WHERE ON EARTH SHALLWE GO?A season of surprises awaits you in our Mindgrowing Gardens, Libraries & Museums. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go!

Good news! Almost every activity in our entire programme is free to take part in. But first things first, explorers need passports too you know... Don’t forget to pick yours up at any of the information desks across our seven sites. Your passport can really take you places, from

Egyptian tombs to Catacombs, Viking trails to Crocodiles’ tails. Collect a sticker at each adventure until you have enough for a special treat!

PASSPORTyour mindgrowing

oxford university’s

gardens, libraries and museums

STICKAROUND!

Each time you visit one of the Mindgrowing gardens, libraries or museums head to the information desk to collect a sticker in your passport. Once you’ve collected three stickers – either from different sites or the same site – head to the information desk at any site and collect your prize!

Things are about to get interesting... Here’s a quick guide to all the stickers you can collect on your adventures. Remember, once you’ve collected any three stickers it’s time for a treat!

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE

BOTANIC GARDEN

PITT RIVERSMUSEUM

HARCOURT ARBORETUM

ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM

BODLEIANLIBRARIES

WEEK-IN WEEK-OUT

monday—thursday, 2.30—3.30pm

SPOTLIGHT SPECIMENS An informal specimen show-and-tell in the museum court. Bring questions! museum of natural history

every thurs (term time), 10.30—11.30am

LITTLE ASHMOLES -5 Explore, play and learn together in this fun gallery activity for the under 5s. ashmolean museum

every saturday, 11.30am—3.30pm

HANDS-ON COINS Handle historical coins from different civilisations... but we need them back! ashmolean museum

every saturday, 11am—1pm

OBJECT HANDLING Discover more about fascinating objects from the museum’s collection. pitt rivers museum

every sunday, 2—4pm

FAMILY FRIENDLY SUNDAYS Trails, crafts, backpacks and more, all provided by museum volunteers. museum of natural history

22 july—2 sept (in opening hours)

BIG STARS & LITTLE SECRETS Discover the best-kept secrets and our biggest stars with this fun family trail. museum of natural history & pitt rivers

PITT RIVERS MUSEUMBorrow a backpack full of activities and become a family of museum explorers at the Pitt Rivers Museum every saturday 10—4pm.

BOTANIC GARDENWhy not pick up a Botanic Backpack to take with you to explore the Botanic Garden? Choose either At Home in the Garden or Egyptian Explorers.

ASHMOLEAN MUSEUMBegin your Ashmolean adventure at the information desk where you can collect family trails and sketching materials every day. On weekends you'll find activity kits, fun make and takes, magnifiers and torches too (2—4pm).

MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF SCIENCEHelp yourself to family-friendly trails in the Entrance Gallery. Ages 5+

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Family Friendly Sundays every week 2—4pm. Try a trail, borrow a backpack, make something or have a rummage.

HARCOURT ARBORETUMPick up an Explorer’s Backpack to take with you to explore the Arboretum. Choose either Use your Senses or Arboretum Adventure.

GOOD STUFF TO GRAB

Go and grab your explorer packs from any of our information desks on site!

THE MINDGROWING FAMILY WALL PLANNER PG.1

AUGUST

THE MINDGROWING FAMILY WALL PLANNER PG.2

JULY

saturday 1st

GAMES IN WONDERLAND A It’s Alice Day! Celebrate with Alice- themed action and make your own flamingo croquet game. (12—3pm) museum of natural history

ALICE’S RIDDLES & GAMES 4+ Get ready for an afternoon of stories, gallery hunts, games, object handling and crafts. (2—2.45pm and 3.15—4pm). ashmolean museum

ALICE’S PICNIC A Bring your picnic to the Botanic Garden. Free entry for children with a paying family member. (1—4pm) botanic garden

ALICE’S PUZZLES 6+ Trail following, riddle solving and Alice object hunting. (2—4pm) museum of the history of science

every saturday in july, 2—4pm

TRY YOUR HAND AT THE PRINTING PRESS A

See our replica 1683 printing press in action and print your own keepsake. bodleian libraries

thurs 6th, 13th & 20th, 10.30—11.15am

LITTLE ASHMOLES: WOOF WOOF! 3–5 Explore, play and learn together. ashmolean museum

friday 7th, 10.30—12pm

A LITTLE LOOK AT: FEATHERS -5 A fun hands-on session for toddlers. Flock together and get creative! pitt rivers museum

monday 10th, 10.30 & 11.30am

A LITTLE LOOK AT: BABY ANIMALS -5 Learn how parents look after their babies in the animal kingdom. museum of natural history

monday 15th & sunday 16th, 11am—4pm

ANGLO-SAXONS ANDVIKINGS BIG WEEKEND A

Discover one of the most exciting periods in Britain’s history, with activities, talks and crafts for all ages. Strike your own coins, make your own jewellery, listen to stories and riddles. ashmolean museum

tuesday 18th, 10.30am—12.30pm

CURIOUS CUBS -5 Pick up one of our activity bags and explore the museum with Pebbles, Smokey and Huxley. museum of natural history

saturday 22nd, 2pm—4pm

GLOBE-MAKERS 9+ Explore the museum’s collection of globes and make your own pocket globe. museum of the history of science

monday 24th, 1pm—4pm

AFTERNOON EXPLORERS: CREATURE COLOURS ALook at how colour works in the world of animals and make yourself an eye-catching peacock headdress. museum of natural history

wednesday 26th & thursday 27th, 2—4pm

DRAW! A Sharpen your pencils for drawing games and doodle adventures. Look out for artists in the gallery with some handy drawing tips to share! ashmolean museum

saturday 29th, 10.30am—4.30pm

PITT FEST A Party at the Pitt with crafts, live music and special guests. pitt rivers museum

sunday 30th, 2—4pm

BOARD GAMES & MEDIEVAL MEDICINE 7+ We’ve been creating new board games. Test them out with us! museum of the history of science

monday 31st, 1pm—4pm

AFTERNOON EXPLORERS: MUSIC A

Get up close to interesting instruments and make something fun to take home. pitt rivers museum

every weds/ thurs in august, 2—4pm

DRAW! A It’s drawing time again. Get your pencil case ready for drawing games and doodle adventures. There's so much stuff to draw in the museum! ashmolean museum

saturday 5th, 1—4pm

GAMES AROUND THE WORLD ATry your hand at making traditional games inspired by the ones in our amazing collection. pitt rivers museum

AFTERNOON EXPLORERS A

funny feet (monday 7th, 1—4pm)

Learn all about paws, claws, toes and flippers. Then make your own pair of funny feet to walk in and wear! museum of natural history

money (monday 14th, 1—4pm)

Drop into the museum to touch some money-related museum objects and make something fun to take home.

pitt rivers museum

rascally reptiles (monday 21st, 1—4pm)

Get a close look at some real rascally reptiles, but don’t get too close to the crocodile... Snap!

museum of natural history

thursday 10th / friday 11th, 10am—4pm

WORD DETECTIVES 8+ Meet the word scientists and be part of real experiments about how our brains understand words. museum of natural history

saturday 12th, 2—4pm

SEND AN SOS MESSAGE 7+ Discover Morse code and use the museum’s telegraphic apparatus to unravel the mystery. museum of the history of science

saturday 12th, 1—4pm

PLANTS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD PICNIC A Enjoy the beautiful setting of the garden, play and enjoy your picnic. Free entry for children with paying family member. botanic garden

sunday 27th, 2—4pm

BOARD GAMES ANDMEDIEVAL MEDICINE 7+ The museum is helping develop new board games about medieval Islamic medicine. Test them out with us! museum of the history of science

thursday 31st, 2—4pm

LINO-BLOCK PRINTING 7+ Make linocut designs inspired by the museum’s collections and try out a mechanical printing press. museum of the history of science

I never knew I could make...

A

4+

6+

-5

7+

9+

8+

3 to 5 years

All ages

Under 5 years

Over 4 years

Over 6 years

Over 7 years

Over 8 years

Over 9 years

Craft

Picnic

Object

Festival

Games

Drawing

Tour

Trail

Science

KEY3–5

THE MINDGROWING FAMILY WALL PLANNER PG.3

OCTOBER

thurs 5th, 12th & 19th, 10.30—11.15am

LITTLE ASHMOLES: DIWALI 3–5 Explore, play and learn together. ashmolean museum

saturday 7th, 1—4pm

DANCE WORKSHOPS 7+ DancingStrong bring interactive dance workshops as part of Dancin’ Oxford’s autumn festival: dancinoxford.co.uk museum of the history of science

saturday 7th, 1—4pm

AMAZING ARMOUR A See how people protect themselves and make your own armour to take home. pitt rivers museum

saturday 7th, 2—2.45pm & 3.15—4pm

SATURDAY ASHVENTURES!PORTRAIT DETECTIVES 4+ Stories, gallery hunts, games, object handling and crafts. ashmolean museum

monday 9th, 10.30am & 11.30am

A LITTLE LOOK AT: ALICE’S ANIMALS -5 An active, hands-on exploration of animals from Alice in Wonderland. museum of natural history

friday 13th, 10.30am—12pm

A LITTLE LOOK AT: MAGIC -5

A fun hands-on session for toddlers. Make something to take home too! pitt rivers museum

saturday 14th /21st /28th, 2—4pm

SCIENCE SATURDAYS 8+ Meet scientists and investigate real natural history specimens. museum of natural history

saturday 14th, 2—4pm

HOUSE OF WISDOM 7+ See how early Islamic scientists mapped the stars and discovered medicine. museum of the history of science

saturday 14th, 2—2.45pm & 3.15—4pm

SATURDAY ASHVENTURES!ANCIENT GREECE:MYTHICAL MONSTERS 4+ Stories, gallery hunts, games, object handling and crafts. ashmolean museum

tuesday 17th, 10.30am—12.30pm

CURIOUS CUBS -5 Pick up one of our activity bags and explore the museum with Pebbles, Smokey and Huxley. museum of natural history

monday 23rd—wednesday 25th, 1—4pm

BATS, CATS, WITCHES & CHARMS A

A Halloween special of activities exploring creatures of the night, magic charms and mysteries to be solved. museum of natural history & pitt rivers museum

wednesday 25th, 11am—1pm

ART IN THE AUTUMN A

Make something beautiful to take home, inspired by autumn’s colours. Free entry for children with paying family member. botanic garden

wednesday 25th & thursday 26th, 1—4pm

ROYALISTS AND ROUNDHEADS A

Make 17th-century style accessories,and see exciting civil war objects. ashmolean museum

thursday 26th & friday 27th, 1—4pm

BIG DRAW 7+ One giant drawing festival based on bacteria and all things microscopic! museum of the history of science

friday 27th—sunday 29th

FOUNDING COLLECTIONS FESTIVAL A

Hear the amazing story of how the world’s first public museum was created. ashmolean museum

SEPTEMBER

saturday 2nd, 1—4pm

WHAT WOULD YOU TAKE TO THE AFTERLIFE? A

Think like an Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh and build your own tomb! pitt rivers museum

every thursday in sept, 10.30—11.15am

LITTLE ASHMOLES: RAINBOW 3–5 Explore, play and learn together. ashmolean museum

friday 8th, 10.30am & 12pm

A LITTLE LOOK AT: FOOD -5 A fun hands-on session for toddlers. See some of our fascinating objects and make something to take home with you. pitt rivers museum

saturday 9th, 2—2.45pm & 3.15—4pm

SATURDAY ASHVENTURES! ANCIENT ROME: EMPERORS & EMPIRES 4+ Stories, hunts, games, object handling and crafts. Roam Rome in one of the most exciting times throughout history! ashmolean museum

saturday 9th / sunday 10th

OXFORD OPEN DOORS A Enjoy free tours, displays, workshops and activities as part of the city’s Open Doors weekend. Everyone’s welcome! all venues

monday 11th, 10.30 & 11.30am

A LITTLE LOOK AT: OCEAN -5 A hands-on exploration session, telling the tales of animals in the museum. A guided walk around the museum for toddlers to 5 years. museum of natural history

saturday 16th, 2—4pm

CABINET OF CURIOSITIES 5+ Discover unusual objects and fill your own cabinet of curiosities. museum of the history of science

tuesday 19th, 10.30am—12.30pm

CURIOUS CUBS -5 Pick up one of our activity bags and explore the museum with Pebbles, Smokey and Huxley. museum of natural history

wednesday 20th, 10am—12pm

HARVEST TIME -5 Explore the garden, taste harvest produce and take some home. Free entry for children with paying family member. botanic garden

saturday 23rd, 2—2.45pm & 3.15—4pm

SATURDAY ASHVENTURES!18TH-CENTURY ART: FACES, FROCKS & BOXES 4+ Stories, gallery hunts, games, object handling and crafts. A good chance to dress up and have fun! ashmolean museum

I never thought I’d discover...

I can’t believe I saw...

sunday 24th, 2—4pm

BOARD GAMES & MEDIEVAL MEDICINE 7+ The museum is helping develop new board games about medieval Islamic medicine. Come along to test our board games and give us your feedback – we want to make them even better!

museum of the history of science

friday 29th, 2—10pm

CURIOSITY CARNIVAL A

Discover how research affects all our lives at this festival across Oxford University’s museums, libraries and gardens. Activities for all ages and interests, from experiments and games, to music, dance and a pub-style quiz.

all venues

THE MINDGROWING FAMILY WALL PLANNER PG.4

NOVEMBER DECEMBER

every thursday in nov, 10.30—11.15am

LITTLE ASHMOLES: MINI BEAST FEAST 3–5 Explore, play and learn together. ashmolean museum

saturday 4th, 1—4pm

MARVELLOUS MASKS A

Create a mask and look closely at some from the museum for inspiration. There are so many to look at! pitt rivers museum

saturday 4th /11th /18th, 2—4pm

SCIENCE SATURDAYS 8+ Meet scientists to investigate real natural history specimens from the museum’s collection. museum of natural history

friday 10th, 10.30am—12pm

A LITTLE LOOK AT: LAMPS -5 A fun and hands-on session for toddlers to 5 years. Come along and see some of our fascinating objects and make something to take home with you. pitt rivers museum

saturday 11th, 1—4pm

EYEBALLS AND OTHER THINGS 9+ Dissect eyeballs and carry out curious visual experiments all about sight. museum of the history of science

sat 11th, 2—2.45pm & 3.15—4pm

SATURDAY ASHVENTURES! STILL LIFE PAINTINGS: FLOWERS, BUGS AND SKULLS 4+ Stories, gallery hunts, games, object handling and crafts. ashmolean museum

monday 13th, 10.30am & 11.30am

A LITTLE LOOK AT: BEARS -5 We’re going on a bear hunt! It's the perfect museum tour for toddlers. museum of natural history

friday 17th, 5—8pm

OXFORD’S CHRISTMAS LIGHT FESTIVAL A

Make a silvery light mobile, and enjoy live music performed by local choirs. ashmolean museum

tuesday 21st, 10.30am—12.30pm

CURIOUS CUBS -5 Pick up one of our activity bags and explore the museum with Pebbles, Smokey and Huxley. museum of natural history

saturday 25th, 12—4pm

SUPER SCIENCE SATURDAY:SURPRISING SCIENCE 8+ Investigate, experiment and discover surprising things about science with researchers from Oxford University at our big Science Saturday bonanza. museum of natural history

saturday 9th, 11am—1pm

CHRISTMAS CREATIONS A

Spend a festive and creative morning making Christmas decorations from natural materials. Free entry for children with paying family member. botanic garden

saturday 9th, 2—4pm

STARS AND PLANETS 7+ Follow your stars, make an amazing star dial or paper plate planetarium. museum of the history of science

sat 9th & sat 16th, 2—2.45pm & 3.15—4pm

SATURDAY ASHVENTURES! NATIVITY: CHRISTMAS STORY PAINTINGS 4+ Stories, gallery hunts, games, object handling and crafts. ashmolean museum

One day I'd love to learn how to...

My favourite winter animal...

monday 11th, 10.30am & 11.30am

A LITTLE LOOK AT: WINTER ANIMALS -5 Take a guided walk to find out how animals cosy up for the winter. museum of natural history

tuesday 19th, 10.30am—12.30pm

CURIOUS CUBS -5 Get active and explore the museum with Pebbles, Smokey and Huxley. museum of natural history

Looking for more?

Keep an eye out for our 2018 programme, packed full of fun!

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saturday 2nd, 2—4pm

SCIENCE SATURDAYS 8+ Meet scientists to investigate real natural history specimens from the museum’s collection. museum of natural history

saturday 2nd, 1—4pm

TERRIFIC TOYS A

See toys from all around the world and then make your own to take home. pitt rivers museum

sat 2nd, 10am—6pm & sun 3rd, 10am—4pm

BOTANIC GARDEN CHRISTMAS FAIR A Discover a wonderland of hand-picked gifts, artisan food and family entertainment. Adults £5, free entry for children under 16. botanic garden

thurs 7th & thurs 14th, 10.30—11.15am

LITTLE ASHMOLES: LITTLE ANGELS 3–5 Explore, play and learn together. ashmolean museum

friday 8th, 10.30am—12pm

A LITTLE LOOK AT: COSY CLOTHES -5 A fun and hands-on session for toddlers up to 5 years. Come along and see some of our fascinating objects and make something to take home with you. pitt rivers museum