Visiting the Young V&A with children: everything you need to know

Visiting a museum with children can be an exciting yet daunting experience. The Young V&A, formerly known as the V&A Museum of Childhood, has been reimagined and redesigned with young visitors in mind, making it an ideal destination for families. Located in the heart of East London, this innovative space offers a world of creativity, play, and learning for a target audience of children aged 0-14. Whether you’re a local looking for a fun day out or a tourist eager to explore London’s cultural offerings, the Young V&A promises an engaging experience for both children and adults alike. This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to plan a successful and enjoyable visit to the Young V&A with your little ones.

The Young V&A: the essentials

What is the Young V&A?

The Young V&A, formerly known as the V&A Museum of Childhood, is a branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum dedicated to inspiring creativity in children and young people. This museum reopened in July 2023 after extensive renovations.

The Young V&A focuses on design and creativity for visitors aged 0-14 and their families (although it will be best appreciated by younger children). It houses a diverse collection of childhood-related objects, including toys, games, furniture, and clothing from the 16th century to the present day. The museum’s exhibits are designed to be interactive and engaging, encouraging young visitors to explore, play, and learn about design, art, and innovation.

In July 2024 the Young V&A won the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year award.

Where is the Young V&A?

The Young V&A is located in on Cambridge Heath Road in Bethnal Green, East London.

The museum is situated in a historic building that’s hard to miss, with its distinctive red brick facade and grand entrance.

How much does it cost to go in the Young V&A?

The Young V&A is free to enter for all visitors. There is no admission charge for adults or children to explore the museum’s permanent collections.

Free entry makes the Young V&A an accessible and budget-friendly option for families, school groups, and anyone interested in childhood, design, and creativity. It allows visitors to return multiple times without worrying about ticket costs, which is particularly beneficial for families with young children who might want to make shorter, more frequent visits.

While general admission is free, there may be charges for special exhibitions or workshops and events.

It’s always a good idea to check the museum’s official website for the most up-to-date information on what is on when you plan to visit and any applicable fees for exhibitions.

Do you need tickets for the Young V&A?

You don’t need tickets to visit the Young V&A. The museum operates on a walk-in basis for its general admission and permanent exhibitions. This means you can simply show up during opening hours and enter without any pre-booking or ticketing required.

However, there may be some queues to get in to the museum at busy times through the summer, including weekends.

When is the Young V&A open?

The Young V&A is open daily from 10.00 – 17.45.
Galleries close from 17.00.

The Young V&A is closed 24 – 26 December.

Getting to the Young V&A

What is the nearest tube to the Young V&A?

The Young V&A is easily accessible by various forms of public transport.

The nearest Tube station to the Young V&A is Bethnal Green (Central line). Whitechapel is the nearest Tube station that provides step-free access.

Several bus routes also stop nearby.

Do I have to queue for the Young V&A?

There may be some queues to get in to the museum at busy times through the summer, including weekends.

At the Young V&A

What is there to see at the Young V&A?

At the heart of the museum are three main galleries:

The Play Gallery features interactive spaces and showcases both historic and contemporary toys, exploring how play influences learning and development. There are also opportunities for older kids to get hands on with building their own structures, making sand patterns on a rotating wheel or getting hands on with a large scale marble run. If you have a toddler or baby under three, there is a whole section just for them, a ‘mini-museum’ set amidst a sensory space where they can explore safely and without the space being dominated by older children.

In the Imagine Gallery, visitors can immerse themselves in storytelling areas with changing themes, costume and performance spaces (including a theatre space with costume items to try on), and exhibits celebrating creativity and self-expression. Explore the exhibits, including a dolls’ house collection, a life-size Joey the War Horse puppet, and the original Superman costume worn by Christopher Reeve. Watch out for the perspective room and make sure to get a photo there!

The Design Gallery challenges young minds with hands-on design activities, displays of innovative children’s products, and exhibits that showcase the design process.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions (usually paid) on rotating themes related to childhood and design, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.

Throughout the Young V&A, you’ll find interactive displays, digital installations, and hands-on activities designed to encourage learning through play and exploration.

It’s always a good idea to check the museum’s website before your visit for information on current displays and special exhibitions, as specific exhibits may change over time.

What facilities are there for children at the Young V&A?

The Young V&A is specifically designed with children in mind, offering a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit for families.

Throughout the museum, you’ll find child-friendly toilets and baby changing facilities, making it easy to attend to your little ones’ needs. For feeding infants, there are designated quiet areas where you can nurse or bottle-feed in comfort if you want some privacy.

The museum is fully accessible for strollers, with lifts available to reach all levels. If you prefer not to navigate the galleries with a pushchair, there’s a buggy park where you can safely store it during your visit.

There are 24 free storage lockers located on the lower-ground floor to store your possessions (cabin baggage sized), available on a first come first served basis.

Lastly, the museum staff are trained to assist families and are always on hand to help with any additional needs or questions you might have during your visit.

How long can you spend at the Young V&A?

The amount of time you can spend at the Young V&A largely depends on your family’s interests and the age of your children. However, most visitors find that up to 2 hours is sufficient to explore the main galleries and participate in some activities.

For families with younger children or those with limited attention spans, a visit of around an hour might be more appropriate. This allows time to explore the most engaging exhibits without overwhelming the children.

Remember that as entry is free, you can always return for multiple shorter visits if that suits your family better. This approach allows you to focus on different areas of the museum each time, keeping the experience fresh and enjoyable for children.

Ultimately, the duration of your visit will depend on your children’s ages, interests, and energy levels on the day. It’s always a good idea to remain flexible and follow your children’s lead to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Can you eat in the Young V&A?

Yes, you can eat at the Young V&A. The museum features a family-friendly café that caters to visitors of all ages. This café offers a range of food options including light snacks, sandwiches, and more substantial meals. They provide child-friendly menu items to suit younger palates, as well as options for adults. High chairs are available for smaller children, making it convenient for families with toddlers.

If you prefer to bring your own food, the Young V&A also accommodates this. There are designated areas within the museum where families can eat packed lunches and the cafe has a bottle warmer and a microwave if you need to heat up milk or food for your little ones. This option can be particularly useful for those with dietary restrictions or preferences, or for budget-conscious visitors.

It’s worth noting that the café can get busy during peak times, especially during school holidays or weekends. If you’re planning to use the café during these periods, you might want to time your visit to avoid the busiest lunch hours.

Remember that food and drinks are not allowed in the gallery spaces to protect the exhibits. If you’re planning to eat during your visit, it’s best to do so in the designated café or picnic areas.

Lastly, if you’re looking for more dining options, the museum’s location in Bethnal Green means there are numerous cafés and restaurants in the surrounding area, offering alternatives for before or after your visit.

TOP TIPS for visiting the Young V&A

• Make sure to press buttons, crank wheels and look out for other fun surprises like an illusion room where, using the power of perspective, children will look larger than their parents!

Is there a question you have about visiting the Young V&A that we haven’t answered here? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to address it.