Family Activities
Sunday Crafternoons
12 April, 10 May, 28 June, 27 September
Free Drop-In, no need to book, 2-4pm (last admission 3:30pm)
Crafternoons are a free, monthly creative activity sessions for families to have a go at 'making' together and enjoy the chance to get creative. All resources are provided. Suitable for under 12s. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please be aware that space is limited and there may be a wait to start.
This sunday you can try Ukrainian Embroidery inspired stitch. Come and have a go at stitching with Textile artist Lisa Tilley, inspired by the current Ukrainian embroidery exhibition. We’ll be sewing simple decorations into card and have options for all ages to thread, weave and sew, however suits you.
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Cardboard Clues - Murder in the Museum
Ends 12 April 2026
Cardboard Clues is back with an all-new murder mystery experience and three brand new cases to crack, new puzzles and even more murder! Teams will discover different cardboard characters and clues hidden throughout the museum's collections solving new mysteries using the interactive smartphone app. Perfect for families, friends, and puzzle enthusiasts looking for a unique way to explore the museum.
Young Lacemakers sessions in Garden Room
18 April
2pm – 4pm, £2 per session, booking essential
Aragon Lacemakers are also offering Young Lacemakers sessions on the same day as their demonstration sessions from 2pm to 4pm for children between the ages of 6 to 16 years. The lessons are tailored to each child’s pace in a supportive environment and equipment is provided. There is a small charge of £2 per session per child.
To book a place for the Young Lacemakers session please email Aragonlacemakers@gmail.com for more information.
May Half-Term Holiday Activities
Come and join in with a printing workshop to create your own snail prints, a wildlife workshop and puppet making.
Splendid Snail Prints with Katie Allen
26 May
Arrange sticky shapes to make your own super snail. Then Katie will guide you through the printing process so you can produce your own splendid snail print.
Fantasy Puppets
27 May
Create fantasy puppets together in this playful family crafts session run by Kaye Mahoney (aka Kaye Leidoskope). Children and their grown-ups will learn about puppetry by making imaginative fantastical puppet characters using household junk and discovering ways of manipulating them. We’ll finish the session by exploring how to bring the puppets to life and showing off our creations to each other.
All About Snails with the Wildlife Trust
28 May
Discover the weird and wonderful world of slugs and snails! Learn about different molluscs, what’s a snail, what is a slug! Find out how do these creatures which can be found living almost everywhere, help other wildlife and people. Plus create your own snail craft to take home
All workshops last an hour and start at 11.15am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm. £6.05 per child. Booking Essential, suitable for children aged 5-12 years. To find out more or to book a place, scan the QR code, visit www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk or call the Booking Office on 01234 718044. Please use the transaction code HIGGINS30 to avoid paying a transaction fee. If you no longer require your place, do let us know so that it can be offered to another family.
Creative activities for Early Years
Suitable for children under 5 years
10 April, 1 May, 5 June, 3 July, 7 August,
4 September
Free, no need to book 10.30am-12 & 1-2.30pm
A chance to get creative, have fun, and socialise!
It’s a drop-in activity, so no need to book. Just pop in any time between 10.30am and 12 or between 1pm and 2.30pm and stay for as long as you like. Please be aware some activities might not be suitable for under 24 months.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, come and join in the Puggle fun. All activities are subject to availability, if the room is getting a bit full, we might ask you to wait until there is space.
I Spy with Kevin the Platypus
Kevin the Platypus has been with the museum for well over 100 years and he still loves exploring.
Pick up a free ‘I Spy’ trail and discover awesome objects and amazing art all over the galleries and collections. There are many themes to choose from.
Super Silly Museums!
The Higgins Bedford is delighted to be one of the winners of a book giveaway to mark the release of 'Super Silly Museums' by popular children’s author, Nick Sharratt.
Create your own adventure by seeing how many things you can spot from the book at The Higgins Bedford with this fun self-led trail.
Download the trail or pick up a free copy from reception. The book is available for young visitors to enjoy reading in the museum.
All Aboard!
Join The Higgins Bedford and Spectrum Community Arts and travel through a series of video workshops filled with movement, music and games themed around transport. Aimed at children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Subtitled versions are available to watch here.
Sensory Movement with Mel
This sensory movement video is aimed at people of any age who love to dance and use fun, sensory based props! The dances are inspired by transport and we will be dancing like airplanes, bikes and much more. Come along and use noisy shakers, colourful scarves and other props to explore fun ways of transport!
Sensory Adventure with Frankie
Calling sensory seekers! Help Frankie follow the map to find the hidden treasure! This adventure will stimulate your senses as we journey up the river using props, music and movement.
Learn a Dance Routine with Jade
On your marks, get set, GO! Join Jade to learn a fun, accessible dance routine! Aimed at those with disabilities and additional needs - get your engines revving as we dance down the highway together!
Arts & Crafts with Lila
Up, up and away! Join Lila to make your own hot air balloon in this fun crafts session inspired by Colonel Frederick Burnaby’s air adventures. (Adult supervision required)
Sensory Music with Sarah
Whoo Whoo – All Aboard! Get ready to sing, play and move in this sensory music session. We’ll be climbing aboard a stream train and flying high in a hot air balloon. Bring an instrument or even a tub of pasta and let’s shake, rattle and roll together!
These workshops were part of Bedford Borough Council’s Summer of SEND, a celebration of all things Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND) across Bedford.
Note: Neither Spectrum Community Arts, The Higgins Bedford or Bedford Borough Council own the music used in these videos. It is being used purely for performance purposes and not for profit.
Tales of Colonel Frederick Burnaby
Join Vicki as she reads a story from the Tales of Colonel Frederick Burnaby. The famous Victorian Bedfordian was known for his great strength and daring, world-wide travelling adventures, hot air ballooning escapades and eventful military career. A ‘larger than life’ man, who was very much of his time. (Suitable for ages 7+)
Part 1
Part 2