Filtering by: Summer Holiday
FREE Family Explorer Trails
Jul
18
to Aug 31

FREE Family Explorer Trails

  • The Museum in the Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Have fun exploring the Museum with our fabulous selection of FREE explorer trails for all ages! Always available at reception, these are a great way for families to enjoy discovering the collections together, and you’ll learn about Stroud District’s fascinating history along the way. From fossils and dinosaur bones to childhood toys of the past, there’s always something curious and intriguing to take a closer look at.

Free, all ages welcome, donations appreciated.

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Fairy Folk Day at The Museum in the Park
Aug
19
10:30 AM10:30

Fairy Folk Day at The Museum in the Park

Listen to traditional songs and stories, learn about fairy folklore, or try your hand at Peter Pan Sword School! You can also make a magic wand to take home. For families with children aged 5+, come dressed as a fairytale character if you so wish.

10.30am – 3.30pm: Drop in and meet characters from fairy lands, listen to stories and songs FREE

10.30am – 3.30pm: Drop-in craft activity: £1 per child, pay on the door

11am & 2pm: Peter Pan Sword School! Max. 20 children per session, booking required - book on the day. £1 per child.

Activities based in the Garden Pavilion at the top of the Walled Garden (entry/exit via Museum Reception). Sword School on the Walled Garden lawn (weather permitting). For families with children aged 5+. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer but grown ups can join in too.

With historical reenactors Keith Errington and Nimue Brown and members of the Museum team. Keith Errington has worked as a historical interpreter for History’s Maid, and Time Tarts, performing at sites around the country. He has also played many historical roles in TV series. Nimue Brown is a storyteller and musician with a great enthusiasm for local history and folklore. She is also blind, and can share insight into disability and medicine throughout history. 

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So Many Leaves - Family Drop-in Craft Workshop
Aug
20
10:30 AM10:30

So Many Leaves - Family Drop-in Craft Workshop

Create colourful patterns and designs with rubbings and stencils using the many and varied shapes of leaves from the incredible variety of trees in Stratford Park.

A drop-in workshop for families with ages 5+, led by amazing community artist Alison Cockcroft.

Cost: £1.50 per child (to help pay for materials), accompanying adults free.

Drop-in and pay in the door.

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Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities
Aug
21
10:30 AM10:30

Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities

Switch off your smartphones and digital devices and find out what games our great-great-grandparents played. Explore and play together as you try out the oldest toys in the world, play traditional games or try out some toys from the past. Hands-on fun for all ages – outside the Museum (weather permitting!). Anyone for a game of hopscotch?

Drop-in, all ages welcome, free, donations appreciated.

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Things that move - Museum inspired relaxed family session
Aug
25
10:00 AM10:00

Things that move - Museum inspired relaxed family session

We continue our pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children and children with additional access requirements who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

Who is this for?

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.

What will we be doing?

Explore things that twist, roll and spin, and create some wheel prints using some toy vehicles. Explore old fashioned toys and games that slide and push and create a pull-a-long toy. Experiment to find out which objects float and sink and play with gears that turn. Push the trains around our toy trainset. Make a dancing toy or a climbing toy to defy gravity.

This session is a great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

How have you adapted this session?

Our learning staff will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose. There’s a range of activities that children can choose to take part in, all activities are optional and we can move activities around if you need us to. We have limited the number of tickets available to 12 child tickets to support a relaxed environment and, following feedback from visitors, we’ve moved this session to a morning slot. There’ll be a chill out zone available and you can come and go as you please during the time slot.

Where and when is this?

The session will take place between 10am and 11am in the Museum in the Park’s Meeting Room.

How do I book?

To support a relaxed environment, there are 12 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket. £1 per child. Please prebook online (click here) or call 01453 763394.

Where can I find more information to help me plan?

We have a Visual Story for Museum in the Park — Museum in the Park to help plan your visit, and an easy read version too: Easy+Read+Visual+Story+for+Museum+in+the+Park.pdf

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Things That Move - Museum inspired drop-in family activity
Aug
25
11:30 AM11:30

Things That Move - Museum inspired drop-in family activity

Think about how things move and work!

Explore things that twist, roll and spin, and create some wheel prints using some toy vehicles. Explore old fashioned toys and games that slide and push and create a pull-a-long toy. Experiment to find out which objects float and sink and play with gears that turn. Push the trains around our toy trainset. Make a dancing toy or a climbing toy to defy gravity.

A great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together, though little ones can join in too with support from grown-ups.

Drop in between 11:30am and 3:30pm. £1 per child. Please pay on the day.

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Stratford Park Sketchbook Day
Aug
26
10:30 AM10:30

Stratford Park Sketchbook Day

Come and collect your free mini sketchbook from our welcome table in the courtyard, then enjoy drawing, sketching or doodling in the wonderful grounds of Stratford Park. Be inspired by the Park Life art exhibition, or simply draw your favourite feature in the beautiful park grounds - perhaps a towering tree, or a tiny leaf, mini beast or flower.

Bring your own outdoor art kit, or borrow pencils and crayons from the Museum.

FREE, all ages welcome, huge thanks to Bookbinder Ursula Jeakins for making and donating sketchbooks using offcuts from her work.

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Flower Power - Family Drop-in Craft Activity
Aug
27
10:30 AM10:30

Flower Power - Family Drop-in Craft Activity

Be inspired by the Victorians and make a pressed-flower bookmark to take home or give away as a gift. If the weather is sunny, we’ll also try cyanotypes – the magical art of printing with sunlight!

A drop-in workshop for families with ages 5+, organised in collaboration with Stroud Valleys Project. Space for around 10 children at a time, so if its busy when you arrive do enjoy a Museum Explorer trail while you wait.

Cost: £1.50 per child (to help pay for materials), accompanying adults free.

Drop-in and pay in the door.

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Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities
Aug
28
10:30 AM10:30

Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities

Switch off your smartphones and digital devices and find out what games our great-great-grandparents played. Explore and play together as you try out the oldest toys in the world, play traditional games or try out some toys from the past. Hands-on fun for all ages – outside the Museum (weather permitting!). Anyone for a game of hopscotch?

Drop-in, all ages welcome, free, donations appreciated.

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Buzz Club in the Walled Garden
Aug
30
11:30 AM11:30

Buzz Club in the Walled Garden

Join as we explore what’s happening in the Walled Garden and our bee hive, and come on a nature observation walk at 12 noon. Back at Buzz Club we’ll record our discoveries in our Year in the Walled Garden diary through drawings, observations and our own nature notes.

All welcome, for children and adults, free entry, donations welcome.

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Revealing the Romans - Museum inspired drop-in family activity
Aug
18
11:30 AM11:30

Revealing the Romans - Museum inspired drop-in family activity

Travel through time and learn about Roman life in the Stroud Valleys!

Turn yourself into a Roman by trying on a tunic and belt as you dress up like a Roman and give yourself a Roman name. Find out about Roman coins as you design your own and challenge yourself to learn some Roman numerals. Think about life in a Roman villa by making a paper mosaic inspired Roman mosaic floor patterns and think about Roman religion and belief as you make a Roman-style votive offering to take away with you. Then find out what it feels like to be an archaeologist by digging up some Roman objects in our mini archaeological dig and excavating some Roman ‘poo’ to find out what food Roman people ate.

A great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together, though little ones can join in too with support from grown-ups.

Drop in between 11:30am and 3:30pm. £1 per child. Please pay on the day.

View Event →
Revealing the Romans - Museum inspired relaxed family session
Aug
18
10:00 AM10:00

Revealing the Romans - Museum inspired relaxed family session

We continue our pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children and children with additional access requirements who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

Who is this for?

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.

What will we be doing?

Turn yourself into a Roman by trying on a tunic and belt as you dress up like a Roman and give yourself a Roman name. Find out about Roman coins as you design your own and challenge yourself to learn some Roman numerals. Think about life in a Roman villa by making a paper mosaic inspired Roman mosaic floor patterns and think about Roman religion and belief as you make a Roman-style votive offering to take away with you. Then find out what it feels like to be an archaeologist by digging up some Roman objects in our mini archaeological dig and excavating some Roman ‘poo’ to find out what food Roman people ate.

This session is a great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

How have you adapted this session?

Our learning staff will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose. There’s a range of activities that children can choose to take part in, all activities are optional, and we can move activities around if you need us to. We have limited the number of tickets available to 12 child tickets to support a relaxed environment and, following feedback from visitors, we’ve moved this session to a morning slot. There’ll be a chill out zone available and you can come and go as you please during the time slot.

Where and when is this?

The session will take place between 10am and 11am in the Pavilion at Museum in the Park. How do I book?:

To support a relaxed environment, there are 12 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket. £1 per child. Please prebook online (click here) or call 01453 763394.

Where can I find more information to help me plan?

We have a Visual Story for Museum in the Park — Museum in the Park to help plan your visit, and an easy read version too: Easy+Read+Visual+Story+for+Museum+in+the+Park.pdf

View Event →
Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities
Aug
14
10:30 AM10:30

Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities

Switch off your smartphones and digital devices and find out what games our great-great-grandparents played. Explore and play together as you try out the oldest toys in the world, play traditional games or try out some toys from the past. Hands-on fun for all ages – outside the Museum (weather permitting!). Anyone for a game of hopscotch?

Drop-in, all ages welcome, free, donations appreciated.

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Secret Nature - Family Drop-in Craft Workshop
Aug
13
10:30 AM10:30

Secret Nature - Family Drop-in Craft Workshop

Do you ever think about the earth beneath your feet? The soil is teeming with millions of diverse and wonderful tiny animals that we don't usually see! Come and have fun drawing with colourful inks and crayons to create amazing creatures inspired by the microscopic life-forms that keep the soil healthy.

A drop-in workshop for families with ages 5+, led by amazing community artist Alison Cockcroft.

Cost: £1.50 per child (to help pay for materials), accompanying adults free.

Drop-in and pay in the door.

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Medieval Day at The Museum in the Park
Aug
12
10:30 AM10:30

Medieval Day at The Museum in the Park

Meet characters from medieval Britain, design your own family coat of arms or pennant flag, or learn how to fight like a knight! For families with children aged 5+, come dressed up as a knight, prince, princess or other medieval character if you wish.

10.30am – 3.30pm: Drop in and meet characters from Medieval Britain: FREE

10.30am – 3.30pm: Drop-in craft activity: £1 per child, pay on the door

11am & 2pm: Sword School! Max. 20 children per session, booking required - book on the day. £1 per child.

Activities based in the Garden Pavilion at the top of the Walled Garden (entry/exit via Museum Reception). Sword School outside on the Walled Garden lawn (weather permitting). For families with children aged 5+. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer bur grown ups can join in too.

With historical reenactors Keith Errington and Nimue Brown and members of the Museum team. Keith Errington has worked as a historical interpreter for History’s Maid, and Time Tarts, performing at sites around the country. He has also played many historical roles in TV series. Nimue Brown is a storyteller and musician with a great enthusiasm for local history and folklore. She is also blind, and can share insight into disability and medicine throughout history. 

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Discover the Victorians - Museum inspired drop-in family activity
Aug
11
11:30 AM11:30

Discover the Victorians - Museum inspired drop-in family activity

Travel through time and learn about life in Stroud in Victorian times!

Try out some of the washday and cleaning tasks people did in Victorian times - wash some laundry, and hang the clothes out to dry, clean some carpets and try rag rugging. Think about what going to school was like in Victorian times by writing on a slate and try some handwriting practice with a dip pen. Play with some Victorian toys and games and make an optical illusion toy and a peg doll to take home.

A great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together, though little ones can join in too with support from grown-ups.

Drop in between 11:30am and 3:30pm. £1 per child. Please pay on the day.

View Event →
Discover the Victorians - Museum inspired relaxed family session
Aug
11
10:00 AM10:00

Discover the Victorians - Museum inspired relaxed family session

We continue our pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children and children with additional access requirements who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

Who is this for?

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.

What will we be doing?

Try out some of the washday and cleaning tasks people did in Victorian times - wash some laundry, and hang the clothes out to dry, clean some carpets and try rag rugging. Think about what going to school was like in Victorian times by writing on a slate and try some handwriting practice with a dip pen. Play with some Victorian toys and games and make an optical illusion toy and a peg doll to take home.

This session is a great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

How have you adapted this session?

Our learning staff will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose. There’s a range of activities that children can choose to take part in, all activities are optional and we can move activities around if you need us to. We have limited the number of tickets available to 12 child tickets to support a relaxed environment and, following feedback from visitors, we’ve moved this session to a morning slot. There’ll be a chill out zone available and you can come and go as you please during the time slot.

Where and when is this?

The session will take place between 10am and 11am in the downstairs Meeting Room at Museum in the Park.

How do I book?

To support a relaxed environment, there are 12 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket. £1 per child. Please prebook online (click here) or call 01453 763394.

Where can I find more information to help me plan?

We have a Visual Story for Museum in the Park — Museum in the Park to help plan your visit, and an easy read version too: Easy+Read+Visual+Story+for+Museum+in+the+Park.pdf

View Event →
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Open Air Theatre by IKP Productions
Aug
8
4:00 PM16:00

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Open Air Theatre by IKP Productions

Following its sell-out success, IKP’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz returns for another “bonkers” theatre adventure in Summer 2026, in a family comedy adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic book.

Join Dorothy, the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they encounter munchkins, witches, winged monkeys, enchanted slippers and a Wonderful Wizard! Expect the unexpected in this comedy for all the family, featuring physical humour, fast-paced multi-roling and plenty of laughs for all ages.

Outdoor theatre show - bring rugs or camping chairs to sit on and clothing to suit all weathers!

Tickets £12 adult, £10 child/conc, £40 family ticket (admits 4)

Early Bird ticket £9! Book online here

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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Open Air Theatre by IKP Productions
Aug
8
12:00 PM12:00

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Open Air Theatre by IKP Productions

Following its sell-out success, IKP’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz returns for another “bonkers” theatre adventure in Summer 2026, in a family comedy adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic book.

Join Dorothy, the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they encounter munchkins, witches, winged monkeys, enchanted slippers and a Wonderful Wizard! Expect the unexpected in this comedy for all the family, featuring physical humour, fast-paced multi-roling and plenty of laughs for all ages.

Outdoor theatre show - bring rugs or camping chairs to sit on and clothing to suit all weathers!

Tickets £12 adult, £10 child/conc, £40 family ticket (admits 4)

Early Bird ticket £9! Book online here

View Event →
Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities
Aug
7
10:30 AM10:30

Toys & Games of the Past - Free Family Activities

Switch off your smartphones and digital devices and find out what games our great-great-grandparents played. Explore and play together as you try out the oldest toys in the world, play traditional games or try out some toys from the past. Hands-on fun for all ages – outside the Museum (weather permitting!). Anyone for a game of hopscotch?

Drop-in, all ages welcome, free, donations appreciated.

Part of the Big Summer Picnics and Play in the Park programme - loads on offer for all ages at Active Lifestyles and Stratford Park! Further details here.

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Collaged Creatures - Family Drop-in Craft Activity
Aug
6
10:30 AM10:30

Collaged Creatures - Family Drop-in Craft Activity

Be inspired by the creatures who live in Stratford Park and its Secret Garden and make a colourful collage. What creature will you choose – perhaps a humble hedgehog, feisty fox or magical moth?

A drop-in workshop for families with ages 5+.

Cost: £1.50 per child (to help pay for materials), accompanying adults free.

Drop-in and pay in the door.

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Saxon Day at The Museum in the Park
Aug
5
10:30 AM10:30

Saxon Day at The Museum in the Park

Travel back in time and meet two Saxon characters, chat to them and hear their stories. Learn about life in the Saxon period, try out Saxon fighting styles, or make a decorated brooch to wear or take home - be inspired by the amazing Saxon saucer brooch on display in the Archaeology gallery. For families with children aged 5+, come dressed up as a Saxon if you wish.

10.30am – 3.30pm: Drop in and meet characters from Saxon Britain: FREE

10.30am – 3.30pm: Drop-in craft activity: £1 per child, pay on the door

11am & 2pm: Saxon Sword School! Max. 20 children per session, booking required - book on the day. £1 per child.

Activities based in the Meeting Room (up the ramp from reception, next door to the Art Gallery). Sword School outside on the Walled Garden lawn (weather permitting). For families with children aged 5+. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer but grown ups can join in too.

With historical reenactors Keith Errington and Nimue Brown and members of the Museum team. Keith Errington has worked as a historical interpreter for History’s Maid, and Time Tarts, performing at sites around the country. He has also played many historical roles in TV series. Nimue Brown is a storyteller and musician with a great enthusiasm for local history and folklore. She is also blind, and can share insight into disability and medicine throughout history. 

View Event →
Amazing Artists - Museum inspired drop-in family activity
Aug
4
11:30 AM11:30

Amazing Artists - Museum inspired drop-in family activity

Be inspired by artworks of the past and try making art in lots of different ways!

Try mark making and sketching with charcoal and chalk. Create a self-portrait sculpture to take home and use scrap paper to create a landscape collage. Try printing some cool patterns inspired by the museum and design a paper plate inspired by traditional willow patterns from long ago.

A great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together, though little ones can join in too with support from grown-ups.

Drop in between 11:30am and 3:30pm. £1 per child. Please pay on the day.

A great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together, though little ones can join in too with support from grown-ups.

Drop in between 11:30am and 3:30pm. £1 per child. Please pay on the day.

View Event →
Amazing Artists - Museum inspired relaxed family session
Aug
4
10:00 AM10:00

Amazing Artists - Museum inspired relaxed family session

We continue our pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children and children with additional access requirements who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

Who is this for?

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.

What will we be doing?

Try mark making and sketching with charcoal and chalk. Create a self-portrait sculpture to take home and use scrap paper to create a landscape collage. Try printing some cool patterns inspired by the museum and design a paper plate inspired by traditional willow patterns from long ago.

 This session is a great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

How have you adapted this session?

Our learning staff will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose. There’s a range of activities that children can choose to take part in, all activities are optional and we can move activities around if you need us to. We have limited the number of tickets available to 12 child tickets to support a relaxed environment and, following feedback from visitors, we’ve moved this session to a morning slot. There’ll be a chill out zone available and you can come and go as you please during the time slot.

Where and when is this?

The session will take place between 10am and 11am in the Pavilion at Museum in the Park.

How do I book?

To support a relaxed environment, there are 12 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket. £1 per child. Please prebook online (click here) or call 01453 763394.

Where can I find more information to help me plan?

We have a Visual Story for Museum in the Park — Museum in the Park to help plan your visit, and an easy read version too: Easy+Read+Visual+Story+for+Museum+in+the+Park.pdf

View Event →
Beautiful Butterflies - Family Drop-in Craft Workshop
Jul
30
10:30 AM10:30

Beautiful Butterflies - Family Drop-in Craft Workshop

Look at the beautiful butterflies on display in the ‘cabinet of curiosities’ in the Museum’s Collectors’ Room. Then head to the Garden Pavilion where you can create a paper butterfly to take home, with Tamsin from Stroud Valleys Project. You can also take part in the Big Butterfly Count – collect your spotter’s sheet from Museum Reception then see how many different species you can spot in the sensory garden or your favourite place in Stratford Park.

A drop-in workshop for families with ages 5+, organised in collaboration with Stroud Valleys Project. Space for around 10 children at a time, so if its busy you can choose to enjoy a Museum Explorer trail instead.

Cost: £1.50 per child (to help pay for materials), accompanying adults free.

Drop-in and pay in the door.

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Roman Day at The Museum in the Park
Jul
29
10:30 AM10:30

Roman Day at The Museum in the Park

Meet a Roman and an Iron Age Briton and find out what life was like in Roman times. Relax and make a Roman-inspired paper mosaic to take home, or a mini clay pot. You can even learn how to fight like a Roman soldier. For families with children aged 5+, come dressed up as a Roman or Ancient Briton if you wish!

10.30am – 3.30pm: Drop in and meet characters from Roman Britain: FREE

10.30am – 3.30pm: Drop-in craft activity: £1 per child, pay on the door

11am & 2pm: Roman Sword School! Max. 20 children per session, booking required - book on the day. £1 per child.

Activities based in the Museum’s Meeting room as the Garden Pavilion will be too hot today. Sword School outdoors - location to be advised (hot weather permitting!). For families with children aged 5+. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer but grown ups can join in too.

With historical reenactors Keith Errington and Nimue Brown and members of the Museum team. Keith Errington has worked as a historical interpreter for History’s Maid, and Time Tarts, performing at sites around the country. He has also played many historical roles in TV series. Nimue Brown is a storyteller and musician with a great enthusiasm for local history and folklore. She is also blind, and can share insight into disability and medicine throughout history. 

View Event →
Finding out about Fossils - Museum inspired drop-in family activity
Jul
28
11:30 AM11:30

Finding out about Fossils - Museum inspired drop-in family activity

Travel through time and learn about life in Stroud before people!

Discover some fossils with our mini fossil dig and get up close with some of real fossils to learn about the type of marine fossils discovered in the Stroud District. Think about what an ichthyosaur ate by creating a food chain mobile to take home. Explore our sensory exploration tray and create some dinosaur tracks to make a dinosaur highway piece of art. Create a dinosaur toy or ammonite puppet to take home.

A great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together, though little ones can join in too with support from grown-ups.

Drop in between 11:30am and 3:30pm. £1 per child. Please pay on the day.

View Event →
Finding out about fossils - Museum inspired relaxed family session
Jul
28
10:00 AM10:00

Finding out about fossils - Museum inspired relaxed family session

We continue our pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children and children with additional access requirements who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

Who is this for?

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.

What will we be doing?

Discover some fossils with our mini fossil dig and get up close with some of real fossils to learn about the type of marine fossils discovered in the Stroud District. Think about what an ichthyosaur ate by creating a food chain mobile to take home. Explore our sensory exploration tray and create some dinosaur tracks to make a dinosaur highway piece of art. Create a dinosaur toy or ammonite puppet to take home.

This session is a great way to join in the Gloucestershire Library Challenge 2026. Visit The Library Challenge website to find out more: Welcome to The Library Challenge! | Gloucestershire Libraries

How have you adapted this session?

Our learning staff will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose. There’s a range of activities that children can choose to take part in, all activities are optional and we can move activities around if you need us to. We have limited the number of tickets available to 12 child tickets to support a relaxed environment and, following feedback from visitors, we’ve moved this session to a morning slot. There’ll be a chill out zone available and you can come and go as you please during the time slot.

Where and when is this?

The session will take place between 10am and 11am in the Pavilion at Museum in the Park.

How do I book?

To support a relaxed environment, there are 12 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket. £1 per child. Please prebook online (click here) or call 01453 763394.

Where can I find more information to help me plan?

We have a Visual Story for Museum in the Park — Museum in the Park to help plan your visit, and an easy read version too: Easy+Read+Visual+Story+for+Museum+in+the+Park.pdf

View Event →
Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Governor’s Nose - Open Air Theatre by Jenny Wren Productions
Jul
26
6:30 PM18:30

Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Governor’s Nose - Open Air Theatre by Jenny Wren Productions

The delightful Jenny Wren’s are returning to our Walled Garden with their brand new production – Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Governor’s Nose …

Extra! Extra! Painting stolen from distinguished art gallery!

Everyone’s favourite detective duo (no, not Shaggy and Scooby) are given the Jenny Wren treatment.

Holmes and Watson are called upon to investigate the disappearance of a legendary painting, The Governor’s Nose. But all is not as elementary as it seems.

As mysterious forces – and an assortment of shady characters – work to undermine our heroes, they need all the wit, guile, and deduction capabilities in their arsenal, along with the help of the steadfast Mrs Hudson and Detective “Always-One-Step-Behind” Lestrade.

The hour grows late. The paint has dried. The game is afoot.

Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Governor’s Nose is a comic new play, based on The Naval Treaty and The Man with the Twisted Lip, with apologies to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Jenny Wren Productions is a Gloucestershire-based professional theatre company, formed in 2004. In the summer they can be found performing classic plays under the stars at open-air venues around the county, including Berkeley Castle, Cowley Manor and Highnam Court near Gloucester. The autumn usually takes us on another tour, often with a new play, to small theatres and rural venues. We have strong links with the Cheltenham Everyman Theatre and perform there regularly. We have toured schools, libraries and care homes with Theatre in Education projects and incorporating educational workshops.

The company comprises a pool of actors, musicians, designers, stage managers, producer and director. Many of our projects have been funded by Arts Council England and with others we have raised money for charities including the Pied Piper Appeal at Gloucester Hospital and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. 

“One of the funniest, quirkiest bundles of talent ever to lighten Gloucestershire’s doorstep” – Cotswold Life

Snap up your tickets now!

To book call the Everyman Theatre Box Office on 01242 572573.

£15 (£10 for under 16s).

Show starts at 6.30pm, gates open for picnics at 5.30pm.

Outdoor show - bring your own seating (rugs or camping chairs) and clothing to suit all weathers. Picnics welcome. Sorry, no dogs allowed (only service dogs).

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Buzz Club in the Walled Garden
Jul
26
11:30 AM11:30

Buzz Club in the Walled Garden

This month we’ll be thinking about keeping cool in the Walled Garden. Join us as we discover how plants, insects and other wildlife cope with the summer heat. At 12pm, we’ll head out on our Garden Observation Walk to look for signs of nature adapting to hot weather. Which flowers are still blooming? Where are the butterflies hiding? How do bees keep cool?

Back at Buzz Club we’ll record our discoveries in our Year in the Walled Garden diary through drawings, observations and our own nature notes.

All welcome, for children and adults, free entry, donations welcome.

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Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Governor’s Nose - Open Air Theatre by Jenny Wren Productions
Jul
25
6:30 PM18:30

Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Governor’s Nose - Open Air Theatre by Jenny Wren Productions

The delightful Jenny Wren’s are returning to our Walled Garden with their brand new production – Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Governor’s Nose …

Extra! Extra! Painting stolen from distinguished art gallery!

Everyone’s favourite detective duo (no, not Shaggy and Scooby) are given the Jenny Wren treatment.

Holmes and Watson are called upon to investigate the disappearance of a legendary painting, The Governor’s Nose. But all is not as elementary as it seems.

As mysterious forces – and an assortment of shady characters – work to undermine our heroes, they need all the wit, guile, and deduction capabilities in their arsenal, along with the help of the steadfast Mrs Hudson and Detective “Always-One-Step-Behind” Lestrade.

The hour grows late. The paint has dried. The game is afoot.

Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Governor’s Nose is a comic new play, based on The Naval Treaty and The Man with the Twisted Lip, with apologies to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Jenny Wren Productions is a Gloucestershire-based professional theatre company, formed in 2004. In the summer they can be found performing classic plays under the stars at open-air venues around the county, including Berkeley Castle, Cowley Manor and Highnam Court near Gloucester. The autumn usually takes us on another tour, often with a new play, to small theatres and rural venues. We have strong links with the Cheltenham Everyman Theatre and perform there regularly. We have toured schools, libraries and care homes with Theatre in Education projects and incorporating educational workshops.

The company comprises a pool of actors, musicians, designers, stage managers, producer and director. Many of our projects have been funded by Arts Council England and with others we have raised money for charities including the Pied Piper Appeal at Gloucester Hospital and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. 

“One of the funniest, quirkiest bundles of talent ever to lighten Gloucestershire’s doorstep” – Cotswold Life

Snap up your tickets now!

To book call the Everyman Theatre Box Office on 01242 572573.

£15 (£10 for under 16s).

Show starts at 6.30pm, gates open for picnics at 5.30pm.

Outdoor show - bring your own seating (rugs or camping chairs) and clothing to suit all weathers. Picnics welcome. Sorry, no dogs allowed (only service dogs).

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Creative Card Printing Day with Tracy Spiers
Jul
22
10:30 AM10:30

Creative Card Printing Day with Tracy Spiers

Have fun making colourful and imaginative printed cards to take home and display, or give to a loved one, with the wonderful artist-illustrator-writer Tracy Spiers (she’s also known as Dr Fun!).

Be inspired by the Museum’s beautiful walled garden, known fondly by many as ‘Stroud’s secret garden’. Or make a design inspired by one of your favourite museum objects or something you love about this special place. Get ideas from Rachel Oldfield’s colourful ‘Stroud Folk Prints’ exhibition in the Gallery, or simply let your imaginations guide you.

All ages welcome, come with all your family and enjoy being creative. Help us celebrate 10 years of the Garden, and 25 years of the Museum, with your creations. Maybe some of you can help make the museum and garden a special Birthday card?

Drop in between 10.30am - 3.30pm (recommended last entry 3pm or so)

In the Garden Pavilion at the top of the Walled Garden

FREE thanks to the generous support of Arts Society Painswick

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Name Our Dinosaur! Stroud Show Day Activity
Jul
18
11:00 AM11:00

Name Our Dinosaur! Stroud Show Day Activity

Your Museum Needs You - can you suggest a name for our new dinosaur?

This Megalosaurus has made itself at home in the museum’s Geology gallery, where it’s keeping a beady eye on our real-life dinosaur remains. We think it might be related to Dennis - who older visitors will remember graced the walls of the original Stroud Museum at Lansdown (and is still there).

Come along to the Museum stall at Stroud Show on Saturday 18 July between 11am - 3pm to make your suggestion. Win a bundle of dinosaur goodies if your name is chosen by our judges! The winning name will be announced by the end of July.

Meanwhile, visit the Museum to come face-to-face with our new addition, see our collection of real dinosaur bones, and find out about the extraordinary adventures of explorer Christina Dodwell, who made the model. Also on 18 July, you can visit a real-life pop up Science Lab and meet scientists who are studying the creatures of today!

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Buzz Club in the Walled Garden
Aug
31
11:00 AM11:00

Buzz Club in the Walled Garden

Come hear, see and discover what’s blooming and buzzing in the Walled Garden. How have the bees, butterflies and other insects been doing? We’ll also be making clay bees to take home.

For adults and for children, free but donations welcome, come for all or part of the time and become a Bee Guardian. Based in the Walled Garden Pavilion. No need to book, just come along.

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Amazing Animals: Museum Inspired Relaxed Family Session
Aug
26
2:00 PM14:00

Amazing Animals: Museum Inspired Relaxed Family Session

We are trialling pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

We invite you to discover and explore together through this range of family-friendly activities designed to help bring the theme of animals alive.

Wash the muddy farm animal toys and think about looking after the environment by cleaning up the ‘beach’. Play ‘build a bug’ using natural resources, help us fill a giant ‘spider web’ with ‘flies’ and try some earthworm coding. Make a colourful paper hedgehog and a nature themed suncatcher to take away before exploring the museum with one of our animal themed family explorer trails, if you like.

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.

The session will run between 2pm and 3pm in the Pavilion at Museum in the Park. All activities are optional, and we will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose. To support a relaxed environment, there are 10 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket. 

£1 per child. Please prebook. Book online or call 01453 763394.

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Amazing Animals: Museum Inspired Family Drop-in Activity
Aug
26
11:00 AM11:00

Amazing Animals: Museum Inspired Family Drop-in Activity

We invite you to discover and explore together through this range of family-friendly activities designed to help bring the theme of animals alive.

Wash the muddy farm animal toys and think about looking after the environment by cleaning up the ‘beach’. Play ‘build a bug’ using natural resources, help us fill a giant ‘spider web’ with ‘flies’ and try some earthworm coding. Make a colourful paper hedgehog and a nature themed suncatcher to take away before exploring the museum with one of our animal themed family explorer trails.

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together. Drop in between 11am and 1pm.

£1 per child. Please pay on the day.

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Treasure Island: Outdoor Theatre Show by Jenny Wren Productions
Aug
24
5:30 PM17:30

Treasure Island: Outdoor Theatre Show by Jenny Wren Productions

Jenny Wren Productions presents Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island’, adapted by Matthew Bassington and Aidan Mosby …

Looking for adventure? Join Jenny Wren Productions as we sail the seven seas in search of buried treasure! There’s never a dull moment on board ship – the grog flows, we love a sea shanty, and Long John Silver and his parrot are always game for a laugh.

But it won’t all be plain sailing as murder and mutiny abound, not to mention the dreaded “Black Spot”; surrounded by all those brawling buccaneers, who can you trust?

Anchors away as our small but perfectly capable crew take you on a journey to Treasure Island.

In the open-air in the Walled Garden – please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Suitable for older children as well as adults.

Show starts at 5.30pm, grounds open at 4.45pm for picnics.

Buy tickets on the door (from 4.45pm). £15 (£10 for children under 16)

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SOLD OUT Treasure Island: Outdoor Theatre Show by Jenny Wren Productions
Aug
23
5:30 PM17:30

SOLD OUT Treasure Island: Outdoor Theatre Show by Jenny Wren Productions

This performance is SOLD OUT so we’ve added another show on Sunday 24th - same time, buy tickets on the door!

Jenny Wren Productions presents Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island’, adapted by Matthew Bassington and Aidan Mosby …

Looking for adventure? Join Jenny Wren Productions as we sail the seven seas in search of buried treasure! There’s never a dull moment on board ship – the grog flows, we love a sea shanty, and Long John Silver and his parrot are always game for a laugh.

But it won’t all be plain sailing as murder and mutiny abound, not to mention the dreaded “Black Spot”; surrounded by all those brawling buccaneers, who can you trust?

Anchors away as our small but perfectly capable crew take you on a journey to Treasure Island.

In the open-air in the Walled Garden – please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Suitable for older children as well as adults.

Show starts at 5.30pm, grounds open at 4.45pm for picnics.

This event is SOLD OUT.

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Cutting & Sticking! FREE Family Drop-in Activity
Aug
21
11:00 AM11:00

Cutting & Sticking! FREE Family Drop-in Activity

Get cutting and sticking at our family activity table where you’ll find an array of colourful papers to play with. Relax and have fun playing with colours and shapes, and make a collage or card to take home with you. A family activity for all ages, but ideal for ages 5+. For adults and children to enjoy together.

Free, donations welcome, no need to book just come along.

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Illustrated Time Capsule: FREE Family Drop-in Workshop with Artist Tracy Spiers
Aug
20
11:00 AM11:00

Illustrated Time Capsule: FREE Family Drop-in Workshop with Artist Tracy Spiers

A Playful Workshop with Dr Fun to Capture Your Favourite Things for Tomorrow’s Eyes

Step into a world of imagination with Dr Fun (aka Tracy Spiers, PhD) and create your very own illustrated time box—filled with personal treasures, memories, and messages for the future. In this playful, hands-on workshop, you’ll capture your favourite foods, adventures, books, dreams, and more through drawing and visual storytelling. Whether it’s a letter to future friends or a glimpse of your life today, your time box will become a one-of-a-kind keepsake for tomorrow. Come ready to draw, dream, and travel through time—no passport required!

Tracy Spiers is a Stroud-based writer and illustrator who brings stories to life through a vibrant mix of words and images. With a PhD in Art and Design, specialising in playfulness, Tracy’s work is rooted in a deep love of storytelling, curiosity, and connection. A mother of five delightful daughters, Tracy is often found running and exploring the fabulous wildlife of the Five Valleys. She has a special fondness for the Museum in the Park, not least because her mum, Jan, spent her childhood living in the mansion house.

A family workshop for all ages, ideal for 5+.

FREE thanks to our funders Arts Society Painswick. Donations welcome (suggested donation £1 per child), no need to book, just come along.

With many thanks to Arts Society Painswick for funding this special artist-led creative drop in workshop.

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