Children’s Museums are more than just play places, they’re a tool to help kids learn to interact and be successful in the world around them. From the McWane Science Center to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham is full of incredible children’s educational resources that are perfect for a day out with the family! Featuring art exhibitions to hands-on interactive displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are four of our favorite child-friendly museums.

4 Child-Friendly Museums in and around Birmingham

Anniston

Anniston Museum of Natural History

800 Museum Dr, Anniston, AL 36206
Ages 2+

The Anniston Museum of Natural History is a great destination for families looking to learn and have fun together. The museum features interactive exhibits that teach children about the natural world, including life-sized Pteranodon models, a replica of an ancient Egyptian tomb, and a touch tank filled with live animals. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and camps for kids, as well as birthday packages and activities throughout the year. Admission to the Anniston Museum of Natural History is $8 to $12 for children ages three and up.

Birmingham

Birmingham Museum of Art

2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203
Ages 4+

The Birmingham Museum of Art is a fantastic place to take the whole family for a day of cultural enrichment and fun. One highlight of the museum is Bart’s ArtVenture, an interactive family gallery designed just for kids. In this gallery, kids can explore and create art through hands-on activities and exhibits. For an even more immersive experience, children can join Bart’s Kids Club, a membership program that offers drop-in art activities with a different theme each month. Admission to the Birmingham Museum of Art is free, donations however are welcome.

McWane Science Center

200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Ages 2+

The McWane Science Center is a popular destination for families with children. Located in downtown Birmingham, the science center features a variety of hands-on exhibits and activities designed to educate and entertain young visitors. Some of the McWane Science Center exhibits include an aquarium, a dinosaur fossils display, and Itty Bitty Magic City, where tots can play around and simultaneously experience adult life in a bustling metropolis. The science center also offers a variety of programs and workshops, such science camps.

Tuscaloosa

Children’s Hands-On Museum

2213 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Ages 2+

The Children’s Hands-on Museum is a great place for families with young children to have a fun and educational experience. The museum has many interactive exhibits that will keep kids engaged and learning, such as a replica of a river transportation system in Alabama, a farmers market, and a Japanese house. The museum also offers summer camps and birthday packages. Admission to the museum is free for children under 1 and members, while older ones have to pay a fee of $12.

Have you taken your children to any of these places? Let us know in the comments below! You can also check out our Birmingham Parent Guide for kid-friendly events, classes, and activities in the area.