Name: Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Rating: 5.0

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Road, Oxford, UK

1-99 Years

Description

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a world-renowned museum category attraction that houses the University's scientific collections of zoological and geological specimens. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Oxford because it allows families to get up close to spectacular dinosaur skeletons and the famous Oxford Dodo. The museum is set within a stunning neo-Gothic building featuring a soaring glass roof and ornate ironwork that is just as impressive as the exhibits.

A trip to this iconic institution is perfect for a budget-friendly day out in the city. General admission to the museum is free for all visitors, although donations are welcomed to help maintain the collections. While there is no entry fee, some specific family craft sessions or evening "Museum After Hours" events may carry a small charge or require a suggested donation.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines science, history, and awe-inspiring architecture, this is it. It provides a unique educational day out where children can learn about evolution and biodiversity through thousands of specimens. The museum is a reliable choice for an indoor activity, offering plenty of space for exploration regardless of the weather.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Features

Interactive Exhibits: The museum features interactive exhibits such as "touchable" specimens where kids can feel the texture of real fossils and minerals.
Educational Day Out: Covering everything from the origins of life to modern environmental science, it is a premier educational day out.
Sensory Play: Younger children can engage in sensory play using explorer backpacks filled with magnifying glasses and activity sheets.
Family Trails: The museum provides free themed trails that guide children through the aisles to find specific animals and rocks.

Top 5 Highlights

The Oxford Dodo: This is the only place in the world where you can see the remains of dodo soft tissue. It’s a "Helpful Peer" favourite because kids are always fascinated by the story of this extinct bird and its local fame.
Dinosaur Skeletons: The central aisle is dominated by massive skeletons, including the T. rex and the Megalosaurus. Children love standing beneath these giants to see just how big they were in real life.
The Live Bee Hive: Watch a working colony of honeybees through a glass viewing pane. It’s a great way for kids to see nature in action as the bees fly in and out of the museum through a special tube.
The Great Whale Skeleton: Suspended from the ceiling, this enormous skeleton allows families to walk underneath and appreciate the scale of marine life.
Touching the Meteorite: There is a real iron meteorite that you are allowed to touch. It’s a brilliant way to tell kids they are actually feeling something that came from outer space.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are located on the ground floor.
Buggy Parking: There is a designated area near the entrance for strollers.
Food & Drink: The Eat-Spreag café on the first floor serves sandwiches, cakes, and hot drinks.
Lockers: Small lockers are available for bags and coats for a small fee.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Arrive Early: The museum is very popular, especially on weekends; arriving at 10:00 am ensures a quieter experience at the dodo display.
Use the Lift: There is a lift to the upper gallery which is very useful for prams or those with mobility needs.
Check for Workshops: School holidays often have "Family Fun" days with free crafts—check the website before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? Absolutely! Toddlers love the large animal skeletons and the "touchable" rocks, plus the wide aisles are great for little explorers.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend between 2 and 3 hours, especially if they also visit the Pitt Rivers Museum attached to the back.
Where is the best place to park? Park & Ride is highly recommended as city centre parking is limited and expensive.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Oxford? This museum is one of the best free indoor activities in Oxford, providing world-class entertainment and education at no cost.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The "touchable" items mean parents don't have to constantly say "don't touch" to their children.
The architecture of the building is so stunning it keeps adults entertained while kids look at the animals.
Being able to visit two museums (Natural History and Pitt Rivers) in one building is seen as excellent value.

What Visitors Don't Like

The café can get very busy at lunchtime, so it is often better to have an early or late snack.
The acoustics of the glass roof mean it can get quite loud when there are lots of school groups.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The Oxford Dodo: Remains of the head and foot of the extinct Raphus cucullatus.
Tylosaurus Proriger: A massive 13-metre-long marine reptile skeleton hanging in the gallery.
Megalosaurus Bucklandii: The first dinosaur ever to be described scientifically, found locally in Oxfordshire.
The Red Lady of Paviland: A replica of one of the oldest human burials found in the UK.
Meteorite Collection: Over 100 specimens, including the touchable iron meteorite.
Darwin’s Insects: Specimens collected by Charles Darwin during his voyage on the HMS Beagle.
The Swinhoe Pagoda: An intricate architectural model located in the upper gallery.
The Oxfordshire Dinosaurs: Specific footprints and bones found in local quarries.
Gemstone Gallery: A vibrant display of raw and cut minerals including emeralds and sapphires.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Pitt Rivers Museum: Located at the back of the Natural History Museum, you can walk straight into this "museum of museums" for a double-header day out.
University Parks: Situated just across the road, these parks are ideal for a picnic or a run-around after your museum visit.
The Museum Café: Located on the upper gallery, offering a bird's-eye view of the dinosaurs while you have a snack.
Rhodes House: A beautiful historic building just a short walk away for fans of grand Oxford architecture.

New for 2026

The 2026 'Nature Now' Hub: A brand-new interactive zone for 2026 focusing on climate change and what families can do to help local wildlife.
Virtual Reality Ocean Tour: Launching in 2026, this paid add-on experience allows kids to "swim" with prehistoric marine reptiles.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History does not currently offer hosted children's birthday party packages. For room hire or private event enquiries: Contact Email: [email protected]

Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00 (Last admission: 16:45)
Closed: 24, 25, 26 December

Address: Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Road, Oxford, UK

Post Code: OX1 3PW

Council: Oxford

County: Oxfordshire

By Bus: Buses stop on Parks Road or at the city centre (a 5-minute walk).
By Train: A 15-minute walk from Oxford Station through the city centre.
By Car: Use postcode OX1 3PW.
Parking: No parking at the museum. Use the Park & Ride (Pear Tree or Thornhill) for the easiest access. The nearest car park is the Westgate.