Half-term fun on offer at Swindon’s venues next week
Family-friendly activities are taking place across the Borough this half-term (23 to 31 May), providing something for everyone during the school break.
Published: Tuesday, 19th May 2026
Museum & Art Swindon (MAS) and STEAM are inviting families to get creative with a range of inspiring art and craft activities.
At MAS, located at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street, visitors can enjoy free drop-in creative sessions on Saturday, 23 and Wednesday, 27 May, inspired by the National Year of Reading and the current William Morris exhibition. Visitors will also have the chance to see the fantastic new short film ‘Kahaani’ from CREATE Studios.
There are two bag printing workshops on Tuesday, 26 May, where visitors can design and print their own tote bag to take home (£5 per person).
In the ‘How You See Me’ portrait exhibition, visitors can create their very own 3D portrait and then explore the history galleries, time travelling through 150 million years of history.
Over at STEAM, on Wednesday, 27 May, families can explore the stories and symbols of Britain’s golden age of rail before creating their own personal or family emblem inspired by the designs.
There’s more to come at Lydiard Park and House too. On Thursday, 28 May, a Weaving With Nature event is taking place. Attendees will explore Lydiard Park, collecting natural materials to use in their own unique woven artwork. Four sessions are available at £5 per participant.
Also at Lydiard during half-term is the outdoor cinema, hosted by Adventure Cinema, showing The Greatest Showman, Sing, Mamma Mia! The Gruffalo & Stick Man, Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration and Pretty Woman. Each screening takes place between Friday, 29 and Sunday, 31 May. More details, including timings and ticket prices, can be found on the Lydiard website.
Lydiard House Museum will also be open to visitors on Thursday 28th May, between 10am and 4pm.
Kate Wyatt, Head of Culture, Heritage, Arts and Special Events at Swindon Borough Council, said: “There’s so much taking place over half-term that the kids might feel they didn’t get time off at all!
“We’ve got some amazing activities at our museums (alongside our always excellent exhibitions) and some great outdoor cinema screenings at the amazing Lydiard Park.
"The Council is proud to have such wide-ranging cultural activities across our venues, from heritage and exhibitions to outdoor events and activities for all ages, that bring families together and put smiles on everyone’s faces.
“If you’re still looking for something to entertain the kids over the holidays, then look no further than Lydiard, STEAM and Museum & Art Swindon.”