A parent and child sitting at a table doing a crafts activity.
National Museum of Scotland

Families

We welcome families with children of all ages. Enjoy our hands-on galleries packed with interactive fun, and join us for a range of family friendly events and activities at the National Museum of Scotland.

Opening times

Open daily, 10:00 - 17:00. 

Closed 25 Dec. 

Open 26 Dec, 12:00 – 17:00. 

Open 1 Jan, 12:00 – 17:00.

Admission

Free entry for all to the National Museum of Scotland. 

Info desks

Our information desks are situated in the Entrance Hall and at the Tower Entrance. 

October half-term family events

  1. A child sits looking at a picture book.
    Events

    Family Storytelling Day

    Sat 24 Oct, 10:30 - 16:30
    Join us for a full day of free fun for families, including storytelling, crafts and object encounters.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

  2. A flock of geese flying in the sky.
    Events

    Words of the Wild: Changing Seasons

    Sat 24 Oct, 15:00 - 16:00
    Discover the interconnectedness of ecology and storytelling with the Scottish Wildlife Trust and storyteller David Hughes.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

More family events

Hands-on galleries

  • A parent and child interacting with a racing game in a bright and colourful museum gallery.

    Imagine

    A sensory, colourful, friendly space with loads of interactives, cosy nooks, and open space. Fun for everyone from cruising babies to curious kids.
  • Two children in a gallery, one leans back with a look of surprise, the other rests on the display in front.

    Adventure Planet

    Young adventurers can explore the wonders of the natural world with fun interactives, games, and dressing up.
  • Two visitors watching hot air balloons ascend in a museum gallery.

    Explore

    Science and innovation come to life with hands-on games and interactive exhibits alongside amazing objects from our collections. Lots of fun for both adults and children.
  • A mother and son interact with a museum display in front of a group of taxidermy models and animal skeletons. A leopard sits on a tree branch next to the skull of a crocodile.

    Animal World

    Here you can explore the lives of animals from around the world, from the Arctic to Australia.

Families ask questions

Is there somewhere I can store my buggy?

There is buggy storage available in the museum. It is located on Level 1 of the Scotland Galleries, behind the Kingdom of the Scots gallery.

Please take a look at our museum map or ask a member of the Visitor Experience team on arrival. 

Is nappy changing available?

Toilets and baby changing facilities are available on most levels of the museum. 

Please check the museum map, or ask our Visitor Experience staff for directions. 

Can we bring a packed lunch?

The Lunch Space for eating your own food is located in the Entrance Hall – although please note that this space is prioritised for school groups during term time. Please check at the front desk if the Lunch Space is available. 

Highchairs are available in the Lunch Space on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Can I breastfeed in the museum?

Yes! You are welcome to breastfeed anywhere in the museum. There is seating on every level – please do ask our staff to show you the nearest comfortable seating or to point you in the direction of quieter spaces if you would prefer more privacy.

Are the family galleries the only areas suitable for children?

No! Although our family galleries are designed specifically with children in mind, families are welcome to explore all the galleries throughout the museum. Our Visitor Experience staff are always happy to recommend different spaces to suit your needs and interests.

Is there a quiet space in the museum?

If at any time you or someone you are visiting with finds the visit overwhelming, a member of staff can direct you to quieter areas in the museum. The sensory map also identifies the quieter spaces.

Members of our family have additional needs. Is there information to support us?

Yes! Please see our accessibility page for information to support your visit. 

Exploring the museum

  • Young person points at a model of the museum made from Lego.

    Tours and trails

    Explore museum highlights and discover new objects, themes and stories through our family tours and trails.
  • People sitting in a restuarant eating food.

    Eating and drinking

    Refuel with a coffee and take a snack break in one of our museum cafés. From kids meal boxes and pizza to Scottish dishes with a twist, there is something for everyone.
  • Visitors looking at a map at a museum information desk.

    Accessibility

    Find out more about accessibility and facilities at the museum.

Family days out at our museums

  • A family of four standing outside the door of a Concorde aeroplane.

    National Museum of Flight

    Explore the history of aviation with interactive galleries and aircraft you can get on board, before letting off steam on the outdoor assault course.
  • A child looks at a calf in a cowshed stall.

    National Museum of Rural Life

    Get involved in hands-on galleries and ride the tractor trailer to the working farm to meet the animals!