London Children's Museum

The London Children's Museum is a unique non-profit space located in the city of London, Ontario. As the first institution of its kind in Canada, it has been delighting families and young explorers for nearly half a century. The museum occupies a significant area within the renovated 100 Kellogg Lane industrial complex, which is a city landmark in its own right.

The core philosophy of this venue is learning through play. There are no traditional locked display cases here; instead, young visitors aged one to twelve are encouraged to actively interact with the exhibits. In play zones dedicated to science, history, and creativity, children can conduct bold experiments and discover the world around them in an engaging way.

The museum stands out for its immersive approach and the fact that its exhibits were created with input from hundreds of local families. This makes it one of the key family hubs in Southwestern Ontario, where curiosity meets boundless childhood imagination.

When planning your visit to the London Children's Museum, we recommend checking for the latest updates in advance to ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible. While the basic information regarding the venue in London remains consistent, details may vary depending on the season or special educational programming.

The crowning jewel of the London Children's Museum is its eight themed immersive zones. Each one is an entire universe where kids can build, crawl, dress up in costumes from different eras, and even conduct scientific experiments. The museum promotes "powerful play"—a format that helps develop imagination and critical thinking through hands-on interaction with objects.

For the youngest guests, there are safe developmental areas, while older children can get involved in complex research projects or natural science workshops. Regular workshops and animation programs turn every visit to the museum into a new adventure, whether it's a creative class or a themed holiday event.

In addition to permanent exhibits, the museum often hosts family nights and special events. This is the perfect place to spend an action-packed day with the whole family, allowing children to show independence in exploring nature, art, and the basics of everyday life in a playful environment.

The museum is situated in the eastern part of London at 100 Kellogg Lane, occupying part of the famous industrial complex of the former Kellogg’s plant. This area is well known to locals as a major recreation and entertainment hub, making it easy to find thanks to prominent signage and the recognizable architecture of the factory buildings.

Reaching the complex is convenient by both car and public transport. City bus routes connect the downtown core with the eastern districts, and for those who prefer more comfort, local taxi services and ride-sharing apps are always available. Visitors arriving in their own vehicles should note that parking zones at 100 Kellogg Lane operate under the general rules of the entertainment center.

The history of the London Children's Museum began with a spark of inspiration: in 1973, local resident Carol Johnston visited a similar museum in Boston and decided to create something like it in Canada. Two years later, in 1975, the museum officially opened its doors, becoming the first of its kind in the country and setting a high standard for interactive education.

Over the decades, the museum has moved several times to accommodate its growth. Its most significant milestone was the move to the former Kellogg’s factory at 100 Kellogg Lane. This massive transformation turned the industrial space into a modern cultural hub spanning approximately 36,000 square feet, where the city’s industrial past blends harmoniously with the latest educational trends.

Notably, when creating the modern exhibits, the administration took into account the suggestions of more than five hundred children and their parents. Today, this non-profit project welcomes about 88,000 visitors annually, remaining a vital part of the London community and continuing its mission to foster children's curiosity through innovative play-based methods.

To explore all eight play zones at the London Children's Museum at a relaxed pace, most visitors need between two and three hours. This is usually enough time for a child to engage with the main exhibits and take part in several interactive activities.

However, if you plan on attending a specific workshop or if your child loves spending long periods in the science labs, it is worth setting aside half a day for your visit. On weekends and holidays, when the halls are busier, your stay might be longer due to participation in scheduled animation programs.

The London Children's Museum welcomes guests from Tuesday to Sunday, while it is typically closed on Mondays. Most weekdays, it opens at 9:30 AM and operates until 4:30 PM, but extended hours are available on Thursdays and Fridays, which is convenient for evening family outings.

On Saturdays and Sundays, the venue is open until 5:00 PM. Since the schedule can change on public holidays or for private events, it is helpful to check the museum's official website to confirm the current schedule before your trip to London.

The London Children's Museum's location in a vibrant district makes it easy to combine an educational visit with other interesting activities. The Western Fair Sports Centre is located nearby, where you can watch training sessions or relax after active play at the museum. This proximity makes the city's east end an excellent spot for a full day of family leisure.

If you're looking for a change of scenery and a breath of fresh air, the picturesque Victoria Park is also relatively close by. Exploring the surroundings of 100 Kellogg Lane will help you better experience the atmosphere of modern London, where historic heritage is being transformed into vibrant spaces for living and creativity.