Early Years

There’s always something to do at Gallery Oldham, even for our youngest visitors. Join our award nominated programmes and take part in some of our messiest sessions!

 

GO Play!

20 May – 10 September 

Explore and play in our newest exhibition coming this summer for under 5’s and their family. Over the past year we have worked with families across the borough at Gallery Oldham and Oldham Libraries to make, create, explore and play together.

This exhibition brings together artworks from the galleries collections and artworks created by children in our special GO Play! sessions. There will be lots to play with, touch and explore in our family friendly exhibition.

Toddler tour – Tuesday 25 July, 10.30am – 12noon
Join us for a tour with a difference – this one is designed especially for under 5’s and led by an artist.

GO Play! Summer Sessions – Every Tuesday in August, 10.30am – 12noon
Explore and play in the exhibition each week over summer in these special artist led sessions

Bookable via Eventbrite, perfect for under 5’s

GO Baby – 
2nd and 4th Thursday of each month
10.30am – 12noon, Free – Drop in 

GO Baby is back with more sensory fun than ever before, join our fortnightly programme for 0 – 2’s and their families. Led by an artist explore the galleries collections and exhibitions using all of your senses in our Montessori inspired play sessions.

GO Explorers – 
26th May &  30th June

10.30am – 12noon, £4 per child, booking required via Eventbrite

Our 2 – 4’s are welcomed back with open arms in our GO Explorers sessions, discover a world of fun in our messy creative play workshops. Make new friends, explore nature, make little artworks to take home and join the gallery for plenty of fun!

Baby Photobooth – New for 2022
Thursday 1 June, 10am – 12pm at Oldham Library

Award winning photographer Tim Simpson will be joining us to take beautiful portraits of your little ones, for 0 – 12months. Each ticket includes a printed photograph and the opportunity to buy more directly from Tim.

The Extra Small Cinema – NEW FOR 2022
10am – 11.45pm – £3 per child ticket, adults (6+) are free.

Sensory film screenings for under 5’s, our relaxed seating, sensory play materials and specially chosen early years films are perfect for little ones to explore. Tickets must be purchased for each child attending, even babies, but all adults are free.

Wednesday 5 July – The Snail and the Whale 
Wednesday 6 September – Zog 
Wednesday 8 November – The Gruffalo

50 Things to do –
We’re delighted to be included on the 50 Things To Do Before You’re 5 App. This is a space to explore lots of free or very small fee ideas and events. From jumping in puddles to visiting your local art, gallery museum and library spaces, the 50 things app and website is a wonderful resource for all families to explore.

50 Things to Do 

Explore our collections digitally with your under 5’s 

Treasure Basket – Scala by Jeffrey Steele
Exploring GO Explorers – families experiences of early years sessions 
Sensory play – Morning in a wood by Harry Watson 

We would love to see your creations so please share them with us via Gallery Oldham on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email evad.ouldokojie@oldham.gov.uk 

For any information or queries regarding the early years programme at Gallery Oldham please email evad.ouldokojie@oldham.gov.uk

Kids in Museums – Museums of the Year shortlisted nominee 2015

Manchester Life Magazine – Exhibition of the year nominee 2015

Museums and Heritage Award for Excellence – Project on a limited budget shortlist 2016

Visit England – Family Friendly Finalist 2017

Curious Minds – Northwest Cultural Education Awards, Inclusive Partnership nominee 2017

Henshaws – Visual Impairment Friendly Business of the Year nominee 2018