This weekend, we traded our usual park visit and screen time for a real adventure – one that took us from Earth’s deepest environments to the icy moons of Jupiter and beyond. Where did we go? To the incredible Natural History Museum in London to see their brand-new exhibition, Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? — and let me tell you, it was out of this world.
A Space Adventure for Curious Minds (Of All Ages!)
The headline event of our day was the Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? exhibition – a fascinating, interactive experience that takes visitors on a journey from Earth’s extreme environments out to distant planets and moons. It explores whether life could exist elsewhere in the universe, and what scientists are doing right now to find out.
Although the exhibition is aimed at ages 8+, I visited with my four children, aged 14, 13, 11, and 4 – and honestly, they all loved it. My youngest may not have understood all the science, but the colours, lights, and hands-on features kept her entertained the whole time. The older three were completely absorbed, trying out the games, and firing off questions about black holes and alien microbes. It sparked so many conversations and really captured their imaginations.
Touch Mars, Smell Space, and Meet Microbes
The exhibition is cleverly split into five zones, each themed around a part of the search for life beyond Earth. You begin by exploring Earth’s extreme environments, where life thrives in conditions we once thought impossible. Then travel through space, stopping at asteroids, Mars, the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn, and finally, exoplanets orbiting distant stars.
The interactive elements were a huge hit. We got to touch a replica of Mars’s surface, smell different parts of space (yes, it’s as weird and fun as it sounds), and see real meteorites and space tech up close. There’s a great balance between play and learning – from the rover models and scientific specimens to digital games that challenge you to find where life might be hiding.
The question of whether we’re alone in the universe is definitely one that sticks with you long after you leave.
The Museum: A Full Day of Discovery
One of the best things about visiting the Natural History Museum is that it’s not just about one exhibition, it’s a full day out. After finishing the space exhibition, we wandered through our family favourites: the incredible blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall, the dinosaurs gallery (a must-see for all ages), and the mammals exhibition which was a firm favourite with all the girls. I haven’t visited since I was little but it bought back so many memories!
There are plenty of places to eat – from the museum café to picnic areas if you’ve brought your own food and just enough gift shops to keep the kids happy without completely emptying your bank.
Getting There & Top Tips
Getting to the Natural History Museum is super easy. It’s located in South Kensington, which is well served by public transport. The nearest tube station is South Kensington, just a few minutes’ walk away, several bus routes also stop nearby, and if you’re coming from out of town, national rail stations like Victoria are not far either.
Top tip: While entry to the museum itself is completely free, certain special exhibitions – like Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? are ticketed. Adult tickets start at £14, with children at half price, and concessions available too. But here’s the bonus – if you pre-book tickets for a paid exhibition, you get to skip the general entrance queue, which can get quite long on busy days. It’s a real time-saver and makes the whole experience feel much smoother.
If you visit London regularly, becoming a Natural History Museum member could be worth it – members get free access to paid exhibitions, discounts in the shop and café, and can skip the queue every time.
Would We Go Again?
In a heartbeat. Our day at the Natural History Museum was educational, inspiring, and most importantly — fun. The Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? exhibition was the highlight for sure, but the whole experience reminded us why this museum is such a treasure for families. Whether you’re raising future astronauts, mini scientists, or just kids who love to explore, it’s a fantastic day out.
We left with tired feet, full minds, and one very excited four-year-old asking if he could go back and “touch Mars again.” Safe to say – this one’s a keeper.
Exclusive offer for our readers: If you’re planning your own space adventure, we’re excited to share a special 10% discount on adult and child tickets for the Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? exhibition. Just use the code SPACE10AM when booking online between 9 – 20 June. The offer is valid for any exhibition dates right up until it closes on 22 February 2026 – but don’t wait too long, the code is only live during that window!
