Our day began on a cheerful note, filled with music from Malcolm. It was the perfect way to set the tone for our outing as he played an extensive selection of ABBA songs! The children couldn’t help but sing along, tapping their feet and clapping their hands to the catchy tunes. The atmosphere was lively, and everyone was in high spirits as we prepared for our adventure.
The journey to the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green took about an hour. During the ride, the children kept themselves entertained with a variety of games. Christmas songs filled the air, setting a festive mood, while they played “I Spy” and engaged in the infamous “Quiet Game” to see who could stay silent the longest. It was a fun way to pass the time, and as always, the “Quiet Game” proved to be both challenging and amusing, with plenty of giggles along the way.
For many of the children, this was their first trip to the museum, making it feel like a thrilling mystery tour. As we drove, they eagerly pointed out familiar landmarks, including the imposing Kings Cross train station, which seemed even larger from the bus windows, and the nearby fire station. Each known sight sparked excitement, and it was heartwarming to hear their chatter as they discussed the buildings they had seen before and those that were new to them. This gave us the opportunity to have spontaneous conversations about the different places around us, fostering a sense of curiosity and connection to the city.
Upon our arrival, the museum attendants greeted us warmly. They were incredibly friendly and made the children feel special from the moment we stepped inside. Their enthusiasm for the exhibits was contagious, and they eagerly pointed out key features in the museum, including the famous flying bubble car—a highlight that captured the imagination of the children. It was fascinating to see the kids’ eyes light up as they marveled at the quirky exhibits, and their excitement was palpable.
After a morning of exploration, we moved on to lunch. The spacious ground-floor hall was a perfect spot for our meal, offering plenty of room for everyone to sit comfortably. As we ate, the children chatted about the exhibits they’d seen so far, sharing their thoughts and impressions. Ted, ever the creative spirit, came up with a fun game involving shapes. He spread out foam shapes on the floor, and the children eagerly joined in, building towers and creating bridges. It was an excellent way for them to channel their energy and learn about shapes in a hands-on and interactive way.
Following lunch, we headed upstairs to continue our museum visit. The second floor was filled with even more fascinating exhibits, and the children enjoyed the chance to play with toys from the past. It was incredible to see how much joy could be found in simple objects that had been around for decades. Some of the children were familiar with the old-fashioned toys, and it was exciting for them to reconnect with items they had played with before. One of the highlights for many was the foam tubes, which they used to construct elaborate bridges and tracks. It was a delightful way to see them engaging with their creativity and problem-solving skills. For some, it was their second visit to the museum, and they eagerly showed their peers how to use the foam tubes to build structures, reminiscing about their past experiences there.
The day was filled with energy, and by the time we started making our way back to the Willows, the children were exhausted but happy. It had been a full day of exploration, play, and learning, and they settled into the journey home, reflecting on their favorite moments from the trip. Some of them even dozed off as the bus made its way back, worn out from all the fun they had.
Looking back on the day, it was clear that the trip to the V&A Museum of Childhood had been a wonderful experience for everyone involved. The museum had been a treasure trove of exciting exhibits and activities, and the children had enjoyed every moment. The staff’s warm hospitality had made the experience even more enjoyable, and it was heartening to see the children engage with both the old and new exhibits in such an enthusiastic way.
As we left, there was a collective sense of anticipation in the air—everyone was already looking forward to the next visit. The museum had proven to be an enriching experience, and it was clear that it had sparked the children’s curiosity in ways we hadn’t expected. We couldn’t wait to return and discover even more of what the museum had to offer. It was a day that would be remembered fondly by all, and one that we’d be eager to repeat in the future.
