21 Free Museums For Families

If you have any budding aviators in the household, then a trip to the Imperial War Museum in Duxford is an absolute must!

Discover an unforgettable family adventure where history and excitement soar! With free activities, interactive displays, and impressive aircraft to explore, it’s the perfect destination for all ages. Every weekend and throughout school holidays, enjoy complimentary family activities designed to engage and inspire. Spanning a mile-long site, there’s so much to discover both in the vast hangars and out on the airfield.

Marvel at iconic aviation giants, watch legendary aircraft take flight and let your imagination take wing. Younger visitors will love the BRAND NEW Weston Play Zone – a multi-sensory outdoor play area inspired by IWM Duxford’s rich history. Designed with accessibility in mind, this expansive playground is three times larger than the previous one, offering endless fun for aspiring pilots of all ages and abilities.

It’s a day out that combines excitement with meaningful experiences, making it a memorable adventure for kids and parents alike!

This Gaydon Motor Museum had to be included because it holds over a million cool car displays! You can expect to admire a whole host of cars, from famous film cars and sports mobiles to even cars used for royalty.

You can uncover the history of motors, from Time Road back in 1896 to present day! Discover a historic vehicle workshop, uncover how they store and preserve amazing cars, and talk to costumed characters! We hear they know everything about the motoring history, so ask them anything!

To make things more fun, there are plenty of family-friendly activities like interactive gaming, themed trails, activity sheets and interactive tabletops for the kids to play on!

This amazing museum is a great place, filled with special exhibitions and stunning collections. Everyone in the family will be able to learn something here. From the planet gallery to the animal world gallery. You will be able to travel back in time and learn about the different histories.

The historic rooms are filled with rich history and a chance to see the varied collections. On your journey, you will have a chance to see and listen to the horrible history tales or even explore the colourful mazes.

This family-friendly museum is great for everyone to get involved in and see the collection of items.

A chance to see the finest collection of Irish heritage and culture here. You will have a chance to see activity trails and understand the strong history of Ireland.

A chance to see the hands-on exhibits of Victorian clothing, blue whale skeletons and to even see special events here. This amazing museum will open your eyes to the world of the past and let you go back in time to the 18th century.

You will be able to see different exhibition spaces. From the Irish Wars to exploring Ireland’s geology! There are also upcoming cultural events, making sure the whole family gets involved in the amazing free activities!

Want to travel through the years in history? This amazing National museum in Cardiff has a huge collection of animals, art galleries and a discovery centre for the whole family to learn about.

The fascinating collections let’s the whole family learn about the different times in history and ensure this is an educational trip.

Check out the National Waterfront Museum filled with fun activities and a chance to experience the latest sensory experiences. There is something for everyone here.

The whole family will be able to learn about the Welsh industry and see the interactive exhibits!

A trip to St Fagans is not just a museum visit but a journey through time and a celebration of Welsh heritage. The museum is set in beautiful grounds, and it showcases the rich cultural heritage of Wales through its extensive collection of historical buildings and exhibitions.

One of the highlights of St Fagans is the vast array of historical buildings that have been meticulously reconstructed on-site. As you wander through the museum, you’ll encounter various structures, including farmhouses, cottages, and even a medieval church. Each building offers a glimpse into a specific period in Welsh history, allowing visitors to step back in time and understand how people lived and worked in the past. Exploring these buildings is a fantastic way to learn about traditional Welsh architecture and the day-to-day lives of its inhabitants.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to explore at St Fagans. The museum is set within a sprawling parkland, complete with gardens, woodland areas, and beautiful walking trails. It’s a perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens different exhibitions and a chance to see the beautiful outdoors. Here you can enjoy and understand the variety of life that exists on the planet.

With over 1,500 different types of plants and flowers. This exciting museum day is worth a visit.

With permanent collections and a chance to step into a natural science world. This fascinating museum lets everyone get involved in many activities and for the family to have fun together.

The Museum of Liverpool is the largest museum in the UK. From land transport collections to Regional archaeology collections, the whole family gets a chance to learn about the different histories. You will be able to travel through time and enjoy the art exhibitions.

Every week there is an exhibition showing, so make sure you check out the website to find out more.

A chance to explore the different collections and exhibitions from the 17th century to 1920s. Here you will be taken back in time and be able to see what life was like in the past.

With a wide range of different events happening this year, this is an amazing free museum which isn’t to missed.

If you’ve been looking for museums in Manchester, then you’re in luck! They have the very best.

Head to Manchester Museum for a deep dive into ancient Egypt with the Golden Mummies exhibit, ask all sorts of questions about past, present and future and attend all sorts of fascinating events.

Don’t forget to meet Stan  – the 12ft terrifying T.Rex! Plus, there’s loads of dinosaur activities and more to come! And there’s always new exhibits opening up, which is why it’s one of the best museums in Manchester!

Enjoy a curious and interesting mix of science, industry and history at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester!

From weird and wonderful exhibits like Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You to incredible gaming events like Power Up! You’ll explore 250 years of innovative ideas that started in Manchester and changed the world…

We know it’ll make for an exciting and educational day out for kids and adults alike!

It’s one of the most fascinating museums in Manchester that you’ll want to visit again and again!

A chance to see the scientific collections from zoological to geological specimens. This will be an interactive exhibition filled with an amazing history.

Filled with dinosaur skeletons, butterfly collections and a stuffed bird collection. You will see all types of animals here. With over 650 types on display, the whole family will feel entertained coming here.

The Natural History Museum in London is a captivating hub of knowledge, discovery, and wonder. Situated in the heart of the city, this iconic institution boasts an extraordinary collection spanning millions of years. Visitors are treated to a breathtaking array of exhibits, from towering dinosaur skeletons to intricate geological formations. The museum’s exhibits highlight the diversity of life on Earth, including mesmerizing displays of fossils, minerals, and preserved specimens.

Imperial War Museum offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the rich history of conflict. Stepping through its doors, you’ll discover a treasure trove of exhibits, each offering a unique glimpse into the impact of war on societies.

Experience life in a WW1 trench and how it might have felt during the WW2 in London, with recreations of Britain In The Blitz.

Additionally, the museum hosts informative talks, film screenings, and special events that delve deeper into various aspects of military history.

The Science Museum in London is a captivating haven for science enthusiasts and curious minds. With its rich collection and interactive exhibits, it offers an immersive experience into the world of scientific discovery.

The museum showcases the marvels of engineering, technology, and space exploration.

For those families looking for quirky, cool and comedic – we recommend heading to The Cartoon Museum.

You’ll be surrounded by a world of whimsy and creativity, with the museum’s huge collection of British cartoons, comics, and caricatures spanning many decades! Enjoy classic comic strips like “Beano” and “Dandy” to contemporary graphic novels. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

From original cartoons and original artwork to dedicated areas for beloved children’s characters like “The Beano” and “The Bash Street Kids.” The Cartoon Museum offers a delightful journey down memory lane for parents and grandparents while introducing younger generations to the timeless humour of these comics.

Why not venture behind the scenes of never-seen-before screenshots of the films made, set pieces and models and original artwork too? It’s a family day out that will be filled with ‘wow’ and ‘oooh’ as you laugh and giggle at all the super cool cartoons!

The Cartoon Museum is celebrating Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers turning 30 this year! With a brand-new, never-seen-before exhibit featuring the iconic animated duo – Wallace and Gromit. You can even make your own piece of plasticine history!

You will see the largest collection of Roman coins! The whole museum is filled with interactive games, film projections and real objects to keep the whole family involved during their learning experience.

The museum holds Somerset’s great archaeological treasures. Letting you step back in time and see what life was like in the 4th Century. Check out our blog on the Museum of Somerset for more information.

A 1600s building filled with maritime history, wildlife and different ship collections. The whole family will be able to learn about the geological side to the earth and have a chance to learn about different ships.

The wide and open space lets you roam around, understanding the rich histories being told with each collection. After your eventful learning day, why not visit the team room? You can enjoy the delicious cakes, hot drinks and a chance to reflect on all the old history.

This built-in museum takes you back to the Victorian era. You will be able to see the different types of pottery and objects from the 60’s/70’s. There are temporary exhibitions and activities for the kids to get involved in.

You will also be able to see the collection of portraits and the amazing designs too! There is also a community wall, letting local artists display their work in this amazing gallery.

An amazing science museum filled with history from 3.5 million years ago! You and your family will have a chance to see the biggest collection of fossils, rocks and minerals too.

The current exhibitions, let you understand what history was like many years ago and the types of dinosaurs that were alive. This is a great day out for the kids who love seeing dinosaurs, as you have a chance to see the dinosaur bones.