Family Open Day

Children
21 Feb 2026
10:00 am - 5:00 pm, free admission

Join us for a free day of family-friendly activities. Inspired by the museum’s Pippa Hale: Pet Project exhibition, enjoy a variety of activities as we celebrate all things pets at the museum. Try your hand at pet-themed pottery painting, learn about conservation, take part in a lively pet-inspired dance workshop and hear from talented young curators about their work. There’s something for all the family to enjoy! 

Free admission to the museum, activities can be booked on the day. Recommended for all the family, under 14’s must be always accompanied by an adult whilst in the museum. 

Explore the activities taking place across the day, listed just below.

Activities for Children

Children
29 Jan, 28 Feb, 26 Mar, 30 Apr, 28 May, 25 Jun, 30 Jul, 27 Aug, 24 Sep, 29 Oct, 26 Nov & 31 Dec 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm, included in admission

Bowes Babies

A young child with light hair, wearing a mustard-yellow shirt, khaki shorts, and colorful socks, smiles while crawling on a large white cushioned surface in a brightly colored play area with red and pink abstract shapes on the wall behind.
Children
21 Feb 2026
11:00 am –12:00 pm, 12:45-1:45 pm, 2:00 – 3:00 pm and 3:00 – 4:00 pm, free admission

Pet Prancers

Two children sit on large, colourful, painted cat and dog squishees and give each other a high-five in a brightly decorated room with green and red walls. They are smiling and appear to be having fun in a playful, creative environment.
Workshop
Every Saturday until 28 Feb 2026
1:00 - 2:00 and 2:00 - 3:00, £6.00 per bisque

Pet Pottery Painting

Close-up of a display featuring two small ceramic animal figurines—a white cat with blue and green painted details in the foreground and a brown dog positioned slightly behind. Surrounding the figurines are colorful origami pieces in red, green, purple, and yellow, set against a bright red background.
Children
21 Feb 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 1:45 – 4:30 pm, free admission

Artist Makers: Making Tracks

A young girl with a long braid and a colourful crocheted headband is sitting at a bright yellow table, drawing on a sheet of white paper with a black marker. Various craft supplies—markers, scissors, glue, and cut-out shapes—are scattered around her. A piece of cardboard with a child’s drawing of a butterfly and stands upright nearby. The girl appears focused on her artwork in the Create Space.
Children
17, 18, 24 & 25 Feb 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 – 2:00 pm, included in admission

Gallery Takeover

Two young children examine a small museum display case in the Curiosity Gallery using magnifying glasses. The display contains botanical elements. Around them are various museum objects, including textiles and vintage instruments, all arranged in bright, modern exhibition shelves.

Activities for Young People

Young People
21 Feb 2026
11:30 am – 12:30 pm and 1:30 – 2:30 pm, free admission

Conservation in Action

A close up shot of a person wearing purple gloves and holding a historic brown boot
Young People
21 Feb 2026
11:00am – 12:00 pm, 1:15 – 2:45 pm and 3:00 – 4:30 pm, free admission

Young Curators Showcase

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