Free Summer Activities

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Free, drop in
There will be a host of free events and activities popping up across the Museum and Gardens throughout the summer.

There will be pop-up seed planting, play activities and bubbles in the Kusuma Nature Play Area across the summer holidays. Keep an eye out for signs on site.

Engage Volunteers

Look out for our Engage Volunteers in our galleries for a chance to interact directly with amazing objects from our Handling Collection.

Visitor Host talks

Join one of our Visitor Hosts for a range of talks in our wonderful galleries.

Bee buddies

Come and meet our Bee Buddies in the Gardens. They’ll point out interesting plants, insects and other pollinators and may have some bee-friendly seeds to give away!

  • Sunday 31 May 2-4pm (climate change beds near the Clocktower)
  • Saturday 27 June 1-3pm (Sunken Garden) 125 Birthday Party – only available to party ticket holders
  • Sunday 26 July 2-4pm (climate change beds near the  Clocktower)
  • Sunday 23 August 2-4pm (climate change beds near the Clocktower)

Family craft Saturdays

Join our volunteer team on Saturday afternoons for family craft activities inspired by the Museum’s collections.

Octonauts trail

Pick up a free trail and join the Octonauts crew on mini-missions throughout the Museum, and discover some fun Octofacts along the way. Then head outside to the Sound Garden for a bonus adventure.

Nature Detectives

Find our Nature Detective Volunteers in the Gardens on select Thursdays and Fridays this summer. Pick up family-friendly activities to explore the Gardens – draw mini beasts, measure tree trunks, and count different flowers and plants.

Kusuma Nature Play Area

Get closer to nature and discover our wildlife-themed play area, with fun activities for all the family in this sensory rich play.

Animal Walk

The Animal Walk lets visitors walk in between the enclosures for a close encounter with its furry and feathered residents.

Sound Garden

This hands on Garden space inspired by our musical instruments collection features world instruments you can play on a giant scale.