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RAF Museum

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RAF Museum

KidRated’s Royal Air Force Museum Top Tips:

  • Best for kids and teens: The RAF themed outdoor playground and flight simulator
  • Best for parents: There’s plenty to keep everyone interested and a cafe on site
  • Top tip: Several exhibits carry a cost and need to be booked in advance – see website

The Royal Air Force Museum London in Colindale combines history, interactive exhibits, and fun activities that will captivate both children and teens.

 

Firstly, kids will be thrilled by the incredible collection of aircraft on display at the museum. From vintage planes to modern jets. Family trails guide you through each hangar, keeping kids engaged and entertained throughout the visit.

 

Next, explore the museum’s permanent exhibition, ‘The First World War in the Air,’ to discover more about the changing roles of the air force. This exhibit features personal artefacts like medals, letters, and uniforms, alongside a collection of First World War aircraft.

 

Don’t miss the Spitfire experience. Kids (and parents!) can sit in the cockpit of this iconic fighter plane and imagine what it was like to fly during WWII. Afterwards, check out the flight simulator. Kids can experience the thrill of flying a plane with realistic controls and stunning visuals. It’s an exhilarating way to learn about the mechanics of flight.

 

The outdoor playground is a big hit especially with younger visitors. Packed with aviation-themed equipment, it’s a fantastic place for kids to run, climb, and burn off energy after exploring the indoor exhibits.

 

Finally, the 4D cinema offers an immersive experience that will wow the whole family. With special effects like moving seats and wind blasts, it feels like you’re right in the middle of the action. The short films cover various aviation topics, adding an educational twist to the fun.

 

If you enjoyed RAF London, you could visit the Imperial War Museum and HMS Belfast.


Booking Advice:

  • Admission is FREE
  • Children must be 4 or over for the 4D Theatre
  • The flight simulator has a minimum height requirement of 1.07m. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult

VISITOR INFORMATION

Where:

Grahame Park Way
Colindale, Barnet
London
NW9 5LL

Phone number:

+44 (0)20 8205 2266

Official website

How to get there:

Tube: Colindale
SatNav Users: please use postcode NW9 5QW.
A small parking charge applies.

Teen Verdict

Family days out, attractions and things to do in London and beyond for kids, older kids and teenagers rated by kids and teens with KidRated

Jim

Such a cool museum. It’s not often you get to see unclose such huge pieces of machinery. I loved trying the simulator and learning more about the RAF. I also didn’t know much about the origins of aviation so I really enjoyed learning more about the first fight and how everything has evolved over the years to where we are today. Would recommend to families with teens and teens that love aviation.

Parent Point of View

Things to do, places to go for kids and teenagers - cool, academic, fun and entertaining in London and beyond with KidRated

Laura Porter

  • When I first visited I thought 3 hours would be more than enough but I’d definitely recommend getting the 3-6 hours parking ticket as you’ll need longer.
  • This museum is fantastic for kids as the exhibits are so big and exciting.
  • The Aeronauts gallery is really cool and you’re bound to spend ages there.
  • There are always extra activities for families in school holidays but it can get really busy.

You can find loads more information by Laura Porter at aboutlondonlaura.com 

Have your say...

7 comments on “RAF Museum” | Add a comment

  1. Dan (14)

    Spent an hour on the Tube to get there, only to be told U16’s weren’t allowed in unaccompanied. Says this nowhere on the website. Staff also rude when asked why.

  2. Olida R

    Awesome! My daughter really like the half term knitting activity, but my son didn’t enjoy the queues.

  3. Rhian

    Lots of information so you can learn a great deal. If you like the RAF Museum, I’d recommend the Gun Powder Museum.

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