As the Family Learning Festival continues and Half-Term is here again, let’s take a look at some days-out for the whole family to enjoy.
These cleverly disguised jollies will not only be a lot of fun, but the kids will actually be learning — and so might you. (Shh, don’t tell them!)
So, what is ‘Family Learning,’ and why is it important?
The classroom is an essential part of every childhood, but real-world learning is invaluable for improving life skills. There is so much to learn out there and doing this as a family makes it more fun, engaging and can lead to conversations that might never have happened.
Learning as a family not only creates great memories, but it’s been proven that this can enhance a young person’s chances of career progression in the future.
From wild craft to Dippy the Diplodocus, the West Midlands has a lot to offer to keep the family entertained this Half-Term and to keep you all learning and exploring together.
Dippy in Coventry: Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry
Having graced the National History Museum in London, Dippy, a life-sized replica of a 26-metre-long Diplodocus dinosaur skeleton, has made his way to Coventry. Given that this type of dinosaur is said to have lived about 150 million years ago, a visit to see Dippy is not only a lot of fun, but it’s a history lesson waiting to happen for all ages. You can even jump into Jurassic times with an immersive VR experience.
Jet and Space Week: The Royal Airforce Museum, Cosford
No matter what age you are, it’s difficult to not have some fascination with outer space; so, it’s no surprise we think that Jet and Space Week at the RAF museum will be a real family-pleaser. Until 5th November 2023, the sky is your limit when it comes to learning, with interactive games, stargazing evenings, and more on offer.
Wild Craft Thursdays: RSPB Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich
Nature skills are often overlooked in our modern world; but you never know when you might be stranded in the outdoors and need to know how to light a fire. Okay, so it’s unlikely, but having these skills can’t hurt, and it’s great for the kids to experience nature and enjoy being outdoors. And it’s not just serious survival skills; Wild Craft Thursdays offer a lot of fun activities the whole family can enjoy, like creating whimsical crafts out of natural materials, fuelling collaborative creativity.
Roadmap to the Future: British Motor Museum, Gaydon
Until 5th November, the whole family can experience, and feel part of, the future of motoring. Cars are rapidly changing as we move towards a more sustainable future, so we can all learn something about the important behavioural changes that come with this. There’s still time to visit the British Motor Museum’s ‘Solution to Pollution!’ science show, where the whole family can discover how cars are changing, why this is important, and how this compares to cars of the past. There’s plenty of interactive activities too; and who wouldn’t want the chance to build the car of their dreams? Go round the museum picking up parts from past, present, and future cars, and decide together what you’ll create.
Hobbs & Sons restaurant at The Black Country Living Museum
The Black Country Living Museum: Dudley
They say time travel isn’t possible; but those people probably haven’t been to the Black Country Living Museum. Go one better than learning and literally live through the history of our region’s pioneering industrial past to pick up new knowledge and skills as a family. There are often special events too, with tonight being the last chance to get seriously spooked at their Halloween Nights.
Spooky Science: Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham
Speaking of being spooked, as it’s Halloween it’s only right to mention a creepy choice for the family to enjoy this Spooky Season; and yep, you guessed it, there’s learning involved, too. The Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum is getting in the spirit of Halloween with lots of fun (and educational) activities this evening, even including a life-sized game of Operation. Outside of fright nights, Thinktank is a great choice for immersive learning and exploring science as a family.
So, what are you waiting for? The West Midlands has so much to offer when it comes to learning, and it’s even better to get out there and do it as a family. These venues may be offering special events this season, but many of them are open to enjoy all year round.
By Natasha Saxby