Free family fun for under 5s at North East Museums

Families across the region can introduce their children to free cultural experiences before they can even walk, thanks to a variety of spaces and events for under 5s at North East Museums’ venues.

The museums and galleries across Tyneside and Northumberland have dedicated spaces for the smallest visitors to play and explore, as well as free and low-cost events to enjoy. Annually the museum service engages over 100,000 children and young people in its learning programmes.

Clare Smith, Learning & Engagement Manager for North East Museums, said: “Our early years spaces and activities are so important to help give children the best start and complement their pre-school education. All our activities are designed to support the development of young children’s memories, problem-solving, communication and motor skills but they’re also about young children and their carers having fun and feeling comfortable in a museum environment.”

North East Museum’s early years spaces and programmes are supported by Newcastle-based electric train service, Lumo.

Managing Director, Stuart Jones from North East Museums’ Early Years Partner, Lumo, said: “At Lumo, we’re passionate about connecting people to enriching experiences and that includes the youngest members of our communities. We’re proud to support North East Museums in making cultural spaces welcoming and exciting for under-fives. These playful, educational programmes don’t just spark imagination, they help build confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. It’s a wonderful way to ensure that every child, no matter their background, can feel at home in museums right from the start.”

North East Museums’ early years specialists run a range of fun and interactive sessions for preschoolers.

Young children and their carers can get creative in Little Artists at the Laing Art Gallery or Crafty Kids at the Shipley Art Gallery. The interactive art sessions are designed so that little ones can take part in a practical art activity, supporting their early development in a fun and relaxed way.

At Woodhorn Museum, the Early Years Storytime sessions during term time provide families and carers with pre-school children the opportunity to meet regularly to read a story together and take part in a hands-on activity.

The museums also host baby and toddler takeover events. Taking place a few times a year, these events allow little learners to explore the museum through a range of games and activities.

The latest addition to the North East Museums’ under 5s offer is ‘Tiny Tyneside’, a new play space at Discovery Museum.

‘Tiny Tyneside’ is inspired by the themes of Discovery Museum and features miniature Tyne and Swing bridges, Turbinia and Mauretania ships, and hands-on activities.

Other dedicated spaces across North East Museums for under 5s include:

• Mouse House at Great North Museum: Hancock
• Playspace at Laing Art Gallery
• Under 5s Area at Stephenson Steam Railway
• Mini Museum Trolley Activities at Woodhorn Museum