All the museums on our list have been tested out by families, having been shortlisted for our annual Family Friendly Museum Award. Every year we recognise the venues that are most welcoming, fun, and accessible for all ages – and families decide the winner!
What were their favourite museums in Wales? Scroll on to find out…
The Egypt Centre
Swansea
Free entry
Photo: The Egypt Centre
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!
National Museum Cardiff
Cardiff
Free entry
See 500 years of magnificent paintings, drawings, sculpture, silver and ceramics from Wales and across the world at National Museum Wales. The story begins in space with the Big Bang and takes you on a 4,600 million year journey, bringing you face to face with dinosaurs and woolly mammoths on the way.
Wrexham County Borough Museum
Wrexham
Free entry
Photo: Wrexham Museums
This museum charts the history of life on the Welsh-English border. Travel through the time tunnel to see objects from the local community and listen to characters tell their stories from the past. Rebuild a medieval Castle, sniff out smells from Victorian Wrexham, watch films in the Hippodrome and meet Brymbo the Bronze Age man.
National Waterfront Museum
Swansea
Free entry
Housed in a former warehouse, the National Waterfront Museum tells the inspiring story of Wales’s contribution to past, present and future innovation and industry. With interactive workshops, themed fun days, film screenings and arts and crafts, there is something for visitors of all ages and interests.
Winding House
New Tredegar, Caerphilly
Free entry
Photo: The Winding House
Discover what it was like to work in the South Wales coalfield and explore the hidden history of South Wales, from Romans to revolutions, castles to cavaliers, and the Iron Age to the Iron Works! Just 30 minutes’ drive from Cardiff, this museum gets its name from its star object, an original Victorian winding engine, which transported men and coal between the surface and the mine below.
Museum of Cardiff
Cardiff
Free entry
Photo: The Museum of Cardiff
The Museum of Cardiff tells the incredible story of the city and the people who have lived, worked and played there over the centuries. Based in the magnificent Old Library building in the city centre, the free, fun and interactive galleries share how Cardiff was transformed from small market town to one of the world’s biggest ports.
Ys Ysgwrn
Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd
Free entry to Yr Ysgwrn site, exhibition, outdoor spaces, shop and café
Entry to the Farmhouse via guided tour: Adult £7.50, Child £3.50, Family ticket £20
Located in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, Yr Ysgwrn is best known as the home of the Welsh poet, Hedd Wyn, who lost his life in the First World War. Experience life in rural Wales at the turn of the 20th century in the atmospheric stone farmhouse and learn about Welsh language, traditions and culture. Plus, you can enjoy a picnic or walk in the picturesque surroundings.
Dylan Thomas Centre
Swansea
Free entry
Photo: Swansea Council/ Dylan Thomas Centre
The centre celebrates the life, work and legacy of famed Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Delve into Dylan’s notebooks with fun interactives and touchscreens, listen to his poetry through built-in speakers in the chairs and pick up a children’s trail to discover the animals that featured in his writing. There is a packed programme of free family events to enjoy.
Find more family museum events in Wales in our online events calendar.
