During our festival why not visit our trail around the Covered Market and celebrate their 250th anniversary by spotting all our Tiny Ideas creatures and collecting clues!
Once you've helped your grown-up work out the word the clues spell out, visit The Story Museum between 1pm and 2pm on the festival days and give the password to the person in the yellow Tiny Ideas t-shirt and a spectacular hat to win a prize!
Thursday 26th September
Mini MOX at 10.30am
at the Museum of Oxford, St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1BX:
Under 5s / 1hr / £3 per child / Book tickets here.
Perfect for under 5s and their carers, this hour-long session will include an interactive story-songtime and a forty-five minute sensory play session (old clothes are recommended). Meet other families and practice communication and motor skills in a relaxed space, amongst the fascinating Museum of Oxford collections. Booking is advised. Tickets may be available on the door, dependent on availability. Each child ticket includes free entry for a carer. Accompanying adults must stay with their children for the duration of the event.
Venue accessibility:
- Step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall is via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall)
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- Close to city centre bus stops and 15 minutes walk from Oxford train station
- No venue parking – nearest accessible car park is Worcester Street which is 10 minutes walk away
- The Museum of Oxford wants to make sure that every family has a fun and comfortable experience in our galleries and learning spaces. When you attend an event in the Museum Makers space, you are welcome to bring buggies and you will have access to the Museum Makers toilets and changing facilities on the same floor. This event will also have a dedicated quiet space, open to all families during the event.
- Full access info including a visual story can be found here.
Rock and Rhyme by Arji Manuelpillai & Matt Smith at 11am & 2pm
Jacqueline Du Pré Building, St Hilda’s College St Hilda’s College, Cowley Pl, Oxford OX4 1DY
For 0-5s / 45 mins / £7 per ticket, £25 for a family of 4, under 1s free / Book tickets here
Experience the enchanting world of words and music with acclaimed poet and performer Arji Manuelpillai, joined by Jazz guitarist Matt Smith. Embark on a delightful journey that celebrates the joy of language through poetry, rap, and a melodic repertoire of songs and sing-along classics. This award-winning duo guarantees an engaging performance that will bring smiles to young and old. A captivating music show tailored for audiences aged 0 to 5 years old.
This interactive show is an unforgettable musical experience! From the cherished classics like
"Wheels on the Bus" and "Old McDonald" to contemporary hits by legends like Bobby McFerrin and Bob Marley to original music and words from Arji and Matt. Join us as we celebrate the timeless tunes that bring generations together.
Venue accessibility:
- Step-free level access from the main entrance to stalls seating
- Accessible toilet
- Baby changing facilities
- Five minute walk from bus stops on St Clements, Cowley Road and Iffley Road. From these walk to the roundabout and turn down Cowley Place and you will find the College at the end of the road on the right
- Limited parking available next to the JdP for disabled audience members (please email [email protected] to book parking)
- Buggy parking in the foyer
- Full access info can be found here.
Toddler Time - Pip and Posy and Friends Cinema Show - at 11.30am
at the Phoenix Picturehouse, 57 Walton St, Oxford OX2 6AE
Ages 2+ / 30 mins / £3.30 per child / Book tickets here
Toddler favourites on the big screen! Exclusively for preschool children and their parents or carers. Join Pip and Posy for their brand-new cinema show - this time they've brought all their friends along too. Play, sing and laugh along with Pip, Posy, Jamila, Zac and Frankie.
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access via lift or steps to auditorium, with steps to each seating row inside. Accessible seats available (email [email protected])
- Accessible toilet
- Baby changing facilities
- 11 minute walk from Gloucester Green Bus Station, 3 minute walk from Radcliffe Observatory Quarter bus stops
- Large blue badge parking bay on Walton Street, just opposite the cinema
- Bike racks on Walton Street (outside Sainsbury's and the Health Centre)
- If there is space, buggies and scooters can be left at Box Office in the foyer.
- Snacks and drinks sold at Box Office
- Full access info can be found here.
Friday 27th September
Little Look At Tours at 10.15am, 11am, 12.30pm and 1.15pm
Museum of Natural History, Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PW
For 2-5 year olds / 30 mins / Free but ticketed / Book tickets here
Each tour lasts approximately 30 minutes and features storytelling, specimen handling and a guided tour around the Museum led by a member of staff to spot animal specimens on display. Please see the OUMNH website for more information and a description of each tour.
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access to spaces: the accessible entrance of the Museum can be found on the right-hand side of the building when viewed from Parks Road
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- 5 minutes walk from South Park Road bus stop, approximately 15 minute walk from the city centre
- Two on-site unreserved Blue Badge parking spaces and two public Blue Badge parking spaces on Keble Road
- Please keep buggies, prams or mobility scooters with you
- On-site cafe
- Full access info, including a map and visual story, can be found here
Material Monsters, Fabric Friends by Tiny Ideas, Wild Boor Ideas & Tiny Light Theatre at 11am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm
The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford OX1 1BP
For 3-5s and children with additional needs / 35 mins + 15 mins stay and play / £6 per person / Book tickets here
A super sensory show about the clothes we wear and the exciting places they take us to! It's always washday at Lovely Laura’s Laundrette. Who will she help with their smelly socks, dirty dungarees and grubby garments, and what adventures will those clothes take us all on today?
All performances of Material Monsters, Fabric Friends are relaxed and feature Makaton.
“imaginative, inclusive and fun” (Oxford Library Services)
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access via the main entrance
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- Close to city centre bus stops and 15 minutes walk from Oxford train station
- No venue parking – nearest accessible car park is Worcester Street or Oxpens which are both 10 minutes walk away
- On-site cafe
- Full access info, including a visual story and virtual tour, can be found here.
Parents' Power Hour by Rachel Gildea at 10am & 12pm
Pegasus Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RE
Adults / creche for children under 2 included for ticket holders / 1hr / £10 per adult inc. 1 creche space / Book tickets here
Parents’ Power Hour is a fun workshop for parents and carers wishing to reconnect with their inner creativity. Led by parent and performance artist, Rachel Gildea, these sessions explore creativity in all its forms, from moving to writing, art to music. All welcome, creche provided for children under 2 (1 creche space per adult ticket booked)
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- Two Blue Badge parking spaces on-site (to reserve please contact the venue on 01865 812150)
- Less than a minute walk from bus stops on Iffley Road (Magdalen Road West)
- Buggies can be parked in the foyer during shows and activities.
- Snacks and drinks sold at Box Office
- Full access info can be found here.
Take Flight workshop by The Gramophones at 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm
The North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7JN
0-2 year olds & their grown-ups / 45 mins / £12 adult + baby ticket (with free stay and play between 12pm & 2pm) / Book tickets here
Our Take Flight workshop is made for 0-2 year olds and their grown ups. The workshop includes snippets from our performance TAKE FLIGHT and live music which the babies can move to, both on the floor and in the air.
This multi-sensory, interactive workshop with live music ignites the imagination and curiosity of the babies who are in the space with the performers. The babies will be able to play with their adults and the performers whilst also exploring some unique sensory props and toys, including laying in the aerial sling. There will be moments for grownups to play and engage with their babies, guided by our 2 highly experienced facilitators.
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- 5 minutes walk from Summertown shops & bus stops, 3 minutes walk from South Parade bus stop
- No venue parking. Blue Badge Holders can park on the double yellow line immediately outside the main entrance on South Parade for up to three hours
- Buggy parking in the foyer
- Snacks and drinks sold at Box Office
- Full access info can be found here.
Saturday 28th September
Anna Hibiscus’ Song by Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres at 11am & 2pm
at The North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7JN
For 3+ / 50 mins / £10 adult, £8 child (with free stay and play between 12pm & 2pm) / Book tickets here
“Today we offer you a story of happiness. Of self-discovery. Of song. And of dance!”
This is the story of a young girl named Anna Hibiscus. Anna lives in amazing Africa. Ibadan, Nigeria to be exact.
Anna Hibiscus is so filled with happiness that she feels like she might float away. And the more she talks to her family about it, the more her happiness grows! There’s only one thing to do...sing! Told through music, dance, puppetry and traditional African storytelling, this theatrical adaptation of Atinuke’s much loved children’s book will have you beaming from ear to ear.
“Bursting with happiness” - THE STAGE ★★★★
Adapted for the stage and directed by Mojisola Kareem from the book Anna Hibiscus’ Song by Atinuke and Lauren Tobia, arranged by permission from Walker Books Ltd.
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- 5 minutes walk from Summertown shops & bus stops, 3 minutes walk from South Parade bus stop
- No venue parking. Blue Badge Holders can park on the double yellow line immediately outside the main entrance on South Parade for up to three hours
- Buggy parking in the foyer
- Snacks and drinks sold at Box Office
- Full access info can be found here.
Birdie by Mind the Gap at 11am & 2pm
Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RE
For 5-10s / 50 mins / £13 adult, £10 child / Book tickets here.
Birdie is a beautiful show featuring three professional actors with learning disabilities, blending intricate choreography, original music, and captivating object manipulation to tell a powerful story about climate change. Homie, the main character, travels in a mesmerising upcycled mobile home. They are determined to make a difference in the face of the daunting climate crisis.
Homie meets Birdie, a new friend struggling to navigate a world filled with plastics and pollution. With Homie's help they embark on a journey towards freedom and hope, inspiring positive action and encouraging people to stand up for what's right.
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- Two Blue Badge parking spaces on-site (to reserve please contact the venue on 01865 812150)
- Less than a minute walk from bus stops on Iffley Road (Magdalen Road West)
- Buggies can be parked in the foyer during shows and activities
- Snacks and drinks sold at Box Office
- Full access info can be found here.
Boh Boh Finds Home by Little Bean Theatre at 11am, 2pm & 4pm
The Burton Taylor Studio, Oxford Playhouse, Gloucester St, Oxford OX1 2BN
For 3-6 year olds / 45 mins / £10.50 adult, £8.50 child / Book tickets here.
Our alien friend Boh Boh is looking for a new home, can we give him a hand? What and who will we meet on this journey?
Boh Boh Finds Home is an English-Cantonese bilingual interactive performance that brings you to a fun-filled intergalactic sensory adventure. Suitable for children aged 3-8 years old and their grownups.
Venue accessibility:
- Only accessible via two flights of stairs. If you require a stair climber, please let the Box Office know when booking on 01865 305305
- Accessible toilet located on the entrance level to the Playhouse, which also has baby changing facilities (round the corner from the BT Studio entrance)
- Close to city centre bus stops and 15 minutes walk from Oxford train station
- Several Blue Badge parking spaces on Beaumont Street and St Giles.
- No buggy parking
- Full access info can be found here.
Fam Jam by Dancin’ Oxford at 10am & 11.30am
Museum of Oxford, St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1BX
Families / 1 hr / £3 per person / Book tickets here.
FAM JAM is Oxford’s favourite family disco for little ones under 7 years old and their grown ups. We dance to bangin’ tunes, we play games, we paint our faces and we have loads of fun all together. Come and join the party, show off your moves and make new friends – everyone’s welcome.
Venue accessibility:
- Step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall is via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall)
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- Close to city centre bus stops and 15 minutes walk from Oxford train station
- No venue parking – nearest accessible car park is Worcester Street
- The Museum of Oxford wants to make sure that every family has a fun and comfortable experience in our galleries and learning spaces. When you attend an event in the Museum Makers space, you are welcome to bring buggies and you will have access to the Museum Makers toilets and changing facilities on the same floor. This event will also have a dedicated quiet space, open to all families during the event.
- Full access info including a visual story can be found here.
Fold Your City by A Line Art at 11am, 12.15pm, 1.30pm & 2.45pm
The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford OX1 1BP
Families / 45 mins / £2.50 per person / Book tickets here.
YOU are invited to create a large origami model city inspired by your local area and community! Come and create your own large origami shaped house, boat, car or local landmark. Draw, colour and decorate your landmark and be part of this evolving drawn installation - can you spot the mini Headington Shark or the mini Story Museum?
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access via the main entrance
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- Close to city centre bus stops and 15 minutes walk from Oxford train station
- No venue parking – nearest accessible car park is Worcester Street or Oxpens which are both 10 minutes walk away
- On-site cafe
- Full access info, including a visual story and virtual tour can be found here.
Out of the Deep from 11am - 1pm
The Museum of Natural History, Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PW
Families / 15-30 mins per family / Free, drop-in (please be aware you may need to wait your turn)
Join museum volunteers for a family-friendly specimen handling session exploring the underwater world of marine reptiles!
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access to spaces: the accessible entrance of the Museum can be found on the right-hand side of the building when viewed from Parks Road
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- 5 minutes walk from South Park Road bus stop, approximately 15 minute walk from the city centre
- Two on-site unreserved Blue Badge parking spaces and two public Blue Badge parking spaces on Keble Road
- Please keep buggies, prams or mobility scooters with you
- On-site cafe
- Full access info, including a map and visual story, can be found here.
Saturday Morning Movies at 11am
UPP, Jeune St, Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1BN
Families / 1hr / £5 child, £7 adult / Book tickets here.
Come along to UPP for family favourite films for all ages with a themed craft activity! A relaxed screening of Moomins on the Riviera (U) Set sail with the magical Moomintroll, Snork Maiden and Little My
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access
- No accessible toilets on site - please contact a member of staff to use an accessible toilet in the church just opposite the cinema.
- Baby changing Facilities
- Close to Cowley Road bus stops
- Two Blue Badge parking spaces directly opposite the cinema
- Buggy parking in the space
- Snacks and drinks sold at the bar
- Full access info here.
One Hand Can't Clap by Amantha Edmead at 10.30 & 2pm The Museum of Natural History, Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PW
For 3 - 99 year olds / 45-55 mins / Free but ticketed / Book tickets here.
Join Amantha for a journey, adventure into tales, fables and stories from across the Caribbean and Africa. Become part of the sounds and rhythms as the storyteller weaves her yarn, inviting you to not only listen but take part as we build stories together. Plus a new story crafted just for the Festival - come join the fun!
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access to spaces: the accessible entrance of the Museum can be found on the right-hand side of the building when viewed from Parks Road
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- 5 minutes walk from South Park Road bus stop, approximately 15 minute walk from the city centre
- Two on-site unreserved Blue Badge parking spaces and two public Blue Badge parking spaces on Keble Road
- Please keep buggies, prams or mobility scooters with you
- On-site cafe
- Full access info, including a map and visual story, can be found here.
Sunday 29th September
Chalk Party with Jane Gallagher From 10 to 11am & 12 to 2pm
The North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7JN
Families / Free, drop-in / However long you’d like!
Come and watch artist Jane as she brings the Tiny Ideas festival stories alive - with chalk! Join in too - you can chalk pictures, chalk & play games, chalk & sing songs, chalk & be silly, chalk & chat, ask Jane to chalk your favourite picture - or just watch the colourful magic as the chalking takes place!
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- 5 minutes walk from Summertown shops & bus stops, 3 minutes walk from South Parade bus stop
- No venue parking. Blue Badge Holders can park on the double yellow line immediately outside the main entrance on South Parade for up to three hours
- Buggy parking in the foyer
- Snacks and drinks sold at Box Office
- Full access info can be found here.
Kindred by Luminelle Dance at 11am & 2pm
Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RE
For under 5s and their families / 45 mins / £13 adult, £10 child / Book tickets here.
Join us for a fun, interactive and immersive dance performance that you can join in! Kindred explores themes of nurture and compassion in grown-ups, and inspires connection with our 0-5 year olds through joyful movement and play. Share your stories and watch them come to life with live dance and music that will move you.
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- Two Blue Badge parking spaces on-site (to reserve please contact the venue on 01865 812150)
- Less than a minute walk from bus stops on Iffley Road (Magdalen Road West)
- Buggies can be parked in the foyer during shows and activities
- Snacks and drinks sold at Box Office
- Full access info can be found here.
Storytime with Mama G at 11am & 1pm
The Phoenix Picturehouse, 57 Walton St, Oxford OX2 6AE:
2+ / 30 mins / £5 per person / Book tickets here.
Join "everyone's favourite pantomime dame," (Metro) and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Mama G, for stories and songs about being who you want and loving who you are. Mama G will share her own original tales, and some of the best picture books on the market, alongside all the usual panto fun! Every member of the family is welcome, because everyone is wonderful! Take Mama G's word for it!
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access via lift or steps to auditorium, with steps to each seating row inside. Accessible seats available (email [email protected])
- Accessible toilet
- Baby changing facilities
- 11 minute walk from Gloucester Green Bus Station, 3 minute walk from Radcliffe Observatory Quarter bus stops
- Large blue badge parking bay on Walton Street, just opposite the cinema
- Bike racks on Walton Street (outside Sainsbury's and the Health Centre)
- If there is space, buggies and scooters can be left at Box Office in the foyer.
- Snacks and drinks sold at Box Office
- Full access info can be found here.
Shoe Baby by Long Nose Puppets at 11am & 2.30pm
The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford OX1 1BP
For 2-6s / 30 mins show + 20 mins activity / £12 per person / Book tickets here.
Awarded Best children's show of Brighton Festival 2006
Shoe Baby is a magical puppet show! A fantastical sing-a-long adventure with a baby who takes to the sea, the air, the zoo all in a shoe! Shoe Baby is adapted from the book written by well known author, Joyce Dunbar, published by Walker books.The music is written by talented musician, Tom Gray of the award winning band Gomez.
"It's a great, glittery adventure’ Rating 5/5." Three Weeks
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access via the main entrance
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- Close to city centre bus stops and 15 minutes walk from Oxford train station
-
No venue parking – nearest accessible car park is Worcester Street or Oxpens which are both 10 minutes walk away
- On-site cafe
- Full access info, including a visual story and virtual tour can be found here.
The Starseekers by The Wardrobe Ensemble at 11am & 2pm
The Jacqueline Du Pré Building, St Hilda’s College St Hilda’s College, Cowley Pl, Oxford OX4 1DY For 3-8s / 1hr / £10 child, £12 adult / Book tickets here.
Have you ever dreamt of flying to the moon?
Meeting an alien?
Becoming an astronaut?
Join star seekers Alph, Betty and Gammo on a journey through the stars where you take the steering wheel. Inspired by our childhood wonder of the universe, The Wardrobe Ensemble have created a unique theatre experience for children; a show that passes on our awe for the limitless majesty of galaxies, the solar system, shooting stars and planets to the next generation and delves into one of greatest unanswered questions of the universe: what do astronauts really have for dinner?! An out-of-this-world adventure for 3 – 8 year olds!
Venue accessibility:
- Step-free level access from the main entrance to stalls seating
- Accessible toilet
- Baby changing facilities
- Five minute walk from bus stops on St Clements, Cowley Road and Iffley Road. From these walk to the roundabout and turn down Cowley Place and you will find the College at the end of the road on the right
- Limited parking available next to the JdP for disabled audience members (please email [email protected] to book parking)
- Buggy parking in the foyer
- Full access info can be found here.
Play The World: Downtown! by Wild Boor Ideas at 11am
UPP, Jeune St, Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1BN
Under 5s / 1hr / £5 child, £7 adult / Book tickets here.
Downtown is an interactive play along film! Based on a tried and tested play session it follows the adventures of Doggy Bag, a paper dog puppet, visiting the shops in preparation for his birthday party. It introduces fun, interactive play activities, interspersed with the narrative, whilst offering a creative, positive cinema experience for younger viewers.
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access
- No accessible toilets on site - please contact a member of staff to use an accessible toilet in the church just opposite the cinema.
- Baby changing Facilities
- Close to Cowley Road bus stops
- Two Blue Badge parking spaces directly opposite the cinema
- Buggy parking in the space
- Snacks and drinks sold at the bar
- Full access info here.
The Bravest Knight at 12.00pm
The Phoenix Picturehouse, 57 Walton St, Oxford OX2 6AE
Ages 2+ / 30 mins / £3.30 per child / Book tickets here.
The Bravest Knight is the story of a young pumpkin farmer, named Cedric, as he attempts to become the greatest knight who ever lived. Now grown and married to the prince of his dreams, Sir Cedric recounts his fairytale adventures to his adopted daughter Nia, showing her the paths and pitfalls that await her on the way to knighthood.
Kids favourites on the big screen! Exclusively for children and their parents or carers.
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access via lift or steps to auditorium, with steps to each seating row inside. Accessible seats available (email [email protected])
- Accessible toilet
- Baby changing facilities
- 11 minute walk from Gloucester Green Bus Station, 3 minute walk from Radcliffe Observatory Quarter bus stops
- Large blue badge parking bay on Walton Street, just opposite the cinema
- Bike racks on Walton Street (outside Sainsbury's and the Health Centre)
- If there is space, buggies and scooters can be left at Box Office in the foyer.
- Snacks and drinks sold at Box Office
- Full access info can be found here.
Under The Sea - A Sensory Storytelling Adventure by Robyn Olivia at 11am & 2pm
The North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7JN
For children with additional needs & their families / 45 mins / £6 per child / Book tickets here.
This inclusive storytelling session will take you and your family to the depths of the sea and bring the underwater world to life through the senses. Recommended for sensory seeking individuals, this accessible workshop will encourage play, imagination and a lot of fun. If you're lucky, you may even bump into a sea creature or two.
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free access
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- 5 minutes walk from Summertown shops & bus stops, 3 minutes walk from South Parade bus stop
- No venue parking. Blue Badge Holders can park on the double yellow line immediately outside the main entrance on South Parade for up to three hours
- Buggy parking in the foyer
- Snacks and drinks sold at Box Office
- Full access info can be found here.
What Happened to YOU? and other stories about children and disability at 2pm
Caper Bookshop, 74-77 Magdalen Rd, Oxford OX4 1RE
Families / 1 hr / Free but ticketed / Book tickets here.
Local literary agent and author James Catchpole reads his bestselling picturebook What Happened to You? about his experience as a disabled child, which always seems to lead to a lively Q&A! He’ll look at how we respond to disability, both as children and as adults, in his wife Lucy’s book Mama Car, and in You’re So Amazing! which they wrote together. Families and children of all ages welcome.
Venue accessibility:
- Level step-free entrance to event space, available to the right of the shop in the alleyway
- Accessible toilet
- Less than a minute walk from bus stops on Iffley Road (Magdalen Road West)
- No venue parking, very limited on street parking available in surrounding area.
- Space for some buggy parking in the event space