Have a 'tattyfilarious' half term at National Museums Liverpool

Beat holiday boredom with a trip to a free museum or gallery; National Museums Liverpool has a jam-packed programme of events to keep the kids entertained.

Make a tickling stick inspired by the one on display at the Museum of Liverpool in the current exhibition, By Jove! It’s Ken Dodd! on 19 and 20 February. Or create a marvellous Meccano creation in the Museum’s Meccano workshop on 17 and 18 February. Visitors can also learn about Liverpool’s ‘horrible histories’ in a special tour on 23 February which will uncover gruesome stories of the city’s past.

Listen to songs from the First World War played by the Norman Roy Orchestra on 15 February at the Merseyside Maritime Museum or watch a performance by Zilla’s Crew of sea shanties and stories on 17 February.

Get a taste for what it takes to be a Rummage Officer on 23 February and search a ship for signs of smuggling in Seized! Border and Customs Uncovered, located downstairs in the Maritime.

On 18 February the Congolese Association of Merseyside will be at the International Slavery Museum; families can discover the country’s rich culture and find out about costume, craft, customs, music and pastimes.

Get a henna tattoo, learn how to write Arabic calligraphy and be inspired to create a pattern from Islamic art at the World Museum’s ‘Discover Islam’ weekend on 15 and 16 February.

Head up the road to the Walker Art Gallery for crafts and activities inspired by Chinese New Year and the year of the horse (18, 19, 20).

At the Lady Lever Art Gallery, visitors can explore the new exhibition, Turner: travels light and landscape and keep the little ones busy in a Turner-themed family art workshop where children can create a colour by numbers landscape inspired by the exhibition.

Listen to traditional 19thcentury lute music on 21 February at Sudley House in Mossley Hill and then decorate a musical instrument inspired by the paintings on display in the house.

Museum of Liverpool Image © Mark McNulty