THE MERL FAMILY WORKSHOPS: TERRIFIC TRADITIONS

Hands kneading dough on a table

Join us in the MERL garden to discover and experience some of the terrific traditions from the Great British countryside Sessions are suitable for families with children aged 5 – 12* and will include: – Getting hands on with real objects from the museum – Making and baking your own bread and butter – Showing […]

WILD ABOUT READING FAMILY PICNIC

Two toddlers playing with a watering can at a picnic in the MERL garden

Bring a picnic and join us in the MERL garden for games and activities on the theme of conservation, nature, gardening and wildlife. There will also be a reading zone and storytelling sessions, organised by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups. Don’t forget your sunhats and a picnic blanket! Wild About Reading Wild About Reading […]

THE MERL FAMILY EVENT: AN ENCHANTED SPRING

Profile of a girl blowing seeds off of a dandelion

Join us in the MERL garden for an enchanting family event celebrating the season of Spring and the wonderful changes it brings. Dig out or create a costume to wear that symbolises Spring or perhaps a magical creature from the garden! Sessions are suitable for families with children aged 3 – 11* and will include: […]

EASTER POTATO PRINTING CRAFT

Colourful Easter themed potato print

The student-curated exhibition Frontiers: Exploring the Edge addresses the many meanings of the term “frontier”. The display in The Nook at the MERL is designed especially for children and invites families to explore food that has come from the far frontiers of the world. Come to the free, drop-in session to create the perfect spring […]

LADYBIRD BOOKS FAMILY FUN DAY

Illustration from Ladybird Books Shopping With Mother. Two children look through a window at toys.

The MERL and Reading Museum are teaming up to offer a range of fun crafts and activities across both venues to celebrate the opening of the new exhibition Ladybird Books: ‘How it works’. Drop in and enjoy crafts for all the family, including ladybird hats, pompoms or balloons! Decorate both museums with ladybird garlands and […]

FOLK SONGS FOR FAMILIES

Jackie Oates sitting in front of a piano holding her violin. Her baby is asleep in pushchair in foreground.

English folk songs can teach us a great deal about the lives of children and adults living in rural places in days gone by; their jobs, their lives and the things that they thought about. Jackie will teach a range of songs connected to objects in the museum, together with beautiful harmonies and arrangements. No […]

FEBRUARY HALF TERM ARTS AND HERITAGE CLUB

Join award winning arts charity Jelly at the Museum this February half term and get your Discover Arts Award! A fun, creative half term holiday club that will use the exhibitions in the museum as a starting point to explore different artistic techniques and processes. All children who take part will earn a Discover Arts […]

A NEW COAT FOR CHRISTMAS RHYMETIME AND CRAFTS

Cartoon of a happy girl in a red coat in front of a Christmas tree

Join Reading Rep and Jelly for a special rhymetime and craft session to introduce A New Coat for Christmas, the BEST festive show for under 6s in the Reading area. An enchanting story with music, fun and a flock of very fluffy sheep. Snowflakes are falling and Anna needs a coat to keep her warm […]

MUSEUM SHOP SUNDAY

Red and green Christmas cracker

It’s nearly Christmas and we’re celebrating with a few seasonal delights! Come along to our special ‘Museum Shop Sunday’ family Christmas shopping event on Sunday 25th November from 12pm and 4pm. Follow our free Christmas trail though the galleries, treat yourself to some nibbles*, enjoy our 50p raffle with lots of prizes, and take advantage […]

THE MERL FAMILY EVENT: AWESOME APPLES

Pile of red and green apples

CELEBRATE THE AUTUMN HARVEST AND HAVE FUN WITH APPLE-THEMED ACTIVITIES AND CRAFTS IN THE MERL GARDEN Sessions are suitable for families with children aged 3 – 11* and will include: Story corner Crafts: make apple creatures, apple printing onto apple shaped paper. Apple bobbing Press your own apples (please bring some with you along with a […]

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    Visit Us

    The Museum is now fully open, following a major redevelopment, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

    Free Admission

    The Museum of English Rural Life

    University of Reading

    Redlands Road

    Reading

    RG1 5EX

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