Museums can be downright dull, especially for kids. But there are museums that your kids and teens will absolutely love. Here are the top 10 kid-friendly museums in the world you can add to your family travel bucket lists:
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA)
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a massive, 482,000-square-foot museum that has been ranked as the world’s largest children’s museum. With exhibits that span science, technology, culture, history, and art, there’s truly something for everyone here.
The museum is known for its interactive exhibits, such as the Dinosphere, where kids can walk through a simulated prehistoric habitat, and Beyond Spaceship Earth, which explores the science behind space travel.
One of the museum’s most moving exhibits is The Power of Children, which tells the stories of three children who made a difference in the world: Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Ryan White. The museum also has a planetarium, a carousel, and an outdoor sports experience.
This is definitely on top of the best kid-friendly museums in the world.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (Washington, D.C., USA)
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is one of the most popular museums in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. The museum is home to a staggering collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft, from the Wright Brothers’ Flyer to the Apollo 11 command module. Kids can get up close and personal with some of these artifacts and even touch a moon rock.
The museum also has a planetarium that offers a range of shows, from educational films about space to entertaining laser light shows. With exhibits on the history of flight, the science of space travel, and the wonders of the universe, this museum is sure to inspire a love of exploration and discovery in young visitors. Make sure you add this to your list of the best kid-friendly museums in the world.
American Museum of Natural History (New York, New York, USA)
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest and most comprehensive natural history museums in the world. With 45 exhibit halls that span four floors, there’s an incredible amount to see and explore here. Kids can get up close and personal with life-sized models of dinosaurs, including the infamous T. rex, or explore the Hall of Biodiversity, which showcases the amazing diversity of life on Earth.
The museum also has a planetarium, a butterfly conservatory, and a range of special exhibitions that change throughout the year. One of the most popular exhibits is the Rose Center for Earth and Space, which features a giant sphere that represents the Big Bang and the birth of the universe.
National Museum of Natural History (Washington, D.C., USA)
The National Museum of Natural History is part of the Smithsonian Institution and is one of the most visited museums in the world. The museum is home to an incredible collection of specimens and artifacts that showcase the diversity of life on Earth, from fossils to insects to gems and minerals.
Some of the museum’s most popular exhibits include the Hall of Human Origins, which explores the evolution of our species, and the Ocean Hall, which showcases the amazing diversity of life beneath the waves. The museum also has a butterfly pavilion, a live coral reef exhibit, and a range of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore the natural world in new and exciting ways.
Science Museum (London, England)
The Science Museum in London is a world-renowned institution that offers a range of interactive exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages. One of the most popular exhibits is the Launchpad, which is an interactive gallery that allows visitors to explore the science behind everyday phenomena.
The museum also has a range of exhibits that showcase the latest developments in science and technology, from robotics to space exploration. One of the most exciting exhibits is the Wonderlab, which is a hands-on gallery that allows visitors to explore the wonders of science through a range of interactive exhibits.
Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau, Quebec, Canada)
The Canadian Museum of History is the largest and most popular museum in Canada, with over 1.2 million visitors each year. The museum explores the human history of Canada and the world, with exhibits on the Indigenous peoples of Canada, the history of French and English colonization, and Canada’s role in global conflicts. One of the most impressive exhibits is the Grand Hall, which houses some of the world’s largest totem poles and showcases the diversity of Indigenous cultures in Canada. The museum also has a children’s museum called the Canadian Children’s Museum, which offers a range of interactive exhibits and programs for young visitors.
National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh, Scotland)
The National Museum of Scotland is a popular attraction in Edinburgh, with exhibits that cover Scottish history, culture, and science. One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the Natural World galleries, which showcase the diversity of life on Earth, from fossils to live animals.
The museum also has exhibits on the history of Scotland, from the Stone Age to the present day, and a range of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore science and technology in fun and engaging ways. The museum is also home to a rooftop terrace that offers stunning views of the city.
National Museum of Anthropology (Mexico City, Mexico)
The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is one of the most important museums in Mexico. It is dedicated to the history and culture of the indigenous peoples of Mexico and Mesoamerica. The museum’s collection includes artifacts from the Aztec, Maya, and other ancient civilizations, including the famous Aztec Calendar Stone. The museum is known for its impressive architecture, which features a large central courtyard surrounded by galleries that house the museum’s exhibits. The museum also has a range of interactive exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
Hong Kong Science Museum (Hong Kong, China)
The Hong Kong Science Museum is a popular destination for families and school groups, with exhibits that cover a wide range of scientific topics. The museum has a range of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore science and technology in fun and engaging ways, such as the Energy Machine, which demonstrates the principles of energy transfer and conversion, and the Virtual Reality experience, which allows visitors to experience different environments and situations. The museum also has a range of educational programs and workshops, including science camps for children.
National Museum of Play (Rochester, New York, USA)
The National Museum of Play is a unique museum that is dedicated to the history and culture of play. The museum has a range of exhibits that explore the history of toys and games, from classic board games to video games, and includes hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to play with the toys and games themselves.
The museum also has a children’s play area called the “Berries,” where young visitors can explore, play, and learn in a safe and engaging environment. The museum is a great place for families to spend a fun and educational day together. And it’s definitely one of the most kid-friendly museums in the world.
