Creative Kids Club

Looking for an inspiring alternative to traditional holiday clubs? The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum Holiday Club offers a creative, enriching full-day experience for children aged 7–11. Blending hands-on arts and crafts with cultural exploration, each day is designed to spark curiosity in a safe, welcoming environment. Every holiday club is shaped by our current exhibitions, giving children the chance to explore art, history, and storytelling in meaningful, age-appropriate ways. This summer, we’re celebrating nature with activities inspired by our new natural history exhibition, Curious Creatures, Stones and Bones. What does a typical day look like? 9:30am – 10:00am Arrival, registration, lunch check, and settling-in activities 10:00am – 12:00pm Facilitated sessions led by a professional artist. Children don’t just create—they meet real artists who inspire and guide them 12:00pm – 12:30pm Lunch in our café, including a hot meal and dessert, supervised by our Learning and Engagement team to encourage a positive, social experience 12:30pm – 2:00pm Explore the museum and enjoy drop-in craft activities in our dedicated creative space 2:00pm – 3:00pm Open creative time with access to a wide range of art materials. When the weather allows, we head outdoors for games and nature-inspired activities in our community garden 3:00pm – 3:30pm Tidy-up time and preparation for home (with a little encouragement to take those good habits with them!) Activities are thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, engaging, and suitable for a range of abilities—perfect for children who enjoy creative and imaginative experiences. With snacks, refreshments, and regular movement breaks included, our holiday club offers a balanced and rewarding day that parents can trust—and children will look forward to. Tue 28th July - Artist Sum Gainda doing Nature Relief Tiles Wed 29th July - Artist Sum Gainda doing Cyanotypes Tue 4th August - Artist Gayatri Pasricha doing Nature Printing and Story Scrolls Wed 5th August - Artist Wan Yu Fish Making Paint from the Earth Tue 11th August - Artist Clare Pentlow making a Paper Coral Reef Wed 12th August - Artist Ruth Astley with Nature Makers doing The Wonders of Nature (Forage and Craft) Tue 18th August - Poet Vignesh Venkataramaiah doing Nature Poetry Wed 19th August - Artist Kamilla Szots making Firefly Lanterns

When you arrive at the Herbert Art Gallery, please make your way to the main reception area, coming through the entrance on Bayley Lane. You will see a member of our staff, wearing a purple or grey CV Life uniform. This person works in the ticket and shop area of the museum. Let them know that you are here to attend the HAF programme and they will direct you to our Learning and Engagement Team, who will check you against the register and lead you to the workshop area. Parent's are not required to stay, but they are welcome should the young person need their support. Snacks and drinks are available during the day, but we do recommend bringing your own bottle of water with you too. Lunch will be served in the museum café, where you can enjoy the social environment of the museum. When you arrive in the morning, you will have a menu with three hot meal options to choose from. Young people are not permitted to arrive or depart independently. Parent/carer must be present to drop them off and collect them.

We offer a relaxed and nurturing environment, where older children can spend time exploring their interests in art and develop their art skills through practical activities. You will have the opportunity to explore exhibitions in the museum, guided by our Learning and Engagement team. Young people will have opportunities to work and learn directly with practicing artists. You will meet with other young people who share similar interests, and hopefully make friends along the way. For anyone who prefers to work independently, we will respect this and ensure you have space to enjoy your time with us in your own way. Each day offers something new to learn and experience, whilst also allowing young artists to revisit their favourite art skills during the open studio activities in the afternoon. We welcome repeat visitors, so please feel free to book more than one day with us.