[New] What’s On Oxfordshire

Young Rangers (8-12 years)

WHEN: 7th January, 13:30 - 15:30

WHERE: Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre Wildlife and seasonal themed activities for children to explore and engage in the great outdoors! Sessions last for 2 hours and are packed full of fun games and activities to teach you all about the fantastic natural world that surrounds you £7.00 www.bbowt.org.uk/events

Science Club, Light Fantastic (ages 5 – 9)

WHEN: 14th January www.scienceoxford.com/events 01865 810000

WHERE: Science Oxford Centre Trip the light fantastic at this illuminating workshop about the laws of light. Using mirrors and torches, bright young scientists will bend light around corners, do a little target practice and work out how different materials transmit, reflect and absorb a light beam.

Saturday Science Club, Sparkling Science (ages 5 – 9)

WHEN: 21st January

WHERE: Abingdon School What have diamonds and salt got in common? What makes a crystal valuable? Experiment with liquids to grow crystals and paint your own crystal art. Every snowflake is unique! Investigate how ice crystals form these tiny structures and make your own 2D and 3D paper decorations to take home. www.scienceoxford.com/events 01865 810000

Big Garden Birdwatch

WHEN: 27th – 29th January

WHERE: Green space near you Take part in the nation’s biggest bird watch exercise and be wowed by your local wildlife. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour. FREE ww2.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/ activities/birdwatch

Creative Computing Club (ages 9 – 12)

WHEN: 28th January

WHERE: Science Oxford Centre Design your own light pattern algorithm using Python to create an interactive display – should they turn on in the dark, or only when it’s cold? You could program a bright rainbow design or make a blinking paper lantern to celebrate the Chinese year of the Rabbit! www.scienceoxford.com/events 01865 810000

Saturday Science Club

Light Fantastic (ages 5 – 9)

WHEN: 4th February

WHERE: Abingdon School

Using mirrors and torches, bright young scientists will bend light around corners, do a little target practice and work out how different materials transmit, reflect and absorb a light beam. Add a touch of fluorescence using UV, and see what’s hot and what’s not with a thermal imaging camera. www.scienceoxford.com/events 01865 810000

National Storytelling Week

WHEN: 28th January –5th February

WHERE: Throughout National Storytelling Week stories will be told in schools and theatres, pubs,museums, village halls, community centres and in many other places across the UK. To find a local event visit www.sfs.org.uk

Hey Diddle Diddle

WHEN: Every Monday from 9th January – 11.00 to 11:30

WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse Introducing music, dance and performance skills to early years children, kick-starting their excitement for creativity and imagination. New theme each week. £7.00 for child and adult www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305

Nature Tots

WHEN: 26th January, 9:30 – 11.00

WHERE: Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre Join in for an adventure with outdoor nature play, crafts and stories for pre-school aged children on this beautiful nature reserve. £7.00 per child www.bbowt.org.uk/events/

Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom

WHEN: 13th February

WHERE: The Story Museum Theatre of Widdershins have taken this traditional tale right back to its roots, teased out the tangles and styled it into a beautifully coiffured hair piece. This enchanting show promises plenty of body, volume and loads of highlights. Ages 4+ Run time - 50 minutes www.storymuseum.org.uk 01865 790050

Snowdrops and Spring bulbs walk

WHEN: 16th February, 10.30–12.00

WHERE: Oxford Botanic Garden

Join expert horticulturalists on a stroll among swathes of unique snowdrops and other winter and spring bulbs in the Botanic Garden collection. This walk is aimed at an adult audience, and anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. £30 www.obga.ox.ac.uk/

Monster Squid Fun with Aaron Blecha

WHEN: 16th February

WHERE: The Story Museum

Explore the weird world of Aliens, Zombies and Monsters with Aaron Blecha in this unique draw-along event. Learn the secrets of creating weird and wonderful characters and then make your own story. Followed by book signing. Ages 8+ Run time - 60 minutes. www.storymuseum.org.uk 01865 790050

How To Draw Star Wars With JAKe

WHEN: 18th February

Whizz Kidz

WHEN: January & February

WHERE: Thame

Why not head to Whizz Kidz for a fun hour or two, or more should you little one not yet be tired. Large indoor softplay /entertainment centre which has everything you could want. Prices from £2.00 www.whizzkidz-thame.co.uk 01844 217555

The Story Museum

WHEN: January & February

Explore THE WHISPERING WOOD, a mysterious indoor forest where every tree has a story to tell and a secret to reveal; THE ENCHANTED LIBRARY where you can wander between the shelves and find yourself inside a story; and SMALL WORLDS, a patchwork land of picture books, nursery rhymes and traditional tales for the very young. From £5.00 www.storymuseum.org.uk 01865 790050

Public Open Evenings - Online

WHEN: Wednesdays in January and February

WHERE: Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge

Each evening consists of a 30 minute public talk about astronomy, followed by (weather dependent!) stargazing on the Cambridge University Astronomy YouTube channel.

FREE

Fairytale

FARM

WHEN: January & February: 10.00 – 17.00

WHERE: Fairytale Farm, Chipping Norton Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love Fairytale Farm - the UK’s first visitor attraction that is open to all. A truly inclusive experience, where everything is accessible and everybody is welcome. From £7.00 www.fairytalefarm.co.uk

Distributors Wanted

Do you have a couple of spare days every other month, your own car, and want to earn some extra cash?

WHERE: The Story Museum, Oxford Learn to draw your favourite Star Wars characters JAKe Detonator, an official illustrator for Lucasfilm and Doctor Who. In this amazing draw-a-long event JAKe will show you how to draw your favourite characters from the Star Wars universe, including Droids, Wookies, Bounty Hunters and more, just like in his books. Ages 6+ Run time - 60 minutes www.storymuseum.org.uk If booking any courses, please mention Families

Families Magazine Oxfordshire is looking for trustworthy, reliable and self motivated people to join their team, delivering our magazine to locations around Oxfordshire. You’ll be distributing our magazine every other month for 1-3 days depending on the route.

GOOD RATES OF PAY! Call Lisa on 07887 521978 or email editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk to find out more.

Oxfordshire Magazine