Rain-safe: free museums, galleries and libraries in Hobart
Hobart's weather makes indoor options more than a luxury, and the city has a few good ones. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is the headline. It is free to enter, close to the waterfront and large enough to fill a morning, with natural history, colonial history, art and Aboriginal culture all under one roof. The Army Museum of Tasmania at Anglesea Barracks is a smaller, quieter option that suits children who like uniforms, medals and old weapons, and the Hobart Library offers books, space and a place to sit when the wind is howling. The trick with rainy days is not to overload them. Choose one place, let the children lead and leave while they still want more. A scavenger hunt, a sketchbook or a simple challenge such as finding the oldest object can give a visit shape. The museum cafe can be pricey, so bring your own snack for later. Staff at these places are used to families and will happily point you to the best exhibits for small visitors. Check the listing for opening arrangements, since smaller collections keep limited hours. After the visit, a walk along the waterfront, if the weather lifts, completes the day.
Our picks
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Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Hobart
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) in Dunn Place, Hobart, has art, artefacts and natural history collections and free entry.
★ 4.5 (3,617)
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Army Museum of Tasmania Hobart
The Army Museum of Tasmania is in the 1847 Military Gaol at Anglesea Barracks, Davey Street, Hobart.
★ 4.7 (169)
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Hobart Library Hobart
Hobart Library is the Libraries Tasmania lending library on the 1st floor of 91 Murray Street, Hobart, in the same building as the State Library and Archives of…
Story time · ★ 4.5 (124)
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Kingston Library Kingston
Kingston Library is a Libraries Tasmania branch at 11 Hutchins Street, Kingston, Tasmania, 7050.
Before you go
Best for which ages
The museum and gallery suit all ages, with plenty to look at and room to move. Primary-age children enjoy natural history and objects, while teens may be drawn to the art and history. The Army Museum suits school-age children who like military history.
What to bring
A small bag with snacks and water, and a notebook or sketchbook. A rain jacket for the walk between buildings, and a warm layer, since some galleries are cool. A carrier is handy for little ones who tire halfway round. A spare pair of dry socks helps if you got caught in a shower on the way in.
Parking and facilities
The museum is near the waterfront and public transport, and city parking can be limited. Toilets, lifts and a cafe are on site, but the listing says what each venue has. The smaller collections keep things simple, with fewer facilities. On a wet day the shelter of the entrance and a quick drop-off near the door make arriving easier.
How to make a day of it
Pick one main venue and give it time. Let children choose a favourite object to find or draw. Take a snack break, and if the rain stops, walk along the waterfront to let everyone stretch their legs. Give a restless child a pencil and something to draw, and keep a quiet corner in mind.
Free museums, galleries and science
Permanent collections with free entry. Special exhibitions can be ticketed; the listing says so.
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Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Hobart
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) in Dunn Place, Hobart, has art, artefacts and natural history collections and free entry.
★ 4.5 (3,617)
-
Army Museum of Tasmania Hobart
The Army Museum of Tasmania is in the 1847 Military Gaol at Anglesea Barracks, Davey Street, Hobart.
★ 4.7 (169)
Libraries, story time and rhyme time
Free sessions for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, usually in school term.
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Hobart Library Hobart
Hobart Library is the Libraries Tasmania lending library on the 1st floor of 91 Murray Street, Hobart, in the same building as the State Library and Archives of…
Story time · ★ 4.5 (124)
-
Kingston Library Kingston
Kingston Library is a Libraries Tasmania branch at 11 Hutchins Street, Kingston, Tasmania, 7050.
Questions parents ask
- Is the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery free?
- General entry is free, though special exhibitions may charge. The listing explains what is covered.
- Is the museum good for toddlers?
- Yes, if you keep the visit short and let your toddler move at their own pace. Prams are generally welcome.
- What is the Army Museum like for kids?
- It is a small museum with uniforms, medals and displays about military history. It suits school-age children, and the listing explains opening arrangements.