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Tickets now available Event National Museum of Scotland

Magic Carpet Minis

6 Sep - 20 Dec 2023
10:30 & 14:00 Wednesdays

£15 per child for block of 3

Book now

Magic Carpet Minis sessions.

© Ruth Armstrong Photography

Magic Carpet Minis sessions.

© Ruth Armstrong Photography

Join us on the Magic Carpet as we explore the museum through interactive songs, rhymes and sensory play.

Magic Carpet Minis introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and gentle way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the Natural World, Space, World Cultures and Scottish History through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and sensory play. 

Who is it for?

Magic Carpet Minis are designed especially for our very youngest museum visitors – babes in arms, crawlers, sitters and pre-toddlers.  

Block details

Each 3 week block has two time slots – 10:30 or 14:00. Sessions last 45 mins which includes settle and chat time and free play. Places are limited to 10 children per block plus accompanying adult. Due to the interactive nature of Magic Carpet there is a maximum ratio of 2 children to 1 adult

Block 4 

10:30 -11:15 or 14:00 - 14:45  Wednesday 06, 13, 20 Sept

Block 5

10:30 -11:15 or 14:00 - 14:45 Wednesday 04, 11, 18 Oct

Block 6

10:30 -11:15 or 14:00 - 14:45 Wednesday 01, 08, 15 Nov

Block 7

10:30 -11:15 or 14:00 - 14:45 Wednesday 06, 13, 20 Dec

 

Magic Carpet Minis

View the Magic Carpet Minis sessions in this slideshow.

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    Magic Carpet Minis sessions © Ruth Armstrong Photography.

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    Magic Carpet Minis sessions © Ruth Armstrong Photography.

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    Magic Carpet Minis sessions © Ruth Armstrong Photography.

  • 2022 08 10 RA 015

    Magic Carpet Minis sessions © Ruth Armstrong Photography.

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    Magic Carpet Minis sessions © Ruth Armstrong Photography.

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    Magic Carpet Minis sessions © Ruth Armstrong Photography.

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    Magic Carpet Minis sessions © Ruth Armstrong Photography.

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Additional information

On the day

Full joining instructions will be sent out via our ticketing system.  

If you are visiting with a pram or buggy we advise you to use the Tower Entrance at the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge. Lifts are available to all floors and accessible toilets and changing spaces are available on most floors, as well as a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0. 

For those who wish to leave their buggies we have a brand new buggy park in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery, level 1.

More information on access, visiting safely and frequently asked questions can be found in Plan your visit and Visiting FAQs.

Events privacy statement

For information on how we manage your personal data please see our full privacy notice.

Visiting with a pram or buggy

We advise you use the Tower entrance at the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge. Lifts are available to all floors and accessible toilets and changing spaces are available on most floors, as well as a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0. 

For those who wish to leave their buggies we have a brand new buggy park in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery, level 1. Otherwise, please keep your buggy with you at all times. 

Where is the Magic Carpet today?

On the first week of the block, please meet your Magic Carpet leaders at the green fountain in the middle of the Grand Gallery on Level 1.

They will do a welcome briefing and take you to where the carpet is that day. At the end they will let you know where the next session will take place. If you forget or miss a session, don’t worry – our friendly Visitor Experience staff will also be happy to help and show you the way.

Please allow time for using lifts and stairs to get to galleries not on the ground floor as they can sometimes be busy.

On the Magic Carpet

We want to keep the Magic Carpet a comfortable and safe space for all so please remove your shoes before you sit down.

The session will last approximately 45 mins, including some free play, chat and relax time. There will be songs, rhymes, sensory activities, and lots of interaction. If at any point you need to stand up, walk around, take some time out to settle your baby please do so.

Adults are usually seated with their baby on the Magic Carpet so they can play together but if you require additional seating for health or comfort reasons please let us know.

Feeding and changing

Please feel free to give your little one milk or water during the session.

We kindly ask that no other snacks are consumed on the Magic Carpet. At the start of each session we will let you know where the nearest baby changing facility is and also public seating with backs should this be easier for feeding.

Masks and illness

We continue to follow Scottish Government guidelines for COVID procedures.

Our staff may choose to wear a facemask while delivering Magic Carpet and we encourage you to do what makes you most comfortable. Please only attend sessions if you and your child are feeling well.

Photography

We are happy for you to take photos of you and your child on the Magic Carpet (and share with #magiccarpet) but please be respectful and not include other children.

We have a ‘no photography’ sign nearby to advise the general public.

Feedback

Your continued feedback is very important to us. We appreciate you taking the time to complete any surveys we may send you after your sessions.

Please also take the opportunity to chat informally to our Learning & Engagement team directly after the session.

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