Summer of Family Fun at Mansfield Museum
Looking for free and affordable ways to keep the family entertained this summer? Mansfield Museum has a packed programme of creative activities, hands-on experiences and family events
From colourful carnival crafts and puppet making to vintage-inspired Ladybird activities, games, puzzles and behind-the-scenes experiences, there's something happening every week for children and families to enjoy.
Our popular free drop-in craft sessions run from 10am to 1pm, Tuesday to Friday, with a different activity taking place each day. There's no need to book – simply come along, get creative and join in.
This summer's programme includes:
- Carnival Week (28–31 July) – Create colourful carnival masks, crowns, flags and musical noise makers in preparation for Mansfield Carnival.
- Puppet Week (4–6 August) – Make a variety of fun puppets before enjoying the magical Sand Dragon Show on Friday 7 August, complete with a puppet-making workshop after the performance.
- Ladybird Craft Week (11–14 August) – Rediscover the charm of the classic Ladybird Books through a series of nostalgic craft activities inspired by their much-loved projects.
- Games Week (18–21 August) – Solve puzzles, play classic board games and even design your own jigsaw and board game to take home.
As well as our creative workshops, families can enjoy two unique opportunities to discover more about the museum's collections.
Our Object Handling Sessions on Tuesday 25 and Thursday 27 August offer the chance to get up close with fascinating museum objects that aren't normally on display. Handle real artefacts, ask questions and uncover the stories behind the collection.
For those who have ever wondered what happens behind the scenes, our Behind the Scenes Museum Tours on Wednesday 26 and Friday 28 August provide a rare opportunity to explore the museum's collections stores and discover how we care for and preserve thousands of fascinating objects. These guided tours are free, but places are limited and advance booking is essential.
Most activities are free of charge. The Sand Dragon Show and our Behind the Scenes Museum Tours both require advance booking, although the museum tours are free to attend.
Whether you're looking for a morning of creativity, a magical family show or the chance to explore hidden corners of the museum, there's plenty to discover at Mansfield Museum this summer.
Visit our What's On page to explore the full programme, find out more about each activity and book your place where required. We look forward to welcoming you this summer!