Families Flock To Fun At Museum

The National Civil War Centre has become a beacon for family fun with a series of events aimed at encouraging people of every age to play and explore.

Younger families, as well as carers and childminders, have been enjoying Mini Museum, a new weekly play session for under 5s running every Thursday in term time. Each week has a different theme, communicated through songs, stories and play as well as activities like treasure hunts, sand pits, and more wonderful ways for children to engage and enjoy themselves.

Families who’ve attended the first two weeks have called Mini Museum “fantastic” with “lots to do to keep the children interested” and “[a] lovely space to run around” as well as saying “[it] was nice to be able to look around while children played”.

Saturday 5^th February sees the launch of a new regular event, Family Saturday. Set to take place on the first Saturday of every month, there will be fascinating family-friendly tours and spellbinding storytime for under 10s, both happening hourly, as well as the chance to get creative with a drop-in art activity to enjoy together in the Tudor Hall.

Plus, from 3pm to 5pm, Family Saturdays will also see the return of the Centre’s Quiet Hour sessions, helping children and young people with autism or additional requirements to enjoy the museum. Sound effects are turned off, lights are turned up a little, a quiet space is available and there are things to touch and do.

Centre manager Carys Coulton-Jones said: “We strongly believe in welcoming visitors of all ages and creating an environment which encourages play and discovery. It’s been wonderful with Mini Museum to see toddlers experiencing the Centre for the first time as a place for fun and we look forward to lots of new visitors being able to discover us at our Family Saturday events too. Inspired by feedback we collected from families in 2021, our Learning Team have done a great job developing these as a new playful and creative way to engage with the museum.”

Normal admission applies on Family Saturday and entry is currently half price for residents of Newark and Sherwood. Mini Museum is free for under 5s and just £4 for adults. You can find out more by following the National Civil War Centre on Facebook or visiting www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com.