How many Dawnosaurs events are there a year?
There are five Dawnosaurs events each year.
Who are these events for?
These events are for neurodivergent children aged 5-15 and their families.
Will you be offering events for those aged 16 and above?
Although we don’t currently offer this, we’re working towards this goal for 2024.
Why does the event start so early?
Our Dawnosaurs events start early so that we can provide you with a relaxed setting and a specific activity programme. To do this we must open the Museum outside of usual operating hours. We understand that this can be a little inconvenient for some families and we’re working towards more convenient plans that expand our SEND offer into regular hours. Many visitors come to Dawnosaurs from outside London and an early morning event generally suits their needs better than a late-night event.
How is the event different to a normal Museum day?
With our Dawnosaurs event, capacity is strictly limited. We ensure that lighting, sound and special FX within the Museum are all adjusted to best suit the needs of those attending. We plan engaging, fun and educational learning activities within our galleries and the whole event is overseen by neurodivergent-aware facilitators.
Do I have to show any diagnosis of neurodivergency to attend?
Under no circumstances do we ask for any proof of diagnosis from anyone.
Will I get any extra information to help plan my visit?
Yes, when you book you’ll receive a ticket with your designated arrival time. You’ll also get a pre-visit email, detailing all the activities we’re offering a few weeks in advance of the event and visual elements to help you familiarise yourselves.
Do I need to pay for this event?
Dawnosaurs is free to attend but a ticket is required for each individual attending.
Do I have to leave the Museum at 10.00 when the event finishes?
No, you don’t have to leave the Museum at 10.00 but keep in mind that the Museum will be operating as usual and therefore noise and crowd levels will significantly increase.
Do you offer blue badge parking?
Yes we do, but spaces are extremely limited, so contact dawnosaurs@nhm.ac.uk prior to the event to book a spot.
Are the activities always the same?
No, we change the activities to match a new theme for each event, but we like to keep some consistency and familiarity. You’ll receive an email a few weeks before the event detailing what to expect.
Do I have to take part in the activities?
No, the activities are all optional and with no additional cost.
I can’t make it anymore, can I return my ticket?
Yes just contact us at Dawnosaurs@Nhm.ac.uk
Will the Dinosaur Gallery be open?
Yes it will be.
Will all other galleries be open?
We’ll aim to open as much of the Museum as possible.
Will I get access to paid exhibition spaces?
There are some exceptions, but generally we keep our paid exhibitions closed.
Can I get breakfast refreshments at the event?
Yes at least one of our cafés will be open.
Can I buy souvenirs?
Yes, at least one shop will be open.
Do you have disabled toilets?
Yes.
Do you offer a sensory room?
Yes.
