Spring Into Action At The River & Rowing Museum

With the opportunity to meet a spectacular bird of prey, learn all about what it takes to become a true Olympian, and experience what it is like to be a pirate for the day, workshops at the River & Rowing Museum during the spring half term offers something for every child to get enthusiastic about.

On Tuesday 13 February there is an exciting event for the whole family to meet and learn about Owls from all over the world with Chrissie from Chrissie's Owls. Chrissie will run two family events, taking place between 11am - 12pm for 5 - 7 year olds and from 1pm - 2:30pm for children aged 7+, making sure there is plenty of opportunity to meet the Owls, learn from Chrissie's experiences and create your own experiences with these magnificent birds.

Other bookable workshops to keep the children entertained include:

"Children will be able to use their imaginations to the full at the 'Shiver me timbers"Pirates of the Thames' workshop where they can create their own pirate ship and mini treasure chest from card, wear their own parrot on their shoulder and visit the river panorama in the Thames gallery to guess where the real pirates liked to hide! This family activity for 4 - 7 year olds runs from 10:30am - 12:30pm on Wednesday 14 February and is a great way to inspire your child.

"On Thursday 15 February from 12pm - 4:30pm the whole family can take part in their very own 'Olympic Challenge'. Whether you want to test yourself with exercises or meet real Olympic stars, this is an exciting opportunity to see if you have got what it takes to become an Olympic athlete. This event is free with Museum admission.

"'Volcano"-Lashings of Lava' is an incredible opportunity for children aged 7 - 11 years to explore the Roman history. They can build their own volcano from papier, learn all about what really happened when Mt Vesuvius erupted over the Roman city of Pompeii and even try on a toga! This workshop runs from 10:30am - 12:30pm on Friday 16 February.

As places on the workshops are limited and fill up rapidly, you are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Call the River & Rowing Museum's Education Department directly on 01491 415605 for further details. Bookable workshops cost £8 per child (£7 for members).

For those who would rather visit Toad, Ratty and friends in The Wind in the Willows or visit the Thames and Henley Galleries, the Museum is open seven days a week. Children can follow gallery trails and take part in other activities in the galleries including Story Time.

To round off your visit the whole family can take time out in the Museum's Terrace Cafe. Set in beautiful surroundings, the family friendly Cafe is a great place for relaxing with a morning coffee, lunch or snacks with special lunchboxes and kid's size meals for the children. -- www.rrm.co.uk