TOP interactive museums and theme parks in Estonia

TOP interactive museums and theme parks in Estonia

Estonia, Tallinn, Tartu, Laane-Virumaa, Parnumaa, Ida-Virumaa, Laanemaa, Polvamaa, Harjumaa, Jarvamaa, Saaremaa, Hiiumaa
Estonia’s interactive museums and theme parks provide endless options for family fun. Listen to the traditional songs of Kihnu islanders, travel back in time to the Ice Age, tour an old mining site, and board a submarine.

Estonian National Museum

The largest museum in Estonia with nearly 6,000 m² of exhibition space invites you to discover the everyday life of Estonians throughout history at the permanent exhibition ‘Encounters’ and to learn about the life of the Finno-Ugric peoples in the permanent exhibition ‘Echo of the Urals’. The museum experience is complemented by temporary exhibitions. There is a restaurant and a museum shop. The outdoor areas of the museum are perfect to have a rest and a picnic. There is also a romantic rotunda and a glass-roofed distillery on the shores of Lake Raadi. The Estonian National Museum offers workshops, educational programmes, and guided tours in 11 languages. The museum has a modern conference centre and venue for international events.

AHHAA Science Centre

Want to surprise yourself? The AHHAA Science Centre offers science, excitement, adventure, and fun for everyone. Our centre is an attractive learning environment in which you are bound to learn something new. The majority of our exhibits are 'hands-on', so you can try everything yourself, whether it be the planetarium, creating educational materials in the school laboratory, or the science theatre. You can even host your birthday party here.

Ice Age Centre

The Ice Age Centre is an exciting theme park that speaks about life after the last ice age. The symbols of the engaging theme park are the mammoths that lived 10,000 years ago. How has life on Earth developed during the millennia? Is there going to be a new ice age in the future? The exhibition offers an overview of the causes of the ice age and its impact on earth, introduces the development story of Estonian nature and human settlement, the causes and research of climate change, and the vision of liveable environments in the future. We are located on the shore of Lake Saadjärv, during summer, we will take nature lovers to discover the lake on our raft. The Polar Bear Café is open. Come and see, the future already started yesterday!

Windtower Experience Centre

QUIET ISLAND, GENUINE EXPERIENCE Just as Hiiumaa is very diverse with its beautiful nature and culture, the Windtower is a combination of a museum, a research centre, and a game world. You will experience something completely new while discovering this quiet island. ◊ What is the underwater world of Hiiumaa like? ◊ What does Breckland thyme smell like? ◊ What is the feeling of Hiiumaa and what is it like to control the weather? The heights of Hiiumaa can be conquered on the highest indoor climbing wall (20 m) in the Baltics. In the gift shop, you will find cute souvenirs that will always remind you of the Windtower. The lovely Café RUUDI is also located here.

Family-friendly Activity Centre Thule Koda in Kuressaare

Thule offers protection from the winds! The exhibitions of the Alternative History Museum of Thule Koda introduce the world-historical role of Saaremaa as the legendary 'Ultima Thule.' The mythical journey of the ancient Greek explorer Pytheas can be enjoyed through various expositions and games. The exhibits are humorous and somewhat self-ironic and their motto is ‘Don't believe everything that you see!’ The stylish and comfortable Thule Hall and private and cosy Kaali Hall in the THULE CINEMA offer a versatile programme for both younger and older guests. The café serves light meals and drinks.

Asva Viking Village fortress

Asva Viking Village is located in an ancient Viking stronghold on the edge of the ancient settlement of Asva. Here, different eras meet through the three millennia. Thematic activities are intertwined with modern attractions and there is much to do for visitors of all ages. In addition to the adventure park and the animal-bird park, there is a Viking fortress with the matron's hall, smithy and arms workshop. The crown of the fortress is the chief's size Odrakoda Hall. In the yard of the fortress, you can hone your skills in archery, axe-throwing, and other fun games of skill. Various themed events take place in the courtyard and stage of the fortress throughout the summer.

Narva Museum

The Narva Museum today includes Narva Castle, the Northern Yard, and the Art Gallery. These are more than architectural monuments, as the castle and the gallery also have exhibition halls. The new exhibition of Narva Castle talks about the history of Narva from the 13th century until the beginning of the 20th century. In 1991, the Art Gallery was opened. This allowed the museum to host Estonian and foreign art exhibitions in addition to displaying its own art collection. The Northern Yard is how Narva Museum showcases a district of artisans dating from the 17th century. Currently, there are four historical craft workshops for everyone who is interested. The Narva Museum is exciting for the entire family!

Kohtla Mining Park

Would you like to have a real taste of mining? All you need to do is put on your wellies, grab a warm jacket and take a lamp because where else than in the subterranean world would you hear, see and feel the same things as the men who toiled away in below ground every day? The mining museum also has an Enrichment Factory. As an educational experience, it demonstrates the journey of oil shale, tells how energy is created and showcases information on the subject of future trends in the energy sector. Please note! Ticket sales for the underground museum end two hours before the museum is closed, and ticket sales for the Enrichment Factory end an hour before closing time.

Estonian Police Museum

The Estonian Police Museum gives your whole family the chance to experience the work of the police in a fun way. Here, you can test your reaction times at the wheel of a car, try on a police uniform, take someone’s fingerprints, become a team member of the Special Unit or a specialist in a pre-trial forensic lab (dissect a heart or identify the murder weapon), measure speed on the streets, and much more. Children can have fun in the Children’s Museum and in the courtyard (a skill track, electric cars, a helicopter, a motorcycle, a police department). We guarantee an exciting day for the whole family!

Fotografiska Tallinn

Fotografiska is an international photo museum where world-class photography, honest and delicious food, and an open mindset meet. The house has three to four different exhibitions simultaneously. We bring you 10-15 world-class exhibitions a year. Fotografiska is an internationally recognised museum of photography with its roots in Stockholm. We have something for everyone. Fotografiska Tallinn includes an exhibition and event area, a café, a restaurant, and a photography store. Exhibitions can be viewed both physically and digitally. We bring you world-class artists and program. Welcome!

Seaplane Harbour, Estonian Maritime Museum

The most exciting maritime museum in Europe is located in the Seaplane Harbour! About 200 authentic items are on display at the historical seaplane hangar: a submarine called Lembit, a century-old icebreaker Suur Tõll, a seaplane called Short 184, remains of the oldest ship found in Estonia, and much more. There is also cafe MARU and a museum shop. Globe-trotting in a submarine, having your picture taken in a navy uniform, an aquarium, simulators, throwing paper airplanes, a children's corner with drawing tools, building blocks, an authentic sailboat, and an outdoor playground – programmes and materials meant for independent visits are playful and broaden the horizon of children and adults alike. Seaplane Harbour, Estonian Maritime Museum is closed 01.01.2024-01.05.2024

Museum and Visitor Centre of Fat Margaret, Estonian Maritime Museum

Welcome to the Museum and Visitor Centre of Fat Margaret! Listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, the complex provides an overview of maritime trade, agencies, and navigation in the Middle Ages, as well as in the era of sailing, steam, and motor ships. There is a total of 1,000 m² of exhibition space. The star exhibit is the 700-year-old Koge wreck found in Kadriorg in 2015. There are about 70 ship models out of which 17 have been created especially for the exhibition, nearly 700 items, and 50 digital and hands-on solutions.

Estonian Open Air Museum

Just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Tallinn, you will find a wonderful place – the Estonian Open Air Museum, showcasing the country's rural architecture and way of life. The 14 farms in the museum provide an overview of how families from different strata of society lived in the 18–20th centuries. As you might expect to find in any proper village, there is a church, an inn, a schoolhouse, mills, a fire station, a shop, and fishing sheds by the sea. At the museum, you can buy handicrafts, ride horses, and try traditional Estonian dishes at the inn. The museum is open year-round, offering entertainment, lovely workshops and events, and something you, regardless of your age, might not have known before.  

Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom

We tell the story of Estonia and Estonians through personal memories and the moving stories of grandmothers and grandfathers. On your journey through the museum, you will be accompanied by an e-guide in either Estonian, Russian, English, Finnish, German, French, or Spanish, which will lead you on an inclusive and reflective journey along the trails of the recent past. The e-guide is included in the ticket price. In addition, Vabamu has an engaging family level specifically designed for children with a smart family e-guide. The exhibition is accessible to people with hearing, visual, and mobility impairments.

Tallinn Zoo

Tallinn Zoo has the most exciting collection of animals out of all the Nordic countries! It is home to giant elephants and rhinos, dangerous predators, monkeys, polar bears, and many other exotic species. The Tallinn Zoo also has one of the best exhibits of ibexes and mountain sheep in the world. By visiting the Tallinn Zoo, you support species conservation activities. By purchasing a donation ticket, visitors can support the protection of the endangered Sumatran rhino and the endangered small cat species – the manul – in the wild. The zoo is open every day!

Tallinn TV Tower's observation deck

Welcome to the Tallinn TV Tower's observation deck! At a height of 170 metres, you will be treated to one of the most magnificent views of the Estonian capital city. You can enjoy a captivating panoramic view that stretches further than the eye can see. You can observe the bustling city life, watch beautiful sunsets, and feel the wind. The TV Tower's observation deck is a true window to the past and the present day. Today, the TV Tower has three main functions: to provide nationwide communication, to offer traditional Estonian flavours in a modern restaurant and to provide experiences. Tallinn TV Tower offers a picturesque view all year round, no matter the weather!  

Kumu Art Museum

Kumu is the main building of the Art Museum of Estonia and the largest and most representative exhibition place in Estonia. The task of the Kumu Art Museum, opened in 2006, is to preserve and make sense of Estonian art from the 18th century to the present day. Kumu sees its role as a initiator of social and cultural debate, both in the exhibitions of art history and in the gallery of contemporary art, which is a source of new ideas for artists from Estonia and abroad. Kumu’s permanent exhibition introduces Estonian art from the beginning of the 18th century to 1991, and the temporary exhibitions also include international and contemporary art. See the Kumu calendar for events and exhibitions taking place there.

Ilon's Wonderland

Ilon's Wonderland is a theme park for children and families that showcases the work of Ilon Wikland, the illustrator of Astrid Lindgren's children's books. The three-storey building is open from September to April. It has a gallery, a cinema, an exhibition hall, Karlsson's Room, Ilon's Kitchen, and a playroom, where workshops and thematic events take place. From May to August, the Wonderland courtyard is also open. Inside you'll find Mattias's cottage and a handicrafts workshop where you and your kids can make many exciting items yourself. In the courtyard, you can try your hand at target throwing, stilt-walking, fishing, acting, and sandbox games.

Lottemaa Theme Park - the largest family theme park in Estonia!

In Lottemaa, over a hundred attractions, thematic houses, pleasant culinary experiences, souvenir shops, and a beach are waiting to be discovered. There is more than enough to do and see as well as incredibly exciting adventures for the entire family to fill an entire day. Lottemaa, the largest theme park in the Baltic states, is located in a lovely forest by the sea. This place might already be familiar from the Lotte cartoons, musicals, and books. Here, you can meet Lotte, Bruno, Albert, and other villagers from Gadgetville to play and create with them. The theme park is located six kilometres from Pärnu, the summer capital of Estonia.

Wile Alpaca Farm

Wile Farm in Järva County raises alpacas, who originate from South America and are wonderfully soft. Alpacas are herd animals with a curious and gentle nature. Currently, the farm has many alpacas in various colours. Wile, the alpaca who gave the farm its name, was born on 12 May 2014. Alpaca wool is shiny, silky, soft, and luxurious. It's also a lot warmer than sheep's wool and it does not prickle, contain lanolin, or cause allergic reactions. Every animal gives about 2.2 to 4.5 kg of wool. You can visit the alpaca farm, pet the animals, and learn about wool and woollen products in the farm's wool room, as well as purchase alpaca wool products.

Pokuland

The Pokuland theme park on the borders of Võru and Põlva Counties was created after a children’s book, Pokumaa by Edgar Valter, and its main characters – Pokus. Pokus were created after sedge tussocks, or clumps of long, thick grass that grow in the bogs. The world of Pokus begins with the visitor's centre – Pokuhall – that looks like a twin-Poku and surprises guests with its unique stairways, passages and interior design elements. In the Pokuhall visitors can see original illustrations and oil paintings by Edgar Valter, get to know his creative work and make Pokus themselves. There are many other activities and events, such as study trails to introduce local nature, village swings to ride, as well as picnic and camping sites.

Estonian Road Museum

The newest part of the museum is the Machinery Hall, opened in July 2019, with the exhibition The Rule of Machines – a fascinating interactive exhibition on car mechanics and traffic physics, safe driving, and building safe roads. The outdoor exhibition Road Time is a road going through time and space where you can see old and modern vehicles. Visitors can also explore Eastern Europe’s largest collection of road construction machines. For children, we have a wide selection of two-wheeled and electric cars in the 'traffic jungle.' At the Varbuse Post Station, you can learn about the development of roads and modes of travel and there is a children’s museum on the first floor of the house.

PROTO Invention Factory

Imagine driving the world’s first, car, locomotive, or hot air balloon, or walking on the seabed. Now, you can do it because PROTO Invention Factory, which is unique in Europe, is open! Only here, in the former secret submarine factory, you will see prototypes of incredible inventions come to life thanks to the latest technology. You will feel like you are in the laboratory of Jules Verne – this place is wilder than dreams! Want to create, invent, or fly? Come to PROTO – we have something for both younger and older visitors.

Source: visitestonia

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