Sat. Nov 23rd, 2024

Ignite Your Imagination: Soar with Dragons this October Half-Term at The Story Museum!

Located in the heart of Oxford, The Story Museum is renowned for its unique approach, celebrating stories and storytelling in all forms through a series of immersive gallery spaces and experiences. This October half-term, families are invited to enjoy a range of dragon-themed events, such as designing a 3-D Dragon brain; testing their wits in an Escape Room challenge; role-playing in the legendary world of Dungeons & Dragons, or taking part in the exciting Story Explorers skills courses, specially designed for children aged 8-12. For lovers of fantasy or for those simply looking for a fun family day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

This October’s Dragon-themed events are all inspired by the museum’s highly anticipated new exhibition, Here Be Dragons… Co-curated by Cressida Cowell and Toothless. The interactive exhibition explores dragon lore from cultures around the world, guided by Cressida and companions from her beloved ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ series.

Author Cressida Cowell says: ‘There’s so much to discover about dragons from different cultures, but there’s also so much to do! From racing dragons on zip wires to inventing your own Dragonese, it’s truly a sensory experience that invites all ages to explore.’

Let your imagination take flight at The Story Museum this half-term!

www.storymuseum.org.uk

Half-term Events   

How To Train Your Dragon: With Cressida Cowell
Join best-selling author Cressida Cowell as she shares the secrets behind her world-famous dragon series. Get tips on writing and drawing straight from the expert herself. Why not bring your own dragon drawings along to the signing queue to show Cressida! Monday 28th October 14:30 – 15:30 Ages 7+ BSL Interpreted Tickets £10

 Dragon Brains
What would a dragon’s brain look like? Find out with neuroscientist Professor Rogier Mars, who will blend science with creativity to explore how different animals’ brains work before showing how to draw a 3-D dragon brain. Tuesday 29th October 11:00 – 12:00 Ages 8+ Tickets £10

Dragon Guard with Zak Simmonds-Hurn
Want to draw dragons like a pro? Learn from Zak Simmonds-Hurn, the talented artist behind Dragon Guard and Know Your Monsters. You’ll be sketching fire-breathing beasts in no time! Tuesday 29th October 14:30 -15:30 Ages 8+ Tickets £10 (BSL interpreted)

Escape Room Adventure – ‘A Monstrous Discovery’
Put your problem-solving skills to the test in a thrilling escape room. Put the clues together to solve the mystery and uncover the strange objects left behind. In partnership with IF Festival of Science and Ideas. Wednesday 30th October 14:30 – 16:00 Ages 8+ Tickets £18

Dungeons and Dragons
Step into an epic adventure with the classic Dungeons and Dragons board game! Expert Dungeon Masters from Rolldark will guide you through castles, dungeons, and dragon-filled lands. Parents are encouraged to join in and learn the rules of this brilliant game! Thursday 31st October 14:30 – 16:00 Ages 8+ Tickets £18 (child + FREE adult)

Become a Story Explorer!
Children aged 8-12 can join our Story Skills courses, designed by our learning team. Book one day or all three, and enjoy a full day of storytelling, mystery busting and games! Days run from 10:00 – 16:00. Tuesday 29th October – Thursday 31st October £44 per day

The Story Museum entry:

Galleries, which includes a visit to Here Be Dragons…Co-curated by Cressida Cowell and Toothless

Adults and over 5s: £14pp Under 5s: £6.50 Under ones: Free Galleries ticket includes a visit to ‘Here Be Dragons…Co-Curated by Cressida Cowell and Toothless’ Ticket for all events and for Museum entry can be bought online at storymuseum.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01865 807 600

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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