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Families | National Museums Scotland
Families | National Museums Scotland
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
Imagine
A sensory, colourful, friendly space with loads of interactives, cosy nooks, and open space. Fun for everyone from cruising babies to curious kids.
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Adventure Planet
Young adventurers can explore the wonders of the natural world with fun interactives, games, and dressing up.
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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.
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Animal World
Here you can explore the lives of animals from around the world, from the Arctic to Australia.
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Interactive highlights
Discover games and hands-on fun for the whole family to enjoy at the National Museum of Scotland.
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What's on for families
Event
Find Out Fridays
5 Sep 25 - 26 Jun 2026, every Friday afternoon during term time 13:30 – 16:00
Drop-in Friday fun for families of all ages.
Free
National Museum of Scotland
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Event
Relaxed Morning
1 Feb - 6 Dec 2026, 10:00 - 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30)
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
Free
National Museum of Scotland
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Event
Sensory Sunday
Sun 1 Feb – Sun 6 Dec 2026, 11:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 15:00
Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs.
National Museum of Scotland
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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.
Family Membership
Enjoy a range of benefits, including great days out, free entry, unlimited access to our special exhibitions, and much more.
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Exploring the museum
Tours and trails
Explore museum highlights and discover new objects, themes and stories through our family tours and trails.
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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.
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Find out more about accessibility and facilities at the museum.
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Family days out at our museums
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.
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National Museum of Rural Life
Get involved in hands-on galleries and ride the tractor trailer to the working farm to meet the animals!
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