Spring is here, and Birmingham Museums has a whole host of fun ways to celebrate the Easter holidays with the family. Travel to space in Thinktank’s new planetarium and discover mythical beasts and fantastic creatures at Aston Hall, and much much more!
Discover Thinktank’s amazing new 4K Planetarium from Saturday 13 April
Step inside Thinktank’s new 4K Planetarium and adventure through the solar system from Saturday 13 April. You’ll be amazed by the brighter sharper image and crystal-clear surround sound – it’s out of this world! Thinktank’s Planetarium is the only one in the West Midlands and uses the latest video technology to create a truly immersive experience. Don’t miss your chance to experience the new Planetarium for yourself when you visit Thinktank this Easter.
Also, at Thinktank the Smethwick Engine Steaming Day on Wednesday 17 April lets you see the power of the world’s oldest working steam engine first-hand. Built and designed in Birmingham by James Watt, the Smethwick Engine was the first engine to use a combination of the expansive force of steam and a vacuum at the same time. 2019 marks the bicentenary year of James Watt’s death, so this event offers an important glimpse in the past in this anniversary year.
Elsewhere at Thinktank, enjoy the spring days in the outdoor science garden with over 30 interactive hands-on exhibits.
Cute goings-on at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG)
Dr. Dashing and Nurse Nice Will See You Now… or rather, on Saturday 13 April! The duo will be conducting art tests to find out whether you are cute, or too cute. Inspired by current Arts Council Collection exhibition Too Cute! Sweet is about to get Sinister, curated by artist and filmmaker Rachel Maclean, visitors of all ages will enjoy this fun cute diagnosis.
Easter activities will continue to keep you entertained throughout the holiday with craft sessions inspired by: Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing throughout the week. There is also an autism and SEN-friendly workshop exploring Leonardo da Vinci’s life and work on Monday 15th April. This family fun activity involves music and drama and has been tailored to meet the needs of children on the autistic spectrum or with other special needs by taking a friendly and relaxed approach.
There’s lots more to explore at BMAG including the Mini Museum for under 5s, the Ancient Egypt Gallery, the Staffordshire Hoard display and a chance to relax and enjoy some refreshments in the award-winning Edwardian Tearooms.
Find the Mythical Beasts and Fantastic Creatures of Aston Hall
In the splendid surroundings of this Jacobean mansion, visit on Sunday 14 April for a magical fun-filled event which takes inspiration from the mythical beasts and fantastic creatures depicted around Aston Hall. On Sunday 21 April, celebrate National Tea Day at Aston in Wonderland! Meet Alice and the Hatter and the angry Queen of Hearts.
Spring fun at the Heritage Sites
Blakesley Hall’s new family room is the perfect addition to your visit this Easter. The new room in this Tudor house give families a chance to discover the history of the hall and its place in Tudor England, with activities suitable for those aged 3-16. Puppets, board games, costumes, soft play and a film about a day in the life of the Hall will prove lots of fun for all the family.
Children can unleash their creativity at Blakesley Hall on Tuesday 16, Thursday 18, Tuesday 23 and Thursday 25 April, for a range of different craft sessions to take part in, including Easter Crown making. And the fun doesn’t stop there – return to Blakesley on Sunday 28 April to build your own den and play with parachutes for the Blakesley Hall Play Day.
Step back in time with a family-friendly tour of the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter on Thursday 18 and 25 April and discover Birmingham’s historic jewellery trade.
Take a tour around Soho House and celebrate the arrival of spring with Spring Flowers at Soho on Wednesday 17, Thursday 18, Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 April. Activities include designing a floral greeting card, making a seed bomb for the garden, and taking part in giant art activities.
Weoley Castle will be home to The Great Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday 21 April. The Easter bunny has left some treats to discover – can you find them all?
Sarehole Mill’s Nature Explorers sessions will encourage you to get outdoors and visit this idyllic site, as it begins to bloom for spring, on Friday 19 and Friday 26 April. On Monday 22 April dragons will be invading the Mill for the St George and the Dragon Egg Hunt.
