Families

A fun day out for the whole family

Family colouring at the Museum

The Royal Air Force Museum London is a great family day out - whatever the weather. Explore our spacious indoor hangars and enjoy learning about flying machines. Discover the RAF story - past, present and future - and be wowed by the people you find out about along the way, with plenty of interactivity built into our exhibitions, there really is something for everyone.

Family Trails

We have created several trails and activities for families to enjoy as you explore the hangars. You can pick these up near the entrance to each hangar.

Jack's Trail (Hangar 2)
The front cover of Jack's Family Trail featuring a cartoon dog.

Challenge your Child (Hangar 3,4,5)
What happens when you eject? With a photo of a jet plane and an ejector seat.   

Sid's Trail (Hangar 3 - Higher, Faster, Further Exhibition) 

Bob's Trail (Hangar 6)
The front cover of Bob's family trail featuring a graphic of an RAF pilot.           

The Wild Escape

In 2023 we participated in The Wild escape, a project led by ArtFund which united hundreds of museums, schools and families in a celebration of UK wildlife and creativity. Discover some fascinating links between animal adaptations and the aircraft in our collection using our Biomimicry resource and trail, available to download here:
Wild Escape Biomimicry Sheet
RAF Museum Biomimicry Trail 

Explore the wildlife around our Museum site during your visit by taking part in our Nature Hunt. You can also complete this hunt around your local area. 
Wild Escape Nature Hunt

Digital Trails

There are several digital trails available for families which you can access via your phones. Try our 'Follow my lead' trail which is all about diversity in the RAF or have a look at one of the other trails below.

H1 Quiz

Sound Trail

Royal Trail

SEND Family Backpacks

SEND Family Backpack showing the items inside - book; teddy; binoculars; smell pots; aeroplane; aqua cube

Our SEND Family Backpacks have been created for SEND families to use when visiting the Museum. There are sensory items to explore including smell pots and a squishy plane as well as binoculars to help you see further and an aeroplane book to share. 

SEND Family Backpacks are free to borrow and are available from admissions in H1 (to be returned to the Shop at the end of your visit).

 
Under 5s

If you're visiting with little ones, take a look at our Early Years resource which has some fun ideas for your visit. Enjoy counting, finding and playing games!

Other Activities

Little Swifts Little Swifts logo of a cartoon pilot bird in a red plane

Young children engaging in messy play activities

Fun sessions for pre-school children on the second Tuesday and last Thursday of the month (term time only). Sessions are FREE - please book to guarantee your place.

Click here to find out more and book for Little Swifts.

Events

We have many events for families and other audiences. Check out our events page to see what's coming up.

Visit the playground

Outdoor Playground

Make sure you explore our excellent Outdoor playground which is designed for families with children under 11  to enjoy hours of outdoor fun! Here they will find mini-models of iconic aircraft including the legendary Vickers Vimy, famous Spitfire and powerful Sea King helicopter. You can find more information about the playground here.

Accessibility

To prepare your child for a visit to the Museum, you may wish to use this visual story. Further accessibility information can be found on our access page.

Things to do when you get home

Enjoyed your day with us? Continue the fun at home with these free making activities.

Make a hot air balloon or a paper helicopter with things you have at home.

Two simple craft activities for younger family members - make your own Side Cap and make your own Spitfire. All you need is paper, scissors, glue and some colour pencils, crayons or water colours.