Family activities in Dundee this summer
Set sail for adventure
Unlock endless family fun this summer in Dundee; filling the school holidays with days out with the kids jam-packed with adventure and wonder.
Whether you’re looking for a family day out in Dundee, spending a weekend in the City of Discovery and looking for things to do, or exploring Scotland’s scenic East coast, there is something for explorers of all ages to enjoy this summer at Discovery Point and Verdant Works Museum; two of Dundee’s top attractions.
Discovery Point
Dive into a world filled with adventure and inspiration, and climb aboard Captain Scott’s Antarctic ship, RRS Discovery. Take on trails and playful activities throughout Discovery Point, designed to keep young explorers entertained, before hopping aboard RRS Discovery to uncover the secrets of life below deck.
Escape Room: The Curator's Curse!
We need your help! The new exhibition is set to open in an hour, but we can’t find the curators. Can you put together the rest of the exhibition in time? Crack codes, solve puzzles, and uncover secrets in this Escape Room inspired by all things RRS Discovery.
Mini Zoo
Get up close to cuddly creatures from all over the world in these interactive Mini Zoo sessions; say hello to rabbits, snakes, lizards, chickens and more.
Movie Mondays
Settle in for adventures in film every week, with a selection of movies on all things Polar. An ideal rainy day activity this summer holiday.
Explorer Tuesdays
Do you have what it takes to survive life on the ice? Meet our resident explorers to discover what life was like for Captain Scott and his crew – dress like a polar explorer, learn about what they ate, and more.
All Hands on Deck!
How do you restore a 125-year-old ship? Meet Rowan, one of the crew at work on RRS Discovery, to learn all about the traditional techniques being used to keep Discovery ship shape.
Arty Thursdays
Grab your crayons and pencils, it’s time to get crafty! We’re taking inspiration from Edward Wilson, Discovery’s first artist. Join our team for a led session of hands on creative fun, for children of all ages.
Wee Explorers
Park your buggy and join us for a fun-filled session designed especially for 2-5 year olds; expect interactive stories, crafts, and messy play for the ultimate toddlers activity session.
Discovery Mast Climb
Take to the rigging for a thrilling adventure aboard RRS Discovery! Climb over 80 feet high in the footsteps of Captain Scott’s brave polar crew, and unlock extraordinary views over Dundee and beyond.
100 Years of RRS Discovery
Discover life aboard four generations of vessels named the Royal Research Ship Discovery. Find out more about the Discovery Investigations, and explore the legacy of the work of RRS Discovery’s crew in 1925, and how it continues to shape what we know about ocean science today, in this rare opportunity to uncover tales from working scientific ships.
Endurance in 3D
The remarkable story of Shackleton’s survival is brought from the seabed to the surface this summer, through an incredibly intricate 3D printed scale model of the Endurance shipwreck. Peer at the ship’s helm, see details of the deck, and rediscover The Boss’ extraordinary legacy.
RSA 200: Calum Colvin Portraits
See portraits of Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen, created by Scottish artist Calum Colvin, on show as part of RSA 200.
Unseen Discoveries
Hidden gems from the 1901 Expedition are revealed from our Collections, giving glimpses into the lives of Captain Scott’s polar crew.
Verdant Works Museum
Step back in time and weave your way through Victorian Dundee. Hidden within a mill that’s almost 200 years old lies a world of wonder, for the perfect family day out with a difference. Hear the roar of machinery, dress up, and enjoy a day out with the kids that’s filled with fun!
Wee Weavers
Park your buggy and join our learning team for a fun-filled session for children aged 2-5 years old. There will be playful stories, crafts, and messy play.
Kids' Activities
Bobbin the mouse is on their summer holidays! Grab lanyard cards filled with activities to keep you on your toes as you weave through the museum.
McGonagall's Ghost: The Weaver who wouldn't wheesht!
A lively play portraying the storied life of William McGonagall; Dundee’s most famous poet. Be transported to bygone Dundee, Balmoral and more in this production that pairs humour with history.
Weaving our story
Get involved and help us shape our ‘The Fabric of Dundee’ exhibition, to celebrate 30 years since Verdant Works opened as a museum.
Forgotten Fleece Tales
Art, craft, story and ecology come together in a curated collection of work made using “waste” or “unwanted” Scottish fleece.
Plan your visit
Learn all you need to know ahead of your day out in Dundee, time-travelling to the city’s Victorian days, and the depths of the Antarctic in 1901. Here you’ll find all the information that you need for a comfortable adventure for the whole family.
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