Basketball, WWII, and tortoises have one thing in common – they all form parts of exhibits at various Halifax museums. From the living-history of Citadel Hill to shipwrecks and tugboats at the waterfront, families will enjoy diversity and diversion at these museums in Nova Scotia.
Best Family Museums in Halifax
On a cold day or an unseasonably rainy afternoon, visitors and locals alike can escape into a Halifax museum. Whether shipbuilding, wildlife or sports are of interest, there’s a museum in the Nova Scotia capital to deliver some unique exhibits. These Halifax museums will particularly appeal to children and families:
- Citadel Hill: Historical reenactments bring the soldiers and bagpipers of Citadel Hill National Historic Site to life. Realistic costumes complete the experience, especially during the firing of the Noon Day Gun. Open daily May through October. Access from Sackville Street, Halifax; (902) 426-5080.
- Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: Close to the Halifax Waterfront, the Maritime Museum displays a wide variety of historical naval items. From exhibits about the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion to the fishing industry and shipwrecks, the museum boasts enough diversity to draw in any visitor. Great for kids, the Theodore Tugboat exhibit brings the favorite television program from behind the screen. Afterward, take a trip across the harbor on the Halifax-Dartmouth ferry. 1675 Lower Water St., Halifax; (902) 424-7490.
- HMCS Sackville: Climb aboard and explore the decks of the HMCS Sacville, a WWII Corvette and floating museum. Moored near the Maritime Museum, the ship is a favorite museum with active kids. Sackville Landing; (902) 429-2132 – summer, (902) 427-2837 – winter.
- Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History: This Halifax museum offers programs that are extremely kid friendly. Think creepy crawlies and things that wiggle – perfect for curious little ones! Touch tanks and the museum’s resident tortoise, Gus, will capture the imaginations of many age groups. Adults included. 1747 Summer St., Halifax; (902) 424-6099.
- Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame: Get in the game – be it baseball, hockey, or one of the many other sports included in the hall of fame. Kids can learn about the sports stars who hailed from many Nova Scotia communities. Halifax Metro Centre, Halifax; (902) 421-1266.
In addition to these kid-friendly Halifax museums, there are more Halifax museums that may appeal to different visitors. A journey through rural Nova Scotia will also yield discoveries of excellent museums, such as Grand Pré Historic Site in Annapolis Valley, historic homes in Windsor, the Fisheries Museum in Lunenburg, and Louisbourg or the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Cape Breton.
Planning a Halifax Museum Day Trip
Halifax offers endless activities in every season. Head out to the parks and beaches in the warm weather (or even if it’s cold and dry) and explore the excellent local shopping year-round. As winter sets in, head out for some live music, or catch a show at a Halifax theater.
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