Kids in Museums

Discovery Depot Indoor Play Area

The indoor play area known as ‘The Discovery Depot’ can be found next to the Great Exhibition Hall and is suitable for children under 10 years.

The outdoor playground can be found near to Victoria Park.

Outdoor Play Area

The outdoor play area includes a Mordred castle, swings, see-saw, twister, zip wire and pick- up sticks. The outdoor play area is situated near to the Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail and will provide more facilities for older children.

Backpacks

Why not borrow one of our brilliant backpacks to get the most out of your visit? They are full of activities to encourage you to explore the Woodland Walk with it’s fascinating Sculpture Trail as well as the Museum’s exhibitions. They are suitable for 3 – 11 year olds and are available from reception.

Choose the appropriate backpack for your child’s age and interest:

1. Calling all Explorers – Key stage 1 (Infants and families with younger children.
2. Calling all Storytellers – (Owl Babies Story & Fox’s Socks Story) – Early Years and Key Stage 1 (Nursery, infants and families with young children).
3. Calling all Nature Champions – Birds and Butterflies – Key Stage 2 (Juniors and families with older children).
4. Calling all Nature Champions – Plants and Insects – Key Stage 2 (Juniors and families with older children).
5. Calling all Tramway Trackers – Key Stage 2+ (Juniors and families with older children).
6. Sensory Support – S1, S2 – Children and young people with learning difficulties.

Facilities

Baby changing facilities can be found in the Red Lion and Assembly Room toilets and in the Gents toilet behind Barnett’s Sweet Shop. We also have two large picnic areas, one on the outdoor play area and one situated along the Woodland Walk offering amazing views over the Derwent Valley. There are also picnic tables situated around the bandstand (opposite the entrance).

We are an accessible Museum with smooth pathways through the granite setts, making the Museum suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There are also lifts or ramps to all visitor facilities. You can even bring your dog with you provided that they are kept on a lead at all times and you clean up after them (though they are not permitted in the cafe or the indoor children’s play area).