06 Aug 2024
by Jade Watson

Behind the screens

Hear from the curators at the UK’s only museum dedicated to video games to discover Sheffield’s many connections to this exciting industry. Have a go handling different controllers from throughout the years, and of course, play some of the many games in the museum. (Image: Khaled Aljawaad)

Videogame Museum (South Yorkshire)

Collections conundrum

Can you help the ‘Muddled Museum’? Brush up on your archaeological skills by helping Buckinghamshire Archaeological Society sort their table of treasures. Touch real archaeological objects, try to identify them and guess their age! Is it a fossil? A sheep's tooth? Put your skills to the test and find out!

All things Roman

Travel back in time for a Roman-themed day at a manor house which stands on the site of a Roman fort. Budding engineers can create a mini Roman road while learning about ancient practices. Or, perhaps you'd like to get immersed in the atmosphere, dress up as a centurion and design your very own Roman shield. (Image: Laura Mate)

Ilkley Manor (West Yorkshire)

Have-a-go history

See the past come to life for a whole weekend with displays and demonstrations for all the family. Engage the senses and discover the lives of ordinary people from the past with costumed reenactors creating an immersive atmosphere through dress, dancing, cooking and more.

Outdoors explorers

Connect with nature and music in the Somer Valley in this fun, interactive workshop for children. First, embark on a family nature walk that engages the senses, with plenty of pauses to help you connect with nature and heritage. Following the walk, get your blankets out and vocal chords ready for a picnic and a ‘Sing-a-Ling’ music workshop. (Image: Somer Valley Rediscovered)

Somer Valley (Somerset)

Crafty creations

Use your imagination (and recycled materials!) to build your very own bridge inspired by the bridges of Berwick. Perfect for kids aged 6-12, unleash your creativity with lots of sticking, gluing and decorating!

The mane event

Paintbrushes at the ready for this creative paint-along session! Unleash your inner artist and paint a historic horse from Crewe’s past - the possibilities are endless! Best of all, you can take your masterpiece away with you at the end. (Image: Cheshire Archives & Local Studies)

Horse from History (Cheshire)

Pirate party

Join in the merriment and celebrate the opening of the Tavistock Ship Exhibition with a pirate-themed fun day for all the family! Filled with exciting activities including: puppet shows, artisan traders, and a trail for kids.

Awesome adventures

Discover over 200 years of history at this award-winning site. From beautiful nature and wildlife (including wild wallabies!) to magical miniatures, and a play park with trees, slides, dragons, zipwires, dens and more – the perfect place for a jam-packed day of family adventure. (Image: Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens)

Leonardslee Lakes (West Sussex)

Books at Bletchley

Perfect for book lovers aged 9+, this family-focused interactive session shines the spotlight on Rhian Tracey and her book series The Bletchley Park Mystery. Discover the inspiration behind her series with a Q&A, book signing and an exclusive trail that guides you through the fictional and real worlds of Bletchley Park.

Animation adventures

Have a film-tastic family day out at one of the oldest surviving purpose-built cinemas in the UK with opportunities for visitors to share their memories of the cinema over a cuppa and see some of the archive collection. Led by a film archivist, discover the magic of early cinema and get creative with an interactive animation workshop for children. (Image: Hayley Forrest)

Electric Palace (Essex)

Into the labyrinth

First, into the churchyard, then into (or onto in this case!) the labyrinth. Work your way through to the centre of the mown maze, and then create your own! Suitable for 6-12 year olds, have a go at all sorts of crafting techniques from sewing to painting. 

PLEASE NOTE - These events were accurate at the time of publication but details are subject to change. Check the individual entries for more - including any booking details needed.


Find out more