Family Activities
Creative activities for Early Years (5s and under)
Fridays: 17 Nov, 1&15 Dec, 5&19 Jan, 2&16 Feb, 1&15 Mar
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 12:30pm and stay for as long as you like.
Please be aware some activities might not be suitable for under 36 months.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, come and join in the 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. For more information click here.
Please contact thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk or call 01234 718618 for more information.

17 Dec & 23 Dec Free
Booking Essential, *Please use the code HIGGINS30 when booking to remove transaction fee*
Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults do not need to book a place.
Rosie Reindeer has a big wish, one she would like to share!
Join Imajica Theatre for a musical Storytelling show in the gallery as they bring to life ‘Rosie Reindeer & the Christmas Wish’, written by Kimberly Black & illustrated by Brush & Brew Illustrations.
Narrated by Mrs Claus, we join Rosie Reindeer in this heart-warming winter adventure of discovery and friendship. The 45 minute show is interactive; filled with games, fun & lots of Christmas cheer.
Sign supported English (using BSL signs) is used in choreography.
All performances are relaxed theatre and those with additional SEN and sensory processing needs are welcome.

Sunday Crafternoons
26 November, 17 December,
21 January, 18 February, 24 March
Free Entry. Drop in anytime between 2pm and 4pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book!
Join in monthly creative activities for families to enjoy together. Explore the amazing art and fascinating artefacts on display around the building, then use your imagination and a range of media and materials to get arty.
Christmas Holidays
Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 December
Drop in any time between 1pm and 3pm
Free. No need to book.
Getting ready for the New Year? Pop in and have a go at crafty activities to get you in the mood.
February Half Term – Print!
Tuesday 20, Wednesday 21, Thursday 22 and Friday 23 February
Workshops start at 11:15, 12:45 and 2:15
Booking Essential - more details to be added in the New Year
Inspired by the work of Edward Bawden – get printing this half term.
Workshops last for an hour and are aimed at 5 to 12 year olds.

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.
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.
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