The National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield was revealed as the winner of our Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award 2022 at an award ceremony in London today.

We award the prize annually to one museum, gallery, historic home or heritage site in the UK that goes the extra mile to provide a great experience for families. Each year we receive hundreds of public nominations, which are whittled down to a shortlist by an expert panel. The final say goes to families, who go undercover and visit the shortlisted museums over the summer holidays, with their experiences deciding the winner.

“I think it’s one of the best museums I’ve ever been to… There was something for all our kids to experience.”

Family judges were impressed by the hands-on nature of the museum, encouraging young people to learn through play – with fire engine rides, driving simulators, dressing-up, climbing walls, climb-on vehicles and interactive galleries, covering topics from the Great Fire of London to modern fire safety and staying safe in the water.

One family judge said: “I think it’s one of the best museums I’ve ever been to… There was something for all our kids to experience. From dressing up to solving an investigation to ringing the fire bell.”

Families also praised the great facilities, kids’ meal options in the café, year-long tickets and relaxed atmosphere, meaning they felt free to have fun and “be very silly!” The museum provides a chill out space, lift, Makaton signage and sensory backpacks to support families with special educational needs and disabilities. It has worked with local autism network Autism Centre Sheffield over 10 years to improve its provision, which includes dementia and ASD trained staff.

Another family judge said: “I thought the museum was incredible and we really enjoyed our visit. It was so well set up for children to interact with, and interesting for adults. Staff were friendly and the facilities were perfect. My daughter was smiling throughout the visit… we will be going back and I’ve already recommended it to numerous other families!!”

The self-funded museum survived through COVID-19 lockdowns thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign, with children even posting their pocket money and visitors writing letters of support.

The full list of winners in the Family Friendly Museum Award 2022:

Overall Winner & Best Small Museum
National Emergency Services Museum, Sheffield

Best Medium Museum
Museum of Making, Derby

Best Large Museum
National Maritime Museum, London

Best Accessible Museum
Experience Barnsley

Best Family Engagement Team
PK Porthcurno, Cornwall

In June, 16 museums were shortlisted for the Family Friendly Museum Award 2022. From this, five museums were awarded prizes for their work today, including a new award category, Best Family Engagement Team, which celebrates the dedication, innovation and teamwork of museum staff and volunteers.

The National Emergency Services Museum succeeds last year’s winner, Bailiffgate Museum & Gallery in Alnwick, Northumberland.

Philip Mould, President of Kids in Museums, said: “What’s so important is that this museum tells the story of our emergency services and shares lifesaving lessons in a surprising, engaging and joyful way. This dedicated team has created a place where families can learn together through play, truly bringing history to life. We’re so proud we can highlight this and the excellent work staff and volunteers are doing in Sheffield and right across the UK. Huge congratulations to all of this year’s superb winners.”

Visit our Twitter Moment to find out more about why each museum won.