If giant skeletons of dinosaurs, magnificent multicolour crystals and overnight crime scene investigations sound like your cup of tea, the Natural History Museum in London is a must-visit.

With floors boasting a huge range of displays, halls and interactive exhibitions, the Natural History Museum in London is unlike any other museum you’ve ever visited. In fact, it goes above and beyond what a museum is traditionally expected to be.

The interactive exhibitions will amaze and shock you, from the realistic earthquake-simulator to the majestic skeletons welcoming you at the entrance.

Read on to find out more about the top things to do at the Natural History Museum, must-see exhibitions and activities for the whole family!

TOP THINGS TO SEE:

Walk With Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs come alive in this prehistoric exhibition. With countless life-sized skeletons and animatronics spanning two rooms, the Hall of the Dinosaurs is sure to thrill and delight both kids and adults.

Travel back in time to the Mesozoic Era to venture through the land of the dinosaurs and learn more about the giants that roamed the Earth.

If you’re a fan of Jurassic Park, this exhibition should be at the top of your list. Just try not to get eaten by the over-zealous T-Rex guarding the exhibition exit…

Explore The Red Zone

Take an escalator into the core of the earth to learn about about the epic forces that are at work right now, changing the face of the planet we call home.

Experience the tremors of an earthquake as you’re stuck inside an Asian supermarket.

Or examine fossils that were formed millions of years ago and see objects melted by lava flows from volcanoes.

Marvel at the effects of Mother Nature and learn all about the restless surface of the Earth through interactive games and workshops.

Earth’s Treasury And Minerals Hall

If you’re attracted to all things shiny and beautiful, be sure to check out the Minerals Hall and the Earth’s Treasury.

Two rooms filled with the most incredible rare gems and crystals that sparkle in a rainbow of hues, crystal lovers won’t want to leave these exhibits in a hurry.

BEST TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS

The museum always has some great one off exhibitions for both kids and adults. Here are some of the best over the next few months (May 2020 to the end of the year).

(At the time of writing the museum is closed and all exhibitions on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions . It is likely they will still happen – but they may be delayed. Go to https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions.html for the latest news on their timings).

Fantastic Beasts Exhibition

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, be sure to check out this temporary exhibition opening in May 2020 (assuming the museum is open then). The ‘Fantastic Beasts; The Wonders of Nature’ exhibition introduces you to the connection between the real and the wizarding world, and how the two worlds intertwine.

Discover how the real world has inspired myths and magical beings, from their shape-shifting abilities to their fascinating behaviours. Marvel at the magnificence of nature and animals you never knew existed come to life in this vivid, spellbinding exhibition.

Crime Scene Investigation

Do you have what it takes to catch a killer? If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming the next Sherlock Holmes, the Crime Scene Live exhibition will be right up your alley!

Become a detective for the night at this overnight interactive adults-only exhibition, as you work with forensic experts to solve a murder mystery. Working together with your team, you will explore the museum for clues on when, how and by whom the crime was committed.

You will analyse fingerprints and blood splatters and collect the evidence needed to determine who the criminal really is.

Kids’ Sleepover With The Dinosaurs

Kids aged 7-11 can take part in a Night at the Museumstyle experience.

They’ll explore the museum after dark for a night of fun and educational activities among the dinosaurs.

The Dino Snores activity tickets can be purchased in advance from the National History Museum website.

Adults’ Sleepover

Who said that sleepovers were just for kids? Let your inner child run free at this adult-sleepover at the museum. Gain entry to temporary exhibitions and selected galleries, attend stand-up comedy and science shows and take part in an ethical live animal handling session with ZooLab.

With an immersive bar experience and hands-on workshops, you can have a sleepover adult-style.

VISITING THE NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM

The Museum has three entrances, on Cromwell Road, Exhibition Road and Queen’s Gate. The first two have step-free access. If you’re coming by tube take the District, Piccadilly or Circle line train to South Kensington or Gloucester Road stations, both of which are just a 5 minutes’ walk from the museum. There is no parking on and around the premises, however there are limited parking spaces available for blue-badge holders onsite.

Admission to the Museum is completely free, so you can come and go as you please, or even spread your visit out over a few days. Some events and special exhibitions do have an entry fee though, so be sure to plan your day in advance and check out what exhibitions are taking place.

All in all, the Natural History Museum in London makes for an incredible and unique day out for the whole family. With a variety of restaurants, gift shops and facilities onsite, it’s great for a rainy day in London.

Which exhibition will win you over the most? Will it be the earth-shattering discoveries you make at the Earth Lab at the Red Zone? Or the spine-tingling thrill you get out of conducting your own crime scene investigation?

Visit the Natural History Museum and find out for yourself!