Oxford
Oxford · planning for families

Family Visit at the Museum of Oxford

Practical guidance for exploring Oxford's city history with children.

The Museum of Oxford offers an engaging look at the city's heritage, featuring interactive displays that bring local history to life for all ages. We recommend checking the venue's official channels for the latest information on family-friendly policies and any special activities scheduled for your visit date.

Museum of Oxford
5 family activities
Family visits at the Museum of Oxford
The Museum of Oxford provides a range of interactive experiences and trails for families to explore Oxford's history together.

The Museum of Oxford offers families a chance to explore local history through a range of interactive experiences designed for younger visitors. With resources curated for children typically aged five to eleven, the museum provides a space where families can engage with exhibits using themed trails and tactile displays. These hands-on elements help foster an accessible environment where parents and carers can discover the stories of the city together at their own pace.

Recommended age: Ages 5–11

Family highlights

  • Interactive dig pit for uncovering layers of history.
  • Capes dress-up area featuring historic costumes.
  • Borrowable sensory backpacks containing ear defenders and other support tools.
  • Audio-led Treasure Tour available in English and British Sign Language.
  • Regular Hands-on History sessions and seasonal family workshops.
Family visit essentials
Useful expectations and practical guidance in one place

What children can see and do

Families can use themed gallery trails, explore with explorer or sensory-support backpacks, dig for history in the Gallery One dig pit, or dress up in historic fashion at the Capes counter in Gallery Two.

Age guidance

Most family resources are recommended for ages 5 and up, while the Treasure Tour audio guide is specifically recommended for ages 5-11.

Practical information

Baby changing and accessible toilets are located on the ground floor of the Town Hall. Breastfeeding is welcome throughout the museum. Prams may be left at the owner's risk while browsing. The museum is accessible via a lift, and an accessible entrance is available on the corner of St Aldates.

Family Activities and Resources
5 activities and resources

The Museum of Oxford offers a range of family-friendly resources to help visitors explore the city's history together. These include sensory backpacks, themed gallery trails, interactive audio tours, and hands-on sessions. These activities are designed to support engagement across various ages and abilities, allowing families to discover historical collections at their own pace.

Kids trail

Themed Gallery Trails

Ages 5+

Choose from various themed gallery trails to explore the museum collection. Trails can be picked up at the museum shop.

Age guidance: Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Practical information: Pick up a trail sheet from the museum shop to begin.

Family resource

Explorer Backpacks

Ages 5+

Each backpack contains fun sensory activities inspired by Oxford stories to help children see, touch, and smell their way around the galleries.

Age guidance: Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Practical information: Ask for a backpack at the museum shop.

Family tour

Treasure Tour

Ages 5–11

An interactive audio treasure hunt that guides younger visitors and adults through the museum's history. Available on your own device or borrow one from the museum.

Age guidance: Recommended for ages 5-11.

Practical information: Available in English and British Sign Language.

Family resource

SEND Sensory Backpack

Ages 5+Free

Includes ear defenders, a fidget toy, a magnifying glass, a mini torch, and a puppet companion to assist visitors during their time at the museum.

Age guidance: Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Practical information: Borrow a free backpack at the front desk.

Family program

Hands-on History

A recurring activity where families are encouraged to get hands-on with real and replica historic objects from the collection.

Practical information: Check the What's On page for schedules.

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Guides, visitor info, and museum details in Oxford
Find everything about Museum of Oxford 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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