Beyond the borough - Horniman Museum and Gardens

A Fun-Filled Day at the Horniman Museum & Gardens: Creative Creatures Play and More!

We were recently invited by Hello Wimbledon Kids to visit the Horniman Museum and Gardens, and what a delightful day it turned out to be! With so much to see and do, it’s the perfect family outing, especially for little ones. This time, we were there to check out the brand-new pop-up play space, Creative Creatures Play, which is on until January 14th, 2026. So, if you haven’t been yet, you’ve got plenty of time to go!

Creative Creatures Play: A Hands-On, Imaginative Experience

The highlight of our visit was, without a doubt, the Creative Creatures Play space. This interactive play zone is aimed at under-7s, but in my opinion, it’s probably best suited for younger children, especially those under 5. It’s an absolute paradise for little ones to unleash their imaginations and creativity. For just £6 per child (adults get in for £3), the kids can enjoy a range of engaging activities.

The play space was packed with fun things to do:

• Animal Dress-Ups: Tons of costumes and props for the kids to wear, including various animal costumes. My little one had a blast pretending to be a lion!

• Bird Nest and Spider Web Making: There were materials set up for kids to get creative and make their own nests or spider webs, encouraging imaginative play and problem-solving.

• Soft Play Area: A great space for younger children to crawl, roll, and explore in a safe and soft environment.

• Sensory Elements: From textures to sounds, there were plenty of sensory experiences to stimulate little minds.

• Colouring Station and Artwork Wall: A lovely corner where kids could colour in pictures and showcase their artwork on a wall for all to see. It was heartwarming to see so many little masterpieces!

All in all, the play area was adorable, thoughtfully designed, and kept my toddler thoroughly entertained for ages!

Exploring More of the Horniman Museum

But the fun doesn’t stop there! After spending time in the play space, we explored the rest of the museum and gardens, which offer even more family-friendly activities:

• The Butterfly House: A must-see! Kids can walk through a beautiful, tropical space full of fluttering butterflies. It’s like stepping into another world, and we loved spotting different species. Tickets from £6.50.

• The Aquarium: Perfect for young nature lovers, the aquarium is home to a variety of marine life. The tanks are well-lit and full of interesting creatures to gaze at. Tickets from £3.25.

• The Museum’s Animal Taxidermy Collection: A fascinating (if slightly eerie) collection of preserved animals from around the world. My little one was amazed by the wide variety of creatures on display, from exotic birds to big cats. Free!

• Animal Walk: Come and see the goats, sheep, guina pigs, rabbits, chickens and alpaca's! Free!

• Musical Instruments Section in the Music Gallery: This interactive area lets kids try out different instruments, from drums to marimbas, offering a fun hands-on learning experience. Free!

• Gardens & Nature Trails: The Horniman Gardens are a wonderful space to explore, with plenty of nature trails and areas to run around. There are even outdoor musical instruments, such as chimes and drums, for kids to play with while soaking in the fresh air. Free!

• The Café: After all that exploration, we took a well-deserved break in the Horniman’s lovely café. It’s a kid-friendly spot with a relaxed atmosphere, and they even provide crayons and paper for the little ones to draw while you enjoy your meal.

• There is also a shop, library, World Gallery & Sunken gardens! Free!

  
  

A Bit of a Journey, But Totally Worth It

One thing to note is that the Horniman Museum & Gardens is a bit of a trek, especially if you're coming by public transport. It took us about 45 minutes by car, or roughly an hour by public transport, to get there. The lack of onsite parking is also a bit of a challenge, so make sure you plan your route ahead of time.

But honestly, the journey is absolutely worth it for a full day of family fun. With so much to do and see, you’ll easily fill up an entire day exploring the museum, playing in the Creative Creatures Play space, and enjoying the stunning gardens.

Final Thoughts

Overall, we had an amazing time at the Horniman Museum & Gardens. Whether you’re visiting for the Creative Creatures Play space, the butterfly house, or the beautiful gardens, it’s a wonderful spot for families to spend the day. The combination of interactive exhibits, outdoor play, and educational opportunities makes it an all-around fantastic destination for kids and adults alike. So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational day out, I highly recommend checking it out!

Have you been to the Horniman Museum recently? What was your favourite part? Let us know in the comments below!