EASTER POTATO PRINTING CRAFT
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
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
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
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
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
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 […]
THE OUTSIDE IN: BOOKABLE HALF TERM WORKSHOPS
A very special opportunity to work with Jelly artist, Julie Calce Bunker. In response to the Reading International exhibition of works by Steven Claydon at The MERL create your very own decorative mask or a grumpy face jug using recycled materials. Bookable half term workshops (choose one): Tuesday 23 October, 1.00 – 2.30pm: Make a Mask Thursday 25 October, 1.00 – 2.30pm: […]
SECOND SUNDAY CRAFT DROP-IN
Drop in between 11am – 1pm each second Sunday of the month and enjoy a different activity based on various themes related to The MERL and its collections. Why not bring a picnic or enjoy lunch in The MERL café too? 12 January – MAKE WINTERY WOOLLY CREATIONS What can we make with wool? This […]
THE MERL FAMILY PICNIC
BRING A PICNIC, YOUR FRIENDS AND YOUR TEDDY AND JOIN US IN THE MERL GARDEN FOR FOOD-THEMED FUN Have a go at oat-rolling Test out our ‘Sensory Cow’. Record your moo! Try milking Daisy the Cow Follow the Food Facts Trail in the MERL galleries Enjoy make-and-take and colouring activities Try out our new woodland […]