Boredom Busters: Your Guide to an Epic Summer at Hull Museums

Right, let’s be honest. The summer holidays are just around the corner, and if you’re a parent, you’re probably already bracing for the inevitable chorus of "I'm boooored!" that starts about, oh, three days in. Finding things to do that don't cost a fortune but are genuinely fun for everyone can feel like a full-time job. But what if I told you there’s a plan? A brilliant plan, right here in Hull, announced on 18 July 2025, that’s set to make this a summer of adventure for all families.

The amazing folks at Hull Museums have put together a massive programme of events and activities designed to get you and your little explorers out and about, making some history of your own. And the best bit? Most of it is either completely free or super low-cost. So, you can save your pennies for extra ice creams. It’s a win-win.

So, what’s happening in Hull this summer?

Basically, Hull Museums is turning the city’s best-loved heritage venues into playgrounds of discovery for the entire school break. They’re calling it the ‘make history this summer’ campaign, and it’s all about getting hands-on with the past. Forget dusty displays behind glass cases; this is about experiencing history in a way that’s actually exciting. There are tons of different activities planned, from digging for ancient treasures to getting creative with crafts. It’s a chance for the whole community to connect and have a bit of fun together. The whole idea is to get out and enjoy the amazing culture we have on our doorstep, without the stress of complicated bookings or expensive tickets for your regular museum visits.

This isn’t your average museum trip

If you think a trip to the museums involves a lot of shushing and walking around in silence, think again. This whole summer is built around interactive fun. We’re talking drop-in craft activities where kids can get their hands messy and create their own masterpieces. And there are loads of interactive exhibits that are designed to be poked, prodded, and played with. It’s all about learning through doing, which, let’s face it, is way more fun than reading a textbook. It’s an approach championed by the people who run the show.

“We’ve designed this summer to be one of curiosity, creativity and community,” said Jane Avison, Museums and Gallery Manager at Hull Museums. “There’s no better time to reconnect with Hull’s amazing museums.”

And she’s spot on. It’s a chance to build some great memories and maybe even spark a lifelong interest in history or archaeology for your little ones. The focus on community is a massive plus, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Become an official museum explorer

To make things even more exciting, there’s a proper quest involved. Kids can grab a special ‘Summer at Hull Museums’ passport when they arrive. The mission? To visit the different museums, take part in the activities, and collect a stamp at each one. It’s a brilliant way to encourage exploring more than one venue, turning your museum visits into an epic challenge. There’s even a wildlife trail to follow in the beautiful museum gardens, featuring six cute animal characters. And, of course, there are special rewards on offer for anyone who manages to complete their passport. Game on!

Picnics, games, and ice cream (the important stuff)

Let's talk about the practical side of a family day out: snacks. Keeping everyone fed and watered is key to a successful trip. Well, for summer 2025, there’s a brand new pop-up food and drink offer serving up refreshments, tasty treats, and that all-important ice cream. Perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re more of a pack-your-own-lunch kind of family, there are plenty of picnic tables set up outside, so you can relax and refuel in the sun. And while you’re enjoying a cuppa, the kids can burn off some energy with the large-scale lawn games set up in the museum gardens. It’s the perfect break between exploring the exhibits.

Let's take a look inside the museums

Two of Hull's most popular museums are at the centre of the action. Each one offers something completely different, so you can easily fill a few days exploring.

Streetlife Museum

This place is just brilliant. It’s not every day you get to climb aboard historic carriages and trams, but at the Streetlife Museum, you can do just that. It’s a fantastic journey through Hull’s transport history, and includes:

• An incredible 1940s street scene that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
• Lots of old cars and bikes to check out, showing how people used to get around.
• Proper hands-on fun with interactive rides and even some traditional arcade games.

Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology

For any budding adventurers, this is the place to be. The Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology is packed with incredible artefacts and immersive displays. You can literally walk through an Iron Age village and imagine what life was like thousands of years ago. Here's what's waiting for you:

• Explore a reconstructed Roman bathhouse.
• Gaze at the seriously impressive Hasholme logboat – a real boat from the Iron Age!
• See genuine Viking treasures up close.
• Get stuck into the hands-on "Archaeology Exhibition" family interactive, which is all about the science of archaeology.

What the people in charge are saying

It’s clear that the whole city is behind making this summer a fantastic one for families. The programme is a huge part of the city’s commitment to culture and providing great things to do in your leisure time. Councillor Rob Pritchard, the portfolio holder for culture and leisure, is fully on board.

He said: “Our museums and galleries are the perfect place for families over the summer holidays. There is always something to see and do and the team have developed a fantastic scheme for summer 2025.”

So, there you have it. A summer of fun, history, and adventure is all planned out for you. All you need to do is turn up. Most events are drop-in, so no booking is needed. Just head over to the Hull Museums website for the full details and get ready to make some memories at the Streetlife Museum and the Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology.