Families
From superb stories to terrific trails, there’s so much for families to enjoy at Dorset Museum.
Find out how to get involved now, and what’s coming up when we open.
Our new John White Learning Centre is the ideal place for all kinds of messy craft activities. The fun spills out into the galleries too, with tours, trails, object handling and special booked events. We want to make sure you have everything you need for a fun and friendly visit.
The information below will help you plan ahead.
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Opening hours:
Daily: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 4.00pm -
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Coming Up at the Museum
An exciting programme of family activities means there’s always something new to do at Dorset Museum. Look out for special events all year round, including fun for under-fives – a great way for grown-ups to enjoy the collections while keeping little explorers engaged. And our fascinating themed activities for school holidays will bring Dorset’s stories alive for everyone.
Activities
Exciting Events
Come along to one of our special events for families, including themed make and take, arts and crafts, storytelling and more.
Tempting Trails
Our trails are designed to help families explore the collections together. Choose the Adventure Pack to discover amazing mosaics, go on our Nature Exploration in the Natural Dorset gallery or walk in Thomas Hardy’s Footsteps in the Hardy’s Dorset gallery.
Pick a trail up at the Welcome Desk when you get here.
Handling Trolley
Get hands-on with history as we bring real objects out of our stores and from behind glass. The trolley’s outings give you amazing opportunities to handle unique objects and look at them up close.
Interactives
Throughout the new galleries, you can discover and explore our interactives designed for families to have fun and learn about the displays in a hands-on and memorable way.
Making Family Visits Accessible
Everyone is welcome at Dorset Museum. Our Welcome Team is here to offer support and resources and help you make the most of your visit. Find them at the Welcome Desk on the Ground Floor.
Facilities
Calm Space
If your family needs some quiet time, just ask at the Welcome Desk about using our Calm Space on the Second Floor.
Baby Care
Baby changing facilities are on the Ground Floor. Breastfeeding is welcome in the museum. If you’d like to use our Calm Space, just ask at the Welcome Desk.
Toilets
Accessible toilets are on the Ground, First and Second Floors. There’s a Changing Places Toilet on the Ground Floor.
Bags and Buggies
You are welcome to take buggies around the Museum. There is also a small buggy park behind the Welcome area, along with lockers. We cannot take any responsibility for the security of items left with us.
Hungry or Thirsty?
Our café has a great selection of fresh snacks, lunches and drinks for all ages. High chairs are available and our team there can heat bottles for little ones too. To protect our collections, we don’t allow food or drink in the galleries.
Additional Resources
Sensory Backpacks
Designed to appeal to everyone, especially children who benefit from sensory activities. These backpacks come with fidget toys and resources to use in the galleries.
Ask at the Welcome Desk to borrow one when you get here, or email to book one ahead. There is a small refundable deposit of £5 to pay.
Ear Defenders
Borrow child or adult ear defenders at the Welcome Desk.
Accessible Gallery Resources
Large-print gallery text and braille guides are available at the Welcome Desk.
There are also audio points.
What's On
13 October 2021 - 9 January 2022
Elmer and Friends
The Colourful World of David McKee An exhibition from Seven Stories: The National Centre for Children’s Books. 13 October 2021 to 9 January 2022…
Find out more2 December 2021 – 6 March 2022
My Creative Life: Talking Heads
2 December 2021 – 6 March 2022 The heads on display are the expression of a creative process facilitated by Janna Edwards and the Dorset…
Find out moreOnline
Wildlife in the Red
Online Exhibition: Wildlife in the Red The Wessex Museums partnership is pitching in against biodiversity loss. ‘Wildlife in the Red’ is the title of their…
Find out more12 February 2022
Quiet Revolutions
Work inspired by Sylvia Townsend Warner and Valentine Ackland 12 February 2022, 6.30pm Amanda Chambers (Picture Credit Max McClure) Join us for this special LGBT+…
Find out more20 January 2022
Tom Sharpe – Mary Anning, the fossil woman
20 January 2022, 7 pm Join Tom Sharpe, formerly Curator of Palaeontology and Archives at the National Museum of Wales, and author of ‘The…
Find out more16 December 2021
Dr Clare Randall – ‘Anciently a manor’: the medieval manor at Lower Putton Lane, Chickerell
Excavations of the medieval manor at Lower Putton Lane, Chickerell 16 December 2021, 7 pm Join Dr Clare Randall to find out more about…
Find out more16 December 2021
Archaeological Treasures of Dorset tour
16 December 2021 Discover ten significant archaeology objects from our People’s Dorset gallery on this volunteer-led tour. First Tour Time: 5 pm to 5.40…
Find out more16 December 2021
Museum after hours
16 December 2021, 5 pm, FREE Enjoy an opportunity to explore Dorset Museum after hours at this free late opening and an opportunity to explore…
Find out moreDecember
Christmas Crafts
Sunday Craft Activity Feel the festive spirit and join in our winter and Christmas themed crafts in December.
Find out moreTASTE Café
Hungry or Thirsty?
TASTE café at Dorset Museum has a great selection of fresh snacks, lunches, and drinks for all ages. High chairs are available and our team there can heat bottles for little ones too.
To protect our collections, we don’t allow food or drink in the galleries.
Shop
Gifts and Souvenirs
Remember your visit with a little something from our wonderful selection of pocket money goodies for all ages.