Mini Museum Explorers: Friday Morning Fun for Little Ones at Northampton Museum

If you’ve got a little one at that wonderful, chaotic, endlessly curious age of two to five, I’ve got something that I think you are going to love. Northampton Museum and Art Gallery has their Mini Museum Explorers sessions running every Friday morning from April right through to July, and honestly, they sound like the kind of thing that makes the whole week feel a bit more special.

Whether you’re looking for something to anchor your Friday mornings or you just want to get out of the house and do something a bit more interesting than soft play, this could be just the ticket. And for those days when plans fall through or the weather is doing its very worst, our rainy day ideas pack is always there to help you out too.

Embark on a magical journey with Mini Museum Explorers!

Every Friday morning, these beloved hands-on sessions invite curious little adventurers aged 2.5 to 5 years — and their grown-ups — into a world bursting with creativity and discovery.

Each week brings a brand-new adventure filled with captivating stories, joyful music, imaginative art, and playful crafts. Explore the museum in a warm, welcoming space where imaginations take flight and new friendships bloom.

Also check out: Things To Do In Northamptonshire For Families

And while your little explorer enjoys a tasty treat, you can relax with a well-deserved tea or coffee. It’s the perfect way to start your Friday — with fun, learning, and a sprinkle of museum magic!

Session themes:

• 17 April – Comic Capers
• 24 April – Dragons and Castles
• 1 May – May Day
• 8 May – Soldiers and Warriors
• 15 May – Truly Scrumptious!
• 22 May – Gardens and Plants
• 5 June – All the Colours of the Rainbow
• 12 June – Animal Adventures
• 19 June – Smartest Giant in Town
• 26 June – Doctors and Nurses
• 3 July – Transport
• 10 July – Sailing the Seas

These sessions are perfect for children aged 2.5 to 5 years, accompanied by parents or carers (no ticket needed for adults). Spaces are limited, so early booking is essential!

• Cost: £5 per child per session (includes refreshments)
• Time: 10.15 – 11.45am
• Location: Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, 5-6 Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP
• Phone: 01604 526322

With a different theme each week, there’s plenty to look forward to right through to the summer. Soldiers and Warriors, the Smartest Giant in Town, Sailing the Seas — the variety is brilliant, and at £5 a session with a snack included, it’s genuinely great value for a morning out.

Spaces are limited so I’d get in and book sooner rather than later. And if you want to stay on top of everything else happening for families across Northamptonshire, make sure you’re signed up to my weekly what’s on newsletter — it’s the easiest way to make sure you never miss a thing.

The events listed in this guide are run by third-party organisers, and all details were correct at the time of publication, based on information from their official websites. However, changes or cancellations can happen at short notice. To avoid any disappointment, we recommend double-checking the event information on the official websites before making plans.