Join us for a fun-filled session of play and active learning in the lovely surroundings of Somerset Rural Life Museum.

Our friendly Toddler Explorer sessions are aimed at ages 1 to 3, and are specially designed for parents/carers and toddlers to play and learn together.

Each one-hour session includes themed arts and crafts, museum objects and story time.

The sessions take place in the Community Learning Space which looks out onto the central museum courtyard and 14th century Abbey Barn.

Upcoming Sessions

Friday 16 January 2026 – Wassail

Hear the story Paper Chase by Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandøy, make an apple and celebrate the trees!

Friday 27 February – Winter Animals 

Listen to One Snowy Night by Nick Butterworth, make an owl and other wintery fun.

Friday 20 March – Sowing for Growing

Join us to hear the story Duck Delivers by Tom Tinn-Disbury, sort the seeds and make a plant pot ready for spring.

Friday 17 April – Blossom

Listen to Ferdie’s Springtime Blossom by Julia Rawlinson, make tissue paper flowers and much more besides!

Friday 15 May – Dragons

Hear the story A Home for Spark the Dragon by Michael Sheen, print scales on a dragon and make your own fire breathing dragon! 

Friday 19 June – Wash Day

Listen to the story Pants! by Giles Andreae and Nick Sharratt, wash and rinse the old-fashioned way using traditional equipment.  Wet and active fun!

Friday 17 July – Farms

Join us to hear Oh Dear Look What I Got by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, make a horse and get ready for summer!

What Are The Benefits?

All our sessions have been created on the understanding that toddlers learn best when they are exploring their world, with an attentive adult, engaged in play.

Each session consists of developmentally appropriate activities for children and adults to enjoy together. It also provides a place for parents to meet, share common experiences and learn about their child’s development.

Toddler Explorers is the perfect way for a parent/carer and child to experience a museum visit at an early stage in the child’s development.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel, please contact us before 1.00 pm on the Tuesday before the session is due to take place to receive a refund. This will enable us to make your place available to another family. Call us on 01458 831197. Cancellations received after this date will not be refunded.