Museums in Europe - ActivitiesforKids

Discover a completely renovated Grévin Museum in Paris. Experience the Spirit of Paris of yesterday and of today with astounding scenes : the major events of the 20th Century, French history and the latest news. The brasserie, the theatre, artists' studios. all the legendary Parisian haunts where you will rub shoulders with the "Tout Paris" celebrities. Three hundred wax figures are waiting to meet you at the Grévin Museum, to be photographed with you, to be remembered forever... http://www.paris-paris-paris.com/paris_landmarks/museums/grevin_museum_paris

Located at the foot of the Atomium, Mini-Europe is the only park where you can have a whistle-stop tour of Europe in a few short hours. A truly unique journey! Enjoy a stroll taking in the typical atmosphere of the most beautiful towns of the old Continent. The incomparable chimes of Big Ben welcome you to the heart of London. The gondolas and mandolins invite you to discover the charms of Venice. Follow the TGV high-speed train from Paris to the other end of France. You can make the models work yourself: the eruption of Vesuvius, the fall of the Berlin Wall, a bull-fight in Seville, the take off of the Ariane spaceship and many others. All in all, 350 models and sites with an unequalled level of craftsmanship. Visit also the European area, packed with interactive multimedia games and the exhibition. https://visit.brussels/en/place/Mini-Europe

Boasting world-renowned expertise, the Museum presents more than 6000 specimens in their faithfully reconstructed natural habitat. Come and discover the amazing species of the Mediterranean, the incredible diversity of the inhabitants of the coral reef and the monumental Shark Lagoon, all under the same roof. From the highly colourful tropical zone to the spellbinding charm of the Mediterranean section, the Oceanographic museum invites you to observe the underwater world in all its authenticity. The one hundred or so pools, ranging in size from 100 to 450,000 litres, are home to several thousand fish specimens, more than 200 species of invertebrates and around one hundred species of hard and soft corals. https://www.oceano.mc/en/aquariums/our-aquariums

Walking on the moon, stepping aboard the Mir Space Station, gazing at the Ariane 5 rocket, dreaming with your head in the stars… You can do all of this at the Cité de l’Espace, a short hop from the centre of Toulouse. The Cité offers 2,500m² of interactive exhibitions to help you become an expert on the Earth and the Universe as you learn everything about space flight and even find out how to predict the weather. You can train like a genuine astronaut thanks to the moonwalk simulator and explore the life of astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Try on a space suit, jump into a lunar rover… Its 5 hectares of gardens, which are home to life-sized replicas of spacecraft and a giant telescope, its IMAX® cinema with giant screen, its interactive planetarium and countless activities for young and old alike make this journey into outer space even more fun. https://www.toulouse-visit.com/cite-de-l-espace/toulouse/loimid031fs00969

The award-winning National Space Centre is an out of this world experience for the whole family! With six interactive galleries, the UK’s largest planetarium, world unique 3D SIM ride and iconic 42m high Rocket Tower, there really is something for everybody to enjoy. The rocket tower is pretty impressive for people of all ages, as it towers 42m into the air and its semi-transparent “pillow” design can be seen as you approach the Centre from any direction! It is home two rockets: Blue Streak and Thor Able, as well as a Gagarin Experience, Apollo Lunar Lander and real Moon Rock. Each year the National Space Centre hosts many special weekends which in the past have included celebrations of Star Wars, LEGO and Daleks. School holiday periods are always exciting, as the Centre adds plenty of workshops and talks into the mix, so advanced booking is advised. A visit to The National Space Centre wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Cargo Bay Shop to pick up a souvenir as a memento of your journey to outer space. The shop boasts a full range of fun and interactive space toys, books, games and telescopes. https://www.visitleicester.info/see-and-do/national-space-centre-p696391

The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is the oldest of the University of Cambridge museums, having been established in 1728 as the Woodwardian Museum. Since then the collection has grown from about 10,000 fossils, minerals and rocks, to at least 2 million. A walk through the museum will take you on a 4.5 billion year journey through time, from the meteoritic building blocks of planets, to the thousands of fossils of animals and plants that illustrate the evolution of life in the oceans, on land and in the air. Also a major teaching and research resource in the Department of Earth Sciences, the Sedgwick Museum collections are a national treasure. http://www.sedgwickmuseum.org/

Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience and a must-see on any visit to Belfast and Northern Ireland. Titanic Belfast, named the World's Leading Tourist Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards in 2016, is located beside the Titanic Slipways, the Harland and Wolff Drawing Offices and Hamilton Graving Dock, the very place where Titanic was designed, built and launched in 1912. Titanic Belfast tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to its maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. The self-guided Titanic Experience extends over nine interpretive and interactive galleries, which explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of RMS Titanic, as well as the city and people who made her. https://visitbelfast.com/partners/titanic-belfast/

Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see modern masterpieces with a visit to the Ulster Museum. As Northern Ireland's treasure house of the past and the present, the Ulster Museum is home to a rich collection of art, history and natural sciences and is free to all visitors. The museum tells the story of the people of the north of Ireland from earliest times to the present day. Impressive galleries and interactive discovery zones bring history, science and art collections to life for visitors of all ages. Enjoy a bite to eat in the cafe, then get face to face with dinosaurs and up close Takabuti, the famous ancient Egyptian mummy, who experts believe suffered a violent death by a knife attack. Learn about who she was and how she came to arrive in Belfast in 1834. The Ulster Museum is part of National Museums Northern Ireland, which also includes the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Ulster American Folk Park, the W5 Science Centre and Armagh County Museum. And best of all, admission is free. https://visitbelfast.com/partners/ulster-museum/

W5 is Belfast’s award-winning science and discovery centre and provides a unique experience as well as fantastic fun for visitors of all ages. Visitors can immerse themselves in W5’s new technological space ‘AMAZE’, scale the heights on the multi-storey climbing structure ‘Climbit’, meet W5’s humanoid robot ‘Robothespian, plus so much more. In addition to permanent exhibits, W5 also presents a changing programme of temporary exhibitions and events. Visitors can also enjoy a daily programme of live science demonstrations and shows throughout the day. W5’s seasonal events are FREE with admission and tickets are valid all day. https://visitbelfast.com/partners/w5-at-odyssey/

From the sea to the stars, a visit to World Museum reveals millions of years of the Earth’s history through thousands of exhibits and hands-on activities. Travel to distant continents and ancient civilisations in the amazing galleries. The Museum’s brand new Ancient Egypt: A journey through time gallery takes visitors on a 5,000-year adventure to the land of the pharaohs, and reveals one of the UK’s most significant collections of Egyptian objects. There’s no better place to come face-to-face with the past and delve deeper into the myths, mysteries and rituals surrounding the ancient Egyptian afterlife than in the gallery’s atmospheric Mummy Room. Discover the wonders of the natural world in the award winning Clore Natural History Centre. This is the place to get your hands on more than 20,000 of the most unusual items from the huge collections, from a hippopotamus skull to a mammoth tooth. There’s also the Weston Discovery Centre, which offers a range of activities and interaction to provide a fascinating insight into human history throughout the ages. https://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/world-museum-p8573

One of the country's finest art collections in spectacular Victorian and contemporary surroundings. The gallery's £35 million transformations has enabled the collection to be presented to visitors in imaginative new ways. Highlights include outstanding pre-Raphaelite paintings, craft and design and early 20thC British art. Exciting exhibitions programme, there is a wide range of events, from talks and tours to hands-on activities for both children and adults. Superb visitor facilities include 2 cafes, large shop and full disabled access. For those with younger children, try one of our explorer tool belts for family groups with children aged three to six. There are plenty of tools to help you explore the gallery including binoculars, magnifying glasses, spot cards and much more. https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/manchester-art-gallery-p85311

The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester is a place full of amazing objects and world-changing ideas. Visit the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station and the world’s first railway warehouse, built in 1830. Find out how our revolutionary railroad changed Manchester and the world forever. Be inspired by the wonder of science, enjoy live demonstrations of historic working machinery, take part in fun science shows and lots more. https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/science-and-industry-museum-p85731

Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, planning a visit with your family or on a weekend break to the great city of Manchester, enjoy a visit to the world's biggest and best football museum. Delve into the social history and culture of the much-loved sport, with fascinating objects and exhibitions showing how football became the game of our lives. Test your skills at everything from penalty kicks and clever tricks to shot-stopping and commentating, and get your hands on some of our top silverware! The museum has a range of tours and trails available every day, with a host of family-friendly activities running across weekends and throughout the school holidays. https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/national-football-museum-p241621

National Museum Cardiff is situated in the heart of Cardiff’s elegant civic centre and houses world-class art and natural history, including Wales’s national art, natural history and geology collections, as well as major touring and temporary exhibitions. If you want to stand and stare, there’s plenty to please your eye – from Impressionist paintings to gigantic dinosaurs. For exploring you can pick up a range of gallery trails to guide you around the Museum. With a busy programme of exhibitions and events, we have something to amaze everyone, whatever your interest – and admission is free! https://www.visitcardiff.com/highlights/national-museum/

'Den Gamle By' (The Old Town) is a perfectly unique attraction in Aarhus for the whole family to go on a fascinating journey back in history. In the 70s town district, you can drop by the shops, including Poul's Radio and TV shop, the mini-supermarket, the gynaecologist clinic, the kindergarten, and the hairdresser's. The townhouses are inhabited by various people, including a nuclear family, a commune, and a blind man. In the backyard are parked a Beetle and the plumber's Citroën. And you can also go inside the moped workshop and the scouts' meeting room. At the end of the Havnegade street lies the historical Aarhus jazz bar Bent J with occasional live music on stage. In The Old Town, you will meet people dressed and acting as the folk at the end of the 19th century, and also as how people lived and worked in 1927. You can also take a walk through a town district from 1970s' Denmark, complete with streets, townhouses, shops, backyards, and workshops re-erected exactly as they stood in the past. The oldest part of the Den Gamle By is representative of a small Danish market town complete with houses, gardens, dwellings, shops and workshops. In 1927, the townscape has become modern with cars in the streets, pavements, electric street lamps, telephone poles, and painted wall adverts. In this town quarter of the Den Gamle By lying an ironmonger's, a bookshop, a Schous Sæbehus chain store, a post office, a telephone exchange, and several residences from before Denmark was hit by the recession in the 1930s. https://www.visitaarhus.com/aarhus/plan-your-trip/den-gamle-old-town-museum-gdk631880

The world's largest limestone mine. An endless maze of galleries with caves as large as cathedrals and narrow paths where an adult man cannot walk upright. An enormous 60 km labyrinth of passageways with caverns as large as a cathedral, and narrow tunnels where you have to walk doubled up. 2 km of the passageways are lit. A multi-media presentation shows the history of the mines. Exhibitions and films tell about bats, geology and mining. Groups are granted admission all the year round with prior reservation. Guided tours in Danish, English and German can be arranged. https://www.visitviborg.com/viborg/plan-your-trip/monsted-limestone-mines-gdk601327

Make a historic journey full of energy in a 15,000 m² natural landscape. The museum's experienced guides make lightning shows every day in the Bohr Tower. You can also go on a reconnaissance trip and a treasure hunt - with your smartphone. There are 8 exhibition buildings in total, including the "Tangeværk", which still produces electricity. Also, visit "Ørsted-Loft" with activities for all ages and the "Electricity House" filled with machines and interesting retro objects. The "Energy Museum" focuses on environmental friendliness and here you can experience the exhibition "Life in Change", which illustrates the life of the Danes in a world of climate change. The new exhibition is intended to stimulate discussion on how to make a contribution. The activities and the location of the museum invite to a full-day visit, where the whole family can relax in beautiful surroundings. For children, there are playgrounds, minibikes, sandboxes and trampolines. In the energy garden, they make campfires in good weather, and there are snacks like fried insects. At the same time, the Energy Garden shows how it is possible to create a sustainable eco-system. https://www.visitviborg.com/viborg/plan-your-trip/energimuseet-gdk605505

With 102 metres from bowsprit to stern, 44 cannons and 57 metres to the top of the masthead, Fregatten Jylland (the Frigate Jutland) is an experience with both room and entertainment for the whole family. The exhibition hall provides the opportunity for immersion in the ship’s very interesting history, and aboard the ship, you can experience it full speed ahead when the museum’s guides show and explain how the drama unfolded aboard the big warship, which later became both the royal yacht and summer holiday digs for school children from the province. Today, the ship is well-restored and ready to receive its guests in Ebeltoft, just as fine and well-kept as on the Mayday in 1864 when the ship and crew met their enemies at Helgoland. For the museum’s guests, there are lots of opportunities to do things, even trying and experiencing life on the seas more than 100 years ago: - Help load a 30-pound muzzle-loading cannon and remember to hold your ears during the cannon show. - Go on a sailing tour with the Frigate’s old auxiliary boat “Barkassen” on Ebeltoft Bay. - Go with the climbing instructor 23 metres up in the rigging and see the ship, the town and the bay from above. - Try your strengths against Kalle Krudt’s treasure map, the Discharge. https://www.visitdjursland.org/djursland/explore/fregatten-jylland-gdk784989

Since Wollaton Hall opened to the public in 1926, it has been home to the city’s natural history museum. On display are some of the best items from the three-quarters of a million specimens that make up its zoology, geology, and botany collections. Natural Connections Gallery explores the relationship between the natural world and ourselves. One of the central themes in the gallery is extinction, and a number of extinct and near-extinct species are on display. These include a passenger pigeon and a flightless parrot from New Zealand – the kakapo. Recent additions to the gallery include the extraordinary duck-billed platypus, a giant anteater and a rare maned sloth. Other popular exhibits include an orangutan skeleton, a hippo skull and a Humboldt penguin, together with many other mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects, and fossils. Mineral Gallery showcases some of the 5,000 specimens that make up the rock and mineral collection. It includes some the original Nottingham Naturalists’ Society collection and fine displays of classic minerals from the North of England (early 20th century) and Cornwall and Devon (19th century). You can also get up close to some giant ammonites – fossilised coiled shells of ancient squid-like sea creatures. https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/natural-history-museum-at-wollaton-hall-p684441

Green's Windmill in Sneinton was built by the father of notable scientist and mathematician George Green in 1807. Today the working Mill is a popular museum and science centre, which teaches new generations of children about the valuable work of George Green. Sadly, the mill was badly damaged by a fire in 1947 but was later restored by Nottingham City Council in the 1980s. The windmill began milling again in December 1986 and the giant sails can still be seen working to this day. George Green was a mathematical genius who developed new ways of doing mathematics, which has helped scientists to understand the world around us. Test your brainpower with the hands-on experiments in the Science Centre which explore electricity, magnetism and light, ideal for young children. https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/greens-windmill-p354661

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of merchants during the Middle Ages and experience the rise and fall of the erstwhile trading power. European history is brought to life in the Hansemuseum which provides the perfect setting for the phenomenon of the Hanseatic League. Nobody can deny that the Hanseatic League played a key role in German and European history and is still present in many people's minds today. Half a millennium passed from its rise as a trading power until its fall. The European Hansemuseum provides answers to many questions, such as how the Hanseatic League was able to survive over such a long period. Submerge yourself in the world and life during the era of the Hanseatic League and be a witness to oaths, diplomatic negotiations, piracy, trade boycotts, wars and the suffering during the great plague epidemic. https://www.luebeck-tourism.de/culture/museums/european-hansemuseum.html

Experience the history of printing, book and writing "live": In the centre of the old town of Mainz, opposite the cathedral, is one of the oldest book and printing museums in the world. The Gutenberg Museum, founded by citizens of Mainz in 1900, is dedicated to the “man of the millennium” Johannes Gutenberg and his inventions. The museum's greatest treasures include two original Gutenberg Bibles from the mid-15th century. The reconstructed Gutenberg workshop is also one of the main attractions. Every day it is demonstrated every hour how printing was done in Gutenberg's time. A modern film introduces Gutenberg's life and work. With the audio guide (German, English, French) you can then go on a "listening tour" and get to know the highlights of the house in German, English and French. Five "extra tours" take you through individual departments. In the Gutenberg Museum, you can see printing presses from many centuries and get comprehensive information about European and non-European printing technology, the book art of many centuries, the history of paper and writing, the history of the press and much more. Our special collections include commercial and ex-libris, graphics and posters, press prints (small publishers) and artist books, which you are welcome to view in the Gutenberg Library (advance registration). In changing special exhibitions, examples of historical and modern book and print art and typography are shown and the link is drawn to the 21st century. https://www.mainz-tourismus.com/entdecken-erleben/kultur-erleben/museen/gutenberg-museum/

Wroxham Miniature Worlds is the largest indoor modelling attraction in the UK. It has massive model railways with stunning scenery will fascinate all ages supported by slot car displays, Lego displays, dolls house displays, models of every type and a vintage toy area including the 100 top toys from across the decades. https://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/service/wroxham-miniature-worlds/

Come and visit the ‘Jewel’ in the crown of the Jurassic Coast, The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life situated in the village of Kimmeridge, Dorset Housing the finest single collection of Late Jurassic age fossils all found by just one man, Dr Steve Etches MBE - you will be mesmerised by sea monsters, prehistoric predators and the marine flora and fauna of 152-157 million years ago when Kimmeridge was but a shallow, tropical sea, during the great age of the Dinosaurs. All of the fossils in the collection were found by Steve in the Kimmeridge Bay locality, from the world-famous oil-rich Kimmeridge Clay, within 2 miles of where the Museum is located. Learn about their Stories from Deep Time interpreted with state of the art CGI imagery of Jurassic marine life swimming above the amazing fossils in the museum gallery. https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/the-etches-collection-museum-of-jurassic-marine-life-p2629493

A Museum displaying the University's natural history specimens including some remarkable Paleontological Collections. The museum is also the home to the last seen Dodo bird in existence. Today, all that remains from rot are its beak and its feet. The Museum was also the sight of the 1860s evolution debate between Thomas Henry Huxley and Bishop Samuel Wilberforce, which famously critiqued the publication of Charles Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species'. http://www.oxfordcityguide.com/frmInfoDetail.aspx?aId=227

At JORVIK Viking Centre you are standing on the site which revealed some of the most astounding discoveries in modern archaeology. Your first experience at JORVIK is an exploration of the Coppergate Dig, with a fully immersive display taking you back to the 1970s. Travel around 10th century York, experiencing what it was like living in the city. The sights, sounds and even the smells of the Viking Age are brought vividly back to life as you journey back 1,000 years. Get up-close with some of the most beautiful and rare Viking artefacts in the world, from delicate earrings and socks to frying pans and padlocks and even a fossilised Viking poo! Dig deeper into the Viking story of York using the latest in cutting-edge technology located throughout the centre and the opportunity to handle real artefacts whilst talking to our friendly Viking hosts. https://www.visityork.org/explore/jorvik-viking-centre-p793271

Take a trip to York and enjoy free entry at the award-winning National Railway Museum. Home to iconic locomotives and an unrivalled collection of engineering firsts, the museum celebrates the past, present and future of innovation on the railways. Get up close to icons of the rails including Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive. Climb onboard the Japanese bullet train, discover how high-speed rail travel began and journey back in time to experience the working life of a station. You can visit Queen Victoria’s favourite saloon, explore over 200 years of history and find out how railways shaped our world. Watch turntable demonstrations, climb on board historic carriages and find out fascinating facts from our experts in daily talks and tours. Ride on the miniature railway and try our explosive science shows and hands-on family fun activities throughout the school holidays. https://www.visityork.org/explore/national-railway-museum-p793321

Madame Tussauds Blackpool offers a celebrity experience unlike any other. Mixing the best of British with international stars, there really is something for everyone. Take to the floor and meet the stars of Strictly! Tess and Claudia join judge Craig Revel Horwood in the Brand New Strictly Come Dancing experience only at Madame Tussauds Blackpool! Fans will meet the new Tess and Claudia wax figures and enjoy three new areas of fun, where activities include lifting a replica of the famous glitterball trophy, busting a move on a Strictly inspired dancefloor and even raising a scoring paddle from behind a re-creation of the Strictly judges’ desk. Madame Tussauds Blackpool’s Strictly Come Dancing immersive experience offers fans of all ages to chance to add some ballroom brilliance to their visit to the attraction. https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/madame-tussauds-blackpool-5887/

After major renovation works, the "House with the Tower" in Amiens, where Jules Verne lived from 1882 to 1900, once again offers visitors space where the imaginary world and the daily life of the famous writer mix. This luxury 19th-century mansion house witnessed the success of the writer, who wrote most of his "Extraordinary Voyages" there. Both imposing and modest, on four levels and through over 700 objects in the Amiens Metropole collection, the house reveals the personality, sources of inspiration and memories of Jules Verne. From the conservatory to the attic, relive the adventures of his heroes: Michel Strogoff, Phileas Fogg, Captain Nemo, etc. http://www.visit-amiens.com/tourinsoft/details/en_patrimoineculturel/PCUPIC0800010614/PCU

The limestone of the Picardy plateau was dug out in many places to form refuges. These refugees were called "muches" (hideouts in Picard language). Those in Naours, rediscovered at the end of the last century, are the largest known: all the underground areas combined can house around 2,600 people with their livestock. The layout is remarkable: around 300 chambers, public squares, stables, wells, chimneys, and a chapel with three naves. These underground areas were used by the British forces during the First World War and were used as the headquarters of the German forces during the second world war. Exhibitions of traditional trades. In the park: games, 2 windmills from the 18th century. http://www.visit-amiens.com/tourinsoft/details/en_patrimoineculturel/PCUPIC0800010624/PCU

The Toy Museum boasts one of the largest collections of toys in Europe. You'll find toys from all over the world, from early toys to modern. There's much more to a museum visit than just looking: you can play traditional games and relive historical events such as the Battle of Waterloo as if you had been there in person. Which of these toys did you play with yourself? And would young children still do so today? The museum brings memories of childhood flooding back for young and old. https://toerisme.mechelen.be/en/toy-museum-mechelen

The Dinan Rail Museum has been open to the public since 1989 and welcomes nearly 5,000 visitors each year. The museum is spread over 4 large rooms, video projections, static and dynamic collections of scale models will immerse you in the heart of the history of rail. Since its creation in 1983, the association of friends of the Dinanne rail has brought together enthusiasts of the railroad and railway model making (some often merging with the others). This museum is the fruit of their unconventional love for the railway heritage of their region. The visit lasts approximately 45 minutes and can continue with the discovery of Dinan, a medieval city. The city has a park: the Val Cocherel garden - equipped for picnics with the family (tables, games, toilets ...). The museum staff will provide you with any information on this subject. http://www.museedurail-dinan.com/

The Forest and Waters Museum is located in the Domaine de Bérinzenne in Spa. Come and discover the many secrets of the fauna and flora of the Fagnes. Through murals, stuffed animals, interactive modules and its cheerful mascot, the Musée de la Forêt et des Eaux offers a real immersion in the enchanting natural world of the Spa region. Wander from one room to another and listen to birds singing, streams flowing, observe wild animals and learn about the famous Spa water and forestry. A new theme is chosen every year, inspiring an exhibition and an adventure: a treasure hunt for children to make the most of the site. The museum is nestled at the heart of the Domaine de Bérinzenne, the perfect start for walks in the Fagne regio and home for the CRIE de Spa welcome centre. http://walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/musee-de-la-foret-et-des-eaux-domaine-de-berinzenne