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. 

Hands-on galleries

What's on for families

  1. An adult helping a child with a science experiment
    Event

    Find Out Fridays

    15 Aug – 19 Dec 2025, every Friday afternoon during term time 13:30 – 16:00
    Drop-in Friday fun for families of all ages.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  2. Child looks towards the right through a brass telescope.
    Event

    Curiosity Club

    Sat 29 Mar - Sat 29 Nov, 10:30 - 12:00
    Don’t miss our exciting, hands-on sessions for curious kids ages 7-11.

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  3. Two young people are looking at a gallery interactive screen, in the monkeys exhibition. They're standing in front of a display case full of primate skulls.
    Event

    Monkeys After Dark: Families

    Friday 21 November, 17:30 - 19:30
    Experience the magic of visiting Monkeys: Our Primate Family after dark and enjoy talks and activities for families.

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
More family events

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

Family days out at our museums