Magic Carpet Toddlers

Explore the museum through song, rhymes and sensory play with our Magic Carpet activity sessions for toddlers and early years.

Magic Carpet Toddlers introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the natural world, science and technology, world cultures and Scottish history through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and short activities.

Magic Carpet Toddlers are designed especially for confident walkers up to age 4 and their adult helpers.

Each three-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 Toddlers there is a maximum ratio of 2 children to 1 adult.

Please note, it is possible to bring a baby to the session along with your participating child. You do not need to book a place for them but please note that resources and activities on the day will be suitable for children who are walking up to age 4.

We offer separate Magic Carpet Mini sessions for babies and pre-walkers.

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• 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. 
• A buggy park is available in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery on Level 1.

How to get to the Events Space

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. If you’re running late, 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.

• 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 or take some time out to settle your little one, please do so.
• Adults are usually seated with their child on the Magic Carpet so they can play together but if you require additional seating for health or comfort reasons please let us know.
• Adults are responsible for their child at all times.

• 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.

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit. 

• There is level access to the Museum via the main doors to the Entrance Hall on Chambers Street and the Tower entrance at the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge.  
• Lifts are available to all floors and accessible toilets are available on Levels 0 and 3, as well as a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0. 
• Wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge. Please note wheelchairs cannot be booked in advance. On arrival, ask about availability at the Information Desk. Small mobility scooters are permitted inside the museum.
• Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs are admitted. 

Find out more about our access information. If you have any questions about accessing this event, please email us in advance at publicevents@nms.ac.uk.