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A Family Day Out
Looking for a family day out that's full of discovery, imagination and time together?
Our museum sits in the heart of beautiful Oaklands Park, making it the perfect place to spend a whole day exploring, playing and making memories. From stories by the indoor fire and ancient treasures to discover, to a live beehive and playground adventures, there's something here for curious minds of every age.
Before You Set Off
A little preparation can help make your family day out as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We advise leaving a little extra time in your plans. Between the galleries, gift shop, café and the outdoor spaces of Oaklands Park, many families find there's more to discover than they expected!
What to bring
Comfortable shoes for exploring both the museum and park.
A water bottle to keep everyone refreshed.
A picnic blanket if you're planning to enjoy lunch outdoors.
A camera or phone to capture your favourite discoveries.
A notebook for budding historians who want to sketch artefacts or jot down interesting facts.
Check what's on
Before you visit, have a look at our current exhibitions and events. There are often family activities, trails and seasonal programmes that can add even more adventure to your day.
Take a look at what's on
Get everyone excited
Why not start the adventure before you arrive? Ask your children:
What do you think Chelmsford looked like thousands of years ago?
If you found a treasure buried underground, what would it be?
What would you put in a museum about your life?
These simple questions can spark curiosity and help children connect with the stories they'll discover during their visit.
Know before you go
We are open daily from 10am, and children and young people can visit for free when accompanied by an adult. There are toilets, baby changing facilities and accessible amenities available on site. If you are visiting in the week, we advise travelling by public transport where possible so you can spend the day with us.
Visit our Accessibility page for more10am: Start your adventure
Arrive when we open and begin your journey through Chelmsford's story. Step inside and explore galleries filled with fascinating objects, from Ice Age discoveries to local treasures that reveal how people lived, worked and played throughout history.
Don't miss:
Our brand-new Discover Studio, where you can share stories around our indoor fire pit.
Archaeological finds and treasures from across Chelmsford in our newest exhibition Timeless Treasures
Natural history exhibits, including our live beehive
Our Explorer Zone, where you can borrow a free backpack with plenty of activities inside! There's also a sensory version for anyone who needs a more relaxed visit.
Dressing up boxes
Interactive displays throughout the museum
Our popular Toy Gallery
Boris the Bear!
11.30am: Take a closer look
Slow down and explore the details. Many of our objects have amazing stories hidden behind them. Spend some time letting children choose their favourite object and invent their own story about it before finding out the real history.
Family challenge
What would you save in a time capsule to tell future generations about Chelmsford today?
Pick up a free trail
Our front of house team creates themed trails around the museum that keep young explorers active and engaged with our displays. Make sure you see the team before you leave with your completed trail so you can collect a sticker!
12.30pm: Refuel for the afternoon
You can enjoy refreshments at The Hive Café, overlooking the beautiful park, or bring a packed lunch and head outside for a picnic. Museum memberships also include discounts in the café.
1.30pm: Explore Oaklands Park
The adventure doesn't stop at the museum doors! Oaklands Park offers around 12 acres of outdoor space, including:
Two children's play areas
Beautiful gardens
Open lawns
Plenty of picnic spots
Let little legs run free, play in the park or see what wildlife you can spot amongst the trees and flowerbeds.
2.30pm: Back to the museum for one last discovery
Before heading home, take another wander through your favourite gallery or visit any temporary exhibitions that might be on during your visit.
Why not stop by the gift shop and choose a small souvenir to remember your day? You'll find everything from pocket-money treats to keepsakes inspired by our collections.
Visit Again!
There's Always More to Discover
One visit is only the beginning. From changing exhibitions and seasonal family activities to special events and new stories from Chelmsford's past, there's always something different to see and do. Many families return throughout the year to revisit favourite displays, explore new exhibitions and enjoy another day of discovery in Oaklands Park. Whether you're meeting the bees again, introducing friends and grandparents to the museum, or uncovering a story you missed the first time, every visit offers something new to spark curiosity and create lasting memories together.
Did you know? Museum members can enjoy unlimited visits throughout the year, making it even easier to pop back whenever curiosity calls.
Discover our memberships
Plan Your Visit
Opening hours
April to October: 10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm)
November to March: 10am to 4pm (last entry 3pm)
Admission
Adults: £4
Children, young people and carers: Free
Good to know
Baby changing facilities are available
Accessible facilities are available throughout the museum
Located within Oaklands Park, making it easy to combine indoor discovery with outdoor play