Which Liverpool museums offer interactive exhibits for children?
As a visitor to the vibrant city of Liverpool, you'll find a stunning array of museums and galleries which offer a potpourri of fascinating exhibits. However, if you're travelling with your family, you'd want to ensure those little ones are just as entertained and engaged. To help you identify the best family-friendly options, we've compiled a list of Liverpool museums that offer interactive exhibits especially designed for children.
The World Museum
First on the list is the World Museum, a riveting destination that will pique the interest of both adults and children alike. Offering an exciting journey through time, space and culture, the World Museum combines a rich collection with interactive exhibits.
An impressive building located on William Brown Street, the World Museum's interactive exhibits include those in the Bug House, where children can get up close and personal with insects and spiders, and the Aquarium, that offers touch pool sessions. The museum is open seven days a week and the best part is, admission is free.
Merseyside Maritime Museum
If you're keen on maritime history, then the Merseyside Maritime Museum should be on your itinerary. Located in the Albert Dock area, this museum takes you on a fascinating voyage through Liverpool's seafaring past.
Children will be captivated by the 'Seized! The Border and Customs uncovered' gallery. It offers interactive exhibits where children can dress up as customs officers, inspect suspect luggage and learn about the role customs play in society. The museum, open daily, makes for an engaging and educational visit for the whole family.
Tate Liverpool
Placed in the Albert Dock area, Tate Liverpool is one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art outside London. The gallery has a dedicated family space where children can explore the collection through fun, hands-on activities.
Tate Liverpool offers an 'Open Studio' space that enables children to interact with the art pieces. By using a variety of materials, kids can create their own artwork inspired by the exhibitions. The gallery is open every day and admission is free, although some exhibitions may charge an entry fee.
Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool is yet another family-friendly museum that promises a fun-filled day with its interactive exhibits. Located on the Pier Head, this museum tells the story of Liverpool and its people.
Children can enjoy interactive exhibits such as the 'Little Liverpool' gallery, designed for children under six years. Here, they can build their own cityscape, take a ferry across the Mersey, or go shopping in the 1960s. The museum is open every day, and like many Liverpool museums, it offers free entry.
Walker Art Gallery
Last but not least, the Walker Art Gallery is another must-visit destination when in Liverpool. Situated on William Brown Street, the gallery houses one of the largest art collections in England.
Alongside its substantial collection, the gallery offers a variety of interactive exhibits for children. The 'Big Art for Little Artists' exhibit is specially designed for children under 8 years old, where they can play, draw, and explore art. The gallery is open daily, and entry is free.
To sum it up, the city of Liverpool offers a diverse range of museums and galleries catering to both adult and young visitors. Whether it's learning about bugs at the World Museum, dressing as customs officers at the Merseyside Maritime Museum, creating art at Tate Liverpool, building a cityscape at the Museum of Liverpool or exploring art at the Walker Art Gallery, there's something for every family to enjoy. So why wait? Plan your visit and explore the rich history, culture and art that Liverpool has to offer.
The Beatles Story
If you're in Liverpool, it would be impossible to miss out on a visit to the Beatles Story. Considered the world's largest exhibition purely devoted to The Beatles, this museum is located at the iconic Royal Albert Dock.
The interactive 'Discovery Zone' at the Beatles Story is a hit amongst children. Here, they can learn about The Beatles’ music, the times they lived in, and their influential legacy. The activities are both fun and educational, involving music, history, and discovery. Kids can create their own newspaper, perform on a replica of the Cavern Club stage, and explore a 60s-style 'Beatles Street'.
The Beatles Story is open every day, with family-friendly prices. Also, worth noting, the museum offers free entry to carers accompanying visitors with disabilities. So, whether you're a Beatles aficionado or just a casual admirer, this immersive museum is an opportunity to share the history of this legendary band with the younger generation.
Science Discovery at the National Museums Liverpool
Science is a great way to ignite curiosity and wonder in children and the National Museums Liverpool understand this perfectly. All their museums, including the World Museum and Merseyside Maritime Museum, have dedicated sections that engage children with science in a fun and interactive way.
At the World Museum, the 'Discovery Centre' is a favourite. Here, children can dig for dinosaur fossils, learn about natural history, admire their vast collection of fish, bugs, and molluscs, and even observe live colonies of leafcutter ants.
Merseyside Maritime Museum, on the other hand, offers a 'Sea of Voices' exhibit. It allows children to engage with maritime history through interactive displays, uncovering tales of seafaring, trade, and immigration.
National Museums Liverpool ensures that science discovery is a key part of their exhibits, making it a whole lot easier to encourage children to understand and appreciate this fascinating subject. Admission to all their museums is free, making it an affordable choice for families.
Conclusion
Liverpool surely is a treasure trove when it comes to museums and galleries that cater to both adults and children. The city's museums are equipped with interactive exhibits that not only entertain but also educate children, making learning fun and enjoyable.
From the world-class Tate Liverpool to the storytelling Museum of Liverpool; from the wonder-inducing World Museum to the maritime-themed Merseyside Maritime Museum; and from the art-filled Walker Art Gallery to the exciting Beatles Story, Liverpool has it all. What’s more, they are all in close proximity to each other, making it convenient for families to explore.
With such a rich array of museum options, Liverpool confidently stands as one of the best cities in the United Kingdom for a family-friendly museum tour. So, pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in the mesmerising world of history, culture, art, science, and more, all while keeping your little ones happily occupied. After all, where else can you find such a unique blend of education and entertainment, that too often for free? Truly, Liverpool museums are gems waiting to be discovered.