IWM branches across the country are running family activities inspired by real life stories of espionage and the upcoming 70th anniversary of D-Day during February half-term.
Most activities are free, or free with admission.
Cracking Codes
15 to 22 February, 11am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm
Family activity where you can intercept messages, map hazards on our sea chart and even make up your own secret code.
You’ll learn about some of the skills intelligence officers and spies have used in the past. Along the way, you’ll also find out about the dangers that have surrounded HMS Belfast at sea during her long history in the Royal Navy.
This activity is in association with Maths on Toast who help to co-ordinate community events designed to make maths fun.
Free drop-in family activity included in general admission price.
Activities – 15 to 23 February – are included in general admission to IWM Duxford. Visitors aged 15 and under enjoy free admission to the museum.
AirSpace Interactive talks 10.30am, 11.15 and noon
In AirSpace listen to stories from an interpreter representing RAF Bomber Command and US Army Air Forces airmen, as he examines the aircraft that took part in Big Week including the Lancaster bomber. Hear about the significance of the D-Day invasion and the secret plans for deception tactics and bombing campaigns in Normandy.
American Air Museum Interactive talks 1.30pm, 2.15pm and 3pm
Hear from an interpreter about the combined operation launched by the RAF and the US Army Air Forces. Find out how the German Air Force defended their skies and how they struggled to defend their territory, both in the air and on the ground.
As part of this interactive talk, aircraft on display such as the Dakota and P-47 Thunderbolt will take centre stage, showing how planning and preparations were essential for the success of D-Day.
Airspace Craft Activities 10.30am to 2.30pm
Join us under the wings of the Concorde in AirSpace for hands-on craft activities and create your very own badges and paper aircraft, inspired by your visit and the planes on show at Duxford.
Meet Spy Pup 15 February, 2pm to 2.45pm and 2.45pm to 3.30pm
Meet the real life Spy Pup Star and his human helper Andrew Cope, author of the fantastic Spy Dog, Spy Pups and Spy Cats children’s Puffin book series.
Find out about the real and imagined antics of Spy Pups and Spy Dog and how Andrew turns these capers into page-turning adventures and incredible tales of spying success.
Free event suitable for all ages, but booking is essential.
Spy HQ 18 to 19 February, 11am to 12.30pm and 2 to 3.30pm
Drop into Spy HQ to create your own secret identity and receive your mission. Make your own Spy ID, invent a codename and complete your training to learn essential spy skills.
Free, drop-in activity suitable for all ages, no booking required.
Super Spy Laser Maze 20 to 21 February, 10am to 5pm
Stealth is one of the best weapons for a spy who wants to move around unseen. Can you keep a cool head to sneak through the Super Spy Laser Maze challenge? Test your patience and make your way across the course without crossing the beams. See if you can pass undetected to earn super spy status.
Free, drop-in activity suitable for all ages, no booking required.
Open Studio: Code Breaking
15 February, 11am to 12.30pm only / 16 to 21 February, 11am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 3.30pm
Learn how to make and break your own secret codes and send special messages undetected in this crafty spy craft activity.
Free, drop-in activity suitable for all ages, no booking required.
Open Studio: Binoculars 22 to 23 February, 11am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 3.30pm
Decorate your own spying binoculars to help you on a stealthy stake-out or an undercover mission, in this fun and engaging craft activity.
Free, drop-in activity suitable for all ages, no booking required.
What A Performance: Spies 18, 19 and 23 February, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm, 2.15pm
See one of the special family friendly performances dramatising stories of wartime life, including the adventures of a female spy in the Second World War Special Operations Executive.
Free series of talks suitable for children aged 5+.
Oskar’s Journey Across the Berlin Wall 8 to 9 February, 15 to 23 February, from 10.30am
Meet the charming cat puppet character Oskar who uses stealth and observation skills to pass across the Berlin Wall undetected in search of a friend on the other side of the divided city during the Cold War.
The session uses puppets, multi-sensory resources including sounds and smells, and object handling including the chance to see a real piece of the Berlin Wall.
Free daily talks suitable for all ages, particularly younger children.
Animals on a Mission 8 to 9 February, 15 to 23 February, from 1.30pm
Discover heroic and heart-warming tales of wartime animals on mission to carry secret messages undetected.
Free daily talks suitable for all ages, particularly younger children.