How can museums create learning experiences that engage children and families meaningfully with their collections, while building lasting relationships with local family audiences?

This practical study day explores the principles, pedagogies and approaches that underpin effective family learning in museums. We will consider how children and adults learn together and how this understanding can inform the design of learning materials, activities and experiences. The day will explore child-centred and intergenerational learning, agency and co-inquiry, learning with objects and collections, and inquiry-based, hands-on, sensory and immersive approaches. We will also consider how inclusive practice and a deeper understanding of audience needs can help museums create experiences that are relevant, accessible and engaging for the families and communities around them.

Participants will leave with:

• An understanding of the pedagogical principles underpinning child-centred and intergenerational learning in museums.
• Practical approaches for supporting children’s agency, family dialogue and co-inquiry.
• Techniques for using objects and collections to stimulate observation, questioning, conversation and shared discovery.
• Skills for applying inquiry-based, hands-on, sensory and immersive approaches to family learning.
• A practical framework for moving from an understanding of audience needs and learning intentions to the design of effective learning materials and experiences.
• Approaches for embedding inclusive language and ED&I principles within family learning.
• Strategies for reviewing and adapting existing provision to engage local family audiences more effectively.
• Practical ideas and tools that can be applied directly to participants’ own collections, programmes and organisational contexts.

Family Learning in Museums: Building and Engaging Local Audiences
Study Day, 20 April, Central London
Led by Hanouf Al-Alawi

About the Workshop Leader

Hanouf Al-Alawi is an international museum consultant specialising in interpretation, learning and audience engagement, with over 20 years’ experience across the UK and Middle East. She has worked across museums, heritage and cultural initiatives including the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, UNESCO and Barker Langham. Her practice spans learning and participation, interpretation, co-creation, programme development and culturally responsive audience engagement. This multi-institutional background informs a holistic approach to co-production grounded in equity, care and audience-centred design.

Book Tickets

Click ‘Select options’ below to book your place on the study day. Tickets are available on a sliding scale from £137 – £177. Book with colleagues for multiple delegate discounts. Book your ticket online below or email info@museum-id.com if you prefer to be invoiced.

Want to join us for several study days? You can save with our 2027 Study Day Ticket Bundle.

20% of tickets are available at a reduced rate for museum workers who may often be excluded from training and professional development opportunities, including people of colour, LGBTQ+ members of staff, students, freelancers, and those working at small independent museums. Reduced rate tickets are £97 – email info@museum-id.com to check availability and to book a ticket at the reduced rate.

Tickets are non-refundable but may be swapped between colleagues at the same organisation and between different study days (if places are available). If the workshop is postponed, your ticket remains valid for the rescheduled date.