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Family visit to the History of Science Museum

Practical guidance for exploring historical instruments and scientific ideas in Oxford.

The History of Science Museum offers a unique look at the evolution of scientific thought, from ancient astrolabes to modern physics. When planning your family trip, we recommend checking the official museum website for the latest details on accessibility, exhibitions, and any specific policies for younger visitors.

Explore family activitiesOpen museum guide
History of Science Museum
2 family activities
Family visits to the History of Science Museum
The History of Science Museum offers accessible family experiences, including SEND-friendly activity backpacks and resources developed in collaboration with community specialists.

The History of Science Museum in Oxford provides inclusive engagement opportunities for families, focusing on connecting scientific history with contemporary exploration. Visitors can participate in hands-on learning through resources developed alongside community partners, including accessible activity packs designed for varied needs. These materials encourage children to investigate scientific principles, such as light and colour, through collaborative design and practical experimentation.

Family highlights

  • Inclusive activity backpacks developed with students from Iffley Academy.
  • Hands-on science experiments in 'Explore at Home' booklets.
  • Backpacks feature themes like light, colour, and curved mirrors.
  • Science and Magic show performances at outreach events.
Family visit essentials
Useful expectations and practical guidance in one place

What children can see and do

Families can use free, inclusive activity backpacks during specific events to explore science through hands-on tasks. The museum also provides educational booklets that support science experiments at home.

Practical information

Inclusive backpacks are available for free to borrow from museum volunteer teams during 'How Does it Work?' weekends and autism-friendly openings.

Family Activities and Resources
2 activities and resources

The History of Science Museum provides a variety of family-friendly resources to enhance the visitor experience. These include interactive backpacks for use during designated museum openings and downloadable activity booklets for home learning. These educational tools are available free of charge to support exploration of our collections.

Interactive experience

Inclusive SEND-friendly Activity Backpacks

Free

These backpacks contain objects and instruction cards to help families explore science links between the past and present.

Age guidance: Designed to support children and young people with SEND.

Practical information: Available to borrow for free from volunteer teams during 'How Does it Work?' weekends and autism-friendly openings.

Open official information

Activity sheet

Light and Space Explore at Home Booklet

Free

Developed in consultation with students, this resource links museum objects and space science themes to hands-on experiments for families.

Practical information: Available as a free PDF download for families to use at home.

Open official information
Explore History of Science Museum with Oxford
Guides, visitor info, and museum details in Oxford
Find everything about History of Science Museum in one place, including tickets, opening hours, current exhibitions, location details, visitor tips, nearby attractions, and the latest museum updates. Use these pages to plan your visit, discover what to see, and get practical information before you go.
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