10 of the UK’s best

10 of the UK’s best museums for kids

Nov 2011

7 top reasons to take a trip to Edinburgh this August

Don't expect glass cases and hushed voices at these museums. They're all noise, whizzy effects and stuff to grab. The children will love them too!

1. At-Bristol Bristol

The interactive adventure of a lifetime. At-Bristol's three attractions are set on the city's harbourside in a mix of sci-fi and historic buildings. Wildwalk is a breathtaking journey through the plant and animal kingdoms. Explore is the UK's most exciting hands-on science centre. The IMAX theatre is the largest cinema screen in the west of England.

2. Eureka! The Museum for Children Halifax

Over 400 'must touch' exhibits, interactive activities and challenges. Embark on a journey of discovery through four main spaces where children can find out how their bodies work, discover the facts of daily life, travel to amazing faraway places, and create their own sounds and music. Two new galleries provide small children with an introduction to the natural world.

3. Glasgow Science Centre Glasgow

Highlights include the Scottish Power Planetarium, Scotland's only IMAX cinema, and the remarkable, 127-metre Glasgow Tower, with breathtaking views of the city (it is popular, so check before visiting).

4. INTECH – Family Science Centre Winchester

Interactive exhibits demonstrate the science and technology of the world around us, things like viscosity, tornados, and Newton's Cradle. Newton's Cradle? The idea here is most definitely 'hands-on', and 'Doing is Believing'.

5. The Look Out Discovery Centre Bracknell

Budding scientists can spend hours exploring over 70 fun-filled exhibits within five themed zones. The zones include Light and Colour, Forces and Movement and the Body and Perception. An exciting new zone, Woodland and Water, has a vortex, stream, ant colony and more. Climb the 88 steps to the Look Out tower (closed when wet) or enjoy a nature walk in the surrounding 2,600 acres of woodland.

6. Magna Science Adventure Centre Rotherham

This is the UK's first Science Adventure Centre, an exciting exploration of Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Create your own adventure through hands-on interactive challenges, visit the Sci-Tec outdoor adventure playground, and have fun with the mysteries of our world.

7. Loch Ness Exhibition Centre Drumnadrochit

A fascinating and popular 30-minute presentation, using computer animation and lasers. Seven themed areas cover the story of the Loch Ness Monster from the prehistory of Scotland, through Highland folklore to the controversy of modern times.

8. Science Museum London SW7

This place is an old favourite. Meet the past, present and future of technology across seven floors of free galleries. Have fun with science in the famous hands-on section, helped by the Museum's dedicated Explainers. Icons from the history of science go from Stephenson's 1829 Rocket to the Apollo 10 command module. Charges apply to the 3D IMAX cinema and some exhibitions.

9. Techniquest Cardiff

There's always something new to explore at this exciting science discovery centre in the heart of the Cardiff Bay. Journey into space in the planetarium, enjoy an interactive Science Theatre Show, or grab one of the 150 hands-on exhibits.

10. V&A Museum of Childhood London E2

This museum turned 150 in 2007. It now has a stunning new entrance, updated galleries and more public spaces. Galleries include Creativity, Moving Toys, World in the East End, Design in Focus, and Children in Trouble. Exhibitions include a celebration of Miffy the rabbit, Picasso's natural history, and Lost in Space.

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