I am on a mission to find the best museums for the Under 5′s, specifically toddlers.
Leeds City Museum has a designated “Toddler Town” play area for the Under 5′s which has a model house, crannog, library and a road track with cars, as well as bricks and toys and a mural of Leeds.
The Discovery Museum in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne has a waterplay version of the Tyne (“Play Tyne”) and water activity pool.
Are there any similar hands-on activities or play areas in museums you know?
Fiona
December 15th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
I’ve written this Toddler Friendly London Attractions list. All are tried and tested by me and my daughter!
December 15th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl-JOyJmPMA
New Walk in Leicester does what it can to welcome toddlers, whilst it is redeveloping its childrens area. – my 2yo loves it (see video)
January 1st, 2011 at 9:36 pm
The People’s History Museum in Manchester is extremely child friendly. Took a couple of 2 year olds there and the museum had a craft area downstairs, upstairs lots of games to do , clothes to try on. Unfortunately for this museum they are not very well known so quite empty but better still for the children, they ran around without the worry of being too noisy!
January 4th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Thank you for recommending the People’s History Museum Miriam! The museum re-opened in Feb 2010 after a two year closure for an amazing £12.5m redevelopment – so we are now more family friendly than ever, and children can be as noisy as they like! Don’t miss The Little People’s History Museum interactive story sessions for under 5s and their grown ups – next one’s ‘Mr Ordinary’s Prize’ on 25 January, 11am-12pm, £1. See website calendar for more info.
January 4th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
Norfolk Museums & Archaeology Service welcomes children of all ages. Norwich Castle in particular is developing soft play areas for babies and toddlers which are proving extremely popular. We provide soft toys, books, games and larger play items, all based on a large rug so that peopel of all ages can sit or lie as they choose. We have just commissioned a crawl-through Norman castle for archaeologically minded toddlers.
January 4th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
We think we’re pretty toddler-friendly here at Avoncroft in Worcestershire. We’re a very hands-on place with loads of open air space to run around in, which is great for little ones with seemingly unending energy. And what toddler wouldn’t love to see a real windmill?
January 9th, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Come to Chelmsford! Our Museum is great for all ages, but we do particularly welcome under fives. Once a month we hold two sessions (one in the morning, one in the afternoon) based on a nursery rhyme theme. We sing the rhyme with actions and puppets, share a story book and go on a hunt for objects in the museum which link with the rhyme. Then we do some cutting and sticking (my favourite part!) and make something to take home. It costs £2 per child but you need to book as it’s very popular!
January 16th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Brighton and Hove have really child friendly museums, I feel so lucky to live in a city which has such great museums. Hove Museum has an arts and crafts room on the ground floor for toddlers to do drawing, sticking, creating and currently has free “picture and story time” during the week for under 5s. It also has a “Wizards Attic” upstairs with a toy museum! Brighton Museum is also a hit with my children, interactive displays within their exhibitions. They have Early Years Sessions 2-5 yr olds which includes crafts & an expedition. You have to book in advance for these sessions. Booth Museum also runs these Early Years Sessions. Other events throughout the year, lots of arts and crafts which pre-school children love!
February 1st, 2011 at 11:36 am
The Science Museum has several different galleries which are specifically designed for under 6s – Pattern Pod and The Garden, as well as Launch Pad being a place that little children will enjoy even though not specifically designed for them. In addition to this just the sheer size and variety in spaces, lighting etc means younger audiences love roaming – my 2 year old certainly does!
February 7th, 2011 at 11:24 pm
Portland Basin in Ashton under Lyne (near Manchester) has an old-fashioned street with shops; hats to try on; a train track and a ‘play’ shop and dressing up area. My 3 year old loves it. In the summer you can also go on a canal boat ride from outside the museum.
March 18th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
At Abbey House Museum in Leeds there are monthly sessions for the under 5s called Messy Monkeys. There is also a free Toddler Guide available to help you round the museum with little ones. There are new under 5 sessions at Kirkstall Abbey opposite Abbey House Museum this summer called Muddy Monkeys.
April 7th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
I always take my toddler to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, although there are no designated play areas they are very welcoming and helpful (and most of all patient which is the main thing with toddlers isnt it!)
They have regular craft activities, dressing up and even the odd tour for little ones where they can meet historical characters. There is also an exhibition where the objects can be touched, there are some really interesting bronze busts that are perfect for curious toddlers to feel.
Sammy loves it, he recognises the street and leads me round the gallery making sure we don’t miss any of his favourite bits.
Well worth a visit – and its free!!
April 20th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Here at the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford, Aberdeenshire, we welcome children of all ages. We have climb aboard exhibits and always have treasure hunts and competitions on the go. This Sunday we have an Vintage Vehicle Rides, an all new cycle obstacle course for the youngster to try out. During the season we have family fun days which include crafts, treasure hunts and competitions. There are ride on fun days and many more exciting events. Visit our website or facebook page for further details.