Discovery Days: Time Travellers
Key information
Travel back in time...
26 - 28 May, 11am - 3pm
Join us this May half-term as we travel back in time through The Royal Parks' history!
Drop in anytime on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 11 am -3 pm to take part in a variety of activities, including:
- Create a plant print using a mallet
- Design a park of the future
- Try your hand at Calligraphy
- Meet and greet with Queen Victoria
The activities are suitable for the whole family to enjoy, allowing you and your children to connect with heritage and nature together (and giving you the chance to find your inner child!)
On Tuesday 26th May we will also be hosting special guests, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Learning programme, who provide exciting opportunities for everyone to explore, question and celebrate architecture. We will learn about the iconic Crystal Palace that stood in Hyde Park 175 years ago, holding treasures from around the world. You'll be able to make your very own Victorian animation toy, called a Thaumatrope. Then thinking about what you would exhibit in a great exhibition of your own, draw these treasures on one side of a magical animating circle to spin them inside the crystal palace.
Please note:
- Storytelling sessions will take place at 12, 1, and 2pm with all other activities ongoing through the day.
- For more information about visiting please see our FAQ's below or email us at PublicProgrammes@royalparks.org.uk
FAQs
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The Hyde Park Learning Centre is in the centre of Hyde Park but is well hidden and so can be difficult to find if you haven’t visited before. Please use this map to navigate to The Lookout https://goo.gl/maps/yWdmM6eZU4uznhdj6. Our “What three words” location is cabin.areas.urban.
Discovery Days are designed for families. The activities are aimed at children from approx. 3-11 years of age. We aim to have a sensory activity suitable for under 3's and some more challenging activities that are suitable for 11 years + (Including the grown-ups!)
Everyone is welcome, our grounds are accessible. Some events can be busy but there is always a designated quiet space, please ask staff for its location.
The activities will run from 11am - 3pm, you do not need to arrive at a certain time. We recommend arriving before 2:30pm so you have time to explore before closing time.
No, Discovery Days are drop-in events. By pre-registering online, you will receive a
reminder email in the days leading up to the event with more information about the
activities. Pre-registering does not guarantee entry. We are usually able to welcome
you as soon as you arrive, but on our busiest days we may run a “cheese counter”
ticket system to enter the Hyde Park Learning Centre grounds to ensure everyone has a safe and
enjoyable visit. If we are doing this, we will always run additional activities outside the
gates that your children can take part in while they wait.
No, you do not need to let us know if you can no longer come.
The activities will run from 11am - 3pm, you do not need to arrive at a certain time. We recommend arriving before 2:30pm so you have time to explore before closing time.
Most families spend 1-2 hours at Discovery Days but you are welcome to join for the whole event or as little time as you wish.
Only assistance dogs are admitted.
You are welcome to have a picnic outside the Hyde Park Learning Centre grounds in Hyde Park. The Serpentine Bar and Kitchen is about 5 mins walk from the Lookout and you can purchase food and drinks here. Please use this map to navigate there: https://goo.gl/maps/xkJpXxFkV6dd5q1SA. We ask that you don’t consume food within the Hyde Park Learning Centre grounds.
All ages are invited to join us for Discovery Days. Most of the activities are designed for age 3 and up, but we will always include some sensory activities for toddlers.
Yes, all children must always be supervised by an adult during Discovery Days.
Everyone is welcome (our grounds are accessible) but we do ask for no more than three children per adult. Please contact us in advance by email publicprogrammes@royalparks.org.uk if you’d like to bring a group of more than 10 people. We want to make sure that everyone has a brilliant time at our Discovery Days. To ensure that we have enough resources for your group to fully take part, we ask you to book in advance and make a donation to The Royal Parks of £5 per person. If you are bringing a non-profit or charitable group, please contact us to discuss your needs. Large groups who don’t book in advance may be refused entry.
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