Families
We welcome families of all ages to the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum and Bookshop. We have lots of fun things for you to experience!
Museum trails, toys, and colouring in
The Museum has a popular free cat trail, inspired by Samuel Johnson’s cat, Hodge. We also have seasonal trails throughout the year. These are available at the front desk.
There are fun, hand-made toys and puzzles throughout the house, as well as an interactive word game in the Dictionary room, for all ages to enjoy.
We provide colouring in sheets and crayons, which make the perfect free souvenir of your visit to the Museum.
Michael Johnson’s workroom activity
After taking a booklet from the front desk, try writing with a real quill and ink, before blotting and stamping your sheet. This popular activity is enjoyed by all ages!
Whilst in the Workroom, learn about bookbinding from our fascinating display, which shows how Michael Johnson would have bound the books he sold in his Bookshop.
Samuel Johnson short film
Learn more about Samuel Johnson’s early life in Lichfield by watching our film on the first floor of the Museum. This short film plays for around 15 minutes and is suitable for all ages to watch
*The film plays with sound and captions. It is also available to view on a handheld tablet in the bookshop on the ground floor.
Johnson’s dictionary
After looking at Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language, why not flip through our replica copy, and see how many new weird and wonderful words you can find to impress your friends!
Dressing up
How would you look in Johnson’s day? After reading about Georgian fashion in the attic, we encourage you to dress up in the Georgian-inspired clothing from our dressing-up box!
Events and workshops
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum holds family-friendly workshops and events throughout the year, including school holidays. You can keep up to date with our events by visiting our what’s on page, or by signing up to our newsletter. Please note: Events usually take place on the first floor of the museum, which can only be accessed by stairs. Due to the building’s Grade I listed status we are unable to install a lift.
Our bookshop
If you want a special keepsake to remember your visit to Samuel Johnson’s family home, our Bookshop stocks a wide range of pocket money toys, including books, souvenirs, toys, stationery, and more. We also sell cards, wrapping paper, mugs, scarves, and prints from Midlands-based artists.
Facilities
We do not have a toilet on site, but there are many nearby. Please visit this page for information on where to find public toilets (external link) or ask one of our helpful staff when you visit. Our Museum Attendants can point you in the direction of nearby toilets that have baby-changing facilities.
Pushchairs, prams, & buggies
The Museum has five floors to explore, and some rooms are quite small. Due to the building’s Grade I listed status we are unable to install a lift. You are welcome to leave folding prams in our courtyard / outdoor lockers. Larger prams and buggies may be left in our Bookshop during your Museum visit. Our Museum Attendants are happy to provide you with assistance when lifting prams up and down the steps at the entrance of the Bookshop.
Breastfeeding
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is a breastfeeding-friendly location, however due to our size, we are unable to provide a designated private room. If you require a private place to breastfeed, our Museum Attendants will happily advise you about nearby breastfeeding-friendly places. Please inquire in the Bookshop.
‘Babies do not want to hear about babies; they like to be told of giants and castles, and of somewhat which can stretch and stimulate their minds.’
