Museums that cater to children are full of interactive displays and manipulatives. There are museums of play, science museums, and children’s museums. But what about museums for the rest of us who happen to be traveling with children? Today’s post gives you 4 options for museums that you will enjoy too. These top museums for kids are destinations in their own right but you’ll want to take an extra day or two and explore the rest of the city as well. There’s plenty to keep kids occupied, plenty for adults to see, and enough history to impress.
Smithsonian – Washington, D.C.
The Smithsonian isn’t one museum but 19, all with free admission. Ranging from the National Zoo to the Air and Space Museum, this complex is known as “the nation’s attic” and holds more than 130 million items in its halls.
Terra-cotta warriors in Xi’an
Terra-cotta Warriors – Xi’an, China
Thousands and thousands of stone statues standing in perfect formation, a silent army entombed with their leader. The first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ruled during the 2nd century B.C. His burial complex near Xi’an is at least a square mile in size, all underground. Artisans crafted an army of terra-cotta warriors for him to lead in the afterlife. This is one sight that doesn’t disappoint.
Edo-Tokyo Museum – Koganei, Japan
The Edo-Tokyo Museum traces the history of Japan from the 16th century to the modern era. There are two portions of the museum. The metropolitan portion in Tokyo houses displays and models depicting life in Japan for the last 400 years. The outdoor portion in Koganei has full-size buildings that you can wander through from each of these periods. Gain a sense of the rich history of this island nation.
Vatican Museums – The Vatican
It’s hard to describe how ancient Rome feels. The name itself denotes centuries of history. There’s a lot to see in the second smallest sovereign state in the world. Saint Peter is buried under the Basilica. A tour of the Vatican museums includes masterpieces from the Renaissance and antiquity. It ends in the Sistine Chapel, famously painted by Michelangelo.
What are your top museums for kids? Share in the comments below.