Easter is just around the corner and parents desperate for things to keep their kids entertained will be thrilled to hear that Birmingham Museums has plenty to offer.
While visitor attractions currently remain closed, Birmingham Museums are inviting families of all ages to take a step back in time or zoom into space with a programme of activity designed to keep inquisitive minds entertained during the school holidays.
Highlights of the Easter holiday programme include online visits to two of Birmingham’s famous historic properties – Jacobean mansion Aston Hall and Tudor family home Blakesley Hall, an online Planetarium tour exploring the night sky plus free downloads of arts and craft activities to try at home.
Sarehole Mill’s Bakehouse will be open from 11am – 4pm Wednesday to Sunday each week for delicious Easter treats, including tasty hot cross buns and mouth-watering dessert pizza topped with Nutella, marshmallows and chocolate eggs. Sarehole Mill’s Pizza in the Courtyard dining experience also reopens from Wednesday 14 April and outdoor table reservations are now open for bookings.
Katherine Bosworth, Learning and Engagement Manager at Birmingham Museums said:
“While we’re waiting for our museums to open Birmingham Museums are still here to inspire inquisitive minds with online tours of Birmingham’s famous historic properties and out of this world adventures with our family friendly online Planetarium tour of constellations and planets. Our Easter programme activity has been created particularly with families and children in mind – we hope you will join us!”
Covid-19 continues to impact Birmingham Museums and the Easter holiday programme of activity adds to an already packed and varied programme in bringing the museums to audiences during the pandemic.
Other ways audiences can engage with Birmingham Museums online include a Digital Image Resource where thousands of images from the city’s collection are freely available to view, download and use creatively. A 3D virtual tour gives people the opportunity to visit the permanent galleries of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery online. Art lovers are able to open the doors to their own fantasy art galleries and exhibitions in the virtual online game, Occupy White Walls and there’s a packed online programme of fun, learning activities for families and schools including some amazing Kitchen Science videos to try at home.
Birmingham Museums Online Easter Events
Online Planetarium: Tonight’s Sky
Wednesday 7 April, 6pm and Wednesday 14 April, 6pm
Join Birmingham Museum’s Planetarium Officer on a tour of the night sky and discover what can be seen this month.
Hear some of the stories of the constellations, find the North Star and experience some of the majestic views of other planets with a chance to ask questions along the way.
This is a live streaming session lasting approximately 25 minutes via Zoom, details will be sent out on the day of the event.
Tickets cost £4 and will be available to buy online until 9am on the day of the event.
Family Online Planetarium Sky
Wednesday 7 April at 11am and 2pm and Wednesday 14 April at 11am and 2pm
Birmingham Museum’s Planetarium Officer gives a special family-friendly guided tour of the night sky. See the sky fill with stars and watch as they change into pictures of the constellations. Listen to the story of the Great Bear and learn how to spot it in the real night sky before finishing off the adventure with an exploration of our planets.
Sessions take place at 11am and 2pm. It is a family-friendly show so bring along your favourite teddy for the magical journey.
This is a live streaming session lasting approximately 30 minutes via Zoom, details will be sent out on the day of the event.
Tickets cost £4 and will be available to buy online until 9am on the day of the event.
Online Visit to Aston Hall
Friday 9 April, 11am
Take an online tour inside our fabulous Jacobean mansion and explore some of the highlights of this incredible building.
This live session recommended for families with children aged 5+, will use pre-recorded footage and photographs as our presenter takes you around the property. Bring along a pencil and paper for some drawing activities as we go.
If you would like to take part in a drawing activity during the session please download and print this coat of arms template (PDF).
This is a live streaming session lasting approximately 45 minutes via Zoom with opportunities to join in and ask questions, details will be sent out on the day of the event.
Tickets cost £4 and will be available to buy online until 9am on the day of the event.
Online Visit to Blakesley Hall
Wednesday 16 April, 11am
Take a look inside our fabulous Tudor house, Blakesley Hall with this online tour as we explore some of the highlights of this 400-year-old family home.
This live session recommended for families with children aged 5+, will use pre-recorded footage and photographs as our presenter takes you around the property. Bring along a pencil and paper for some drawing activities as we go.
Session lasts approximately 45 minutes, will take place on Zoom, with opportunities to join in and ask questions. Details will be sent out on the day of the event.
Tickets cost £4 and will be available to buy online until 9am on the day of the event.
To find out more about Easter activities at Birmingham Museums’ sites, including ticket and price information, please visit www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/whats-on.
Destination Space
Have you ever wanted to build and fly your own rocket, learn how craters are made or design your own Mission Patch? These free downloadable activities from Birmingham Museums website will help you do just that.
But before you tackle the activities why not settle down and watch our Destination Space family show here (link to be added]
Destination Space family video
Learn about the UK’s role in the space industry and the role of satellites and space exploration in this short film:
Further details of Birmingham Museums’ Easter holiday activities can be found at https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/whats-on
To find out more about how to explore Birmingham Museums from home visit: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bringing-our-museums-to-you