Royal Air Force Museum : Perfect for a rainy day out with the kids
(Hendon, London NW9)
Why not take off to the Royal Air Force Museum and fly past 100 years of aviation. Its a free, fun and fantastic day out for everyone, with a dramatic display of aircraft from around the world, fun interactives, engines, missiles, simulator rides, film shows, gift shop, picnic area, and licensed restaurant.
The RAF Museum is also a great venue for birthday parties for children aged 5+: £12.50 per child includes hot lunch, goody bags and activity sheets. As an added extra for only £1.75, children can enjoy a ride on one of the flight simulators.
Please note, from 1 April 2010, a small car parking charge will be payable by visitors to the Royal Air Force Museum. The income generated will be used to assist in meeting the costs of maintaining the Museums national collection and of operating its sites. Car Park fees are: 3 Hours – £2.50 per car, 3-6 Hours – £3.50 per car. Coaches are free of charge. Blue Badge holders – charges apply as above. Mini Buses charges apply as above.
Opening Hours: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm weekdays, 10 am – 6 pm weekends.
Website: Visit Royal Air Force Museum website
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About the Author: Janis
I look after the day-to-day running of ReallyKidFriendly.com, as well as some geeky stuff behind the scenes. Thanks to my two boisterous rascals (aged 4 and 5), I have become an expert in soft play areas, parks, energetic music classes, and where to get a stiff drink once the kids have gone to bed. Really – ask me anything! 
A surefire free day out for wet days and too much energy
The last time I went to the RAF musuem I must have been about 10. Nearly 30 years on I recently took my kids along and I have to say I got pretty excited all over again. My two are both under two – this place is an obvious and well loved choice for older children but I wasn’t sure whether mine would be bored by the whole thing.
My two year old loved it – ok maybe she didn’t appreciate the intricacy of every plane or helicopter but she got to run around non stop in a warm, dry, ENORMOUS series of buildings whilst mum and I strolled along with the buggy. Perfect when the snows of the last week meant everyone was getting a little cabin fever. She couldn’t bust anything, she couldn’t really get lost and many of the wandering staff were grandpa types who were excellent at engaging with all the kids I saw. As you’d expect, many of the displays and exhibits have been updated to be more interactive from when I last went circa 1980, and for children older than mine, I think they would provide some interest. But the sheer number of aircraft and the scale of the place makes it a pretty exciting visit for those with small eyes and legs. And I got to sit in a cockpit and pretend I was flying at 20,000 feet which to be honest, is pretty exciting whatever age you are!
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Recommended by a mummy friend, we took our son to the museum on his 2nd birthday. We were all impressed with the size of the place, the relaxed attitude of the staff in the company of an energetic toddler challenging his new environment. One only criticism relates to the museum’s lack of directions in the car park, you are faced with four very large buildings, we were not sure where to start. That said it didn’t detract from the fact that for a North London family, it is like having the science museum on your doorstep. My son particularly liked launching the parachutes up into the air, and I couldn’t coax him out of the helicoptor. My husband, who flies for a hobby, loved sharing his knowledge, and despite my concerns, I found an untapped interest in all things aeronautical, who knew! Food was home made, tasty and wholesome if a tad expensive (think service station prices), but entry is free and time unlimited. All in all value for money and a place you will want to return to.
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I had heard of the museum but didn’t know much more and so on a damp and dull Easter Bank Holiday weekend we decided to take a look. We were first struck by the sheer size of the place – it is HUGE. It was busy but we were helpfully guided to a car park space and staff could not have been more helpful in explaining about the museum and what was where. Although busy the place is big enough to cope with crowds. It is a great space for a 2 year old to have an explore but would have something for any age group – I must admit planes aren’t really my thing but I did enjoy just strolling around and it’s always nice to see the people your with having a nice time. We will be back.
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Rainy Day Runaround!
OK, so we’re not all into air craft and there is no question that the place could do with a a bit of updating… BUT, its huge, free and a fabulous place for a rainy day. We went when my daughter had just learned to walk and it was perfect for practice as it has miles of open, uniterrupted and level space for a toddler to try out her new skills. We head here whenever the weather is bad and we need somewhere to let off steam!
The aeroplanes etc are a great bonus – my 2 year old loved the helicopter she could wander into, especially as she had been asking about helicopters for a while. We have tried the restaurant, but I’d say its relatively mediocre. If you want a break there is also a cafe/sandwiches, which is limited, but a better bet.
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We love the RAF museum, and return again and again. Loads of wide open spaces to run, noone to tut tut (although you can’t touch the planes). And plenty to talk about … espeically in with those 5-10 year boys that like war and soldiers. Even my girls enjoy the museum.
The lunch is a little pricey, and often on a Sunday the lunch boxes have run out. You can bring your own, and eat next to the hands on area – perfect.
One down side is with all the traffic they get some of the hands on experiment stuff is worn out or out of order. But other than tha its great.
And note there is a shop at the end – so if you want to aviod the cries of ‘I want that…’ find a different exit.
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