Family Activities
Sunday Crafternoons
27 September, 18 October, 22 November, 6 December, 17 January, 21 February, 21 March
Free Drop-In, no need to book, 2-4pm (last admission 3:30pm)
Inspired by Edward Bawden's St James's Park poster featuring a pelican and some pigeons, Marisa Straccia has produced a template on which children can create their own quirky collage. Marisa made a fish for her pelican to eat but maybe you will decide to create find something else for your bird to feast on!
Families are encouraged to come and make something together. Experienced artists and volunteers develop a range of creative activities, often relating to current displays. Suitable for under 12s, but older children are welcome. Last admission is 3.30pm.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please be aware that space is limited and there may be a wait to start.
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Young Lacemakers Sessions
19 September, 17 October, 21 November, 12 December
11.30am - 1.30pm and 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.
Creative activities for Early Years
Suitable for children under 5 years
2 October, 6 November, 4 December
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.
Fun Palaces
3 October, 11am - 4pm
Free, Drop in
Create autumnal decorations inspired by some medieval pottery.
Explore tessellation, symmetry and pattern with a snail theme.
See some amazing rock, fossil and mineral specimens.
Badge-making workshop.
Further details click here
Storytelling in the Gallery
11 October, 8 November, 10 January, 14 February, 14 March
2.30pm, Free - drop in
Children will be engaged with an immersive story reading experience that uses resources such as puppets, drawings, songs adn the artwork from the gallery.
Sessions last 30 minutes and are ideal for ages up to 7. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please be aware that space is limited and offered on a first come first served basis.
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October Half-Term Holiday Activities
27 October
The Good Life Garden is celebrating Autumn
12-3pm, Drop in, Free, All ages
Enjoy a range of Autumn inspired craft activities and sensory play in this drop in session led by the Good Life Garden.
28 October
Cosmic Latte explores Flight
12-3pm, Drop in, Free, All ages
Cosmic Latte returns to inspire curiosity and understanding of science, engineering, and
creativity through low-tech, hands-on, inclusive, and immersive STEAM activities exploring flight for children and families.
29 October
Little Science Lab: Make Some Noise
11:15, 12:45 & 2:15
(Suitable for 5-12 year olds) Book online
Explore how sound travels in waves created and is carried by vibrations in this fun and noisy workshop! All children will create and experiment with their own humming instrument. Booking is essential.
30 October
Painting Music
11:15, 12:45 & 2:15
(Suitable for 5-12 year olds)
Artist Fiona Wilson will guide children to paint in response to music whilst looking at rhythm, colour and structural harmony in painting.
Booking is essential for the events on 29 and 30 October as place are limited. All children must be accompanied by an adult. These workshops last an hour. Unless described as free, drop in, they cost £6.05 and take place at 11.15am, 12.45pm & 2.15pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Always use the promotional code HIGGINS30 to avoid paying any transaction fee. If a booked place is no longer required for any of our workshops, please let us know so that it can be made available to another family.
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12 December: Imajica Theatre Performances
Places are limited, booking is essential, Free, Drop In
1-1.45pm and 2:15-3pm (Booking will be available after half term)
Join the North Pole Elves for a Magical Musical Storytelling Adventure this December. Filled with lots of singing, dancing and BSL signs, This 45 minute show is suitable for ages 3-8 years, SEN and Neurodivergent families are always welcome to our shows.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Always use the promotional code HIGGINS30 to avoid paying any transaction fee. If a booked place is no longer required for any of our workshops, please let us know so that it can be made available to another family.
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