Family Fun
We welcome families all year round, and offer children's activities and craft sessions on school holidays and special occasions.
We aim to make the events on this page suitable for a wide range of ages, but for budding historians aged 12+, check out the rest of our Events Calendar as well!
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Jump to: Holiday Activities | Light Up Lancaster | Visiting with Children
FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE COTTAGE: £9.50 | Book in advance | Cottage Museum
Come and meet the traditional Father Christmas in a very special candle-lit experience at the Cottage Museum, which will be decked with green boughs for the festive season.
£9.50 per child. Ticket price includes:
- 30 minute experience with Father Christmas and other costumed characters.
- A beautiful hanging decoration your child can choose from Father Christmas's tree.
- An orange and clove pomander kit to make at home.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL - choose your timeslot during online booking:
Loyalty Card
If you do any of our chargeable children's activities, don't forget to pick up one of the new History Detectives Loyalty Cards.
Join us for 5 activities and you'll get the 6th one FREE!
Stay Updated
Join our mailing list to keep up to date with all our events and activities. Email historydetectives@lancaster.gov.uk to sign up.
THE COTTAGE BY CANDLELIGHT: FREE | No booking required | Cottage Museum
Drop into the Cottage Museum during this year's Light Up Lancaster festival for a magical evening experience.
FREE admission, suitable for all ages, no need to book.
- Friday 6 November - 5pm to 8pm
One night only!
Whenever you visit with children you'll find plenty to do in the museums...
We've signed the Kids in Museums Manifesto and we always include interactive elements for children in all our new exhibitions.
The Cottage Museum is now a fully hands-on experience for visitors of all ages!
FREE children's trails or challenges are always available to enhance your visit to Lancaster City Museum and the Maritime Museum.
Both the City and Maritime Museums have sensory backpacks for children and young people on the autism spectrum to borrow, free of charge. Just ask at the front desk if you'd like to use one of these during your visit.
Our museums are great destinations for schools and other children's groups as well as families. Please see our Learning page if you'd like to book a group visit.
Please note that for safety reasons, children up to the age of 10 must be accompanied by a responsible adult in all of our museums. Those aged 11-16 may visit unaccompanied with our new Young Person's Pass - just show your school ID at the front desk to get your free pass, valid for 1 year.
