A bumper schedule of activities has been planned for youngsters to enjoy over the summer holidays at the Roman Baths, Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery in Bath.
Summer activities at the Victoria Art Gallery | Photo © B&NES Council
Families will be able to find out about Roman life at the Roman Baths and make an Iron Age roundhouse or laurel wreath to take home.
They can make some funky cardboard flip-flops or have a go at French knitting at the Fashion Museum or make their own artwork inspired by artist Mary Fedden at the Victoria Art Gallery.
Kevin Guy, Leader of the Council, said: “There are special activities happening at our museums every weekday over the summer holidays, so there’s plenty for families to choose from.
“Don’t forget that admission to the Roman Baths, Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery is free for Bath and North East Somerset residents, but it’s advisable to book your free tickets in advance.”
The Roman Baths
Activities take place from 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm.
All activities are included in the admission price, there is no need to book. Advance booking is advised for Roman Baths admission. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Before the Romans – Monday 25th to Friday 29th July
Find out about life in Britain before the Romans and make an Iron Age roundhouse to take home. - Brilliant Bathing – Monday 1st to Friday 5th August
Explore the archaeological site and create a pop-up Roman Baths. - Caesar’s Secrets – Monday 8th to Friday 12th August
Learn about Julius Caesar and have a go at writing messages with his secret code. Make your own laurel wreath. - Little Britannia – Monday 15th to Friday 19th August
Life as a child in Roman times was very different from today. Find out about school and family life in a Roman town. - Great Gorgon – Monday 22nd to Friday 26th August
Discover the Gorgon myth and make a monster of a shield.
Heritage Hunters
Become a heritage hunter at the Roman Baths this summer – Wednesdays, 27th July to 24th August.
Children aged 7 to 12 are invited to join free sessions on Wednesday mornings between 10am (drop off) and 12 noon (pick up). Explore the Roman Baths and find out about different aspects of Roman life. You will take home something that you made at each session.
Heritage Hunters places are limited and these sessions must be booked in advance:
- Heritage Hunters – Roman Life – Wednesday 27th July
Discover Roman daily life. Activities will include handling artefacts, dressing up, dyeing fabric and making weaving boards. - Heritage Hunters – Romans and Water – Wednesday 3rd August
Explore the theme of water. Try your hand at watercolour paintings, have a go at Great Bath measuring and temperature testing. - Heritage Hunters – Roman Architecture – Wednesday 10th August
Find out more about architecture. Have a go at acanthus leaf decoration and create a 3D temple. - Heritage Hunters – Roman Words and Numbers – Wednesday 17th August
Learn all about numerals and Latin. Make a door plate and take part in a numbers trail. - Heritage Hunters – Roman Art – Wednesday 24th August
Find out about Roman mosaics and create some mosaic-themed objects such as a coaster.
The Fashion Museum
Sessions take place at 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm in the Assembly Rooms.
Free drop-in activity sessions, no need to book. Tickets are required for the Fashion Museum. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Funky Flip-Flops – Tuesday 26th July
Explore beachwear items in the collection and make some funky cardboard flip-flops. - Summer Wear – Tuesday 2nd August
Bring along a teddy and design a summer T-shirt or shorts for it. - Knitting Nancy or French Knitting – Tuesday 9th August
Have a go at this special knitting technique. - Summer Posies – Tuesday 16th August
Flowers have inspired fashion designers over the centuries. Create summer flower posies. - Pattern Play – Tuesday 23rd August
Investigate pattern in fashion and explore how it appears in outfits. Use a variety of techniques and materials to create new patterns.
Victoria Art Gallery
Explore the Mary Fedden: Simple Pleasures exhibition and enjoy family-friendly activities based on the show.
Sessions take place at 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm.
Free activity sessions, no need to book. Tickets are required to visit the Mary Fedden exhibition. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Summer Fruit Salad – Wednesday 27th and Friday 29th July
Artist Mary Fedden liked fruit. Have a go at drawing fruits and create a fruit salad. - Cats and Kittens – Wednesday 3rd and Friday 5th August
Enjoy the work of Mary Fedden and create one of her cats. - Rooftop Views – Wednesday 10th and Friday 12th August
Explore the special exhibition and create a collage using tissue paper and pens. - Seashells, Seashells by the Seashore – Wednesday 17th and Friday 19th August
Create a seaside shell picture just like artist Mary Fedden. - Birds of a Feather – Wednesday 24th and Friday 26th August
Mary Fedden liked to feature birds in her work. Use pastels to create your own feathered friend.
