Swans on the Lake

Swans on the Lake is a family day at the Portsmouth Natural History Museum on Saturday 15 August, and as the name suggests, it's all about swans. It runs from 10:00 to 15:00 in the museum garden, so it's an outdoor one—best for a summer morning with the kids.

There's a fair bit to get through across the five hours. Swan Support and RSPB Portsmouth will be on hand to answer questions about these birds, so if you've ever wondered why they're so protective of their nests or how they manage those long migrations, that's your chance to ask. Red Sauce Theatre brings in their puppet show The Ugly Duckling, which is followed by a puppetry bird workshop where the kids can make their own. There's also a swan trail to follow around the garden, a chance to become a 'swan champion', and a craft station to make your own swan creations to take home.

It's set up for families with young children, with the puppet show and the making-and-doing side of things taking centre stage. Between the RSPB folk talking birds and the puppet workshop, there's plenty to keep them occupied while you hang about. The whole thing is free, so you can drop in for an hour or stay for the full morning.

It all happens on Saturday 15 August from 10:00 to 15:00 in the garden of the Portsmouth Natural History Museum, and admission is free.