TECHNOLOGY
Power Up London: retro games, consoles and family play
A playable history of games at the Science Museum, with a different appeal for children, teenagers and nostalgic adults.
- Location
- South Kensington
- Age guidance
- 5+; under-16s with an adult
- Tickets
- Paid experience
What is on offer
Power Up brings together 160 consoles spanning five decades of gaming. The operator recommends it for ages five and over, with an accompanying adult for under-16s. It is an indoor, hands-on experience rather than an exhibition of objects you can only look at.
Make it a shared visit
Pair an older game with a newer one and talk about how the controls, graphics and rules differ. Take turns choosing rather than allowing the fastest player to decide everything. Cooperative play can be a better starting point than a tournament when siblings have very different experience levels.
Passes and museum admission
Day-pass prices vary and annual passes are available. Check the family total against the date-specific booking screen and book general museum admission as required. An annual pass makes sense only if you expect to return; do not compare it with one-person admission when paying for a whole household.
Balance the screen time
Plan a screen-free break elsewhere in the museum. If your child finds crowded gaming areas overstimulating, ask the venue about access arrangements before choosing a slot. Keep the visit flexible: a child who enjoys games at home may react differently to a busy shared space.
