Educational attractions offer families unique opportunities to learn and bond together. From interactive science exhibits to immersive art experiences, these destinations provide engaging environments for all ages. Drawing on insights from education experts, this article explores some of the world’s most captivating and enriching family-friendly attractions.

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  • Explore Interactive Science at Manchester Museums
  • Discover Modern Art at MoMA
  • Journey Through Time at The Met
  • Experience Nature’s Forces at Arizona Science Center
  • Adventure Through City Museum’s Artistic Playground
  • Immerse in New Zealand Culture at Te Papa
  • Engage with Science at Questacon in Canberra
  • Learn Through Play at Boston Children’s Museum
  • Uncover History and Culture at Te Papa
  • Wonder at Natural History Museum’s Prehistoric Treasures
  • Build Family Bonds at Orlando Science Center
  • Dive into History at American Natural History Museum
  • Explore Real-World Jobs at The Magic House
  • Experience Diverse Ecosystems at California Academy of Sciences
  • Ignite Curiosity at Boston’s Museum of Science
  • Unleash Creativity at Kids Plaza Osaka
  • Blend Learning and Fun at Cleveland Museums
  • Embrace Creativity at Fringe Festivals Worldwide

Explore Interactive Science at Manchester Museums

I believe all museums are educational and full of rich history to some extent. In Manchester, I would recommend the Science and Industry Museum. It has hands-on exhibits, engines, and experiments that both children and adults find interesting. You can learn a lot about the city’s industrial past through to space travel.

Then there is also the Manchester Museum. Here you can explore dinosaurs, ancient artifacts, and many other natural history displays. It’s quite fun and educational, and something you can enjoy with your whole family.

We The Curious, located in Bristol, is also quite famous. It’s right by the harborside, so people usually get to enjoy a full day out. It’s more of an interactive science center that is perfect for children. They can run around, press buttons, and explore different exhibits.

James Owen, Co-Founder & Director, Click Intelligence

Discover Modern Art at MoMA

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City is a fantastic family-friendly cultural attraction that offers both educational and entertaining experiences. MoMA is renowned for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by iconic artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol.

One of the highlights for families is the interactive exhibits and workshops designed to engage visitors of all ages. The museum often hosts family programs that include art-making activities, gallery tours tailored for children, and storytelling sessions that bring the artworks to life. These activities provide a hands-on learning experience that encourages creativity and curiosity.

Additionally, MoMA’s sculpture garden is a delightful space where families can relax and enjoy the outdoor art installations. It’s a perfect spot for kids to explore and appreciate art in a more informal setting. Overall, MoMA offers a rich blend of visual stimulation and educational opportunities, making it a memorable destination for families seeking both entertainment and learning.

Rubens Basso, Chief Technology Officer, FieldRoutes

Journey Through Time at The Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is a fantastic spot for families looking for both educational and entertaining experiences. One of the highlights is the Arts of Africa exhibit, which offers a fascinating look at the diverse cultural heritage and artistic traditions from across the African continent. You’ll find everything from intricate sculptures to vibrant textiles, giving everyone a chance to explore and learn about different cultures and histories.

For families with kids ages 7-11, the Art Trek program is a real treat. It’s like a mini adventure through the museum, where you can travel through time and around the world, discovering favorite works of art together. It’s a fun and interactive way to dive into the museum’s vast collection. Plus, it’s offered on Saturdays alongside Start with Art at The Met, which is perfect for families with kids of different ages, so everyone can join in on the fun.

These programs make the Met a great place for families to connect over art and culture, creating lasting memories and sparking curiosity in visitors of all ages.

Travis Willis, Director of Customer Success, Aspire

Experience Nature’s Forces at Arizona Science Center

The Arizona Science Center in Phoenix remains one of those rare spots where education and play can happen under a single roof. One standout family-friendly display is the “Forces of Nature” exhibit, where visitors step into simulations of hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires. Nearby, the Dorrance Planetarium projects starlit stories onto a 360-degree dome, which turns abstract astronomy into an immersive spectacle. Older children and teenagers are often drawn to the adjacent CREATE Makerspace, where they can design 3D modeling projects, experiment with new tools, and follow optional, hands-on workshops.

Joe Cronin, President, International Citizens Insurance

Adventure Through City Museum’s Artistic Playground

One of the most unique and enjoyable cultural attractions I’ve visited is the City Museum in St. Louis, Missouri. Unlike any museum I’d ever seen, it felt more like a giant artistic playground built inside a former shoe factory. It’s hard to describe—it’s part sculpture, part maze, part funhouse, and entirely hands-on.

We spent hours exploring winding tunnels, crawling through reimagined industrial structures, and climbing up into suspended school buses hanging off the roof. My favorite part was the 10-story spiral slide, which we all raced down more than once. My parents, who usually stick to traditional museums, ended up having just as much fun as my younger siblings and me. The museum is full of repurposed architectural and industrial objects, so there’s also a lot of history and creativity embedded in every corner.

What made the experience special was how it encouraged imagination and exploration at every age. The City Museum isn’t about looking at exhibits—it’s about becoming part of them. We left completely exhausted and completely amazed. It’s truly one of the most original and entertaining museums in the country.

Rengie Wisper, CMO, CarLightsLogo

Immerse in New Zealand Culture at Te Papa

One family-friendly museum in New Zealand that stands out as both educational and entertaining is Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum of New Zealand, located in Wellington. It offers an impressive blend of interactivity, history, science, and culture that engages visitors of all ages. What makes Te Papa unique is how seamlessly it weaves together the natural world, Maori heritage, and contemporary New Zealand identity in a hands-on, visually captivating way.

Even younger visitors who might not fully grasp the historical context are drawn in by the emotional visuals and immersive design. For kids, the Nature zone was a hit. It features real animal specimens, interactive screens, and activities like earthquake simulations that kept everyone curious and involved.

The museum’s layout encourages exploration, and there’s enough variety to hold attention for hours without feeling overwhelmed. Best of all, entry is free for general admission, making it accessible to families on any budget. If you’re visiting New Zealand with kids, Te Papa offers a meaningful way to learn about the country’s past and present while having fun together.

Joe Benson, Cofounder, Eversite

Engage with Science at Questacon in Canberra

Questacon in Canberra, Australia, is a great science museum that has excellent science shows and interactive exhibits. I enjoyed running on a track to try and beat the world record with a speedometer.

Timothy Yang, Managing Director, Marketing Mouse

Learn Through Play at Boston Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum in Boston is one of the family-friendly museums that we liked. It strikes a great balance between education and entertainment. My children enjoyed the hands-on science displays where they could touch, construct, and experiment. The water play area was a huge success, as it allowed them to experiment with concepts such as flow and pressure in a practical way. The most notable aspect was that every exhibit invited curiosity without feeling like a formal lesson. The storytelling sessions were also interesting to the adults, which made it fun for all. It is a place where learning occurs as a natural process of playing and exploring.

Mark Tipton, CEO & Founder, Aspire

Uncover History and Culture at Te Papa

Te Papa in Wellington is a standout for families. It has that rare mix of fun and learning that keeps both kids and adults interested. One part that really stuck with us was the earthquake simulator; our kids talked about it for days. There are also plenty of hands-on areas where you can explore science, history, and culture in a way that doesn’t feel like a lecture. It’s the kind of place where time flies without you realizing how much you’ve actually taken in.

There’s this great mix of natural history, Māori culture, and technology that keeps things moving and never feels dry. Plus, the layout makes it easy to explore at your own pace. It’s educational, but in that sneaky way where you’re learning without even realizing it.

Conrad Cranfield, Managing Director, Stand Desk Pty Ltd

Wonder at Natural History Museum’s Prehistoric Treasures

One of the most memorable family-friendly museums I’ve visited is the Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C. My kids were completely mesmerized by the dinosaur exhibit—we spent nearly an hour just walking around the towering skeletons of T-Rex and triceratops while they asked non-stop questions about prehistoric life. What really made it magical, though, was the interactive discovery room. The museum had all these hands-on activities where kids could touch real fossils, examine insects under a microscope, and even feel the weight of a meteorite. I could see their imaginations coming alive in real time.

What I really appreciated was how the museum managed to strike that perfect balance between education and fun. Even as adults, we were just as enthralled by the incredible display of gems and minerals or the lifelike dioramas showcasing animals from around the world. It’s an experience that fascinated every age in our family, and we left not only entertained but a little smarter, too. If you’re looking to combine learning with a sense of wonder, I can’t recommend it enough!

Dilyar Buzan, Chief Executive Officer, Humanize AI Text

Build Family Bonds at Orlando Science Center

For families seeking an outing that is as educational as it is genuinely fun, I wholeheartedly recommend the Orlando Science Center. It’s a place where children can engage their senses and curiosity, transforming learning into an exciting adventure. From a psychiatric perspective, this kind of interactive, multi-sensory environment is fantastic for a child’s cognitive development and for strengthening family bonds.

In my practice, I often emphasize the importance of shared experiences in building healthy family relationships. I recently worked with a family whose young son struggled with social anxiety. They wanted an activity that wouldn’t feel overwhelming but would encourage him to engage with his surroundings. A trip to the Science Center’s “KidsTown” exhibit became a breakthrough moment for them.

The parents were amazed to see their son come alive in the interactive Orange Grove. Though hesitant at first, he was soon moving “oranges” through the contraptions and even initiated play with another child. The hands-on nature of the exhibit allowed him to learn through doing, which builds confidence in a way passive observation cannot.

For this family, the shared joy in that simple activity created a powerful, positive memory. It reinforced their connection and their son’s sense of security in exploring the world. These are the moments that truly nurture family well-being.

What makes the Science Center so effective is its variety. While younger children are captivated by the water tables in KidsTown, older kids and teens can explore everything from “DinoDigs” to the complexities of the human body in the “Life” exhibit.

This diversity allows each family member to find something that sparks their interest. It provides a wonderful opportunity for children to share their newfound knowledge and for parents to see the world through their children’s eyes. It’s more than a day out; it’s an investment in your child’s brain and your family’s heart.

Ishdeep Narang, MD, Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist | Founder, ACES Psychiatry

Dive into History at American Natural History Museum

The first one that instantly comes to mind is the American Museum of Natural History in NYC. It’s one of my favorite museums in the country. It is very educational, with tons of different exhibits and presentations you can watch, and it’s super fun too. Kids of all ages would enjoy seeing things like the dinosaur skeletons and the famous blue whale model. Plus, it’s where the movie “Night at the Museum” is based, so that adds another layer of fun for the kids!

Steve Schwab, CEO, Casago

Explore Real-World Jobs at The Magic House

In our region of the Midwest, one standout family-friendly cultural attraction is The Magic House in St. Louis, Missouri. It’s about an hour and a half from our Serenity Storage locations, and it’s well worth the trip. The museum blends hands-on learning with fun in a way that keeps both kids and parents engaged from start to finish.

One of the exhibits our family enjoyed the most was the “Children’s Village,” where kids can role-play real-world jobs like being a firefighter, banker, or grocery store clerk. It’s incredibly interactive and gives them a chance to learn through doing. There’s also the famous electrostatic generator, which is always a hit.

We also spent time in the STEAM Center, which combines science, technology, engineering, art, and math through creative challenges and projects. It’s a great spot for curious minds to explore, build, and experiment.

The Magic House is one of those rare places that strikes the perfect balance between entertainment and education. It’s clean, well-organized, and packed with things to do, which makes it ideal for families with children of all ages.

David Kolstedt, Owner/President, Serenity Storage

Experience Diverse Ecosystems at California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco was a standout for my family—super educational but also really engaging. The indoor rainforest was the highlight for the kids, with butterflies flying around and birds right up close. We also loved the aquarium, especially the touch tanks and the jellyfish display. The planetarium show surprised me the most, honestly—it was incredibly immersive and easy to follow even for younger kids. Everything is laid out so you can move through it at your own pace, and there’s something to grab your attention in every corner. It’s the kind of place where you’re learning without even realizing it.

Rob BonDurant, VP of Marketing, Osprey

Ignite Curiosity at Boston’s Museum of Science

One place that really hit the sweet spot for my family was the Museum of Science in Boston. We visited during a long weekend, and it ended up being one of those rare experiences where everyone was genuinely engaged the whole time.

What we loved most were the interactive exhibits that made big concepts feel simple and fun. The lightning show had us all wide-eyed, and the kids couldn’t get enough of the engineering design workshop, where they got to build and test mini wind turbines. It was messy, creative, and oddly calming.

For me, the planetarium show was a quiet favorite—just sitting in the dark, looking up at simulated stars, and hearing a story about our place in the universe. It reminded me of why I love what I do: helping people understand and present ideas in a way that actually sticks.

It’s one of those places where learning sneaks in under the radar—through play, exploration, and a bit of wonder. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for something meaningful that doesn’t feel like a school field trip.

Diana Babaeva, Founder & CEO, Twistly

Unleash Creativity at Kids Plaza Osaka

One of the most unforgettable family-friendly attractions we’ve experienced is Kids Plaza Osaka. It’s an indoor cultural and educational center designed entirely for children, and it might just be the best-value day out we’ve had in Japan. Every floor is packed with hands-on activities, creative exhibits, and spaces where kids can climb, build, run, and explore freely.

The heart of the building is Kids Town, a huge, multi-level climbing structure that winds through the center of the building like a colorful maze. It’s part play space, part architectural wonder, and our kids spent ages navigating it while we explored everything else on offer.

What sets Kids Plaza apart is how well it blends play with learning. Themed zones include science, technology, body movement, and real-world roleplay. One of the biggest hits with our children was the “speed run” track, where they could sprint full-pelt into a padded wall while a giant speedometer recorded their time. Just around the corner is a bubble-making zone where they could create huge floating bubbles with oversized wands.

The roleplay section is brilliant. Kids can go shopping with a trolley, scan their own items at a working till, and print out a little receipt. There’s even a postman activity where they are given a bag of letters and set off on their own around the museum to match addresses with the correct post boxes. It is the kind of experience that makes kids feel independent and curious, while learning real-world skills in a fun way.

There’s a space for toddlers, plenty of quiet areas for parents, and the whole place is stroller-friendly. Despite being in Japan, we managed perfectly without knowing any Japanese. The staff were incredibly friendly and most exhibits are visual and intuitive. It’s all designed with families in mind.

We originally stepped in just to escape the heat but ended up staying for most of the day. Entry is very budget-friendly, especially considering how much there is to do. If you’re heading to Osaka with kids, this should be top of your list.

Phil O’Dwyer, Author, Winging It Worldwide

Blend Learning and Fun at Cleveland Museums

Right next to our facility is the American Military Museum, which is already a fascinating stop. However, if you’re looking to round out your visit with something educational and fun for the whole family, I’d recommend the Children’s Museum of Cleveland and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Both are a short drive away and offer hands-on experiences that kids genuinely enjoy.

At the Children’s Museum, our family especially enjoyed Adventure City and the Wonder Lab. The kids loved climbing through the two-story play structure and experimenting with water, air, and light in the interactive exhibits. It’s a great mix of play and learning, and it’s easy to spend a couple of hours there without anyone getting bored.

The Natural History Museum was another hit. Seeing the full-size dinosaur skeletons, exploring the Discovery Center, and interacting with live animal habitats made it a favorite for our older kids. There’s also plenty for younger ones to touch and explore, which keeps everyone engaged. Both places offer that perfect blend of fun and education, making them great additions to any family day out.

Aaron Frank, Owner, Rizzzo Self Storage

Embrace Creativity at Fringe Festivals Worldwide

One of the most unexpectedly perfect family-friendly cultural experiences is attending a Fringe Festival. Found in major cities around the world—like Toronto, San Diego, Edinburgh, Melbourne, and Sydney—and in hundreds of smaller communities, there’s likely a Fringe happening near you. These vibrant festivals showcase a huge variety of live performances, many created specifically with children and families in mind.

Fringe shows are short, affordable (often less than the cost of a movie ticket), and incredibly creative. They’re a fantastic way to introduce kids to theatre, dance, puppetry, comedy, and even magic—performed by artists from across the globe. Many festivals feature full daytime lineups dedicated to youth and family programming, as well as outdoor activities, parades, and hands-on workshops.

Some of our favorite moments have included interactive storytelling, clown acts that had the entire audience laughing, and watching young performers take the stage for the very first time. It’s hands-on, inclusive, and packed with inspiration—a wonderful way to make the arts feel accessible and exciting for all ages.

Jaylene Wells, Creative Director, JWells Works