Family Activities
Enjoy the summer holidays at The Higgins Bedford for creative and STEM activities for children and teens.
- Places are limited and must be booked in advance.
- Book online or call the Box Office on 01234 718044
- Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Accompanying adults go free and do not need to book a place.
- Please email thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk if you need to cancel your place.
- We are sorry, but cancelled tickets cannot be refunded.
Kevin’s Creation Station
Explore The Higgins Bedford with Kevin the Platypus and get creative in our arty crafty workshops.
Recommended for ages 7+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Modelling Clay with Victoria Houghton
Tuesday 2 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 12:45pm, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£3.05 per child, Booking Essential
Have a go at different modelling techniques and create a spectacular Bawden peacock.
Batik with Creative Days
Friday 12 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 12:45pm, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£5 per child, Booking Essential
Discover the wonderful world of Batik and create a unique piece of artwork to keep forever.
Repeat Pattern Prints with Katie Allen
Tuesday 23 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 12:45pm, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£5 per child, Booking Essential
Create pattern prints inspired by the gorgeous plates in the Design gallery.
Lacemaking with Aragon Lacemakers
Fridays: 5 & 26 August
Workshops at 11:15am & 2:15pm - (lasts for about two hours)
£3.05 per child, Booking Essential
Learn lace-making techniques and create your own pillow lace bookmark to take home.
Personalised Pencil Cases
Tuesday 30 August
Workshops at 11:15am & 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£3.05 per child, Booking Essential
Decorate your own bug themed pencil case.
Creation Station for Teens
Join local artist and illustrator Katie Allen and have a go at something new.
Recommended for ages 12+. Children 12 and over do not need to be accompanied.
Drypoint Etching with Katie Allen
Tuesday 9 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£5, Booking Essential
Make your own miniature intaglio etching inspired by the Body and Soul exhibition.
Modern Brush Calligraphy with Katie Allen
Tuesday 16 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£5, Booking Essential
Get creative with text and learn the basics of brush calligraphy.
Summer STEAM
Join Little Science Lab and others for STEM inspired activities with an arty twist.
Recommended for ages 7+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Take Flight with Little Science Lab
Thursday 4 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 12:45pm, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£5 per child, Booking Essential
Discover the science of flight and design your own magnificent flying rocket.
Discovering Nature with the Wildlife Trust
Thursday 11 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 12:45pm, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£3.05 per child, Booking Essential
Discover the extraordinary life of birds of prey, challenge yourself to recognise unusual natural history objects and enjoy a nature themed craft.
Sun Prints with Little Science Lab
Thursday 18 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 12:45pm, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£5 per child, Booking Essential
Discover the science of using light to print images before cameras were invented and create stunning prints inspired by nature.
Star Gazing
Thursday 25 August
Workshops at 11:15am, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£3.05 per child, Booking Essential
Discover the patterns we find in the stars and make a constellation projector.
Optical Illusions
Thursday 1 September
Workshops at 11:15am, 2:15pm - (lasts for about an hour)
£3.05 per child, Booking Essential
Discover how the eye can be tricked and make Victorian style optical illusion toys.
Puggle Club for Under 5’s
Wednesdays: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 August
1pm - 3pm, Free Entry
No Need to Book - Drop In
Explore a range of natural found objects and have a go at creative play.
Recommended for ages 5 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please be aware this activity uses small items that may be a hazard for ages under 36 months.
Please be aware that places are limited and there may be a wait to start.
Sundays: 25 September, 23 October
2pm - 4pm, Free Entry
No Need to Book - Drop In
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.
Different activities will be available each month and you are welcome to drop in at any time during the afternoon.
Activities are suitable for under 12s and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please be aware that places are limited and there may be a wait to start.
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.
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