Medieval arts and crafts
Hear ye, hear ye! Calling all Kings, Queens and Knights of the Realm. Head down to Norwich to get hands on with medieval arts and crafts. Commemorating Chapelfield Garden’s history as a jousting tournament ground, families can drop into this relaxed craft session to make and decorate shields, crowns, princess hats and horse puppets. Once you’re happy with your creation, it’s time to make a portrait fit for royalty in the medieval photobooth.
Hands-on heritage
Whether you’re baking bread or biscuits, you won’t get far without flour! Visit Acorn Bank Watermill to learn more about how the 19th century millers harnessed the power of water to speed up the production of this staple foodstuff. See the mill in action, sample some tasty baked produce – and try making flour by hand, the way our ancestors did! When you’re all done and (flour) dusted, head to the art table to get creative.
Waste wonder day
Bins, glorious bins! Whether you’re a keen recycler or your little one loves a bin lorry, Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility’s Wonder Day is guaranteed to delight all ages. Take a tour of the facility and see what really happens to your tins and cardboard, or head to the vehicle display to see the range of diggers, trucks and shovels that handle all the waste. When you’re done with the bins, hop on over to the bouncy castle and face painting stalls for some good old-fashioned fun.
Last police box
Learn how police officers stayed connected long before radios or mobile phones at a very special pop-up from the National Emergency Services Museum (winners of the Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award 2022). The museum team will showcase unique objects from the collection and tell the story of the last surviving police box – a vital tool in helping the police force of the past fight crime. Head off on your own emergency services adventure around the town with a new walking trail, which finishes at the museum itself – where kids can explore a range of historic vehicles and slide down a fireman’s pole!
Village fete fun
Moor Pool Estate is a Garden suburb of Birmingham, designed in response to urban overcrowding. Comprising around 500 Arts and Craft style houses, Moor Pool Estate brought the best of town and country together. This year, community venues around the estate will host a range of jolly village fete style activities for the whole family. Sporty types can try their hand at Edwardian skittles, bowling, tennis and snooker, whilst urban explorers can embark on two different family trails. Round the day off with homemade cake and glitter tattoos!
Dentist day
Step aside, tooth fairy! The School of Dentistry at the University of Leeds is showcasing the years of medical advancements helping to keep our pearly whites happy and healthy. Check out historic artefacts, including dental equipment from bygone days, and swing by the virtual reality lab to learn all about removing tartar! Afterwards, join students from the school in colouring, games and crafts.
Carnival celebrations
Fancy a taste of the Caribbean in Milton Keynes? Look no further than Midsummer Place Shopping Centre – their Caribbean carnival village celebrates the diverse local community and features a range of great hands-on workshops for the whole family. Try your hand at steelpan drumming, enjoy storytelling and music, or create a colourful carnival headdress.
On trial
Innocent or guilty? At the National Justice Museum, your family decides! In 1812, at the Nottingham Assizes, William Carnell and 16-year-old Joseph Maples were charged with burglary, entering a dwelling house, and breaking valuable machinery. This Heritage Open Day, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in an interactive re-enactment of Maple’s trial and determine his fate.
Trades and treasures
Who were the workers of the past in Liskeard? In celebration of this year’s Heritage Open Days ‘Everyday Histories’ theme, families are invited to step into a day in the life of the town with a multisensory trail at Liskeard Museum. Explore how people worked and lived at occupation stations across the museum – a unique opportunity to dive into the lives of miners, toy sellers and outfitters.
Keepsake creations
Think connecting your printer to the WiFi is hard? Try operating a Victorian printing press! The Bodleian Libraries is offering rare free access to spaces and collections that are usually closed to the public. Use a printing press to make a special keepsake to take home, or drop into the family craft section. There’s also a programme of exciting music and dance performances.
Find out more
-
Kids in Museums - Discover more inspiration and resources for family friendly places and activites
-
Festival Spotlights - Be inspired for your event searches with our highlight posts
-
What's on? - Search here for an event near you