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 hand-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

Whats on for families

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

    Summer Family Fun

    Mondays and Fridays from 7 Jul - 1 Aug, 10:30 - 15:30
    Get crafty, get curious, get up-close with our fun summer holiday activities.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  2. A youg child and his parent or carer are surrounded by a crowd of people and enjoying an event in the grand gallery at the National Museum of Scotland.
    Event

    Monkey Business

    Sat 28 and Sun 29 Jun, Sat 19 and Sat 26 Jul, 10:30 - 16:00
    This summer, celebrate the opening of our new exhibition 'Monkeys: Our Primate Family' with activities for all the family.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  3. Two people sitting at a table listening to a member of museum staff talk about a sword from the collections.
    Event

    Museum Socials

    Third Friday of the month, 10:30 – 12:00
    Our Museum Socials are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters.
    Free

    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