My kids love nothing more than a kid-friendly museum, where they can learn through interactive displays and inspiring exhibits. We’ve often created a family vacation or city break around a trip to a great children’s museum or gallery (see my Postcards from Amsterdam) and it’s a good way to get kids excited about the vacation ahead of time.
So I’ve been super excited to read about some unique new museums opening in 2025, where you can tag on a family vacation and curate your own educational trips for kids. Here are some of the most interesting child-focused new museums for 2025 (and beyond) that are definitely worth a visit.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the soon-to-be largest of the Guggenheim museums is set to open in 2025, 20 years after plans were unveiled. It’s set to contain a centre for art and technology, alongside a children’s education facility, archives, library and conservation lab. Book an Abu Dhabi tour here
Where to Stay: Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Dataland, LA
The world’s first museum dedicated to AI arts, blending science, arts and cutting-edge technology, is sure to be a hit with kids who are into coding, gaming and the digital world. It launches at The Grand, the Frank Gehry-designed development in Downtown Los Angeles, and is designed to be a an immersive media art experience for all ages and backgrounds. Book a kid-friendly LA tour here
Where to Stay: The Eagle Vista Drive Residence, LA
The Fenix Museum, The Netherlands
A brand new art museum about migration, opening in Rotterdam in The Netherlands this year.
Housed in the stunning Tornado building (offering an amazing observation deck) it’s located in this multi-cultural city which is also home to Speelfabriek science museum. Book a Rotterdam tour here
Where to Stay: The Kerkstaad Residence
V&A East Storehouse, London
Opening May 2025, the Storehouse offers a chance to see behind the museum. A warehouse-style space with 100 mini curated displays built into the sides and ends of storage racking for you to explore, as well as pop-up displays, creative workshops, performances and screenings alongside the chance to see conservators at work on everything from paintings to puppets. Book an East London tour here
Where to Stay: The Hackney Residence
Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, New Jersey
Since opening in March 2025, this exciting new museum is perfect for dinosaur fans! You’ll find immersive experiences, historical reconstructions, hands-on exhibits, animals, scientists, real fossils and more, plus playgrounds and VR experiences. Book a New Jersey tour here
Where to Stay: The Driftwood Drive Residence
MACAM, Lisbon
This contemporary art museum opened in March 2025, with more than 600 works of art across sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, video and installation, from the late 19th century and beyond. For kids, there’s a stop-off play cart and regular family workshops, too. Book a Lisbon family-friendly tour here
Where to stay: The Rua Dos Acores Residence
Drift Museum, Amsterdam
Opening in 2025, this new museum will house works by the Dutch art duo Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta, featuring experimental art installations suitable for the whole family, located in the Van Gendt Hallen warehouse building in the east of the city. Book an Amsterdam museum tour here
Where to stay: The Lindengracht Residence
Opening in 2026…
Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration – London
With galleries, studios and gardens, this museum of illustration will be the place to make, see and talk about illustration – named after the famous illustrator Quentin Blake who brought Roald Dahl’s masterpieces to life. Book a London Art Tour here
Where to Stay: The Rees Street Residence