From Glasgow to Greenwich, these 13 museums have been shortlisted for our annual Family Friendly Museum Award – the only museum award decided by families!
Read on to find out why these museums for kids are a must for your next family day out. Remember to check each museum’s website for full opening information. Happy holidays!
National Emergency Services Museum
Sheffield, Yorkshire
Image by the Sheffield Star.
This small museum champions the work of the emergency services. With interactive galleries, climbing walls and driving simulators, there are plenty of things for children to get hands on with. Keep an eye out for fun family events, from sensory play for the littlest visitors to STEM workshops with a real Forensic Anthropologist. You can even ride in a fire engine on selected dates!
London Museum of Water & Steam
Brentford, London
Once a bustling Victorian pumping station, this museum welcomes you to come and be as loud, messy and curious as possible! See historic steam engines in action, ride the narrow gauge railway and play in the outdoor Splash Zone or Wild Play Garden. The museum is full of thoughtful touches for families, including a spares box of nappies and wipes in case you’re caught short.
Ely Museum
Ely, East Cambridgeshire
With a National Art Pass Plus Kids: Free entry
Newly refurbished in 2021, this local history museum explores the lives and landscape of the Fens. The colourful galleries have been designed with families in mind, with lots of objects to touch, peepholes at child height, engaging illustrations and animations – and, of course, dressing up!
The Egypt Centre
Swansea, Wales
The Egypt Centre is Wales’ only museum dedicated to Egyptian antiquities. Handle real ancient Egyptian artefacts, play the ancient boardgame Senet and learn the art of mummification on a dummy mummy. Plus on Saturdays, the museum is actually run by young volunteers aged 10 to 18!
The Story Museum
Oxford
With a National Art Pass Plus Kids: 50% discount on tickets
The Sword in the Stone within the Whispering Wood at The Story Museum, Oxford. Photo Andrew Walmsley 2021 for The Story Museum.
Find a surprise around every corner at this museum dedicated to stories and storytelling. Visit exciting immersive galleries including a Whispering Wood, Enchanted Library, Treasure Chamber and Small Worlds, a dedicated under 5s space. There is even a wardrobe into Narnia! Friendly Story Guides will help you to get the most out of your visit.
Discovery Museum
Newcastle upon Tyne
This free family treasure is dedicated to sharing the story of Tyneside and its people, from the region’s shipbuilding heritage to important inventions that changed the world. It is a great place for all generations to learn together, from the Science Maze for kids to the friendly staff who are all trained as Dementia Friends. There is packed programme of events, including the popular Spooky Night Disco.
Riverside Museum
Glasgow
Located on the banks of the River Clyde, there are over 3,000 objects on display from Glasgow’s past at Riverside Museum, from skateboards and vintage cars to prams and powerful locomotives. Walk through historic Glasgow streets, discover the city’s rich shipbuilding history, explore the car and motorbike walls, and help put out a fire with an interactive fire engine.
Museum of Making
Derby
With National Art Pass Plus Kids: 10% off shop and café
Photo by Kate Lowe Photography.
The Museum of Making opened in 2021 to inspire the next generation of engineers and problem solvers! Designed with families in Derby, the museum has great facilities, in particular the family friendly River Kitchen café, and friendly volunteers. Enjoy a range of hands-on activities throughout, as well as regular family workshops, trails and crafts. You can even make your own bespoke digital trail.
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Stoke-on-Trent
Fan of the Great Pottery Throw Down? Visit the former centre of the industry at family favourite The Potteries Museum. As well as its collection of Staffordshire pottery, you can see science and history exhibits, the Staffordshire Hoard and a real Spitfire! Find a really varied programme of events, craft activities, family activity packs and museums trails for families.
Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre
Barnsley
Uncover the amazing stories of Barnsley through artefacts, documents, films and recordings donated by local people. Pick up a scavenger hunt, join in a craft session or chill out in the sensory area. Led by a passionate team of staff and volunteers, the museum has great provision for families with special educational needs and disabilities.
Museum of London Docklands
West India Quay, London
With National Art Pass Plus Kids: 50% off exhibitions
© Museum of London
Located in an old warehouse on the waterfront and close to public transport links, the Museum of London Docklands tells the stories of Londoners from 1600 to the present day. There are daily family tours, as well as Explorer Back Packs, family trails and a family map to help you explore. Don’t miss Mudlarks, the museum’s free children’s gallery and play space.
Colchester Castle
Colchester
Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Have a go at building a Norman archway, dressing as an Iron Age Briton, steering a Roman chariot or firing a replica ballista at the east wall. There are over 2,000 years of history to explore!
National Maritime Museum
Greenwich, London
With a National Art Pass Plus Kids: half price admission to temporary exhibitions
Set sail back in time on a fun family adventure and discover the great expeditions and explorers that have shaped our world. Pick up a family trail or backpack to help you explore the galleries. Journey across the interactive Great Map to become an explorer, uncover stories of female pirates or build bridges across continents. The world is your oyster!
Undercover family judges went out and about visiting the museums throughout the summer holidays. Their experiences decided the winners of the Family Friendly Museum Award 2022 announced in October.
To learn more about the National Art Pass Plus Kids, visit the Art Fund website.
