Story time usually means settling down with the kids and a book before bed, but how does a captain’s cabin on a real life ship sound as an alternative?
Set Sail for Story Time takes place aboard HMS Warrior at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on Saturday the 24th of October, with a mystery for young visitors to help solve. Something unusual has been spotted floating near the ship, and Captain Compass needs a hand working out what it is.
Alongside Eddison and Ratty, children will investigate through games, imaginative challenges and audience participation. The adventure takes its inspiration from Someone Swallowed Stanley, exploring what happens when rubbish finds its way into the sea and how it affects the wildlife living there.
So there is some learning involved, but with a mystery to solve and a captain needing their help, the kids should have plenty to keep them interested.
Families can also head to the Learning Centre in the Victory Gallery for hands-on activities and experiments that explore the ideas behind the story. It’s a chance to put some of that curiosity to good use, especially if your little one’s favourite question is “why?”
Tickets and Info
There are three storytelling sessions in the Captain’s Cabin:
- 12:15pm
- 1:15pm
- 2:15pm
The Learning Centre activities run from midday until 3pm, so you can visit before or after your chosen story session.
The even better news is that the event is free with a valid museum ticket. There is no extra charge for the activities, but you do need museum admission to take part.
One useful thing for parents to know: pushchairs cannot be taken aboard HMS Warrior. There is a buggy park outside the ship’s entrance, and visitors are asked not to leave bags on their buggies.
If you’re planning a family visit to the Dockyard, this sounds like a good little extra to work into the day. If nothing else, it will be nice to get someone else reading the kids a story for once!