Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
A ‘Sun’sational Summer of Family Fun at the National Coal Mining Museum
A ‘Sun’sational Summer of Family Fun at the National Coal Mining Museum
This summer, the National Coal Mining Museum for England is set to become a seaside spectacular, bringing all the charm and excitement of the coast to the heart of Wakefield.
With golden sands, games, and music, families can look forward to a summer holiday of fun, entertainment and making special memories – all at a pocket friendly price.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday the museum is offering a packed line up of events and activities for all ages. Creative minds can pop into the Makers’ Shed, where free drop-in craft sessions celebrate a summer of art and sculpture. Families can also enjoy the Stories of Pit Lasses, fascinating tales about strong women from mining communities, including coal queens and pit brow lasses.
For young people interested in animation, artists Lenny and Whale will lead Inspiring Animation workshops. Families can bring their works of art to life to life using animation apps, inspired by the museum’s outstanding art collections.
For a deeper dive into history, the museums iconic Underground Tours offer a thrilling descent 140 metres below ground, guided by a former miner who brings 180 years of mining history to life. This is as well as a fascinating new Time Tunnel experience using state-of-the-art technology to transport visitors through centuries of coal mining.
Families looking for interactive adventures can take on the Minecraft Escape Room in a Box challenge where they’ll solve riddles and crack codes in a Minecraft-themed setting.
The Summer Scavenger Hunts, invite younger children to explore the museums stunning outdoor spaces and discover either nature’s rainbow or the fascinating world of mini-beasts. Greta’s Glorious Garden offers a delightful puppet show where children can join Greta in her magical garden as she prepares for a glorious garden competition.
Young engineers and budding artists will find plenty to enjoy. Young people aged 8 to 14 can take part in Lego Robotics workshops, where they’ll design, build, and program robot coal carts. Caphouse Creators invites children aged 7 to 12 to craft pom-pom garlands, sculpt pit cats, and create canary-shaped water whistles. For those aged 11 to 16, the STEAM Club Summer Holiday Special offers hands-on activities like making chocolate rocks, building machines, and creating art. Engineering Explorers, held on Fridays throughout August, provides fun, family-friendly problem-solving challenges that spark curiosity and creativity.
A highlight of the summer will be a three-day Yorkshire Day weekend spectacular from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August. This extravaganza celebrates the wonderful traditions of Yorkshire around sports and leisure, inspired by the vibrant miners’ welfares galas of years past. It includes live music, performances, sports skills, hobby horse racing plus much more and is not to be missed!
Rounding off the summer, Magical Music Workshops led by musician and composer Amanda Johnson will be held on 16 and 23 August. These sessions, inspired by the new exhibition Aria of the Canaries, will take children on a musical journey through storytelling and sound.
Look out for the summer series of brass band music throughout the holiday season.
Whether you’re crafting, building, exploring, solving, or simply relaxing, there’s something for everyone this summer at the Museum.