Families visiting Westgate Oxford this summer can discover dinosaurs, fossils, wildlife and volcanoes as part of a new interactive trail created in partnership with the Natural History Museum.
Running until 06 September, the free Natural History Museum ABC Trail transforms the shopping and leisure destination into an educational adventure featuring 26 discovery stations designed to encourage children to explore the natural world through play.
Each installation invites visitors to complete an activity linked to a letter of the alphabet, encouraging them to take action, test their brainpower or spark their curiosity.
Along the way, families can learn about animals, ancient fossils and deep-sea creatures through illustrations, replicas and interactive challenges inspired by the museum’s collections.
Activities include creating symmetrical butterfly wings, navigating a spider’s web maze, comparing foot size with an elephant, hopping like a kangaroo and listening to the sounds of a volcanic eruption.
Young explorers who complete all 26 stations can collect a commemorative sticker by returning to the Guest Experience Pod.
Clare Martin, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, said the attraction brings the excitement of one of the UK’s best-loved museums to the city.
“The Natural History Museum is the UK’s most-visited attraction, so we’re delighted to bring the sense of wonder and discovery that it inspires right here to Oxford.
Maxine Lister, Head of Licensing at the Natural History Museum, added:
“This summer, we’re excited to be sharing the Natural History Museum’s wonder with Oxford and its visitors. We can’t wait to see the ABC trail at Westgate Oxford spark young explorers’ curiosity in the natural world all around us – it’s the perfect adventure to embark on.”
The trail complements Westgate Oxford’s wider family offering during the school holidays, alongside attractions including the recently opened LEGO Store, Curzon cinema, Junkyard Golf Club and the centre’s restaurants and roof terrace.
Read more: LEGO store with immersive retail experience opened at Westgate Oxford
The Natural History Museum ABC Trail is available throughout Westgate Oxford until 06 September, with no booking required and participation free of charge.
Did you know?
The Natural History Museum welcomes more than seven million visitors each year and cares for a collection of over 80 million specimens spanning 4.5 billion years of Earth’s history.
