In partnership with Mastercard®

Family Station: Explore and Play

British Library, London.

Family Station: Explore and Play

Free. Drop-in (no need to book). Suitable for all ages. On the last Sunday of every month* plus special dates.

Explore the Library with our creative offer, designed with families. The Family Station, located on the Upper Ground Floor, includes creative resources full of ideas to explore, make and play in the Library. Start your family adventure here, then go off to discover our building and learn all about the Library.

What is the Family Station?

  • It is completely drop-in, so arrive anytime between 11.00 and 15.00 and stay for as long as you like. You’re welcome to arrive, leave, and come back whenever suits you best
  • While our Learning Assistants will be onsite, Family Station is completely family-led and informal. Meaning you can play, read and explore as a family, and help yourself to our various creative resources
  • There will be fun sensory items out to play with, a pop-up reading corner with braille and tactile editions and art materials to experiment, draw and build
  • You can also borrow specially designed trails to explore the wider Library through your senses and enjoy playful interactions with our building and collection
  • The Family Station is fully accessible and suitable for children with SEND
  • Find out further useful information about facilities at the Library and how to find us

Family Station: Explore and Play, is open on the last Sunday* of every month, every day for one week during select school holidays and on special dates to coincide with Library-wide events.

Sundays*

2024:

  • Sun 27 Oct
  • Sun 24 Nov
  • Family Station will be closed 29 Dec

2025:

  • Sun 26 Jan
  • Sun 23 Feb
  • Sun 30 Mar
  • Sun 27 Apr
  • Sun 25 May
  • Sun 29 June
  • Sun 27 July
  • Sun 31 Aug


School holidays

2024:

  • Oct half-term: Everyday, Fri 25 Oct – Weds 30 Oct

2025:

  • Feb half term: Everyday, Mon 17 - Sun 23 Feb
  • Spring holiday: Everyday, Mon 7 – Sun 13 Apr
  • Summer holiday: Everyday, Mon 25 – Sun 31 Aug