8 museums to visit this half term

Looking for a something to keep the kids entertained this half term? Why not take a look at these museums across the UK, with free admission and plan your next day out. There are lots of museums across the UK so if we don't feature one in your area, you could search for one closer to you. Remember to check the admission price and opening times before you go.

With many of the exhibits designed especially for kids, The National Museum of Scotland is a brilliant place to learn about the natural world. There's plenty of interesting things to do and experiment with, musical instruments to play, hidden treasures to peek at and costumes to get dressed up in. Some of the stand out pieces at this museum include a gigantic whale skull, and a life-sized cast of a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton that's 12 metres long. Here's 10 activities you can try with kids at the museum. 

Step into the fort and immerse yourself in the world of the Romans right in the heart of South Shields. Explore inside the full-scale reconstructed Roman buildings including the West Gate, the Commanding Officer's house and a soldier's barrack block. You can also see one of the finest collections of Roman Britain finds, all of which was uncovered in and around the area. Stories are brought to life at Arbeia through a variety of events and displays including gladiator battles, falconry displays, Roman re-enactments, storytelling and more. Take a look at their what's on guide for more information. 

Manchester Art Gallery is in the heart of the city and it's a great family friendly place to visit offering playful activities for all ages. The Clore Art Studio is an interactive family space developed by artists, which you can access every day. During the school holidays, they run workshops for families. You can check their website for more details. 

World Museum has plenty to keep your kids amused for hours. Discover treasures from around the world, explore outer space and meet live creatures! The World museum is part of The National Museums Liverpool group which is a collection of free museums and galleries housing varied collections. Check out their free events listing and you could spend the entire day exploring Liverpool. 

Enjoy a fun day out at the Ulster Museum where you can come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see modern masterpieces. Admission is free and you can explore the museums rich collection of art, history and natural sciences.

Tudor House is perfect for a family visit with dressing up and games for children to play throughout the year. The Tobias Rat trail guides younger visitors through the museum to take a trip back in time to discover the lives and experiences of the people who lived here. Explore almost 500 years of past industries and city history.

Meet a life-sized blue whale or a roaring T-Rex dinosaur! At the Natural History Museum kids can delve into the Darwin Centre, get hands-on at the Investigate science lab or get shaken up in the earthquake machine.

With regular family exhibitions, plenty of interactive activities and action-packed school holiday programmes, there's something for everyone at the Natural History Museum.

One of Europe's leading open–air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction. The living museum stands in the grounds of the late 16th-century manor house St Fagans Castle and gardens. You can explore more than 40 original buildings from different historical periods which have been re-erected in the 100-acre parkland.

To find more free museums across the UK use our Museum Finder. 

Disclaimer - Entry to the museums above are free however you may have to pay for special exhibitions and activities, check prices and opening times before you travel.