WonderLab Science Museum
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
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
WonderLab Science Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
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.
"Absolutely incredible children's activity space! There were so many things to do and it was affordable."
🎟️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Forces Zone
Experience the thrill of physics by sliding down giant, specially designed slides that demonstrate friction.
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
Basement Level
A dedicated, gated area perfect for toddlers and younger children to explore and play safely.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Plan for All-Day Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ 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.
⏱️ All-Day Access
Your ticket allows you to leave and return, perfect for a lunch break or park visit.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring and playing, so wear comfy footwear!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ 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.
⏱️ All-Day Access
Your ticket allows you to leave and return, perfect for a lunch break or park visit.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring and playing, so wear comfy footwear!
📸 Capture the Fun
Bring your phone or camera to document the amazing experiments and slides!
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, Wonderlab has a dedicated gated area called 'The Garden' specifically designed for toddlers and babies, offering safe and engaging activities.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Absolutely! Wonderlab features regular live science shows and demonstrations covering topics like chemistry, physics, and electricity, which are both educational and entertaining.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
Wonderlab itself is focused on exhibits, but there are cafes and dining facilities within the broader Science Museum complex that are easily accessible.
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.
📸 📸 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.
While personal photography is allowed, professional filming or photography for commercial purposes usually requires prior permission from the museum.
The friction slides, the giant bubbles, and the live science demonstrations offer fantastic photo opportunities. The colorful and dynamic exhibits make for great shots.
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.
While there aren't dedicated photo booths, the interactive nature of the exhibits provides plenty of spontaneous and fun photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Pro-tip: Arrive early to enjoy 'The Garden' with fewer crowds. The interactive nature means kids learn without even realizing it, making it both fun and educational.
+1🧑🏫 Educators and School Groups
+1 The live demonstrations provide excellent opportunities for teachers to reinforce classroom learning with real-world examples. Booking school trips in advance is essential. The museum often provides resources or guides for educators to help them maximize the learning potential of their visit. The variety of exhibits ensures that students of different ages and learning styles can find something to spark their interest.
✨ STEM Enthusiasts
+1 The live shows, particularly those involving chemistry and physics, are often a highlight, providing insights into complex scientific phenomena. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to have more time to delve into each exhibit without feeling rushed. The museum's location within the larger Science Museum also means you can combine your Wonderlab visit with exploring other fascinating scientific displays.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Wonderlab with Young Children
+1Parents often highlight the educational value combined with pure fun. The ability to leave and re-enter with an all-day ticket is a major plus for managing young children's energy levels and attention spans.
Many reviewers mention that their children were captivated for hours, making it a worthwhile experience despite the ticket price. Key takeaway for families: Arrive early to make the most of 'The Garden' before it gets too busy, and be prepared for your children to be fully immersed in hands-on learning. The live shows are also a great way to capture their attention and introduce them to scientific concepts in an entertaining format.
+1The Science Behind the Fun
Each exhibit is designed to be intuitive, allowing visitors to discover scientific phenomena through direct interaction. For instance, the friction slides are a tangible demonstration of how friction affects motion, while exhibits on sound waves allow visitors to see and hear how vibrations travel. The live demonstrations are particularly effective at explaining complex topics in an engaging way. From the dramatic flair of a Tesla coil creating miniature lightning bolts to the intricate chemistry of glowing experiments, these shows bring science to life.
+1 The museum's approach is to make science relatable and accessible, showing how these principles are at play in our everyday lives. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for science, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking. Key takeaway for curious minds: Don't just play with the exhibits; try to understand the 'why' behind them. The museum provides subtle cues and explanations, but engaging with the staff during demonstrations can offer deeper insights into the scientific principles at work.
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