How old should children be to join?

The session suits preschool to early primary ages; children should follow simple safety instructions and remain with an adult.

Where do we check in?

Please check in at reception at least five minutes prior to the event start time.

Yes—Jacqui from Brilliant Beasties guides gentle handling of tolerant species; strict hygiene and calm behavior are required.

Is the session refundable?

This event is non-refundable according to the listing.

Yes—close-up photos are encouraged but avoid using flash near the animals to prevent stress.

Is the program outdoors?

It’s mixed indoor and outdoor: live animal introductions indoors followed by a garden bug-hunt, so dress for both settings.

Creepy Crawlies: Family Bug Hunt and Insect Encounters in Newtongrange | Workshop | Eco Tour

On the outskirts of Newtongrange, Scotland, Creepy Crawlies turns a museum garden into a miniature safari for small hands and sharp-eyed adults. For 90 minutes families meet giant millipedes and stick insects with expert Jacqui from Brilliant Beasties, then head outside with magnifying glasses and activity sheets to hunt beetles among the museum gardens. Back indoors, kids translate field notes into shape-inspired insect crafts, using symmetry and counting to build playful, paper-bodied arthropods.

This family program runs at the National Mining Museum setting in Newtongrange and blends classroom calm with garden exploration. The key features are hands-on animal encounters, a guided garden bug-hunt, and an indoor craft session that ties math concepts—symmetry, pattern, and number—directly to what children observe. Unique elements include live invertebrates that tolerate gentle handling, the museum gardens’ mix of planted borders and grassy patches that shelter small pollinators, and magnifiers that reveal the ridged segments and tiny legs of the creatures you’ll study.

Creepy Crawlies stands out in the region because it channels a museum’s interpretive strengths into active outdoor learning. Rather than a passive display, this experience makes conservation tangible: children learn that patterns in leaves and body segments reflect adaptation, and that even common garden soil supports a complex microhabitat. The session is ideal for curious preschoolers through early primary ages, though adults find the close-up viewing unexpectedly absorbing.

Practical notes: check in at reception at least five minutes before the scheduled start, and expect a 1.5-hour run time. The program is non-refundable and operates in mixed indoor/outdoor settings so dress for variable weather. Group size and age limits are set by the museum; bring enthusiasm and a willingness to observe quietly.

Why book it? Creepy Crawlies gives families a compact, high-value nature lesson inside a cultural site—an especially good pairing for travelers who want low-impact, educational activities between longer hikes or city sightseeing. It’s a gentle introduction to insect ecology that equips kids with observation tools, a basic understanding of symmetry and counting, and a short craft to take home. For parents seeking a purposeful half-day that entertains and educates, this mini-beast workshop is a rare local offering that connects natural curiosity with practical learning.

Sessions usually accommodate small family groups, and the facilitators encourage respectful handling and quiet observation so local invertebrate residents remain calm. Parents should note that the program is best for children who can follow simple safety instructions and stay with an adult; strollers may be awkward in the garden beds. Bring a camera for close-ups but avoid flash near the animals. Booking is via the museum’s reservation link; print the confirmation or have it ready on your phone at reception to streamline check-in. Small boots and patience rewarded.

About National Mining Museum Scotland

National Mining Museum Scotland, located in Newtongrange, Scotland, preserves and interprets the nation’s coal-mining heritage at the former Lady Victoria Colliery site. The museum offers multiple ways to explore mining history: guided tours led by former miners, a 16-stop audio tour, exhibition galleries with interactive displays, and a chance to descend into recreated underground tunnels. Visitors can see the museum’s giant winding engine, explore the Power House setting, and view artifacts and personal stories that reveal miners’ lives and the region’s industrial community.

Seasonal and specialist events complement regular tours. Family-focused experiences include Halloween Family Ghost Tours, Santa’s Grotto visits, and the Snow Queen pantomime. Adults-only and evening events range from ghost tours with live actors to craft and social workshops such as festive wreath making, Paint & Prosecco painting sessions, and live storytelling evenings like An Evening with Eric Davidson. The museum’s programming blends history, hands-on activities, and community performance in purpose-built industrial spaces.

Practical visitor information is delivered alongside interpretation: friendly expert guides, accessible exhibition galleries, and curated audio content provide layered options for different interests and mobility needs. The museum emphasizes authentic voices through former miner guides and tangible artifacts. Group bookings, family visits, seasonal events, and educational visits are supported by staff experienced in heritage presentation. National Mining Museum Scotland presents coal-mining history with immersive exhibits and events designed to engage visitors of all ages, preserving local memory while offering meaningful, educational experiences. Accessible facilities, a museum shop, and on-site parking support visitors throughout the year comfortably.