Children’s museums are magical spaces where learning meets fun, inspiring young minds through interactive exhibits and hands-on exploration. Unlike traditional museums, these vibrant hubs encourage kids to touch, play, and experiment, sparking curiosity and creativity. From science experiments to art workshops and imaginative role-playing, these museums provide an immersive experience tailored for growing minds. Be it splashing around in water exhibits, climbing adventure forests, or tinkering in maker labs, every visit becomes an unforgettable adventure. If you’re looking for a place where education blends seamlessly with excitement, these top museums in the world are must-visit destinations.
Top 13 Children’s Museum In The World
Here is a list of top Children’s Museums in the world, perfect for family outings, these museums inspire curiosity and fun for kids of all ages.
1. The Children’s Museum Of Indianapolis
Photo: Daniel Schwen / Wikimedia Commons
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers an unparalleled learning experience through interactive exhibits covering science, culture, and history. One of its major attractions is the Dinosphere, where children can step into a recreated prehistoric world and encounter life-size dinosaur fossils. The SpaceQuest Planetarium allows kids to explore the universe through immersive space exhibits, while ScienceWorks encourages hands-on experimentation with various scientific concepts. The museum also includes a dedicated arts and humanities section, where children can engage with global cultures.
Location: 3000 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Timings: 10 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: $25 / ₹2200
Major Attractions: Dinosaur exhibits, space exploration displays, interactive science labs
2. The Strong National Museum Of Play, Rochester, USA
Photo: עדירל / Wikimedia Commons
The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, is one of the most exciting museums dedicated to the history and importance of play. It houses the National Toy Hall of Fame, featuring iconic toys like LEGO, Barbie, and Hot Wheels. The museum also offers interactive exhibits such as Sesame Street, a miniature kid-sized supermarket, and an indoor butterfly garden. Visitors can explore the history of video games, engage in hands-on science experiments, and immerse themselves in creative storytelling zones.
Location: 1 Manhattan Square Drive, Rochester, New York, USA
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: $25 / ₹2200
Major Attractions: Toy Hall of Fame, Sesame Street exhibit, butterfly garden, interactive play zones, video game history exhibits
3. The Deutsches Museum, Munich, Germany
Photo: Jorge Royan / Wikimedia Commons
The Deutsches Museum in Munich is one of the largest and most renowned science and technology museums in the world. It offers an immersive and interactive learning experience, making science fun for children and adults alike. The museum features exhibits covering diverse topics, including aviation, space exploration, robotics, and energy. Kids can explore a recreated underground mine, step into a planetarium, and engage with hands-on displays that demonstrate scientific principles in action. With fascinating sections dedicated to physics, chemistry, and engineering, the museum sparks curiosity and innovation in young minds.
Location: Museumsinsel 1, 80538 Munich, Germany
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: €15 / ₹ 1500
Major Attractions: Hands-on science exhibits, aviation displays, interactive planetarium, recreated underground mine
4. Le Musée Des Enfants, Brussels
Photo: Philippe de Champaigne / Wikimedia Commons
Le Musée des Enfants in Brussels is a unique museum designed to nurture children’s creativity, problem-solving skills, and self-expression. Unlike traditional museums, it offers role-playing and interactive exhibits that focus on personal development, emotions, and teamwork. The House of Emotions exhibit helps children understand and express their feelings through engaging activities. The Imaginarium stimulates creativity with hands-on artistic projects, while The Little Builders allows kids to experiment with construction and engineering concepts. With multilingual displays and workshops, the museum welcomes children from diverse backgrounds.
Location: Rue du Bourgmestre 15, 1050 Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium
Timings: Varies
Entry Fees: €9 / 900
Major Attractions: Interactive exhibits, creative workshops, educational activities
5. National Children’s Museum, Washington, D.C.
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia Commons
Blending STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education with play-based learning, the National Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C., provides an engaging space for kids to explore innovation and discovery. The Dream Machine exhibit encourages children to think creatively while problem-solving through puzzles and hands-on engineering tasks. Data Science Alley introduces young learners to digital literacy and the power of data through interactive games. The Innovation Sandbox fosters creativity through coding activities and robotics demonstrations.
Location: 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., USA
Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fees: $15.95 / ₹1400
Major Attractions: Dream Machine, Data Science Alley, Innovation Sandbox
6. Discover Children’s Story Centre, London, UK
Photo: Valerie Everett / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Discover Children’s Story Centre in London is a unique museum dedicated to storytelling, creativity, and imaginative play. Designed for children aged 0–11, it offers interactive exhibitions, storytelling sessions, and themed play areas that bring stories to life. Kids can step into magical worlds, create their own stories, and explore immersive installations inspired by famous children’s books. The Story World and Story Garden encourage creative thinking, while workshops with authors and illustrators enhance the experience. With a focus on literature and imaginative play, Discover is the perfect place for young book lovers and aspiring storytellers.
Location: 383-387 High Street, Stratford, London, UK
Timings: 10 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Monday & Tuesday)
Entry Fees: £9.50 / ₹900
Major Attractions: Interactive storytelling exhibits, Story World & Story Garden, author workshops, play zones
7. Istanbul Toy Museum, Turkey
Photo: Warmice01 / Wikimedia Commons
The Istanbul Toy Museum is a magical destination that takes visitors on a nostalgic journey through the history of toys from around the world. Founded by Turkish poet and author Sunay Akın in 2005, the museum showcases a collection of over 4,000 toys from different time periods and countries. From antique dolls to vintage tin soldiers and miniature trains, each exhibit tells a story of childhood from different cultures. The museum is set in a charming historical mansion, enhancing its whimsical atmosphere. With its unique displays and interactive storytelling sessions, it offers a delightful experience for both children and adults.
Location: Ömerpaşa Caddesi, Dr. Zeki Zeren Sokak No:17, Göztepe, Istanbul, Turkey
Timings: Varies
Entry Fees: 140 TL / ₹350
Major Attractions: Antique toy collections, vintage dolls, miniature train sets, storytelling sessions
8. The Buell Children’s Museum, Pueblo
Photo: David Shankbone / Wikimedia Commons
The Buell Children’s Museum is a unique space designed to spark creativity and curiosity in young minds through hands-on exhibits. With a strong focus on the arts, science, and history, the museum features interactive displays and educational programs that engage children of all ages. Kids can explore a dynamic art studio, participate in hands-on science experiments, and experience rotating exhibits that introduce new themes and activities. The Sensations exhibit is a sensory-rich environment where children can engage with light, sound, and textures, while the Artrageous Studio lets them unleash their creativity through various art projects.
Location: 210 N. Santa Fe Avenue, Pueblo, Colorado, USA
Timings: 11 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fees: $8 / ₹700
Major Attractions: Interactive art exhibits, science displays, educational workshops
9. The Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia
Photo: Smallbones / Wikimedia Commons
The Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia is designed to promote experiential learning through hands-on exhibits that encourage children to explore and create. One of its most beloved attractions is the Imagination Playground, where kids can build structures using oversized foam blocks. River Adventures introduces them to the properties of water through play, teaching them about currents and flow. The Alice in Wonderland exhibit immerses children in a magical world, encouraging storytelling and imaginative play. The museum also features a vintage carousel that provides a nostalgic experience for visitors.
Location: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fees: $19 / ₹1700
Major Attractions: Imagination playground, River Adventures water play, Alice in Wonderland exhibit
10. The Children’s Museum Of Denver
Photo: Cmdenver / Wikimedia Commons
The Children’s Museum of Denver offers an engaging and interactive environment where children can learn through exploration and play. The museum features a variety of exhibits catering to different interests, including science, art, and physical activity. The Adventure Forest is an outdoor climbing structure that challenges kids to navigate bridges, tunnels, and slides. Inside, Joy Park provides an expansive space for hands-on nature play, while the Teaching Kitchen introduces kids to cooking through fun and interactive classes. The museum regularly updates its exhibits and programs, ensuring that each visit provides a fresh and exciting learning experience for families.
Location: 2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver, Colorado, USA
Timings: Daily: 9 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fees: $15 / ₹1300
Major Attractions: Adventure Forest, Joy Park outdoor play, interactive science exhibits
11. The Children’s Museum Of Connecticut (Stepping Stones Museum for Children)
Photo: Noroton / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in Norwalk, Connecticut, the Stepping Stones Museum for Children offers a dynamic, hands-on learning experience designed to engage young minds. The museum’s exhibits focus on science, arts, and culture, providing children with opportunities to explore different fields in an interactive way. The Energy Lab is a popular attraction where kids can experiment with water and air to learn about renewable energy. Tot Town provides a safe and engaging space for toddlers to develop motor skills. The Light Gallery showcases interactive exhibits that teach children about colour, light, and shadows. Regular educational workshops and performances further enhance the museum’s offerings.
Location: 303 West Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut, USA
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: $16 / ₹1400
Major Attractions: Energy Lab, Tot Town for toddlers, hands-on science and art exhibits
12. The Children’s Museum Of Pittsburgh
Photo: Photojunkie / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is a hub of creativity and innovation, offering hands-on exhibits that inspire learning through play. The MAKESHOP is a favourite among visitors, providing a space where kids can experiment with tools, materials, and technology to build and create. The Waterplay area allows children to explore concepts like buoyancy and currents by engaging in water-based activities. The museum also features the Art Studio, where young artists can paint, sculpt, and participate in creative projects. With a strong focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, this museum ensures that children learn in an engaging environment.
Location: 10 Children’s Way, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: $18 / ₹1600
Major Attractions: MAKESHOP creativity lab, Waterplay area, art and innovation exhibits
13. NEMO Science Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Photo: Gamekeeper / Wikimedia Commons
NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam is a vibrant and interactive science center designed to spark curiosity and creativity in visitors of all ages. Housed in a striking ship-shaped building, it offers five floors of hands-on exhibits covering physics, chemistry, biology, and technology. Kids can experiment with electricity, build structures, learn about the human brain, and explore the wonders of space. The rooftop terrace provides stunning views of Amsterdam and features outdoor science exhibits. With its engaging workshops, live demonstrations, and immersive experiences, NEMO is a must-visit destination for young explorers and science enthusiasts.
Location: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: €17.50 / 1700
Major Attractions: Hands-on science exhibits, electricity experiments, rooftop terrace, live demonstrations
Children’s Museum offers an opportunity for kids to explore, create, and learn in a hands-on environment. From science and art to history and engineering, each visit leaves a lasting impression on young minds. Whether your child dreams of becoming an artist or a scientist, these spaces provide the perfect playground for imagination. Plan a trip with TripXL and step into a world where learning feels like play.
Cover Photo: anjanettew / Wikimedia Commons