands-on experiences.
One highlight for younger children is the “Mini Keepers” programme, which allows them to interact closely with the animals while learning about their daily routines and habitats. Activities might include preparing food for the animals, understanding their dietary needs, or observing their behaviours during feeding times. This immersive experience fosters a deeper appreciation for wildlife while teaching the importance of caring for the natural world. For older children, workshops delve into more advanced topics like the challenges of protecting endangered species and the science of maintaining balanced ecosystems. These sessions often include interactive discussions and opportunities to solve real-world conservation problems, giving participants a taste of what it’s like to work in zoology.
5. The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
For children aged 9 and above, the Crystal Maze LIVE Experience in London offers a unique blend of science, teamwork, and problem-solving. Inspired by the popular TV show, participants embark on a thrilling adventure where they must tackle challenges across four themed zones: Industrial, Futuristic, Aztec, and Medieval. Each zone is designed with interactive puzzles and physical tasks that require quick thinking, collaboration, and creativity to succeed.
One standout feature is the variety of tasks within the zones, which test different skill sets. In the Industrial Zone, participants might face engineering-based challenges, such as assembling a mechanism under time pressure. The Futuristic Zone focuses on logic and technology, with tasks like deciphering codes or navigating digital mazes. The Aztec Zone often involves physical agility, requiring children to cross rope bridges or solve puzzles inspired by ancient civilisations. The Medieval Zone brings history to life with castle-themed games, including archery simulations and problem-solving quests to escape a locked room.
6. The Garden Classroom at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens provides a captivating outdoor science experience for children, blending education with the beauty of nature. The “Garden Classroom” programme is specifically designed to introduce young minds to botany, ecology, and sustainability in a hands-on and engaging way. Children participate in activities such as planting seeds, where they learn about the growth process and the importance of soil nutrients, water, and sunlight. Workshops on pollination explore how bees and other insects contribute to the lifecycle of plants, offering practical demonstrations with flowers and model pollinators. Additionally, children can delve into the fascinating science behind photosynthesis and plant adaptation, helping them appreciate the vital role plants play in the ecosystem.
Beyond the classroom, Kew Gardens offers unique interactive experiences that leave a lasting impression. The Treetop Walkway allows children to see the world from the perspective of the canopy, observing the intricate ecosystems thriving high above the ground. This immersive experience not only fosters a sense of wonder but also helps young visitors understand the importance of forest conservation. Another standout feature is the Hive installation, a large-scale, multi-sensory structure inspired by the life of bees. Children can step inside and experience the sights and sounds of a real beehive, while interactive displays explain the science behind bee communication and their critical role in pollination.
7. The Faraday Museum at the Royal Institution
The Faraday Museum, located within the Royal Institution, is a hidden gem that brings the history of science to life. The museum’s exhibits showcase groundbreaking experiments and discoveries, including Michael Faraday’s pioneering work on electricity and magnetism.
The Royal Institution regularly hosts family-friendly science shows and workshops, such as “Explosive Science” and “Cool Chemistry.” These events provide children with a hands-on introduction to key scientific concepts, making it an ideal venue for curious minds.
One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to learn about Faraday’s iconic contributions, such as his development of the electric motor and his discoveries in electromagnetism. The museum's interactive displays help visitors, especially young ones, engage with complex scientific ideas in a way that is both informative and entertaining. Children can see firsthand the tools and instruments that were used in groundbreaking experiments, providing them with a tangible connection to the world of science and discovery. In addition to the museum exhibits, the Royal Institution regularly hosts family-friendly science shows and workshops that bring science to life in dynamic ways. Events like "Explosive Science" and "Cool Chemistry" offer children hands-on opportunities to engage with key scientific concepts in an exciting and accessible manner. These interactive sessions involve live demonstrations, fun experiments, and activities that make learning about science both thrilling and educational.
8. London Transport Museum’s STEM Activities
The London Transport Museum offers an exciting and educational experience for children through its STEM-focused workshops, providing a unique perspective on science, engineering, and transportation. These hands-on sessions allow young learners to explore the science behind transportation systems, discover the mechanics of various modes of travel, and delve into the importance of sustainable travel practices. By engaging with these activities, children not only gain knowledge about the technical aspects of transport but also develop an understanding of the environmental challenges and solutions related to modern transportation.
One of the museum’s standout features is its interactive exhibits, particularly the “Future Engineers” gallery, which encourages children to think critically about innovation and technology. In this gallery, children are invited to design their own vehicles, experiment with engineering principles, and explore how transportation systems can evolve to meet the demands of the future. This hands-on approach helps children apply scientific concepts to real-world challenges, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. The museum’s workshops and exhibits seamlessly blend history, science, and engineering, making it a fascinating destination for families. Children can learn about the evolution of transportation, from the earliest trains and buses to the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of travel. This combination of past and future perspectives offers a comprehensive understanding of how transportation impacts daily life and how it continues to change.
9. Coding Workshops at the Apple Store
Apple Stores across London offer free coding workshops aimed at children, providing an engaging and hands-on introduction to the world of computer science. These sessions are carefully designed to teach the fundamentals of coding in a fun and interactive way, making them accessible even to those with no prior experience. By focusing on activities like programming robots and creating interactive games, the workshops allow children to see the immediate results of their efforts, keeping them motivated and excited about technology.
The workshops cater to various age groups and skill levels, but they are particularly beginner-friendly, ensuring that young participants feel comfortable as they explore coding concepts for the first time. The sessions are led by knowledgeable instructors who guide children through each activity, offering support and encouragement along the way. The small, interactive nature of the workshops ensures that each child receives personal attention, helping them develop a solid understanding of basic coding principles such as logic, sequencing, and problem-solving.
Beyond simply teaching coding, the workshops also emphasize creativity and collaboration. Children can work together in teams, solving challenges and sharing ideas as they build their projects. This fosters a sense of community and teamwork, allowing children to develop communication skills and learn from one another.
10. Science-Themed Holiday Camps
London hosts a variety of science-themed holiday camps during school breaks, offering children the chance to dive deeper into scientific exploration. Programmes like “The Science of Sound” holiday camps focus on hands-on experiments, interactive demonstrations, and creative activities that make science fun and engaging. These activities are designed to capture children’s imaginations while providing a strong educational foundation.
For example, children might participate in experiments that explore how sound travels through different materials, using tuning forks and water to visualise sound waves. Interactive sessions could include building simple instruments like pan flutes or string telephones, demonstrating principles of vibration and pitch. Demonstrations, such as creating a ‘sound sandwich’ with vibrating craft sticks, allow children to see science in action while sparking curiosity and enthusiasm. These camps are tailored to different age groups and provide a supportive environment for children to explore their interests. Younger participants might enjoy simpler activities like creating rain sticks, while older children tackle more advanced concepts, such as designing and testing their own musical instruments. Facilitators ensure each activity is engaging and age-appropriate, encouraging children to ask questions and experiment freely.
Conclusion:
London is brimming with opportunities to engage children in science, offering activities that combine education with fun. Whether it’s exploring the wonders of the universe at a planetarium or getting hands-on with experiments at a holiday camp, these activities are sure to spark curiosity and inspire a love of learning. For an unforgettable science experience, consider booking a Science of Sound workshop or holiday camp—the perfect way to nurture your child’s passion for discovery. Find out more here.
