Discover everything coming up at Reading Museum for all the family to enjoy..
May Half Term
Sat 24 May 25 until Sat 31 May 2025
Activity Cart
Visit us throughout the holidays at the Museum and enjoy a range of VE Day in Europe themed and Huntley and Palmer biscuit themed paper craft. Free, drop in
Tuesday 27 May: Family Digi-Workshop: EcoCode - Spider Silk
Did you know that spider silk is as tough as steel? It can help us to understand how to construct gstructures more sustainably. Spiders create webs to catch prey and make homes. We’ll be coding a micro: bit to act as a ‘spider web’ - to detect three different sizes of insect using an accelerometer. Recommended ages 8+ with accompanying adult, 10am. Free, book online here
Tuesday 27 May: Family Digi-Workshop: EcoCode - Llamagotchi
Did you know Fifi the llama is a resident at Reading University and her nanobodies have helped to create COVID vaccines?!? In appreciation of Fifi, we’ll be coding a micro:bit llamagotchi – a digital pet that you can interact with. What makes it even more fun is that we’ll attach a solar cell to help keep Fifi active and sustainable! Recommended ages 8+ with accompanying adult, 11:30am & 2pm. Free, book online here
Throughout May Half Term: Oh Crumbs! Biscuit Trail
Celebrate the history of Reading’s world famous biscuit makers, Huntley & Palmers. When you have completed your trail, go and collect your prize! Even our youngest visitors can enjoy this trail. Families, available throughout the day. £1, pay on the day
Wednesday 28 May: Everybody’s Welcome! Make & Take Craft Sessions: Prehistoric Snapping Creatures
Free fun for everyone, come in and join us – everybody’s welcome! Families, half-hour sessions 10am – 1pm & 1pm - 3pm. Donations welcome, drop in
Thursday 29 May: National Biscuit Day: Decorating Biscuits!
Part of our National Biscuit Day Celebrations. From 1870 until the 1970s, Reading was known as ‘Biscuit Town’ because of the fame of Huntley & Palmers biscuits. Families will enjoy object handling and then decorating some biscuits together to take away in a fabulous container. All ages, Families, 1-hour sessions starting at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm & 2.15pm. £5, book online here
We will also be handling tins from our Huntley & Palmers collection and families can enjoy our special Biscuit themed trail and biscuit themed papercraft on our Activity Cart!
Reading Museum on Wheels will also out and about at Didcot Railway Centre, talking about our famous tin collection. For more information about Didcot’s event: National Biscuit Day | Didcot Railway Centre
Friday 30 May: Victorian Schoolroom Experience in the Gateway
Meet a Victorian schoolteacher and re-learn the ‘3Rs’. A 45-minute experience for adults and children over 5 in our unique Victorian classroom, in the historic Abbey Gateway where Jane Austen went to school. Please note that the Gateway has no step free access and there are uneven steps and floors. Ages 5+, 11am & 2pm (meeting at the Abbey Gateway). £2 per person, pay on the day (subject to availability) or book online here
Regular Events:
Monk Bear Trail: Now on! Families: £1 per trail, pay on the day
Roman Paw Trail: Now on! Families: £1 per trail, pay on the day
Sport in Mind Session: Mum & Baby Movement & Exercise for Mental Wellbeing: Every Monday
Light movement and exercise for mums and babies with our lovely instructor! These sessions are for mums with babies under 1, experiencing low mood, isolation or loneliness or difficulties with their mental health. In partnership and delivered for the benefit of local people by Sport in Mind, the UK’s leading mental health sports charity. Mums and Babies, 1pm - 2pm
Rhymetime at Reading Museum: Every Wednesday
The popular Rhymetime sessions at Reading Libraries are now starting at Reading Museum! These sessions introduce babies and children to language, rhyme and taking part in a fun way. Families, 10.30am – 11am. Donations welcome, drop in
Object Handling: Every Friday Morning
Join our gallery team or one of our volunteers and enjoy learning more about the objects in our Loans Collection. All ages, 10.30am - 12pm, drop in
Museums, My Way: Every Saturday
We have created a breakout room, aimed at neurodivergent visitors and their families. Quiet areas with tents and cushions and sensory toys will be available. Families can enjoy exploring the galleries using our sensory bags, then take time out to relax before continuing their visit. Families, Free, drop in#
