Home Educators' Workshops: Ages 6-10

Discover our programme of workshops aimed at children aged 6-10.

From taking an in-depth look at a selection of the 30,000 objects in our collection in The Stores, handling objects like a curator and completing short interactive activities, to finding out the untold history of Darlington, its association with the railways and how we tell this pioneering history, there's plenty of workshops to complement your home educating programme.

Workshops are followed by one hours play in Wagon Woods.

What's On...

Tuesday 13 January 2026 - Construction Challenges

Be inspired by our engineering past as we design transport for the future! We have a carousel of activities using Lego, K’nex, card and wooden pieces to make models. The card and wood vehicles can be taken home.

Wednesday 21 January - Dobbin Workshop

Take inspiration from the painting of 'The Opening Day of the Stockton and Darlington Railway' by John Dobbin and make your own artwork. Led by local artist Dawn Belshaw of Daisy Arts.

Thursday 19 February - Sustainability and Climate Change

Be inspired by our interactive exhibition, Brilli-ANT! An Interactive Climate Adventure for Curious Young Minds. Don your ant antennae in the Carriage Works and journey deep into a sculpted anthill made entirely of recycled material. Crawling with creativity and buzzing with brilliant ideas, Brilli-ANT! is packed with hands-on activities, storytelling, and inspiring insect encounters that show how even the smallest changes can make a huge difference.

Thursday 17 March - Join SPARK Tees Valley to develop your coding skills and control a robot!

These activities have been funded by Tees Valley Museums National Portfolio Organisation and are FREE!

Apply discount code TVMMARCH25 at the checkout!

Wednesday 29 April - TAKEOVER DAY!

This is a playful approach to jobs around Hopetown. Have a go at some of the different jobs we do including collections display, housekeeping, welcome team, café and marketing.

Tuesday 9 June - Rail Safety with Jess Young from the Bishopline Rail Partnership

This session is based around the story 'Arlo's Adventures'. The children will help Arlo to make safe choices as he uses the railway through an interactive story and associated games.