Celebrate National Playday with a day of FREE family activities at the Brunel Museum. Discover the story of the Thames Tunnel through hands-on activities, creative making and family adventures inspired by engineering, nature and Victorian inventions.
Suitable for children 4 – 12 years old.
Older and younger siblings are welcome.
Family-Friendly Kids’ Tours
Meet at Gallery Two tour times:11:00–11:30 & 12:00–12:30
Join one of our guided family tours and discover the incredible story of the Thames Tunnel. Learn about the people who built the world’s first tunnel beneath a river, and make your own paper miner’s hat hat to take home.
Plant Treasure Hunt
Location: Garden | Drop-in
Explore our secret garden and take part in a fun plant treasure hunt. Can you identify all the different plants growing around the museum? Once you’ve completed the trail, help us care for the garden by watering the plants.
Plant a Magic Bean
1:00–1:30pm | Location: Garden | Drop-in
Plant your own magic bean to take home and watch it grow. A simple, hands-on activity that’s perfect for young gardeners.
Building Bridges
Location: Piazza | Drop-in
Become an engineer for the day! Design, build and test your own bridge using a range of materials. Discover how Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s innovative ideas shaped some of Britain’s most iconic engineering projects.
Make a Thaumatrope
Location: Piazza | Drop-in
Create your own Victorian optical toy and discover the magic of one of the earliest animation devices. Spin your thaumatrope and watch your drawings come to life!
Explore the Thames Tunnel Shaft
Location:Tunnel Shaft | Drop-in
Step inside our historic Shaft, listen out for the trains passing beneath your feet, and build your own cardboard train inspired by Brunel’s engineering legacy.
We’ll also have a dedicated space in our Lower Garden where you can relax and enjoy your picnic.
Visitor Information
Date: Wednesday 5 August 2026
Time: 10:30am–2:30pm
Location: Brunel Museum, Rotherhithe
Price: FREE
Free admission | Drop-in | Booking Mandatory
Please book one free ticket for every person attending, including both adults and children.
Bring the whole family and enjoy a day of creativity, discovery and play while exploring one of London’s most remarkable engineering landmarks.
