WCXX

Brixham Heritage Museum, Devon

brixhammuseum.org.uk; 01803 856267

Top family summer activity:Open Dig, free for families, on an archaeological site at Berry Head.

Families said: "The children are always excited at the prospect of visiting. The latest addition of sand tables with hidden bones and dinosaurs is a favourite."

The judges said: "The line between visitors and staff seems wonderfully blurred."

Horniman Museum and Gardens, London

horniman.ac.uk; 020 8699 1872

Top family summer activity: Handle objects from around the world – from sharks teeth to an African thumb piano – in the summer-long Hands on Base sessions.

Families said: "As a kid I spent my weekends in with the musical instruments and walrus. As teenagers we picnicked in the park. As parents we investigated the bugs and searched for queen bees and now I'm coming back for more. My favourite place in London."

The judges said: "It's always been a big hitter in the family world."

National Maritime Museum Cornwall

nmmc.co.uk; 01326 313388

Top family summer activity: Go on the Pongy Pirates Trail and follow your nose to find the treasure chests hidden around the museum.

Families said: "My daughters no longer want to be fairies when they grow up, they now want to be rescue helicopter pilots! The Titanic exhibition was brilliant. The life raft that you could climb in was another favourite. The underwater observatory is great and crabbing from the pontoon is fun."

The judges said: "Just perfect when you're on a family holiday in the rain, stuck in Cornwall, much more fun than taking the kids to the cinema or being stuck indoors."

Nature in Art, Gloucester

nature-in-art.org.uk; 01452 731422

Top family summer activity:Decorate an American Indian hand drum with feathers, beads and paint

Families said: "I've been a member for over 20 years (I am 92). The amount of solace in just touching and stroking Ring of Bright Water by Kent Ullberg – it's still the first and last thing I do when I visit. The whole place makes you feel at home. In fact I call it my second home; I'm lucky to live so near."

"Fabulous, challenging, stimulating and child-friendly art sessions. You even get a follow up email after the event about displaying the art, and each piece is photographed and displayed on the website. Outside is a wonderful sculpture garden – super for a picnics, a great play area and plenty of parking. Handy café with parent-friendly prices."

The judges said: "A local undiscovered gem."

North Lincolnshire Museum

northlincs.gov.uk/museums; 01724 843533

Top family summer activity: Tudor Awesome Ancestors – meet a Tudor lady and find out about her life.

Families said: "I like the rucksack and the clues that you had to find around the place," said Jack, aged nine. "I like the dinosaur and there's a boat with water upstairs near the Viking," said Harry, aged four.

The judges said: "It's very nice to see a nomination from an area that is not blessed with attractions."

Nottingham Contemporary

nottinghamcontemporary.org; 01159 489750

Top family summer activity: Sea Creature Costumes – become an octopus, mermaid or sea monster.

Families said: "Dylan is young but he really enjoys time at the gallery. He particularly liked the recent interactive artworks which he could arrange himself.

The gallery assistants were really helpful in explaining what could be touched and what couldn't. I love being able to share this passion with him."

The judges said: "Contemporary art is a very difficult subject to get the whole family in on, but here they make their collection accessible."