By Kate Hodges
14th April 2021
Happy days! Spring is here and places are opening, events are happening! We are reverting to our usual format and you’ll receive this email on a Wednesday evening to help you plan lots of fun activities for the weekend ahead.
Good Times Are Back
Slowly, the country is beginning to open up again. Many open-air museums throw open their doors this week, although you may need to book in advance. Our favourites include the Weald and Downland Living Museum in Sussex, St Fagans in Wales, and Blists Hill near Ironbridge. Find more marvellous outdoor museums here
The National Trust have reopened shops and outdoor seating in England, and visitors from England can visit Welsh outdoor properties. Find details here. Or step through the unlocked gates of an RSPB bird reserve; find one near you here.
London galleries and museums have started to wake up too. The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich has outdoor spaces to explore; follow a Sailor School family trail, or play active games inspired by the Museum’s collection. Or head to Somerset House for a run through the fountains or a coffee on the terrace
Some venues ticketed, some free.
Grow and Give
Next week is the beginning of Plant and Share Month. From 19 April, Food For Life Get Togethers is calling on the nation to get growing and sharing their produce with their communities. Why not try growing some delicious food from scratch? Plant your seeds, help them grow, and share the seedlings, and be part of a movement that already has 58 thousand participants! Be inspired, download a toolkit, and join free online training here
Alternatively, create your own cardboard or clay gravestones and pop on your words of choice. As you walk or create, perhaps you might talk about the bigger picture; life, death, and all things in-between. Find more ideas here
At the Flicks
For the first time, Puppet Animation Scotland presents an online programme some of the most magical, independent short films from around the world. One set is suitable for cartoon fans aged three and above. Try Russian short Log Jam the Woodpecker, watch The Little Bird and the Bees from Switzerland, or even join an animation tutorial for families class. Another programme is geared towards those aged 7+, watch The Kite from Slovakia, or Papergee and the Spider from Scotland; again, there’s an animation tutorial too. Both free.
Once Upon A Time
Oxford’s Story Museum has some innovative open-air events this Easter. Their themed family walk has a rainbow hue this week. Join a trail through the city to Christ Church Meadow listening to stories of rainbow serpents, birds and dragons. Expect games, fun and a treat from the café at the end. Children aged 7-12 might like to join the Spring Story Makers sessions, held inside, which are a chance to respond to tales through art, music and drama. This week’s themes include shapeshifters and dancing shoes. Ticketed.
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Surf to Turf
If you had a giant room, and you could fill it with anything, what would you choose? Join Croydon art space Turf for a Zoom online family workshop to help plan the future of their venue. Work through fun activities and try some Zoom art together. Best for ages 7+. Free
What We’re Looking At This Week
‘I’d like to lock myself in a room’: an unflinching portrait of motherhood – in pictures
“From nappies left on the floor to crayon scrawled across her body, Karolina Ćwik’s images examine the tenderness, exhaustion and sheer mess that come with being a mum.”
See them here
Found something inspirational to read or listen to that you’d like to share? Want to share your creations with us? Have an idea for things to do? We’d love to hear from you. Email Kate
