7 Children's Museums in Scotland That You Shouldn't Miss

Cousland Smiddy gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into our village's heritage, with an early 18th century blacksmith's workshop, Victorian cottage, other partially conserved associated buildings, organic allotments in the former gardens and recreational spaces to enjoy. We believe there has been a continuously working Smiddy on this site in the village since at least 1703. The location is home to Cousland Smiddy Trust, Cousland Local History Project, Cousland Community Heritage Hub and the Cousland Smiddy Plotters.

A visit to Dynamic Earth is like nothing else on Earth. It's a chance to experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet, to journey through space and time and even go on a 4DVENTURE around the world. You'll be embarking on the interactive adventure of a lifetime - the lifetime of our planet. As if this wasn't enough, Dynamic Earth is home to Scotland's only 360 degree full dome film theatre. We have a variety of films showing throughout the year.

A family-friendly museum on a peaceful riverside site with friendly farm animals, working watermill and interactive displays. Explore fields and woodland walks, join in daily demonstrations and activities, and let the kids go wild in playgrounds, pedal carts and trampolines. Take a trip by tractor, ride the narrow-gauge railway, explore the museum, or bounce around in the indoor soft play area. There is lots to see and do at Almond Valley indoors and out.

Rated 5 stars by VisitScotland, providing programs of entertaining Science theatre, Planetarium, and around 300 hands-on interactive science exhibits over three floors, to introduce science to everyone. Interaction distinguishes GSC, very few exhibits in glass cases and many opportunities to participate in Science. Included workshops and shows are a highlight, ranging from shadow puppets for youngsters to computer coding, robotics and ethical hacking for adults. "BodyWorks" examines the science behind human health and well-being, "Powering the Future" the future challenges and solutions in our energy-hungry world, and the digital planetarium allows visitors to 'leave earth' and travel through the cosmos. Science Mall admission includes free workshops and shows, with add-on charges of £3.00 for access to the Planetarium. A shop and cafe are free to access. Schools and outreach programs extend the Centre's work into the community. The Centre is a registered charity with surpluses returned to the education mission. Car parking and public transport links or a 15 minute walk along the Clyde from the City centre. The adjacent IMAX cinema is now operated by Cineworld.

Corrigall Farm Museum is a traditional ‘but and ben’ laid out as a typical Orkney farmhouse and steading in Victorian/late 19th century period, although it was still lived in like this until the last inhabitants left in the mid-20th century. The site has a working barn, a kiln for drying grain for milling and malting, horse-drawn machinery and livestock. Some older visitors may recognise objects or implements from their childhood in and around the museum, but present-day youngsters are can see how basic life was pre-electricity. The house is still heated by a peat fire, with its distinctive smelling smoke, and peat cutting implements are on display in the byre. The museum gives a fascinating insight into a way of life and an agricultural pattern that has all but disappeared from Orkney. FREE ADMISSION If the site is closed on a day you want to go there, why not visit Kirbuster Museum, Birsay, a few miles north?

Moat Brae is Scotland's National Centre for Children's Literature and Storytelling. The garden at Moat Brae was cited by none other than JM Barrie as the inspiration for his world famous play and novel about Peter Pan and Neverland. Barrie used to play there as a teenager in the 1870s while living in Dumfries and attending Dumfries Academy. Moat Brae hosts a regular programme of exciting events, tours and activities to inspire the imagination and encourage creativity. Our thing is books of course but there are interactive games, exhibitions and play areas for children. Moat Brae also boasts a fabulous free-to-access riverside cafe, book and gift shop and is open all year round. We're currently open on a reduced basis so please check before you book your visit. We look forward to welcoming you to JM Barrie's Enchanted Land!