Babies and toddlers

The museum isn’t just for children old enough to walk around it unaided!  Exploring with babies and toddlers encourages lots of developmental aims, including language, motor skills, exploration, understanding, play and imagination.

Babies will enjoy the different atmosphere, things to point at and the way you can talk to them as you take them around the different galleries.  For toddlers, it’s a chance to try out their new movement skills, learn new words and play.  We have animals they will recognise from their story books and a full-size T. rex to meet.

Which galleries do you recommend for us?

Any or all of the galleries in the museum may interest our youngest visitors! Click here to see our permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions.

We also recommend visiting the Mouse House, which is especially for our youngest visitors and their families. Designed to excite curiosity and encourage young children to explore, the Mouse House gallery is full of surprises introducing the museum’s diverse collections. Choose an activity from the walls of the Mouse House to help you explore the rest of the museum. 

Free, apart from the planetarium, which starts at £37 per showing. Further planetarium details here

If you would like a workshop as part of your day:  Wednesdays in term-time.

If you don’t want to book a workshop, and want to be self-led in the galleries: We can typically accommodate you on a term-time date of your choice. 

You still need to book with us so we can organise coat and bag storage, a lunch space, and greeting you on arrival. We'll also provide information about events or temporary gallery closures on your visit date.

To make a booking enquiry, click the link below.