The school holidays are just around the corner, so why not take some time to do something fun together with the children? You don’t always have to travel far or spend a lot of money. There is plenty to discover right here in Estonia.

One great way to get children away from their screens and enjoy something educational as a family is to visit a museum. Many museums today are interactive and child-friendly, and some even offer special programmes for children. Give your kids the opportunity to discover the world and learn something new. But where should you go during the school holidays?

AHHAA

 

AHHAA Science Centre in Tartu is a fantastic place to discover the fascinating world of science while having plenty of fun at the same time. Here you can gaze at the stars, take a wild virtual journey through the Solar System, find your way through a mirror maze, see yourself in a distorting mirror or come face-to-face with giant insects.

In the Technology Hall, you can ride a bicycle high above the exhibition floor and discover what household appliances look like on the inside.

Watch fish swimming in a 6,000-litre aquarium and visit the chick incubator. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see a chick hatch.

When you get hungry, head to Newton Café, which also offers a children’s menu and a play area.

Visitors with babies and young children are very welcome too. There is a quiet room designed for breastfeeding and baby care.

Seaplane Harbour

If there is a little captain growing up in your family, a visit to the wonderful Seaplane Harbour in Tallinn is definitely worth the trip. Future sailors can explore the Lembit submarine, the Suur Tõll icebreaker, a seaplane, the wreck of Estonia’s oldest ship and much more.

You can also take a closer look at marine life in the aquarium, take photos dressed in naval uniforms and test your skills on various simulators.

During the school holidays, the Seaplane Harbour also hosts theatre performances. The family musical “The Young Sailor’s First Big Adventure” will be performed here, featuring Saara Nüganen and Oskar Seeman, with singing led by boatswain Marko Matvere. The ticket also includes admission to the museum.

PROTO Invention Factory

Another exciting museum can be found in North Tallinn – PROTO Invention Factory. Here, you can explore the world of science through virtual reality. This unique family attraction, unlike anything else in Europe, also gives visitors the chance to discover inventions inspired by the era of Jules Verne.

So what can you do at PROTO? Take a hot-air balloon ride and glide over the sea and between mountain peaks in virtual reality, or try riding an aerial bicycle. There is certainly no shortage of adventure. You can also experience a journey on a steam train and explore the depths of the sea in a submarine.

In total, the centre features 30 virtual reality exhibits that let you discover inventions that changed the world. By the time you leave, you may no longer be quite sure what was real and what wasn’t.

Estonian Police Museum

At the Estonian Police Museum in Rakvere, you can discover what the everyday work of police officers is really like. Try on police equipment, take fingerprints, step into the role of a special forces officer or become a forensic investigator in the laboratory.

You can also test your reaction speed behind the wheel and measure the speed of passing vehicles just like real police officers do.

This family-friendly theme museum offers plenty of excitement for visitors of all ages. Discover how espionage and counterfeiting work and learn about ten of Estonia’s most notorious crimes. Children aged 5–10 can also enjoy detective games in the children’s room.

Wittenstein Time Centre

If the words “history museum” make you think of dusty exhibits, it’s time to visit the Wittenstein Activity Museum in Paide, where the traditional history museum experience takes on a whole new meaning.

Visitors step straight into a 19th-century small town and discover what life was like through engaging activities, fascinating objects and unique digital solutions.

You can visit a 19th-century pharmacy, beer and food workshops, and see Estonia’s first photograph. The bravest visitors can even try dissecting a body in the medical room. Why not take a short trip to Paide and travel back in time?

Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum

A favourite among sports fans is undoubtedly the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum. To visit the largest and most modern sports experience centre in the Baltics, head to Tartu. Here you can discover Estonia’s greatest sporting moments, biggest achievements and even its doping scandals.

You and your family can enjoy 15 interactive attractions. Test your skills in the interactive basketball area, step into the commentator’s booth or explore a historic gym.