Minibeasts
Find out what minibeasts are, carefully explore in the Gardens to investigate minibeast habitats, and observe minibeast features and behaviours.
This session is not suitable for under 3s. Accompanying adults are very welcome, but we may restrict access to the taught session to a maximum of 10.
Please note: This is an outdoor session. In the event of adverse weather, an alternative indoor session will run.
Learning Objectives:
- Name some common minibeasts.
- Demonstrate how to observe and handle minibeasts with care.
- Suggest where we might find minibeasts and why.
- Describe or draw minibeast features and behaviours.
- Identify minibeasts using a simple key.
Please note that our Natural History Gallery is now closed for redevelopment and will reopen in late 2026. The rest of our Galleries, displays, Aquarium and Gardens will be open as usual, with plenty across the site to support your topic (from our free Animal Walk, to our World Gallery). Our schools workshops are unaffected.
Our new, free Natural History Pop Up exhibition is open until May 2026.
Workshop information
How to book
Booking a taught session includes a welcome briefing on arrival, timed access to a lunch space, cloakroom facilities and access to toilets for the exclusive use of school groups.
contact us to make a booking:
schools@horniman.ac.uk
020 8291 8686
When you contact us please have ready:
– the name of the taught session you would like to book or topic you are studying,
– 1st/2nd/3rd choice of date and preferred session time,
– the number of pupils and adults.
Costs
Entrance to the Horniman Museum and Gardens is free of charge. Taught sessions and access to some exhibitions are charged for. We invoice before your visit.
The following charges apply:
Mainstream State schools: £100 including VAT, £83.33 excluding VAT
Private/independent schools: £140 including VAT, £116.67 excluding VAT
SEND schools and groups: £50 including VAT, £41.67 excluding VAT
We offer a bursary scheme for schools that meet a set criteria.
Planning your visit
See the School Trips page for other essential information including our Risk Assessment.
We are open from 10am-5.30pm, 7 days a week. Visits must be booked in advance by emailing schools@horniman.ac.uk.
We offer reduced educational rates for our Aquarium, Butterfly House, and Temporary exhibition. See the School Trips page for further information.
Charges apply to all children aged 3 years and over, and all accompanying teachers and adults, unless they are specific 1:1 carers.