ABOUT
This museum which is a sister to the Museum of London at the Barbican, is surprisingly based in the Docklands. They have permanent exhibitions where you can discover the story of the world’s greatest trading city, through ten permanent galleries. A selection of the exhibits cover the themse of the Thames Highway, Sailortown, Docklands at War, and London sugar and Slavery. They also feature new exhibitions and displays, and put on lots of events for families. As well as lots of events for families they run adult events, a study group and adult courses.
FAMILY EVENTS
Their events are split into weekend fun, summer holidays and those for Under 5’s. You can also have a birthday party at the museum.
Weekend Fun & School Holidays
Have a read on the website to see the latest schedule of events, they have fantastic indoor and outdoor activities, ranging from story-telling, learning about what it was like to be a child in the war, create artwork from the surrounding areas, make your own board games and making your own shadow puppets.
AUGUST : Weekend Fun
Reclaim the streets : Sat 3 & Sun 4 Aug, 11am – 12.30pm & 1.30-3pm : FREE
Do you play out in the road where you live? Join us to create a single artwork along the quayside (weather permitting!). 3+
The hoop nuisance of Victorian London : Sat 10 Aug, 12.30-1pm, 2.30-3pm & 3.30-4pm : FREE
Hear about the mischief and mayhem caused across the streets of London by children with their wooden hoop toys. 4+
Snap! : Sat 10 Aug, 12.30-1.30pm & 2.30-3.30pm : FREE
Make a set of playing cards for snap – a game families would have played in an air raid shelter. 3+
Gravy and gas masks : Sat 17 Aug, 12.30-1pm, 2.30-3pm & 3.30-4pm : FREE
What was it like being a child in London during World War II? How did they play? What did they do? 4+
Under 5’s
Mini Mudlarks babies group
(6 months – walking)
7 Jan – 8 Jul (no sessions 18 Feb, 6 & 27 May), 12.45-1.45pm
Learn, play and explore together every Monday during term-time. This session is for babies (aged 6 months-walking) and their carers and includes sensory, hands on and play based activities for you and your baby to enjoy together. For extra fun join us on the third Monday of the month for Musical Mondays.
Little Mudlarks toddlers group
(walking – 5 years)
7 Jan – 8 Jul (no sessions 18 Feb, 6 & 27 May), 10-10.50am & 11-11.50am
Learn, play and explore together every Monday during term-time in this fun, hands-on and creative session for toddlers (walkers – 5 years) and carers. For extra fun join us on the third Monday of the month for Musical Mondays.
Please call the Box Office on 020 7001 9844 to book your place on one of our sessions in advance on the Friday before the Monday you would like to visit. Booking opens at 10am for the Little Mudlarks toddlers group and from 11am for the Mini Mudlarks babies group.
Under 5s storytime
(6 month+)
10 Jan – 11 Jul, 3-3.30pm
FREE
Join us in our galleries for stories, music and fun every Thursday during term-time, then come and play in Mudlarks afterwards! No advance booking is required.
Music and movement
(walking – 3 years)
22 Jan, 19 Feb, 23 Apr, 21 May & 25 Jun, 10-10.45am
FREE
Join us for our monthly music and movement session then come and play in Mudlarks afterwards!
Free holiday events for under 5s
In the school holidays we have special events for under 5s and their carers. Events are aimed at under 5s but older siblings are welcome.
At busy times numbers will be limited. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Under 5s Explorer Bags
Themed under 5s Explorer Bags are available for 2-5 year olds packed with fun activities to help you explore the galleries together. Choose from Boats,Buildings and Under the Sea. Explorer Bags are FREE* every day from 10am– 4.30pm from the Information desk.
Creative Bus Stop 