Eureka! The National Children's Museum
A vibrant, hands-on children's museum for ages 0-11, fostering learning through play with interactive exhibits and year-long access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Eureka! The National Children's Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, hands-on children's museum for ages 0-11, fostering learning through play with interactive exhibits and year-long access.
"Pay once for the full year! If you live close you need to go!!"
🎯 Annual Pass Hack
Pay once for a year of unlimited visits! Activate your pass by adding names and photos.
🚗 Parking Costs
Factor in parking fees, which are separate from admission. Expect around £3.60 for 3 hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Exhibits
Hands-on displays covering science, sustainability, and everyday life, perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Role-Play Zones
Various areas
Imaginative spaces like a pretend shop, dentist, and more, encouraging creative play and learning.
Outdoor Sandpit & Play Area
Outdoor space
A refreshing outdoor option for kids to dig, play, and burn energy, especially on sunny days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Annual Pass Value
+3Book Ahead Online
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Annual Pass Hack
Pay once for a year of unlimited visits! Activate your pass by adding names and photos.
🚗 Parking Costs
Factor in parking fees, which are separate from admission. Expect around £3.60 for 3 hours.
🧺 Picnic Friendly
Bring your own food! Both indoor and outdoor picnic areas are available.
♿ Autism-Friendly Events
Check for special autism-friendly events for a more relaxed experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Annual Pass Hack
Pay once for a year of unlimited visits! Activate your pass by adding names and photos.
🚗 Parking Costs
Factor in parking fees, which are separate from admission. Expect around £3.60 for 3 hours.
🧺 Picnic Friendly
Bring your own food! Both indoor and outdoor picnic areas are available.
♿ Autism-Friendly Events
Check for special autism-friendly events for a more relaxed experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so wear comfy shoes!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Eureka! is a highly interactive and educational museum that provides a fantastic day out for children aged 0-11. Visitors praise the engaging exhibits, role-play areas, and the exceptional value of the annual pass. While some find the initial price point a bit high, the year-long access and the option to bring your own picnic are significant advantages. A few reviews mention a decline in the experience compared to childhood memories, but overall, it's a well-loved destination for family fun and learning.
"Such a great interactive museum.
My kids aged 5 7 and 11 all absolutely loved it. So much to see and do to keep them entertained.
Dressing up, role play, interactive exhibits all ready to be touched and experienced.
Eureka are also extremely helpful and accommodating to children on the spectrum. With resources there to support parents and children who may be overstimulated.
We got there at 10 and left about 3 so a good chunk of the day.
We took our own picnic and refreshingly for a museum they have both inside and outside picnic areas which is great.
The only downside really is the price. They do have different discounts available but it can get quiet expensive for a larger family, although once you pay in you get a years membership so another plus"
Emily
"It is beautiful, interactive, smart and a learning space for children and adults.
Make sure the adults have patience and the kids had a nap :)) There are endless activities!!
The museum is right at the exit of the train station.
There are picnic areas inside and out for own food, there is a cafe to buy warm/cold food, drinks and even ice cream. There’s also a sand pit outside.
You can go in and out if you want, they will stamp your hand."
Izabella Ogbe
"Went here when I was 8 or 9 with primary school and I remember how cool it was. I'm 40 now and couldn't wait to take my lad. What the heck has happened to the place? It's not at all how I remember it. It's more like a creshé for toddlers not the interactive adventure filled fun experience I had when I was at school. My lad is only 6 and he was bored after 2 hours and so was I. There's a food court that was so busy there were no tables left. So we went to the picnic area and again no seats so we waited another hour to sit down and eat something. £18 each is a bit steep for what you get which unfortunately isn't much now. Coming back has ruined a good childhood memory and we Won't be coming back in a hurry sadly."
JustUr AverageGamer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Eureka! is conveniently located right next to Halifax train station, making it easily accessible by train. If driving, there is a car park available, but be aware of separate parking fees.
Yes, it's less than an hour from Manchester, and easily accessible by train from Rochdale station.
Parking is available at the museum, but it's an additional cost. Expect to pay around £3.60 for 3 hours or £5.50 for 6 hours.
Yes, you can leave and re-enter the museum. They will stamp your hand to allow you back in.
The museum is right at the exit of the train station, making it very easy to find via public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can be a bit steep, especially for larger families, with tickets around £18 each. However, your initial payment grants you a year of unlimited access, making it a great value for repeat visits. +2
Yes, all visits must be booked online in advance to secure your entry.
When you purchase your ticket, you receive a year-long annual pass. You'll get a second email to activate it by adding names and photos to prevent misuse.
Yes, different discounts are available, so it's worth checking for any applicable offers when booking.
Yes, Eureka! is designed for children aged 0-11 and has specific areas suitable for toddlers and babies, ensuring fun for the youngest visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Eureka! offers a wide range of interactive exhibits, role-play zones (like a shop and dentist), dressing-up areas, and creative activities designed for learning through play. +1
Eureka! is known for being accommodating to children on the spectrum, offering resources to support those who may be overstimulated. They also host special autism-friendly events.
Many visitors spend a good chunk of the day, with some staying for 4.5 hours or more, and others finding 3 hours is enough to see everything once.
Yes, Eureka! has both indoor and outdoor areas, including a sandpit outside, providing diverse play opportunities.
The museum is primarily aimed at children aged 0-11, with different sections catering to various age groups within that range.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! Eureka! has both indoor and outdoor picnic areas, making it easy to bring your own refreshments.
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that serves warm and cold food, drinks, and ice cream.
The cafe offers a range of options, including pizza that's noted as being good quality, not the frozen cardboard type.
Yes, there's an outdoor ice cream hut available, perfect for a treat on a warmer day.
The food court can get very busy, and finding a table might be challenging during peak times.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use, allowing you to capture your family's fun day out. +1
The interactive exhibits and role-play areas provide numerous fun and engaging photo opportunities for memorable family snapshots.
The dressing-up areas, the pretend shop, and the various interactive science exhibits offer great backdrops for photos. +1
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to avoid flash photography in museums to protect exhibits and not disturb other visitors. Check for any specific signage.
Yes, many visitors share videos of their experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, showcasing the museum's attractions. +2
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children (0-5)
+1 There are dedicated areas for toddlers and babies, ensuring they have age-appropriate activities to explore. The interactive nature of the exhibits means little ones can learn through touch and play, keeping them engaged for hours. Don't forget to utilize the indoor and outdoor picnic areas for easy snack breaks, and the outdoor sandpit is always a hit! 💰 Budget-Conscious Families
+2 To maximize savings, pack your own picnic to enjoy in their designated indoor or outdoor areas, avoiding cafe costs. Autism-Friendly Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Value of an Annual Pass
+3 This is a significant advantage for local families or those planning multiple trips to the region, turning a single day's outing into a season of exploration. To ensure the pass is personal and secure, visitors are prompted to activate it via email, often requiring the addition of names and photos of the pass holders. This 'pay once, play all year' model transforms the museum from a one-off destination into a recurring family resource. It encourages repeat visits, allowing children to fully engage with the exhibits at their own pace and revisit their favorite areas. For parents, it offers a reliable and affordable option for entertainment and education throughout the year, especially during school holidays or on rainy days.
Engaging Exhibits for All Ages (0-11)
From the 'About You' section, which can be a bit intense for some children, to the gaming room, Lego stations, and drawing areas, there's a diverse range of activities. The exhibits cover a broad spectrum of topics, including science, sustainability, and everyday life. For instance, there are displays focused on sustainable living that even geography teachers find engaging.
The museum also caters to younger visitors with dedicated areas suitable for toddlers and babies, ensuring that the youngest members of the family have plenty to explore and enjoy. Accessibility and Inclusivity
Beyond autism-friendly provisions, the museum also hosts special events, such as autism-friendly days, to offer a more tailored experience.
The accessibility extends to practicalities like having both indoor and outdoor picnic areas, as well as a cafe, catering to different family needs and preferences. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit