Best Children's Museums for Kids in America
From interactive science exhibits to hands-on art studios, these museums consistently get the highest ratings from families. Every museum on this list has been evaluated for age suitability, stroller access, and real cost for a family of four.
- 1
Denver Museum of Nature and Science Park
Denver, CO · ★ 4.9 (11 reviews)
Best for ages 2-10
Free nature playground outside Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Bighorn sheep climbing structures, boulders, and tunnels. Best for ages 2-10. No admission required.
- 2
Billy Graham Library
Charlotte, NC · ★ 4.8 (4,600 reviews)
Best for ages 7 and up
The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte: free admission, interactive exhibits on American history, and a beautiful memorial garden. Family guide.
- 3
James S. McDonnell Planetarium
St. Louis, MO · ★ 4.8 (32 reviews)
5–17
Full-dome space shows and space science exhibits at the St. Louis Science Center Planetarium. Best for ages 5–17. Tickets $8–$12/person.
- 4
The Hoot-n-Holler Inn
New Orleans, LA · ★ 4.8 (52 reviews)
Best for ages 2-10
Intimate children's museum and play venue in Mid-City New Orleans. Best for ages 2-10. Check Facebook for current hours. Highly rated local gem.
- 5
Bahamas Historical Society Museum
Nassau, Bahamas · ★ 4.8 (103 reviews)
6 and up
Free museum covering Bahamian history from Lucayans to independence. Small, authentic, volunteer-run. Great addition to a Nassau downtown walking tour.
- 6
Monsanto Insectarium
St. Louis, MO · ★ 4.8 (15 reviews)
4–17
Free indoor insect exhibit at the Saint Louis Zoo with tarantulas, giant beetles, leaf-cutter ants, and a butterfly section. Great for curious kids.
- 7
Adventure Forest at the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Denver, CO · ★ 4.8 (22 reviews)
Best for ages 2-10
Outdoor nature play forest at Children's Museum of Denver in Jefferson Park. Rope bridges, climbing structures, and natural play. Included with museum admission.
- 8
Prehistoria Museum & SkullStore Oddity Shop
Toronto, Canada · ★ 4.8 (735 reviews)
6-17
Prehistoria Museum and SkullStore in Toronto has real fossils, skulls, and natural oddities. Ages 6+. About $30-$50 CAD for a family of 4.
- 9
Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens
Indianapolis, IN · ★ 4.8 (789 reviews)
All ages
Explore Oldfields Lilly House and Gardens in Indianapolis, a stunning historic estate with formal gardens, a grand mansion, and family-friendly tours on the Newfields campus.
- 10
Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation
New York City, NY · ★ 4.8 (442 reviews)
4–17
The Richard Gilder Center at the American Museum of Natural History features a butterfly vivarium, insectarium, and Invisible Worlds theater. Family guide with admission tips and what kids love most.
- 11
Indiana State Museum
Indianapolis, IN · ★ 4.7 (4,323 reviews)
3–16
The Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis offers fossils, pop culture exhibits, and an IMAX theater — one of the best rainy-day destinations for families with kids of all ages.
- 12
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Dallas, TX · ★ 4.7 (20,264 reviews)
3–16
Top Dallas kids' science museum with dinosaur fossils, hands-on engineering, IMAX & energy exhibits. Ages 3–16. Allow 3–4 hours for a full visit.
- 13
MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada · ★ 4.7 (159 reviews)
Best for ages 5-12
Visit MONOVA Museum in North Vancouver with kids. Free permanent exhibits, hands-on history displays, and easy access from downtown via SeaBus.
- 14
Imperial War Museum
London, UK · ★ 4.7 (30,238 reviews)
8 and up
Free admission to Spitfires, V2 rockets, and WWI trenches at the Imperial War Museum. Best for families with kids 8 and up.
- 15
The British Museum
London, UK · ★ 4.7 (170,263 reviews)
All ages
Free entry to the British Museum in Bloomsbury. Mummies, Rosetta Stone, and 2,300+ objects. Family trails available. Pre-book entry on busy days.
- 16
Burritt on the Mountain
Huntsville, AL · ★ 4.7 (1,032 reviews)
1–12
Visit Burritt on the Mountain in Huntsville, AL — a living history museum with farm animals, historic cabins, and panoramic valley views. Great for families.
- 17
Louvre Museum
Paris, France · ★ 4.7 (361,031 reviews)
6–16
Tips for visiting the Louvre with children — including must-see highlights, the Egyptian wing, free under-18 entry, and how to avoid the crowds.
- 18
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
San José, Costa Rica · ★ 4.7 (3,813 reviews)
6-16
Costa Rica's Pre-Columbian Gold Museum in San José features 1,600+ ancient gold artifacts. Perfect indoor activity for families with kids 6+. Rated 4.7 stars.
- 19
Snow King Observatory & Planetarium
Jackson Hole, WY · ★ 4.7 (41 reviews)
5 and up
Snow King Observatory sits atop a gondola ride in Jackson Hole — family stargazing at 7,808 ft. Best ages, tips, and what to expect at the summit.
- 20
National Technical Museum
Prague, Czech Republic · ★ 4.7 (19,616 reviews)
3–17
Explore the National Technical Museum in Prague with kids. Vintage cars, planes, trains, and a mine replica — one of the best family museums in Czech Republic.