By KLTV Newsdesk –

Family-friendly programme promises shows, crafts, theatre, science and outdoor adventures

The National Coal Mining Museum is gearing up for a packed programme of summer activities, inviting families to enjoy six weeks of entertainment, creativity and discovery from Saturday 18 July to Sunday 30 August.

Open from Wednesday to Sunday throughout the school holidays, the museum will offer a wide range of family-friendly experiences, including interactive shows, craft workshops, science demonstrations, trails, outdoor theatre and hands-on activities, all designed to provide an affordable day out.

Creative activities for all ages

Younger visitors can enjoy free craft sessions in the Makers’ Shed, inspired by the colourful Jason and the Coal Mining Adventure exhibition, while families can witness spectacular science shows featuring exciting experiments and interactive demonstrations.

Visitors can also step back almost 200 years in history through Time Tunnel, the museum’s immersive experience that explores the story of coal mining with the help of the museum’s knowledgeable team.

Meet the museum’s mining ponies

Animal lovers will have the opportunity to meet the museum’s resident ponies, Eric, Ernie, Bud and shire yearling Aladdin.

Horse keeper talks and feeding sessions will give visitors an insight into the important role horses once played in Britain’s mining industry.

Families can also take part in the From Pit to Play Trail, exploring the museum’s 50-acre site to discover hidden rubbing plaques before creating a three-dimensional dice game to take home.

Yorkshire Day celebrations

One of the highlights of the summer programme will be Yorkshire Day on Saturday 1 August, celebrating the county’s sporting and community traditions inspired by historic miners’ welfare galas.

The day will feature sporting activities delivered by Disability Sport Yorkshire alongside live music, circus skills workshops, traditional games and a variety of pop-up family activities.

Escape rooms, Lego and creative workshops

Families looking for a challenge can test their teamwork in the Minecraft Escape Room in a Box, solving puzzles and riddles within a Minecraft-themed adventure.

Lego enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the Caphouse Brickshow on Sunday 23 August, presented in partnership with Bricktopia. The event will showcase impressive Lego creations, interactive building zones and specialist traders selling bricks, sets and minifigures.

Creative visitors can also take part in animation workshops led by artists Lenny and Whale, designing original characters before bringing them to life using animation techniques.

Nature-inspired craft workshops will encourage participants to forage for natural materials before creating clay tiles and artwork, while other activities include making bath bombs, designing personalised pin badges and taking part in engineering workshops.

Outdoor theatre brings a classic story to life

Towards the end of the school holidays, families can enjoy a live outdoor performance of The Wind in the Willows on Saturday 15 August.

Performed by Wakefield-based Noisy Cow Theatre Co, the production brings Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved classic to life, inviting audiences to join Mole, Ratty and Badger on their timeless adventure.

A taste of summer

Visitors can also relax in the museum café, where a refreshed seasonal menu includes fresh salads, homemade milkshakes, iced teas and traditional lemonade, providing the perfect way to round off a day of exploration.

Affordable family days out

Lynn Dunning, CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum, said: “We’ve created a special programme packed with family shows, creative workshops, outdoor fun, trails, performances and opportunities to discover the incredible stories of coal mining.

“Families can experience a great value day out, with our £10 per car summer offer, including unlimited Paddy Train rides for everyone, weather permitting.

“With so much to do and see, we hope every family leaves with special memories.”

With activities ranging from science and crafts to theatre, history and outdoor adventures, the National Coal Mining Museum is offering families a varied and affordable programme designed to keep visitors of all ages entertained throughout the summer holidays.