Get ready to grow with the flow this summer as we dig into the magical world of plants, medicine and playful discoveries! How do plants heal us? What stories do herbs and folklore hold? And how can a simple seed spark such big discoveries?
Designed for children and their curious grown-ups, get ready to explore, create, and investigate in a packed programme of hands-on activities.
Inspired by our latest exhibition Where Magic Grows and in partnership with the RHS, the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants grow.
Enjoy all this activity daily, for free with your museum ticket:
Thackray Boffins Show: Tree-mendous Tales
Daily, from 22 July | 11.30am and 1.30pm
Our much-loved Boffins are back and branching out with a live show all about the magical powers of plants! Expect folklore stories, curious creatures and lots of leafy laughs.
Craft: Seed Packet Creations
Daily | 10am–4pm
Get crafty as you create your very own card seed packet and fill it with colourful seed paper shapes. Take your seed paper home, place it on a patch of soil and watch it transform into a beautiful bursts of nature over time.
Splash Station
Daily | 10am–4pm
Make a splash with our water filled channels, bends and chutes to discover how water helps gardens grow. Younger visitors can enjoy pouring, filling and splashing with watering cans and plant-themed toys.
Dig It
Daily | 10am–4pm
Gloves and aprons at the ready – dig deep, plant and play in our hands-on station using artificial plants and gardening tools. Built by Leeds Wood Recycling, this activity is perfect for budding gardeners.
Playful Potions
Daily | 10am–4pm
Mix, mash and muddle magical recipes in our mud kitchen. Using stones, potion pots and nature-inspired ingredients, cook up your own wonderfully wild creations.
The Great Garden Trail
Daily | 10am–4pm
Your garden is ready to grow. Follow the trail through our galleries, spot the hidden plants and find out more about their medicinal properties. Complete the quest and watch your gardening knowledge blossom!
For our younger visitors:
Story & Rhyme Time: Little Sprouts
Daily, from 22 July | 10.30am | Under 5s
A gentler version of the Boffins shows specially created for little seedlings under 5.
With tactile props, sensory exploration, and plenty of time to let imaginations bloom, this cosy session is perfect for curious young minds.
Under-5s Explorer Bag: Fairy Finders
Daily | 10am–4pm | Under 5s
Little explorers can follow a magical fairy door trail around the museum using their very own fairy map and colouring activity sheet.
Each bag is filled with folklore-inspired fancy dress, including foraged fairy wands and felt foxglove hats, so children can dress up and let their imaginations grow wild.
We also have a number of free interactive artists workshops throughout the holidays – find out more info here:
Flower Pressing: Thursday 30 July
Make Your Mark: Tuesday 4 August
How to make a Nature Crown with the RHS: Wednesday 12 August
A Brush with Nature: Sunday 23 August
Nature’s Palette: Thursday 27 August
From poo to medicine in space, Thackray Museum uses creativity and play to explore a different medical theme every school holiday.
Hungry for more? Grab your Family Membership and enjoy a year’s worth of school holiday activities for free.
