Museums reviewed by parents: National Maritime Museum Cornwall

This is one museum where you're allowed to touch and jump aboard! In the Survival Zone, little ones will enjoy clambering into the life raft, climbing aboard the lifeboat and careering on a jet ski (just take shoes off first). Upstairs, the playzone is popular with tinies (who make a beeline for the slide, cave and ride-on toys) and is conveniently located next to the craft-making area (where workshops usually run from 12pm). The museum also offers galleried trails and storytelling sessions.

Slightly older children will enjoy stepping inside the living quarters of a replica lighthouse, as well as testing out the telescopes and binoculars in the Lookout Tower. Here, interactive screens can be used to identify local landmarks.

Delve into the Tidal Zone (an underwater gallery at high tide) to spot passing fish and floating seaweed, learn about the causes of tides, and view photos of local sea creatures. Beware the life-size diving suit opposite the lift door, however, if your visitors are jumpy!

In the Survival Zone, older children will be fascinated by the stories of survival, from the Robertson family adrift for 38 days in the Pacific Ocean, when their yacht was attacked and sunk by killer whales, to a film reconstruction of Tony Bullimore's four-day ordeal in a pitch-black air pocket of his capsized yacht. For celebrity status, don't miss the dinghy Sir Ben Ainslie sailed to victory in at the 2012 Olympic Games.

For more interactive displays, head to the Nav Station where you can learn more about weather systems, ocean currents and navigation. Test your hand at steering a boat, for example, or decipher some navigation charts. On the ground floor, you can also learn the art of rope making and tying knots.

All ages will enjoy sailing the wind-powered model boats in the Waterfront Boat Pool (£1 for a token). Nearby, you can also test the speed of a boat by changing its shape and keel to get the fastest time! 

The NMMC has a thriving programme of family events during the holidays, from storytelling, and arts and crafts, to visiting shows and themed exhibitions. Checkout the website for upcoming events.

The Waterside café has spectacular views of Falmouth Harbour (have an early lunch and grab a window seat if you can!) and a range of appetising treats, from freshly-made soup and sandwiches to pasties and cakes. Kids lunchboxes (£4.95) have a varied selection, and jugs of tap water are handy (by the cutlery).

The NMMC is open every day 10am-5pm, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Pay once and your ticket is valid for a year. Adults £12.95, Children (5-17) £5, Under-5's go free.

From the outskirts of Falmouth, follow the brown signs (with an anchor) or use the postcode TR11 3QY for GPS. The nearby NMMC car park is pay and display (maximum 4 hours, £4.50 with a photographic system). Beware, parking fines are issued for entering incorrect car registration (or going a fraction over time!).

Alternatively, the museum is a five-minute walk from Falmouth Town station.

You can browse the spacious shop on exit (or bypass it back through the main entrance). With a range of locally sourced gifts, maritime themed goodies and children's clothing, there's something for everyone.

Find out the inspiration behind the voyage of Mystery, a Cornish fishing boat that sailed to Australia in 1854/55, or find out more about Viking voyages.

There are lots of learning opportunities in the museum, from a chance to see physics in action to local seafaring history.

• KS1: history; geography; weather; science; design and technology.
• KS2: the world around us; history; geography; weather; science; marine habitats; energy, forces and movement; history of exploration/maps; trade; design and technology.

Photography: © National Maritime Museum Cornwall
(Building image: Kirstin Prisk courtesy of National Maritime Museum Cornwall)