Family activities
A family with an Explorer backpack, enjoying the Mammals gallery
The Museum offers a range of fun and engaging activities designed to appeal to and include all members of the family. With gallery trails, puppet shows, specimen handling and art activities, there is something for visitors of all ages and interests.
Self-led Museum trails
- Explorer backpacks - a rucksack full of ideas for families with children
- Explore and Discover guides- self-led gallery activities
Hands-on activities
- Focus points - learn about scientific techniques.
- Learning activators - meet our friendly learning volunteers.
- Hands-On Nature - handle specimens in the galleries.
- Investigate - hands-on science centre.
- Earth Lab - explore a fascinating collection of fossils, minerals and rocks.
- The Bird Table - discover how penguins and other birds are adapted to survive.
- Cutting Edge - handle real specimens in this family workshop
Shows and talks
- Nature Live - a daily programme of topical discussions with Museum scientists.
- Darwin Centre Spirit Collection Tour - a free behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoology Department
- Animal Vision - find out about the amazing adaptations that allow animals to see in this live animal show.
- Gallery characters – find out how scientists from the past contributed to current understanding of the natural world
Toolbox
