MAGNETOSCOPE – Turn the handles. Move the magnets. What happens?
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WonderLab Science Museum

4.8
·1k reviews·Bloomington, United States

A vibrant, interactive gallery within the Science Museum, Wonderlab is a playground for curious minds of all ages, packed with hands-on experiments an...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow
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MAGNETOSCOPE – Turn the handles. Move the magnets. What happens?

WonderLab Science Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant, interactive gallery within the Science Museum, Wonderlab is a playground for curious minds of all ages, packed with hands-on experiments and thrilling demonstrations.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"Absolutely incredible children's activity space! There were so many things to do and it was affordable."

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TIP

🎟️ Book Ahead Online

Secure your spot by booking tickets online in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.

🚶‍♀️ Toddler-Friendly Zone

The Garden is a gated area perfect for little ones to explore safely.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 1,011 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Experiments

Interactive Experiments

Throughout Wonderlab

Engage with over 50 hands-on exhibits exploring forces, sound, light, electricity, and more. A true playground for young scientists!

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Friction Slides

Friction Slides

Forces Zone

Experience the thrill of physics by sliding down giant, specially designed slides that demonstrate friction.

Instagram
Live Science Shows

Live Science Shows

Demonstration Area

Witness captivating live demonstrations, from explosive chemistry to electrifying Tesla coils and fire shows.

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The Garden Exhibit

The Garden Exhibit

Basement Level

A dedicated, gated area perfect for toddlers and younger children to explore and play safely.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Wonderlab is an add-on to the free Science Museum, and tickets can sell out, especially during peak times. Booking online ahead of your visit is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Instagram

Plan for All-Day Fun

Your Wonderlab ticket is valid for the entire day, allowing you to leave and re-enter. This is perfect for breaking up the fun with a picnic or exploring nearby attractions like Hyde Park. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons (post-lunch)
Why
Tour groups often thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
School Holidays
Why
More events, but busier
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Just a tiny scientist in training 🧪🍼 Exploring the world one wonder at a time! #BabyAdventures #ScienceMuseumFun #CuriousLittleMind
@bailey_noelle_
1M likes • 13.5M views

🎟️ Book Ahead Online

Secure your spot by booking tickets online in advance, especially for weekends and holidays. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Toddler-Friendly Zone

The Garden is a gated area perfect for little ones to explore safely. InstagramReddit

Check out WonderWorks! @wonderworksofficial #wonderworks #Science #sciencemuseum #handson #vacation #branson #thingstodo #family #satirahlovesbranson
@satirahlovesbranson
18.7K likes • 560K views
Exploring London's science museum 🌎 So much fun playing in 'The Garden' at the Science Museum. We will be heading back to check out the 'Pattern Pod'. Has anyone been to the Wonderlab? Is it worth going with a toddler? #science #sciencemuseum #freedaysout #londonsciencemuseum #wonderlab
explorewith_themarjs
38 likes • 1.2K views

⏱️ All-Day Access

Your ticket allows you to leave and return, perfect for a lunch break or park visit. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of exploring and playing, so wear comfy footwear! TikTok

📍Wonderlab, South Kensington Have you visited Wonderlab at The Science Museum yet? 🧪🧬 It’s a playground for young scientists, filled with interactive experiments and engaging shows! It’s the ultimate destination for kids to unleash their curiosity and dive into the world of science! 🌍💡 Pair the day with The Garden, located in the Basement of the museum, and you’ve got a hands-on science packed ...
atoddlerslondonadventure
20 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Ahead Online

Secure your spot by booking tickets online in advance, especially for weekends and holidays. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Toddler-Friendly Zone

The Garden is a gated area perfect for little ones to explore safely. InstagramReddit

⏱️ All-Day Access

Your ticket allows you to leave and return, perfect for a lunch break or park visit. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of exploring and playing, so wear comfy footwear! TikTok

📸 Capture the Fun

Bring your phone or camera to document the amazing experiments and slides! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Wonderlab is overwhelmingly praised as an incredible, hands-on children's activity space that offers hours of indoor fun and educational engagement. Visitors appreciate the variety of exhibits catering to different ages, the kindness of the staff, and the value of an all-day ticket. While the price is noted as a bit steep by some, most agree it's well worth it for the immersive and enjoyable experience. Reddit

"This place is so cool!! Things to do for toddlers in a gated in section and plenty for older kids outside of that. Upstairs there are animals and other things to check out too."

Shaye Chaudoir

"Went on a field trip with my daughter and her kindergarten class. They all had a blast. It was a new fun thing to do that was actually educational and not the same stuff they are used to doing every other day. Definitely recommend for young children"

Ashley Jones

"Had a great time here with my toddler! The price is a bit steep, but I think it's totally worth it considering there's so much to do. I also really appreciated that your ticket price is valid all day, even if you leave and come back. Staff members were very kind and welcoming as well! Thanks for a great time!"

Ned Kelly

What People Like

Incredible hands-on exhibits
Fun for all ages
Educational and engaging

What People Dislike

Price can be steep

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wonderlab is located within the Science Museum on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London. It's easily accessible via the Piccadilly, District, and Circle lines to South Kensington station. Many bus routes also stop nearby. Instagram

On-street parking is very limited and expensive in South Kensington. It's best to use public transport. The nearest Underground station is South Kensington. Instagram

No, Wonderlab is an interactive gallery within the main Science Museum. While entry to the Science Museum is free, a separate ticket is required for Wonderlab. Instagram

Wonderlab typically opens at 10 AM and closes around 6 PM, with last entry usually an hour before closing. It's always best to check the official Science Museum website for the most up-to-date hours. Instagram

Yes, Wonderlab has a dedicated gated area called 'The Garden' specifically designed for toddlers and babies, offering safe and engaging activities. TikTokInstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for Wonderlab are an additional charge on top of free entry to the Science Museum. Prices can vary, but it's generally considered worth the cost for the extensive hands-on exhibits. InstagramReddit

Yes, it is highly recommended to book your Wonderlab tickets online in advance, as sessions can sell out, especially during peak times and school holidays. Instagram

While not always advertised, sometimes discounts can be found through specific promotions or family packages. Checking the Science Museum website or local deal sites is advisable. TikTok

Yes, your Wonderlab ticket is valid for the entire day, allowing you to come and go as you please. This is great for taking breaks or enjoying other parts of the museum. Instagram

Refund policies can vary, but typically tickets are non-refundable unless the museum cancels an event. It's best to review the terms and conditions when booking. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Wonderlab is designed for children aged 3-11, with specific zones catering to different age ranges. The Garden is for the youngest, while other areas offer more complex experiments for older kids. TikTokInstagram+1

Most visitors spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the interactive exhibits and enjoying the live shows. Some families spend even longer, especially if they take advantage of the all-day ticket. Reddit

Absolutely! Wonderlab features regular live science shows and demonstrations covering topics like chemistry, physics, and electricity, which are both educational and entertaining. Instagram+1

Visitors rave about the friction slides, the Tesla coil demonstrations, the giant bubbles, and the various hands-on experiments related to light, sound, and forces. Instagram+1

The Science Museum, including Wonderlab, is committed to accessibility. Exhibits are designed to be inclusive, and staff are available to assist. Check their website for detailed accessibility information. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Science Museum has several cafes and a restaurant offering a range of options. You can also bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in designated areas or picnic outside. Instagram

You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to consume in the museum's public areas or picnic spots. There are also cafes available if you prefer to purchase food. Instagram

The museum cafes typically offer a variety of options, including vegetarian and often vegan choices. It's best to check the menu on the day of your visit. Instagram

Wonderlab itself is focused on exhibits, but there are cafes and dining facilities within the broader Science Museum complex that are easily accessible. Instagram

There are no specific food storage facilities. It's best to keep your food with you or consume it during a break outside the main exhibit areas. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography and videography are generally permitted for personal use in Wonderlab. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that might disrupt demonstrations. Instagram

While personal photography is allowed, professional filming or photography for commercial purposes usually requires prior permission from the museum. Instagram

The friction slides, the giant bubbles, and the live science demonstrations offer fantastic photo opportunities. The colorful and dynamic exhibits make for great shots. Instagram+1

Tripods and selfie sticks may not be permitted to avoid obstructing other visitors or damaging exhibits. It's best to check the museum's specific policy on equipment. Instagram

While there aren't dedicated photo booths, the interactive nature of the exhibits provides plenty of spontaneous and fun photo opportunities. Instagram

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