There are lots of family activities happening at Portland Basin Museum this school holiday, starting with our ever popular Make, Do and Play sessions which are back with new artists. On Tuesday 4th April, inspired by our current exhibition - Soldiers’ Stories, artist Cat Jessop will be making mini military paper egg cups. On Thursday 6th April, have a go at some Easter themed weaving with artist Rachel Wood. Caroline Coates will lead the craft drop-in on Easter Monday where she’ll be helping children to make Easter bunny hand puppets and on Tuesday 11th April she’ll be making pop-up chick cards. The final Make, Do and Play of the holiday will be led by Julie Turnbull on Thursday 13th April. Entry to the museum is free and the craft activity costs just £1.30 per child.   

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If you fancy getting outdoors, on Wednesday 5th April join us for ‘Spring is in the Air’ where you can be part of ‘Julie’s Nursery.’ Help plant up our planters on the museum’s canal wharf, take a plant home and make wild flower seed bombs! You can also get creative with eggs making stunning designs using natural plant dyes. All of the activities are free and you can drop-in anytime between 12noon and 3pm.  

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Finally, on Saturday 15 April, the living history group ‘Manchester Regiment 1914-18’ is back at the museum highlighting the lives of soldiers fighting on the Western Front. The group will be on hand between 11am-3pm to answer questions and demonstrate the kit and equipment soldiers would have used. 

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As well as these activities, families can enjoy the museum’s exhibitions including a 1920s street to explore how we lived 100 years ago. Discover Tameside’s industrial heritage such as life down the coalmines or in the cotton mills. There is an Easter themed trail, and hands-on things to do, as well as an indoor play area for younger children. The museum’s temporary exhibition - Soldiers’ Stories: The Men of the Manchester’s is also available to enjoy. 

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The museum is open between 10am and 4pm Tuesday – Sunday.

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All of the museum activities and exhibitions are organised by Tameside Cultural Services, part of Tameside Council.

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There are many more activities taking place over the school holidays, including in Tameside's Libraries - find out more in our What's On section

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