There’ll be plenty of fun and games at the Museums at Night events.
It’s all fun and games this weekend as Contrary Life brings you a round-up of the best Museums at Night events to take your kids along to, as well as some events for those who just don’t want to grow up!
For those with the kids in tow…
Before Bedtime Adventures with Isabella Necessity and Camping in Torre Abbey Gardens
When: 12th May and 13th May 2016
Where: Torre Abbey Historic House and Gardens, The King’s Drive, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5JE
£: Before Bedtime is free and the camping event costs £25 for a tent pitch
What is it?
The wonderful Isabella Necessity will be arriving on her Story Bicycle to take visitors on an adventure through Torre Abbey Gardens and into the dark, dark house on 12th May. On the 13th May families can bring their tents for an evening of fun and games, storytelling around the firepit, garden games and a bbq.
More info: www.torre-abbey.org.uk
The Enchanted Gardens at Blaise
When: 14th May 2016, 4.30pm – 9pm
Where: Blaise Castle House Museum, Henbury Road Henbury, Bristol BS10 7QS
£: Pay what you think
What is it?
Visitors can discover a mystical twilight world in the hidden gardens at Blaise. A special activity map will guide guests as they make magical dens, silver roses, miniature gardens and paper creatures. An installation of light and sound created by UWE filmmaking students will illuminate the house. Visitors can explore the imagined forests of the future, where large wild animals are living once again. The magic will continue after dusk with a performance by the Travelling Light Theatre Company at 7.30pm. There’ll be sweet treats and warming drinks available at a pop-up café. Alternatively visitors may bring their own picnic.
More info: museumsatnight.org.uk and www.bristolmuseums.org.uk
A Wild Woods Sleepover
When: 13th May 2016, from 6pm
Where: Gilbert White’s House and Garden and The Oates Collection, Selborne, Hampshire GU34 3JH
£: Costs £15 per child. Accompanying adults go free
What is it?
Visitors can enjoy an evening of exciting activities and crafts, exploring the woodland and what lives there. The evening will culminate in a campfire cooked supper and a sleepover in tents in the 16th century barn. Visitors should bring a torch.
More info: museumsatnight.org.uk and www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
The Enchanted Museum at Chiltern Open Air Museum.
The Enchanted Museum: Myths and Legends
When: 14th May 2016, 4pm – 8.30pm
Where: Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire HP8 4AB
£: Standard admission prices apply
What is it?
Families can enjoy an evening of storytelling in the museum’s historic buildings, all lit up by candle, lantern and firelight for visitors to explore. There will be a fancy dress competition with prizes for the best ones.
More info: museumsatnight.org.uk and www.coam.org.uk/whats-on/events/museums-at-night
And for the big kids…
Vintage Gamers
When: 13th May 2016, 7pm – 10pm
Where: Museum of Cambridge, 3/4 Castle Hill, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 0AQ
£: Costs £5 or £3 for concessions. Adult only event
What is it?
Adults can play a range of old games from the Museum of Cambridge’s collection. Visitors will be able to indulge in some 80’s nostalgia with Dune and Bent Outta Shape, or have a go with Victorian dexterity games, Mixed Pickles and Spillikins.
More info: museumsatnight.org.uk and www.museumofcambridge.org.uk
Gizzago’s Pop-up Playground
When: 15th May 2016, 5pm – 11pm
Where: Various locations, Liverpool, Merseyside
£: Free. Suitable for all ages.
What is it?
As part of Liverpool’s Light Night event, Gizzago will be providing three pop-up playgrounds, encouraging visitors to play with public space in awesome new and forgotten ways. Kids (big and small), will be able to experience street games of the future and take the first steps in exploring the city afresh.
More info: museumsatnight.org.uk and www.lightnightliverpool.co.uk
Toys and Games Night
When: 13th May 2016, 5pm – 9pm
Where: St. John’s House Museum, St John’s, Warwick, Warwickshire CV34 4NF
£: Free
What is it?
Visitors can discover games from the collections of St. John’s House Museum and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum at this free drop-in event. Visitors will be able to have fun playing everything from space hoppers, ludo and scrabble, to a one-off board game created by the Regiment.
More info: museumsatnight.org.uk and heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk