Botanic Garden

Museum of the History of Science

Harcourt Arboretum

Pitt RiversMuseum

The Ashmolean

FREE ACTIVITIES

FRIEndly

UnIVERSITy oF oxFoRd MUSEUMS & CollECTIonSFAMIlyFUn

OCTOBER 2013 – MARCH 2014

The Bate Collection

0xford UniversitMuseum of Natural History

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Relax by the river or explore the glasshouses to find rainforest, desert, and insect-eating plants. Guide dogs only. www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk 01865 286690 oPEnSeptember – October 9am – 5pmNovember – February 9am – 4pmMarch – April 9am – 5pmMay – August 9am – 6pm

ASHMolEAn

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Journey through time and across cultures with this amazing collection of art and archaeology. www.ashmolean.org 01865 278000

oPEnTuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pmBank Holidays 10am – 5pm

HARCoURT ARBoRETUM (nEAR nUnEHAM CoURTEnAy)

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130 acres of woodland and meadow in Nuneham Courtenay. Buses X39/X40 from St Aldate’s and 116 from High Street. Guide dogs only. www.harcourt-arboretum.ox.ac.uk 01865 343501

oPEn1 December – 31 March 10am – 4pm Mon - Fri 1 April – 31 October 10am – 5pm every day November 10am – 4pm every day

FREE ENTRY FOR CHILDREN

FREE ENTRY

FREE ENTRY FOR CHILDREN

PITT RIVERS MUSEUM

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A remarkable collection of man-made objects from every corner of the world. Entrance via the Museum of Natural History.www.prm.ox.ac.uk 01865 270927

oPEnMonday 12 – 4.30pmTuesday – Sunday 10am – 4.30pmBank Holiday Mondays 10am – 4.30pm

THE BATE CollECTIon oF MUSICAl InSTRUMEnTS

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Discover a variety of musical instruments in the Western Classical tradition, from the mediaeval period to the present day.www.bate.ox.ac.uk 01865 276139

oPEnMonday – Friday 2 – 5pm (all year)Saturday 10am – 12pm (University term-time only)

oxFoRd UnIVERSITy MUSEUM oF nATURAl HISToRy

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MUSEUM oF THE HISToRy oF SCIEnCE

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A fascinating collection of scientific instruments, including globes, sundials, clocks, and early electrical, chemical, and medical apparatus.www.mhs.ox.ac.uk 01865 277280

oPEnTuesday – Friday 12 – 5pmSaturday 10am – 5pm Sunday 2 – 5pm

FREE ENTRY

FREE ENTRY

FREE ENTRY

FREE ENTRY

Re-opening in February 2014 after being closed during 2013 for repairs to the glass roof. www.oum.ox.ac.uk 01865 272950

oPEn from February 201410am – 5pm every dayREoPEnInG FEBRUARy 2014

For more information, visit: www.museums.ox.ac.uk

WElCoMEWhether you are a new or a regular visitor, this is your guide to all of the free family friendly activities coming up at the Oxford University Museums and Collections in the next few months.

From planting to painting; the deep blue sea to the sky above us; storybook characters, historical figures, and myths and monsters - there’s something for everyone!

And don’t forget: even if there aren’t any events happening when you visit, you can still pick up a free family friendly trail to take around with you. Just ask at the front desk.

There are lots of regular events, too (see page opposite). Plus, look out for monthly activities especially for under 5s.

Learn together, have fun together, and become a family of museum explorers together...

WHAT WIll yoU dISCoVER TodAy?

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Saturday BackpackS If you visit the Pitt Rivers on a Saturday, keep a look out for backpacks crammed full of fun activities. 11am - 4pm, subject to availability.

Family Friendly SundayS Trails, crafts and more… from February 2014 try our brand new Bug Safari backpacks! 2 - 4pm every Sunday.

Big Botanic BackpackSBorrow a backpack packed full of objects and ideas to help you discover the Botanic Garden. Available at the ticket office daily until the end of Oct. Nov–Feb weekends only

HandS-on coinS Hold history in your hand every Saturday in the Ashmolean Money Gallery.11am - 4pm, subject to availability.

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arBoretum explorer BackpackS Borrow a backpack full of fun activities to help you explore the trees on our 130 acre site. Available October – November on a first-come-first-served basis.

Family trailS trolleyPick up a range of family trails and drawing materials.Available every day.

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REGUlAR ACTIVITIES

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Need Make Use Watch out for Pitt Rivers events with this sign. These activities highlight problem-solving, design and creativity in the museum. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund

Sat 5th Oct terriFic textileS Discover beautiful textiles from around the world, how they’re made and what they mean! Then make your own textile designs. 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 12th Oct tHe aSHmolean Big draw Join artist Kerry Lemon for a doodletastic time in the Museum. 11am - 4pm Drop-in

oCToBERSat 12th - Fri 18th Oct Biology week: SHadeS oF autumn Have a go at our new trail to explore the biology of autumn. During opening hours

Sat 12th Oct Secret knowledge Discover the secrets of persepective and how to use a camera obscura to create a work of art. Age 9+ 2 - 4pm Book on 01865 277280

Thu 17th Oct little draw For little people Bring your budding artist along to try out a range of different materials. Dress for mess! Especially for under 5s 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2 - 4pm

Sun 20th Oct potty aBout ceramicS! Be inspired by flowers and bugs around the Museum and then create your own tile with craft potter Victoria Houghton. This event is in collaboration with Oxford Ceramics Fair 2013. Age 6+ 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Thu 24th Oct animal anticSCan you spot a cat? A camel? A crocodile? Read an animal story and make paw print patterns. Special event for under 5s. 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2 - 4pm Drop-in

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oCToBER (HAlF TERM)

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For more information, visit: www.museums.ox.ac.uk

Mon 28th Oct - Fri 1st NovHalF term activitieS Including gallery trails, word searches, drawing and colouring and hands-on instrument fun.2 - 5pm Drop-in

Tue 29th Oct autumn art at tHe arB Let’s make the most of Autumn colour! Try our trail then join the Arty fun. 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Wed 30th Oct pumpkin parade!Make a pumpkin pot for collecting your autumn treasures. Part of the National Family Learning Festival. 11am - 1pm Drop-in

Wed 30th Oct - Fri 1st Nov FlaSH ligHtS! Find out about lights, lanterns and lamps around the Museum and make your own Diwali lamp or Rangoli pattern. 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Thu 31st Oct - Fri 1st Nov Big draw: SHapeS and SHadowS Make animated drawings with shadow projections to be included in a magical installation for Christmas Light Night. Suitable for all. 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 2nd Nov Family concert - A concert of music for families and younger people 1.30pm £10.00 for adults, kids go freeHolywell Music Room

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Mon 28th - Wed 30th toyS For SmileSEvent in collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency. Help thousands of Syrian refugee children by donating your unwanted toys. Make new ones in return out of recycled materials. More info at: www.prm.ox.ac.uk/events 1 - 4pm Drop-in

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Fri 22nd Nov cHriStmaS ligHt nigHt Our museums will be open late. Come join us for some festive family friendly fun! More info at: www.museums.ox.ac.uk/Oxford-Christmas-Events 7 - 11pm Drop-in

Sat 30th Nov gloBe-makerS Discover the museum’s globes, and make your own model globe. Ages 9+. Voluntary materials donation £5. 2 - 4pm Book on 01865 277280

Weekends in December cHriStmaS Spice trail Explore the Glasshouses to discover where some of our favourite Christmas spices are from. During opening hours

Thu 5th Dec BeautiFul BauBleS Make your own decoration and be inspired by wintry objects in the Museum. Especially for under 5s. 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2 - 4pm Drop-in

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Sat 9th Nov cracking tHe code Cuneiform, hieroglyphs and Linear B. Discover the secrets of ancient writing and make your own cuneiform tablet.1 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 9th Nov magniFicent mandalaPrint Prayer Flags and watch the final stages of a Mandala created by visiting Tibetan monks. 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 9th Nov StarS and planetS Follow your stars, make an amazing star dial or paper plate planetarium. Ages 7-13. 2 - 4pm Drop-in

Thu 14th Nov my little drum Play lots of noisy drums from around the world, and make one to take home! Especially for under 5s. 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 16th Nov - Sun 5th Jan Big Botanic cHriStmaS tree See our festive tree adorned with natural decorations made by Oxfordshire school children. During opening hours

Thu 21st Nov twit twoo Make your own owl, hear a story and find out more about Athene’s owl. Especially for under 5s .10.30am - 12.30pm & 2 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 23rd Nov Family Fun day A day of family events featuring: A treasure trail, live music demonstrations. Plus a chance to play some of the instruments. 10am - 2pm Drop-in

Sat 7th Dec lyra’S FurS Discover the collection of Arctic clothing that inspired Philip Pullman. Then follow in Lyra’s footsteps and prepare for a journey north. 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 7th Dec & Sat 14th Dec green cHriStmaS Turn natural treasures into beautiful decorations. Take some home and leave some hanging on our tree. 11am - 1pm Drop-in

Sat 14th Dec io Saturnalia! Celebrate the season Roman-style! Draw lots to choose your Saturnalicius princeps and make garlands and decorations1 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 14th Dec SnowFlakeDiscover the wonderful symmetries in snowflake crystals and make snowflake decorations. Age 5+ 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Thu 19th Dec BiScuit Bling! Decorate a Christmas biscuit and look for shiny and gold things around the Museum. Especially for under 5s. 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2 - 4pm Drop-in

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For more information, visit: www.museums.ox.ac.uk

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Sat 21st Dec - Sun 5th Jan polar adventure Go on a journey to the North Pole! What will it be like on your adventure and what will you need? During opening hours

Sat 4th Jan magical movieS What did the Victorians know about the moving image? Find out and make your own magical movie toy. Age 6+ 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 4th Jan aFrican gameS Learn how to play Mancala - a simply addictive game! 1 - 4pm Drop-in

CHRISTMAS HolIdAyS JAnUARy

Thu 9th Jan FeatHered FriendS Make a feathered crown and have feathery fun in the Museum. Special event for under 5s. 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 11th Jan warrior ted Bring along your teddy and make a shield, helmet, sword and tunic fit for an Anglo Saxon. 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 11th Jan tHe Story makerS celeBration Activities for all celebrating the work of children taking part in the Story Makers Project. See website for details. 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Thu 16th Jan Swim little FiSHieS! Fish around the Museum for sea creatures, listen to a story and make a simple fishing game. Especially for under 5s. 10.30am -12.30pm & 2 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 18th Jan caBinet oF curioSitieS Discover exciting objects and put together your own cabinet of curiosities. Ages 5-11 2 - 4pm Drop-in

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The Museum of Natural History has been closed during 2013 for repairs to the glass roof. It will be reopening in February 2014 with an exciting programme of events and all your favourite touchable specimens, dramatic dinosaurs and curious creatures. Until then, find us in Oxford city centre at goestotown.com.

REoPEnInG - FEBRUARy

oxFord univerSity muSeum oF natural HiStory

For more information, visit: www.museums.ox.ac.uk

The Pitt Rivers Museum

Every Sunday Family Friendly SundayS Trails, crafts and more… now try our brand new Bug Safari backpacks!2 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 1st Feb cHineSe dragon Fire-clockS Celebrate Chinese New Year; make a colourful Chinese dragon fire-clock and try it out at home! Ages 7-13. Materials £3. 2 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 1st Feb Brilliant Body art Be inspired by the collections to make your body beautiful! Make a body ornament and have your face painted. 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Thu 6th Feb dance to tHe ditty Grab a Javanese dance scarf and get dancing at this special event for under 5s. 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 8th Feb make a dragon dance puppet Celebrate by making a dragon puppet or paper peach blossom for our good luck tree.1 - 4pm Drop-in

FEBRUARy

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For more information, visit: www.museums.ox.ac.uk

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Sat 8th Feb Family Fun dayA day of family events featuring: A treasure trail, live music demonstrations. Plus a chance to play some of the instruments. 10am - 2pm Drop-in

Thu 13th Feb pretty aS a peacock! Find the hiding places of all of our peacocks and make a peacock picture to take home. Especially for under 5s.10.30am - 12.30pm & 2 - 4pm Drop-in

Mon 24th Feb - Sun 9th Mar Fairtrade FortnigHt Find tropical crops in our Glasshouses, and learn what a difference Fairtrade can make to farmers. During opening hours

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Sat 15th Feb tHe mecHanical caBaret Discover gears, levers and cams, and make a mechanical toy. Suggested material contribution £5 Age 7+ 2 - 4pm Drop-in

Mon 17th - Wed 19th Feb Big StarS and little SecretS Reunite with the Natural History’s biggest stars after its closure and discover the Pitt Rivers best kept secrets… 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Mon 17th - Fri 21st Feb HalF term activitieS Including gallery trails, word searches, drawing and colouring and hands-on our instruments. 2 - 5pm Drop-in

Mon 17th - Fri 21st Feb FeBruary Foliage - a Special tree trailCome to the Arboretum to see which trees look best at this time of year. 10am - 3pm Drop-in

Wed 19th Feb get neSting! Celebrate National Nest Box week at the Garden, and make homes for a variety of Garden creatures. 11am - 1pm Drop-in

Wed 19th-Fri 21st Feb gameS galore! Play games around the Museum and discover old and new favourites - ludo, snakes and ladders as well as senet and hneftafl 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Thu 20th - Fri 21st Feb incrediBle kaleidoScopeS Make an incredible kaleidoscope and create colourful symmetrical patterns! Age 6+ 1 - 4pm Drop-in

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Sat 1st Mar StarS and planetS Follow your stars, make an amazing star dial or paper plate planetarium. Ages 7-13 2 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 1st Mar knigHtS in SHining armourExplore the Museum’s armour and become a courageous knight! Make shiny shields and hair-raising helmets. 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Thu 6th Mar Singing around tHe world Learn catchy traditional tunes from around the world, and make a noisy instrument to practise them at home! Especially for under 5s. 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 8th MarchHello dollyCreate your own Japanese paper doll and find out about the doll festival Hina-matsuri. 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 15th Marwow! How?It’s back after a year off! Make, test, explore, and explode with excitement at our annual bonanza of experiments and hands-on fun. Age 8+ 10am - 4pm Drop-in

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For more information, visit: www.museums.ox.ac.uk

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Free admissionLife-size dinosaurInteractive dinosaurgalleryHoliday activities andcraft sessions Drop-ins on Tuesdays & ThursdaysLarge gardenShop & CaféOpening Hours:Tue–Sat 10-5Sun 2-5

The Oxfordshire MuseumWoodstock, OxfordshireOX20 1SN T: 01993 811456 W: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshiremuseum

The Oxfordshire Museum

Free admissionLife-size dinosaurInteractive dinosaur gallery Holiday activities and craft sessionsDrop-ins on Tuesdays & ThursdaysLarge gardenShop & Café

Opening Hours: Tue–Sat 10-5 Sun 2-5

The Oxfordshire MuseumWoodstock, OxfordshireOX20 1SN T: 01993 811456W: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshiremuseum

Free admissionLife-size dinosaurInteractive dinosaurgalleryHoliday activities andcraft sessions Drop-ins on Tuesdays & ThursdaysLarge gardenShop & CaféOpening Hours:Tue–Sat 10-5Sun 2-5

The Oxfordshire MuseumWoodstock, OxfordshireOX20 1SN T: 01993 811456 W: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshiremuseum

Sat 15th Mar patternS witH atomS! Discover the art and science of crystals. Hands-on activities, demonstrations, and challenges! Suitable for all. 10am - 4pm Drop-in

Thu 20th March Flower power Make a bunch of paper flowers for Mothers’ Day, listen to a story and find flowers around the Museum. Especially for under 5s.10.30am - 12.30pm & 2 - 4pm Drop-in

Sat 22nd Mar creature colourS Explore wicked warning colours and clever camouflage. Discover the science behind a zebra’s stripes and the art of being invisible! 1 - 4pm Drop-in

Thu 27th Mar ocean commotion Step into our underwater world and touch real ocean objects. Make a marine scene to take home. A special event for under 5s. 10.30am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm Drop-in

Twitter: @morethanadodo Blog: Darkened not dormant (darkenednotdormant.wordpress.com) Goes to Town!: goestotown.com

Twitter: @pbatecollectionFacebook: /the-bate-collection

Twitter: @Pitt_RiversFacebook: /pittriversmuseumBlog: www.prm.ox.ac.uk/blogs.htmlVimeo: /pittriversmuseum

Twitter: @OBGHAFacebook: /OBGHA Blog: http://oxfordbg.blogspot.co.uk

Twitter: @MHSOxford

Twitter: @AshmoleanMuseum #familiesFacebook: /ashmoleanmuseum

29th Mar - 20th Apr eaSter trail Challenge yourself to the Mathematical Mystery Trail. Help yourself from the Entrance Gallery. Age 7+ During opening hours

Sat 29th Mar making micrograpHia Use microscopes and lenses to observe tiny things; make drawings and magical monoprints. Age 7+ 12 - 4pm Drop-in

STAYING IN TOUCH

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Wo rcester St

Beaumont Street

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Woodstock

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BanburyRoad

BanburyRoad

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Oxford City Centre

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Oxford University Museums and Collections Education Services are supported by:

Free disabled parking is available at all sites. Please telephone individual collections for details regarding wheelchair access. Guide dogs and hearing dogs welcome.