OCTOBER HALF TERM FAMILY FUN AT THE MERL

Family plays digital game in the MERL galleries at half term

This October half term, enjoy workshops, trails, activities, crafts and more on the theme of ‘Light and Sound’ Book a place on Museums, My Way (a ‘Light’ themed session for neurodivergent visitors of all ages) Book one of our Object Exploration sessions on the theme of ‘Light,’ (for aged 5+) Book a place on special […]

RATS AND DAIRY TRAIL

Two children looking into a display case in the MERL galleries

The Rats are Back! This October half term (from Tuesday 26 October), try out our brand-new ‘Rats and Dairy’ trail. Rats like to eat cattle feed, milk, cheese and butter, so it was really important to keep them out of dairies! As you explore the galleries can you spot the rats and the objects they’ve […]

AUTUMN FAMILY ACTIVITY PACKS

Picture of autumn leaves used to promote the Autumn Family Activity Packs

Autumn inspired things to do at the museum, outdoors and at home For age 5+, choose from one of 3 Autumn Activity Packs (£3 each): Conker craft, Little Mouse story, a recipe and little mouse colouring sheet. Clay craft, outdoor bingo and word-search Cosy silhouette craft, recipe and little mouse colouring sheet For under 5s […]

THE MERL FAMILY EVENT: FRUGAL FRIVOLITIES

Child carrying a recycling bin

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: have fun and be inspired! The family events team at the museum have always set themselves the challenge to be as environmentally low-impact as possible. Come along and have fun discovering ways to turn something discarded into something cherished to take home with you through creative crafts, trails and fun play in […]

FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS: A SPECIAL EVENT FOR TAKEOVER DAY

Families in The MERL garden

Join us for a weekly Outdoor learning session for pre-schoolers in the fantastic urban garden at the MERL Discover the benefits of outdoor learning! Come and join in outdoor activities inspired by the themes and collections of the museum. Enjoy outdoor play and explore the natural environment. Each session involves story-telling, craft activities and singing. […]

Summer Holidays at The MERL

Children in the MERL garden on a sunny day
VISIT THE MERL FOR FUN ACTIVITIES AND MORE! This Summer, enjoy trails, activities, crafts at The Museum of English Rural Life! Discover our Summer Family Activity Packs for all ages (from £2 per pack)  Have a go at a variety of gallery and garden trails including our woodland brass rubbing trail  Free make-and-take and other [...]

EDIBLE ENGLAND GALLERY TRAIL

Two children looking into a display case in the MERL galleries

This new trail introduces 13 objects from our collections which illustrate the theme ‘Edible England’. An illustrated booklet provides more details about the selected objects and can be used alongside or independently of the ‘Edible England’ trail sheet for children. On this trail sheet, children can have fun spotting all 13 objects and the knitted […]

SUMMER ACTIVITY PACKS

This pack includes everything you need for a MERL-tastic summer! These packs are suitable for families with children aged 5+. £5 per pack. Inside the fabric bag, you will find a booklet which includes: spotter sheets for the galleries and outdoors recipes from our archive for you to have a go at colouring sheets wordsearch […]

FLEDGLINGS FAMILY ACTIVITY PACKS

Range of Friday Fledgling activity packs

Range of Little Mouse Explores activity packs (24 Aug – 5 Sept) Before we can begin Friday Fledglings sessions again, Charlotte and Fong, our Friday Fledglings session leaders, have been working hard to develop some new weekly-changing activity packs, which are available to purchase at our museum shop for £2. This summer Little Mouse has […]

FLEDGLINGS FAMILY ACTIVITY PACKS

Variety of activity packs with sticjers, crafts and suggested activities

Activity packs focussing on birds, colours and trees (22 – 27 June) Before Friday Fledglings sessions begin again, Charlotte and Fong, our Friday Fledglings session leaders, have developed new activity packs. There are a variety of packs to choose from and each contain a story featuring Little Mouse and activities to help you explore the […]

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    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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