Summer Holidays

A ‘sun’sational summer awaits! From golden sands to daily activities and games – we’re bringing all the fun of the seaside to the Museum. Join us for our summer extravaganza, Beach Time at the Coal Mine, from Saturday 19 July to Sunday 31 August! 

Expect fun-filled days with creative activities, performances, music, tours, talks, train rides, and more, perfect for visitors of all ages. 

Please note: The Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

What’s On this Summer:

Makers’ Shed
Wed-Sun, 11.30am-4pm
Free, drop-in at Pony Discovery Centre

Celebrate a summer of art and sculpture, and get creative with free crafts.

Land Train
22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31 August
£2.50 per person for all day ticket

Explore the Museum in a whole new way with the Land Train travelling around site.

Stories of Pit Lasses
Wed-Sun, 11.30am-3.30pm
Free, drop-in at Parkinson’s Yard or Victorian Gallery

Listen to family-friendly stories of strong women from mining communities – from coal queens to pit brow lasses.

Beach Time at the Coal Mine
Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm (when the sun is shining)

Relax, play, and soak up the summer vibes at the beach. Build sandcastles, play games like Jenga and dominos or just relax in our tranquil setting. Come along, kick off your shoes, and make some special memories.

Minecraft Escape Room In A Box (Sold Out)
Sat 19 July, Sat 9 August and Sat 23 August: 11.30am & 2pm
Sold Out

Join us for a Minecraft themed escape room challenge. Solve riddles, crack codes and problem-solve your way to victory.

Summer Scavenger Hunt
Wed 23, Fri 25 July, Wed 6, Fri 8, Wed 20 and Fri 22 August: Rainbow Theme
Wed 30 July, Fri 1, Wed 13, Fri 15, Wed 27 and Fri 29 August: Mini Beast Theme
10.15am-11.15am, £2.50 per child, pre-bookable

Join us in Pit Wood to discover nature’s rainbow or the mini-beasts that call the Museum home.

Caphouse Creators Summer Holiday Special (7–12-year-olds)
Alternating weeks from 6 July – 28 Aug
£7 per child, pre-bookable
The Hub

Craft colourful pom-pom garlands, sculpt a pit cat, assemble your own movable wooden lizard, and sculpt a canary-shaped water whistle.

STEAM Club Summer Holiday Special (11–16-year-olds)
Alternating weeks from 23 July – 14 Aug
£7 per child, pre-bookable
The Hub

Create chocolate rocks, build a mighty machine, and make incredible art!

Engineering Explorers
Fri 8, Fri 15, Fri 22 and Fri 29 August: 11am–12pm
£5 per child, pre-bookable

Looking for a fun and engaging activity for the whole family to enjoy? Then come and take part in a range of problem-solving challenges that spark curiosity and creativity!

Greta’s Glorious Garden
Sat 9 & 30 August: 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm
Free, drop-in, Learning Room 2

Enjoy an interactive puppet show and join Greta in her magical garden as she gets ready for the glorious garden competition.

Here’s what our visitors have had to say about the show!

“Absolutely fabulous, thoroughly enjoyed and very unexpected. Very engaging for the children and kept their attention throughout. Thank you.”

“My daughter and I really enjoyed the show. It was very interactive and even kept the smallest children engaged.”

” Absolutely fantastic show. Really enjoy the interactive stuff.”

Tours:

Pithead Baths Explore
Wed-Sun, 12pm, Free
Meet at Pithead Baths

Discover the daily routines of miners, from the start to the end of their day, in this fun family tour!