Right next to the grandeur of the main National Museum sits the National Museum of Natural History. As the only museum in Sri Lanka solely dedicated to natural science and biodiversity, it is an essential stop for kids going through their “animal” or “dinosaur” phases!
While it lacks the high-tech, interactive gloss of Western museums, it makes up for it with raw scale and a comprehensive catalog of the island’s unique flora and fauna, alongside some remarkable geological displays.
What Kids Love Most
- The Massive Skulls and Taxidermy: Getting up close to a full-sized taxidermy elephant, a Sri Lankan leopard, or the massive jaws of a blue whale is an unforgettable sight for a young child.
- The Fossils: The museum holds Jurassic-era fossils including impressions of early plant life in Sri Lanka and ancient marine reptiles.
- The Weird and Wacky: Extensive insect collections featuring massive beetles and beautifully preserved butterflies.
Parent Tips
Keep your expectations grounded: the museum is decidedly old-school, featuring wooden cabinets and static displays. However, an imaginative child will find the sheer volume of bones, rocks, and creatures highly stimulating.
The museum is located right in the heart of Colombo’s greenest district. After a heavily educational morning looking at exhibits, take a five-minute walk over to Viharamahadevi Park to let the kids burn off their remaining energy on the massive climbing frames!
