Taking Kids to the British Museum
Rosetta Stone – Giant Lions – Medieval Dancing
Mark you calendar: Nov 01 Day of the Dead events for kids at British Museum 11:00 to 16:00
I love going to the British Museum, but really hate crowded places full of lost tourists–which is a bit of dilemma when taking the kids over there. A weekend visit to the BM will 100% be crowded (be most brave if it is raining). The place is also immense, so dragging little kids around can be unpleasant as well. Then again, the kids seem to enjoy it there. And of course it is an amazing place full of spectacular things to see.
The British Museum is a favorite for kids, avoid the crowds and keep the visit short
I was still pumped up for museums after my visit to the Neues Museum in Berlin earlier this week That place is amazing also.
Anyway, we tried to get to the British Museum early this Sunday when it opens every day at 10am, but didn’t make it in the door until about 12:00. The good news was I found a sweet parking spot behind the Museum (Montague Place), where there is an entrance as well.
My 5-year old daughter had already been to the Museum with her class. She wanted to see the Rosetta Stone (room 4) again. The kids love the giant fragments from Egypt that impressively reign above the length of that hall. They were also very intrigued by the Assyrian Winged Lions (room 7 entrance). The Lion Hunt (room 10) though sort of scared them with the violent scenes of some many lions be slaughtered. Niether of the kids liked the Elgin Marbles (room 18)–but both did enjoy screaming really loudly in that long room.
We decided to check-out an afternoon special session for kids for Medieval Dancing. There was live music and a dance instructor shepherding the kids (and a few parents) into some athletic steps. It was good fun for 20 minutes or so. There is also a digital learning center sponsored by Samsung. The map further advises that the Paul Hamlyn Library (next to Room 2) has daily kids events and resources. There are also “hands-on” exhibitions for kids in rooms 1,2,24,33,49,68 from 11:00 to 16:00 daily. I guess ask the docents also if you can’t find anything.
I would say to avoid the Egyptian Galleries with kids on the weekends. It is way too crowded. Some of the mummies are also a bit creepy for kids. There are many other less trafficked areas — such as the Sainsbury African Collection (room 25) which is a bit hard to find (even though it is really in the center of the Museum). Look for the steps down near the Easter Island Hoa Hakananai’a statue.
Guidebook: Masterpieces of the British Museum –> Cheaper at Amazon then at BM
Tip: Bring your own water, snacks and don’t plan to eat at the Museum.
Tip: The Museum is really enormous–don’t stay too long or your kids will get tired/bored/OOC (out-of-control). Pick a few items in advance and get in/get out.
Tip: Avoid the book shop — there is tons of junky stuff that will send a tired kid into a meltdown (when you don’t buy any junk for them)
Upcoming Event on Nov 01 that looks fun for kids -- Day of the Dead
Medieval Dancing, part of a selection of family events on offer
Winged Lions are cool (Lion Hunts are scary)
Not so crowded African Collection with lots of things to make the kids go "oooo"
