May Half Term

The Secret Life of Nature...

Join us this May half-term for an enchanting exploration into the hidden realms of nature. Craft your own butterflies, move mindfully to melodic flute music, and listen to the secret sounds of underwater worlds. Meet experts along the way who will reveal the mysteries of fluttering creatures and engage in a hands-on bio blitz. Discover a world of wonder waiting just beneath the surface. Get ready for a journey of discovery and hands-on fun!

Tuesday 28 May, Wednesday 29 May, Thursday 30 May | Hall 2 |10am - 2pm 

DISCOVER, LISTEN & TRY: Using recycled materials, you can create your own butterfly in a space surrounded by footage filed of the migration of the Monarch butterflies, shot on location by Dr Rob Mackay to accompany his research studying the migration route of the butterflies. You can also practice some mindful butterfly inspired movement to the relaxing recorded sounds of flute music, performed by Rob Mackay and inspired by the movement and energy of the monarch butterflies. 

Wednesday 29 May |10am - 2pm

As well as taking part in our multi-sensory butterfly activity (listed above) you can also take
part in some additional activities today.

DISCOVER: Meet a curator with specialist knowledge on butterflies and other flying insects from both the modern day and many years ago. Dan Gordon and Sylvia Humphrey will be on hand to answer all your questions about these fascinating fluttering creatures and show you some beautiful examples of butterflies and flying insects from our museum collections.

LISTEN: to the underwater soundscape of our garden pond with musician and researcher David de la Haye. David will introduce you to specialist sonic equipment which will allow you to listen in to mysterious aquatic worlds and learn all about what makes the underwater soundtrack sounds. 

TRY: Take part in a bio blitz and pond dipping with the Environmental Records Information Centre team who are based right here at the Great North Museum: Hancock. 

Make your ‘Ways to Play’ adventure a great value day out by travelling to our venues by the Metro and / or Ferry.  

Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult. Metro is the convenient, fast and frequent way to get to your favourite attractions and now it’s even more affordable. 

Find out more

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro.