Oxford University Museums and Collections

Oct 2012 - Mar 2013

Free Family

Friendly Fun!

A fascinating collection of scientific instruments, including globes, sundials, clocks, and early electrical, chemical, and medical apparatus.

Discover the dinosaurs on your doorstep or take an exotic animal safari. There are also lots of minerals, fossils, and animals to touch.

01865 272950www.oum.ox.ac.uk

OPEN: Every day 10 - 5 CLOSED in 2013

Free entry

Relax by the river or explore the glasshouses to find rainforest, desert, and insect-eating plants. Guide dogs only.

130 acres of woodland and meadow in Nuneham Courtenay. Buses X39/X40 from St Aldate’s and 116 from High Street. Guide dogs only.

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A remarkable collection of man-made objects from every corner of the world. Entrance via the Museum of Natural History.

01865 270927www.prm.ox.ac.uk

OPEN: Mon 12 - 4.30Tue - Sun 10 - 4.30

Free entry

Journey through time and across cultures with this amazing collection of art and archaeology.

01865 278000www.ashmolean.org

OPEN: Tue - Sun 10 - 6Bank Holidays 10 - 6

Free entry

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Where to

find us...

01865 277280www.mhs.ox.ac.uk

OPEN: Tue - Fri 12 - 5Sat 10 - 5 Sun 2 - 5

Free entry

Parking: There is no public parking at any collection, except the Harcourt Arboretum.

The BATE Collectionof musical instruments

01865 276139www.bate.ox.ac.uk

OPEN: Mon - Fri 2 - 5 (all year)Sat 10 - 12 (University term-time only)

Free entry

Discover a variety of musical instruments in the Western Classical tradition, from the mediaeval period to the present day.

01865 286690www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.ukOPEN: Sep - Oct 9 - 5Nov - Feb 9 - 4Mar - Apr 9 - 5May - Aug 9 - 6

Entry charge

01865 343501www.harcourt-arboretum.ox.ac.ukOPEN: Apr - Nov 10 - 5 (daily)Dec - Mar 10 - 4 (weekdays only)

Entry charge

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Welcome!Whether 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 the next page). 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?

Regular Events

Arboretum Explorer Backpacks

1st Oct - 30th Nov

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

Science Saturdays

Sats 13th, 20th, and 27th Oct and 10th, 17th, and 24th Nov

Investigate natural history specimens with University scientists at the Museum of Natural History. Most suitable for ages 8+.

Hands-on Coins

Hold history in your hand every Saturday in the Ashmolean Money Gallery: some time between 11.30 am and 3.30 pm.

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Family Friendly Sundays

Backpacks, trails, crafts, and more: 2 - 4 pm every Sunday, at the Museum of Natural History in 2012 and at the Pitt Rivers in 2013.

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Big Botanic Backpacks

Borrow a backpack packed full of objects and ideas to help you discover the Botanic Garden. Available whenever the ticket office is open.

Saturday Backpacks

If you visit the Pitt Rivers on a Saturday, keep a look out for backpacks crammed full of fun activities: some time between 11 am and 4 pm.

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October

Autumn Half Term

Sat 6th Oct

Secret Spaces Peek up high and crouch down low to discover the Museum’s secret spaces. Then make one of your own.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 13th Oct

The Ashmolean Big Draw Join us for some drawing fun with special guest Korky Paul and try out our new drawing activity packs. No need to book, but places limited for Korky’s activity.

11 - 3 Drop-in

Sat 13th Oct

Globe Makers Discover the Museum’s collection of globes and make your own model globe. Ages 8-13. Booking advisable.

2 - 4 pm Book on 01865

277297

Sat 13th - Fri 19th

Oct

Biology Week TrailCelebrate the first ever Biology Week by having a go at our special new trail.

During opening hours

Thu 18th Oct

Feathers and Fun Search the Museum for pretty parrots and make a colourful puppet to swoop home with. Especially for under 5s.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 27th Oct

Drawing and Invention Make drawings of mechanical inventions using line and collage techniques. A Big Draw event for all.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Wed 31st Oct

Winnie’s Dinosaur Day with Korky PaulJoin Korky Paul, who will be reading from his new Winnie the Witch book and drawing dinosaur portraits.

1 pm Limited capacity

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

Mon 29th - Wed

31st Oct

Winnie’s Dinosaur Day Celebrate the launch of the new Winnie the Witch book with wonderful witch and daft dinosaur activities.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Mon 29th Oct - Fri 2nd Nov

Half Term Activities Including gallery trails, word searches, drawing and colouring, and hands-on instruments.

2 - 5 pm Drop-in

Tue 30th Oct

Bat-tastic It’s time to celebrate Year of the Bat! Learn about the bats that live at the Arboretum. Then join in our bat-craft.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Wed 31st Oct

Autumn-Inspired Art Be inspired by the Garden and create your own work of art to take home. Part of the Big Draw.

1 - 3.30 Drop-in

Wed 31st Oct - Thu 1st Nov

Runcible Rhymes Join us for a celebration of Edward Lear’s nonsense poetry. Nutty but nice things to see, make, and do.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Thu 1st - Fri 2nd

Nov

Drawing and Invention Make drawings of mechanical inventions using line and collage techniques. A Big Draw event for all.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Thu 1st - Sat 3rd

Nov

Native American Dreams Discover Native American clothing, crafts, and culture. Learn legends, make a dreamcatcher, and handle objects.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Fri 2nd Nov

Runcible Rhymes Join us for a celebration of Edward Lear’s nonsense poetry. Nutty but nice things to see, make, and do.

11 - 1 Drop-in

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November

Thu 8th Nov

Nursery Rhyme Animals Meet the stars of your favourite rhymes and make two little dicky birds to take home. Especially for under 5s.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 10th Nov

Light Up the Dark Explore the India galleries and celebrate the Indian festival of Divali by making a colourful lantern.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 10th Nov

Stars and Planets Follow the stars, and make an amazing star dial or paper plate planetarium. Ages 7-13.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Thu 15th Nov

Silver and Gold Join us for Japanese activities, and make a fabric picture with sparkles of silver and gold. Especially for under 5s.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 17th Nov

Planet Ocean Explore the wonderful world beneath the waves. Touch real ocean objects and make a deep sea diorama.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Thu 22nd Nov

My Little Drum Play lots of noisy drums from around the world, and make one to take home! Especially for under 5s.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Fri 23rd Nov

Christmas Light Night Add some sparkle to your Christmas by making golden decorations to take home.

6 - 8 pm Drop-in

Fri 23rd Nov

Christmas Light Night All of the Museums will be open late. Part of the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Check websites

Fri 23rd Nov - Sun

6th Jan

Searching for Gold Find golden dragons and glittering coins. Search the Museum for golden treasure with a family trail for the holidays.

During opening hours

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Sat 24th Nov

Family Fun Day Family friendly musical performances and demonstrations. Plus a chance to play some of the instruments in the handling collection.

10 - 2 Drop-in

Sat 24th Nov

Lightning Strikes! Discover electricity and the story of Benjamin Franklin’s life-saving invention, with hands-on electrostatic experiments! Ages 7+.

12 - 4 pm Drop-in

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The Oxfordshire Museum

Why not also visit our partner museum, The Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock, and discover the history of Oxfordshire through its gardens and

interactive galleries?

Be inspired by the fascinating collection to make, create, and design in a Family Learning drop-in

session: 2 - 4 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays during school holidays. Or borrow a backpack or trail any

time. A small charge applies for some activities. See www.tomocc.org.uk or telephone 01993 811456.

December

Sat 1st Dec

Make it a Green Christmas Turn natural treasures into beautiful decorations. Take some home and leave some hanging on our tree.

10.30 - 12.30 Drop-in

Sat 1st Dec -

Wed 2nd Jan

Big Botanic Christmas Tree Come and see our festive tree adorned with natural decorations made by Oxfordshire school children.

During opening hours

Sat 1st Dec

Winter Wrap Up Brrrrr! Keep out the chill this winter by exploring Arctic clothing and then making something to wear out in the cold!

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Thu 6th Dec

Winter Warmth Discover how animals survive the cold, and make a cosy coat for an animal. Especially for under 5s.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 8th Dec

Money, Money, Money Hold real ancient coins in your hands, and design a coin or medal to take home.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 8th Dec

Cabinet of Curiosities Discover unusual objects and put together your own cabinet of curiosities. Ages 5-11.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Thu 13th Dec

Beautiful Baubles Make your own decoration inspired by patterns in the Museum. Especially for under 5s.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Thu 20th Dec

Play at Printing Make your mark by printing with all sorts of materials. Especially for under 5s.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 22nd Dec - Sun

6th Jan

Letters from Santa A very special delivery: look out for postboxes in the Museums and delve in deep to find letters from Santa!

During opening hours

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January

Sat 5th Jan

Magical Movies Find out what the Victorians knew about the moving image and make your own magical movie toy. Ages 6+.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 5th Jan

Time Traveller Go on a journey through time: from discovering the ancient past to reaching out to your future self!

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Thu 10th Jan

Two-by-Two Explore pairs of objects from around the world. Especially for under 5s.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 12th Jan

Making Faces Find grinning and grumpy faces in the Museum. Then create a stone-effect face using messy Modroc.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Thu 17th Jan

Woof! Woof! Discover dogs in objects and paintings, and make a faithful puppy puppet to take home. Especially for under 5s.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 19th Jan

Chinese Dragon Fire-Clocks Make a colourful Chinese dragon fire-clock and try it out at home! Ages 7+. Suggested materials donation £3.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

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Roof Repairs

Due to work on the roof, the Museum of Natural History will be closed for the

whole of 2013. See you in 2014!(The Pitt Rivers will still be open, though!)

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FebruarySat 2nd

Feb

Here Be Dragons Explore China and celebrate Chinese New Year by making a dancing dragon.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 2nd Feb

Family Fun Day Family friendly musical performances and demonstrations. Plus a chance to play some of the instruments in the handling collection.

10 - 2 Drop-in

Sat 2nd Feb

Cabinet of Curiosities Discover unusual objects and put together your own cabinet of curiosities. Ages 5-11.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Thu 21st Feb

Hello Mummy! Make a mini Ancient Egyptian mummy. Especially for under 5s.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Mon 25th Feb - Sun 10th Mar

Fairtrade Fortnight Explore our glasshouses to find tropical crop plants, and learn what a difference Fairtrade can make to farmers.

During opening hours

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February Half Term

Sat 9th Feb

Arty Party! Join us for a jamboree of visual arts, with hands-on demos, tours, crafts, and more. Ages 8+.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Mon 11th - Wed

13th Feb

Pacific Island Adventure What was it like on Captain Cook’s voyage? Join his crew and bring home some treasures of your own!

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Mon 11th - Fri 15th

Feb

Trees without Leaves Trail Take a closer look at trees without their leaves. Who knows what you might find…

10 - 3 Drop-in

Mon 11th - Fri 15th

Feb

Half Term Activities Including gallery trails, word searches, drawing and colouring, and hands-on instruments.

2 - 5 pm Drop-in

Wed 13th Feb

Brilliant Banks Celebrate the birthday of Joseph Banks, one of Britain’s most eminent botanists and plant hunters: 270 today!

1 - 3.30 Drop-in

Wed 13th - Fri 15th

Feb

Creative Casts Search the Museum for towering statues of Ancient Greeks and Romans. Then mould and make a mini plaster cast to take home.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Thu 14th - Fri 15th

Feb

Crazy KaleidoscopesMake an ingenious kaleidoscope to create colourful symmetrical patterns! Ages 6+.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 16th Feb

Pick a Pocket Sundial Discover amazing pocket sundials and make beautiful replicas. Ages 7-13. Booking advisable. Suggested materials donation £5.

2 - 4 pm Book on 01865

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March

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

Sat 2nd Mar

Home Sweet Home What makes a house a home? Discover homes from around the world and make a model to take back to your own!

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 2nd Mar

Family Concert A concert of music for families and young people. Tickets: £10 for adults; children go free.

1.30 pm Holywell Music Room

Sat 2nd Mar

Stars and Planets Follow the stars, and make an amazing star dial or paper plate planetarium. Ages 7-13.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 9th Mar

Eggciting Paint Find out how paint was made in times gone by, and make your own egg tempera blue paint.

1 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 9th Mar

Invention! A team of young engineers will show you wonders of design and invention. Hands-on activities, demonstrations, and challenges for all!

10 - 4 Drop-in

Thu 14th Mar

Easter Eggcitement Go on a special egg hunt and then decorate an egg to take home. Especially for under 5s.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Thu 21st Mar

Paint and Play Get messy and paint a colourful masterpiece. Especially for under 5s.

2 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 23rd Mar - Sun 21st Apr

Easter Trail Help yourself to a fun-tastic, tick-tocking, self-guided trail. Ages 7+.

During opening hours

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Keep a look

out for the next

Family Friendly

Leaflet...

Coming soon!

Sat 30th Mar

Making Micrographia Use microscopes and lenses to observe tiny things. Then make drawings and magical monoprints. Ages 7+.

12 - 4 pm Drop-in

Sat 30th Mar - Sun 14th Apr

Eggstraordinary Egg HuntEggsplore the Pitt Rivers with an eggciting egg-hunter’s trail.

During opening hours

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Free disabled parking is available at all sites. Please telephone individual collections for details regarding wheelchair access.

Guide dogs welcome everywhere. Please ask for a torch or magnifying glass if these would be helpful.

Hearing dogs welcome everywhere.

For more information on these or any other special considerations, please telephone individual collections or go to www.museums.ox.ac.uk.

Access InformAtIon

Children must be

accompanied by an adult

at all of our Family activities,

including booked workshops.

Oxford University Museums and Collections Education Services are supported by: