Museums & science
Dinosaurs, rockets, robots and hands-on experiments. Many of the best are free, and they’re the ultimate rainy-day plan.
Photo: Chris Nguyen on Unsplash
Scout’s verdict
Pick two or three galleries rather than trying to see everything. Ask at the desk for free kids’ trails and activity sheets.
Showing 13 of 13 adventures
South Kensington, London
Dinosaurs, a blue whale skeleton and an earthquake room. Free general admission.
Scout: Arrive at opening for the dinosaur gallery.
South Kensington, London
Space, flight and hands-on science. Free general admission.
Scout: Some interactive galleries charge. Check before you go.
Bethnal Green, London
A free museum designed for children and young people, full of play and design.
Scout: Brilliant for under-10s on a wet day.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Dinosaurs, Dolly the sheep and hands-on galleries. Free general admission.
Scout: Head up to the rooftop terrace for city views.
Halifax, West Yorkshire, England
A hands-on museum made for children, with play-based galleries.
Scout: Best for under-11s. Book ahead in the holidays.
Leicester, England
Rockets, a planetarium and space galleries.
Scout: Catch a planetarium show: check times on arrival.
Greenwich, London
Stand on the Prime Meridian and catch a planetarium show.
Scout: Greenwich Park next door is free and great for a picnic.
Washington, DC, USA
Most Smithsonian museums are free, including Natural History and Air and Space.
Scout: Two museums a day max with younger kids.
San Francisco, California, USA
Hundreds of hands-on science exhibits on San Francisco’s waterfront.
Scout: Teens love the evening events: check the age rules.
Merritt Island, Florida, USA
Real rockets, astronaut stories and the Space Shuttle Atlantis.
Scout: An easy add-on to an Orlando trip. Check launch schedules.
Paris, France
One of Europe’s biggest science museums, with a dedicated children’s area.
Scout: Book the children’s area (Cité des enfants) in advance.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A hands-on science museum in a striking green building, with a rooftop terrace.
Scout: Great on a rainy Amsterdam day.
Museums near you
Many local museums are free and run holiday trails and crafts.
Scout: Ask at the desk for a kids’ trail sheet.
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Cost bands are a rough guide to a typical family visit, not prices. Always check current prices, ages and opening times on the official site.
Turn a visit into a mission: spot five dinosaurs, find the oldest thing, or vote on the weirdest object. Read science centres for kids, space days out and free London museums.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
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