A whole host of incredible events are coming to the Natural History Museum this spring, including silent discos, yoga classes, and an unmissable sleepover…
Sometimes, I think we forget how lucky we are to have one of the world’s most important museums of natural history on our doorstep. Just to remind you of how awesome it is, the Natural History Museum is running a huge programme of excellent activities and exhibits that adults will love. We’ve picked out some of the best things to see and do now that spring has sprung! (Featured image: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London)
1. Hunt a killer through the museum exhibits
We were all having a lovely day out at the museum, until some unsavory type decided to steal a priceless stone and bump off the witness. Now, it’s up to you to catch the killer, using cutting-edge forensic methods to uncover clues and piece together the mystery, establishing means, motive, and opportunity along the way. Dressing up as your favourite detective – whether that be Sherlock or Miss Marple – is highly encouraged, and with forensic experts on hand to help, there’s surely no safe place for the killer to hide… See more and book your spot here.
2. Join a Tuesday Talk and learn something new, drink in hand
A complimentary drink is the just the start of a brilliant, informative evening, as the Natural History Museum’s Tuesday Talks cover the weird and wonderful parts of science. On the first Tuesday of every month, in-house experts will talk you through two fascinating areas of study, spanning fields as diverse as sharks, the Moon, and beetles. Knowledge is priceless, so find your tickets here.
3. Perfect your downward dog beneath Hope the whale
Is there a yoga pose inspired by a whale? Maybe it’s time to invent one, as vinyasa flow yoga classes will run beneath the skeleton of Hope the whale this spring. There’s nothing quite so likely to energise you as tuning into your body in the presence of the biggest animal in existence, is there? Plus, with a serene gong bath to round off the session, you’ll be feeling zen in no time. Namaste! Tickets and info are here.
4. Bring your younglings along for a nature talk
As one of London’s best family-friendly days out, the Natural History Museum has the power to educate all the family. Why not take a break from baby talk with the help of Bring Your Own Baby: Nature Talks? World-renowned scientists will be holding court on everything from the solar system to flounder fish in the Thames, and they’re the perfect way for inquisitive grown-ups to while away the hours whilst looking after the baby. You can find out more here.
5. Dash like a dinosaur at this fun run
Hyde Park is the setting for one of London’s best running races, the Race for Nature. Tackle a 5k or 10k course whilst raising funds for the natural world, all whilst in costume as your favourite animal. The finest fancy dress will net its runner a special prize, whilst there are also rewards for the highest fundraisers and best fancy dress. With the run in August, there’s plenty of time to dedicate to that all important costume! Find out more and sign up here.
6. Camp out in Hintze Hall for the night
Honestly, you shouldn’t let Night at the Museum give you any pause, because the opportunity for a sleepover inside the Natural History Museum is a rare and special one. Their ever-popular Dino Snores for Grown-Ups nights prove that sleepovers aren’t just for kids, as you’ll spend the night slumbering beneath Hope the whale. That’s after you’ve indulged in a three-course meal, joined a live animal workshop from ethical handling company ZooLab, grabbed a drink from the immersive bar, and settled in for an all-night monster movie marathon, of course. Seriously, it’s unmissable stuff, and that’s before you consider the complimentary tea and coffee, morning yoga session, and Full English breakfast. Tickets are going to absolutely fly for this one, and you can find yours here.
7. Throw out some shapes at a silent disco
All that snoozing feel a little too sedate for you? Why not go wildly in the other direction then, and head along to one of the Museum’s spring silent discos. Three DJs will be competing for your attention, with rock, pop, and party classics inviting you to groove around Hintze Hall in a totally unique disco experience. The bar will be serving drinks all night, and once you’re all danced out, you can toddle off to the Night Tube and on to bed. Find out more and get your tickets here.