Discover Children's Story Centre
383-387 High Street
Stratford
Greater London
E15 4QZ
England
Website
Website about Discover's programme
About Discover children's particpation work
Booking/Enquiries email
Telephone
General Enquiries
020 8536 5555
Discover is an amazing place for children and families from 0 - 11 years old to play and create stories. Focused on storytelling, children can let their imaginations run wild in the indoor Story Trail or venture outside into the Story Garden. Follow the Story Trail from the Lollipopter through to the Sparkly River, over the Trip Trap Bridge and through the caves. Dress up, make puppets and hold your own show, create your own stories with the help of the story-builders.
Venue Type:
Museum
Interactive exhibits encouraging children to develop their imagination and literacy skills whilst having fun! Exhibits include: The Magic Tower(where children can listen to stories in different languages and go down a slide), the Lollipopter (which could be a boat, plane, helicopter, submarine or spaceship), the Secret Cave, and Polka-Dot Sounds (sound beams and lights are used to create and magical mixture of sound and movement).
Collection details
World Cultures, Toys and Hobbies, Personalities, Performing Arts, Music, Literature
Key artists and exhibits
- See above
Journey to Space
Blast off with Discover’s new interactive exhibition for families, Journey to Space. Children and their families are given a vital mission to find missing astronaut Major Tom. Take off in the giant rocket to explore red hot, icy blue and mysterious green lands of an exotic planet, along the way meet Robert the Robot and follow the trails to complete tasks and crack codes. Dare you venture into the mysterious black hole?
Part of SCI-FI-LONDON Film Festival 30 April – 6 May www.sci-fi-london.com
Exhibition Opening Times:
Tuesday – Friday 12 – 1pm & 3 – 5pm
Saturday, Sunday and school holidays all day
*Journey to Space is a ticketed exhibition on a first come first served basis.
Included with admission to Discover.
Five minutes from Stratford’s Jubilee Line, Central Line, DLR, Overground, National Rail Services and bus stations.
Suitable for
- 0-4
- 7-10
- 5-6
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
Admission
Admission to Discover:
£4.50 per adult/child
£16 for family of four
£4 concessions
Under 2s Free
Website
Craft Activity: Build your own solar system
Why not create an alien world where giant planets revolve around a tiny star? What colour will your planets be and who will live on them? Gain inspiration from our exciting online science app and create your own model of a solar system somewhere in the stars.
Admission
Free
David and Carrie Grant Book Launch
Age 4-7
Join Carrie and David Grant, of hit CBeebies series Pop Shop, The Voice and Fame Academy in a fun filled session to launch a brand-new range of six energetic picture books, all about making music. Each book includes a CD with 7 tracks including a narration, a sing-along song and lesson plans written by Carrie and David. So what are you waiting for? Jump up and join in!
Events are included with admission to Discover unless otherwise stated. Booking in advance is advised, 020 8536 5555, Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm. We regret we cannot take bookings on the day of the event.
Five minutes from Stratford’s Jubilee Line, Central Line, DLR, Overground, National Rail Services and bus stations.
Suitable for
- 0-4
- 5-6
- 7-10
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
When
2:30-3:30pm
Admission
Admission to Discover:
£4.50 per adult/child
£16 for family of four
£4 concessions
Under 2s Free
Website
http://www.discover.org.uk/whatson/event/david-and-carrie-grant-book-launch
David and Carrie Grant Visit Discover
Join Carrie and David Grant, of hit CBeebies series Pop Shop, The Voice and Fame Academy in a fun filled session to launch a brand-new range of six energetic picture books, all about making music.
When
2:30-4:30pm
Admission
Free
Whatever Next! by Jill Murphy
Baby Bear wants to go to the moon, but he’ll need a rocket first. It’s amazing what you can build if you use your imagination. Put yours to work as you journey into space with our Story Builder and Baby Bear for an out-of-this-world picnic.12.30, 1.30, 2.30 & 3.30pm
Admission
Free
Craft Activity: Make your own robot mask
We’ve got all the equipment you need to turn yourself into a super cool robot by creating your very own robo-fabulous robot mask.
Admission
Free
May Half Term at Discover
We’re open every day over May Half Term with storytelling of your favourite picture books, crafts and a visit from Mrs. Vickers' Knickers illustrator, Deborah Allwright. See below for a full schedule.
Mon - Fri 11am
Space Babies, 0 - 3
Mon 27 & Thu 30 May
12.30, 1.30, 2.30 & 3.30pm
The Man in the Moon by William Joyce, 4+
Tue 28 & Fri 31 May
12.30, 1.30, 2.30 & 3.30pm
How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers, 3+
Wed 29 May
12.30, 1.30 & 3.30pm
Moon Man by Tomi Ungerer, 6+
2.30pm
Mrs. Vickers' Knickers with Deborah Allwright, 3+
Illustrator event & Book Signing
Events are included with admission to Discover unless otherwise stated. Booking in advance is advised, 020 8536 5555, Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm. We regret we cannot take bookings on the day of the event.
Five minutes from Stratford’s Jubilee Line, Central Line, DLR, Overground, National Rail Services and bus stations.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
Admission
Admission to Discover:
£4.50 per adult/child
£16 for family of four
£4 concessions
Under 2s Free
Space Babies
Take a very gentle journey into the stars with our Story Builder
blast off, sing along and experience a ride in a roaring rocket and hear a story on an alien planet. This short storytelling session involving nursery rhymes and songs especially for parents, carers and toddlers to enjoy together.
Admission
Free
The Man in the Moon by William Joyce
12.30, 1.30, 2.30 & 3.30pm
Age 4+
Join our Story Builder aboard the Moon Clipper for the adventure of a lifetime. The Man in the Moon was once an ordinary boy but after fleeing the King of Nightmares he embarks on an exciting scheme to protect Earth’s children. An original picture book inspiring hit DreamWorks film Rise of the Guardians.
Admission
Free
How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers
12.30, 1.30, 2.30 & 3.30pm
Age 3+
There once was a boy who loved stars so much that he wished he had one of his very own. So one day, he sets out on a mission to make his dream a reality…Find out what happens with Discover’s Story Builder.
Admission
Free
Moon Man by Tomi Ungerer
12.30, 1.30 & 3.30pm The man in the moon wants to join all the people on earth having fun. He hitches a ride on a passing comet, only to be locked away on earth by the people who see him as a scary invader rather than a friendly visitor. Find out from our Story Builder how Moon Man can escape safely back to his home.
Admission
Free
Mrs Vickers’ Knickers with Deborah Allwright
Join illustrator Deborah Allwright for a thrilling adventure – following Mrs Vickers’ pair of unruly knickers as they wreak havoc one day when they are blown off the line. Watch Deborah recreate her favourite characters from this brand new book and her ever-popular The Night Pirates.
Admission
Free
Mrs. Vickers' Knickers with Deborah Allwright
Age 3+
**ILLUSTRATOR EVENT & BOOK SIGNING**
Join illustrator Deborah Allwright for a thrilling adventure – following Mrs Vickers’ pair of unruly knickers as they wreak havoc one day when they are blown off the line. Watch Deborah recreate her favourite characters from this brand new book and her ever-popular The Night Pirates.
Events are included with admission to Discover unless otherwise stated. Booking in advance is advised, 020 8536 5555, Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm. We regret we cannot take bookings on the day of the event.
Five minutes from Stratford’s Jubilee Line, Central Line, DLR, Overground, National Rail Services and bus stations.
Suitable for
- 0-4
- 5-6
When
2:30-3:30pm
Admission
Admission to Discover:
£4.50 per adult/child
£16 for family of four
£4 concessions
Under 2s Free
Website
http://www.discover.org.uk/whatson/event/may-half-term-mrs-vickers-knickers-with-deborah-allwright
The Man in the Moon by William Joyce
12.30, 1.30, 2.30 & 3.30pm
Age 4+
Join our Story Builder aboard the Moon Clipper for the adventure of a lifetime. The Man in the Moon was once an ordinary boy but after fleeing the King of Nightmares he embarks on an exciting scheme to protect Earth’s children. An original picture book inspiring hit DreamWorks film Rise of the Guardians.
Admission
Free
How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers
12.30, 1.30, 2.30 & 3.30pm
Age 3+
There once was a boy who loved stars so much that he wished he had one of his very own. So one day, he sets out on a mission to make his dream a reality…Find out what happens with Discover’s Story Builder.
Admission
Free
Bear’s Best Friend with Lucy Coats and Sarah Dyer
Join author and illustrator duo Lucy Coats and Sarah Dyer to hear how Bear meets his best friend in a lovely interactive story-telling session. Bring your own favourite teddy along and learn how to draw their portrait to add to the friendship tree.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Q Pootle 5 in Space by Nick Butterworth
Q Pootle 5 and his friend Oopsy are on their way to help their friend Dave when they are interrupted by three hungry bladder monsters! Can they escape in time to get to Dave? Join our Story Builder for an intergalactic mission…
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Welcome to Alien School by Caryl Hart and Ed Eaves
Albie is off for another day at school when mum’s car turns into a rocket and he ends up as the new boy in an alien class! With alien lessons, space-ghetti for lunch and a ride on a space scooter, this is one day Albie will never forget.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Winnie in Space by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul
Winnie the Witch and her faithful cat Wilma travel beyond the stars in a magic rocket where they meet some very pesky Space Rabbits! Will Winnie and Wilbur ever make it back when their rocket is destroyed? Join our Story Builder on this funny and exciting adventure.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
The Paper Dolls with Rebecca Cobb
Join award-winning author-illustrator Rebecca Cobb (Lunchtime) on a fantastical adventure with her characters from The Paper Dolls written by Julia Donaldson. Create your own dolls and help Rebecca break the Guinness Book World record for most paper dolls made.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Flying Like Flittermouse with Jan Fearnley
Take to the skies with award-winning author/illustrator Jan Fearnley as she reads from her latest book Flying Like Flittermouse. Meet Etsuko the hamster who longs to be able to fly like Flittermouse, discover Bottlenose Bay where Etsuko lives and then make and decorate something special to take home!
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Here Come the Aliens by Colin McNaughton
Join our Story Builder for this funny rhyming tale of the Aliens who are coming to take over planet Earth – who or what can possibly stop these terrible creatures?
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Toys in Space by Mini Grey
When the toys are left outside by accident, they see the stars for the first time. Scared and cold in the dark night, WonderDoll tells them a story of an intergalactic journey beyond the stars to help an alien find his Cuddles.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Dr Xargle’s Book of Earthlets by Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross
Welcome to Dr Xargle’s alien classroom. Today you will learn all about those strange creatures down on Earth called children. This hilarious lesson is for everyone who has ever wondered what makes Earthlets tick.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Turkish Storytelling with Canan Marasligil
Join Canan Marasligil, Translator in Residence at the Free Word Centre, for a traditional Turkish tale told with puppets.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Baby Brains by Simon James
Baby Brains is the cleverest person on the planet but what will happen when he goes into Space? Join our Story Builder (and the youngest astronaut ever) and discover what matters most to every baby.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
No-Bot by Sue Hendra
Help Bernard the Robot find his bottom which he has accidentally left behind and prevent him from being a ‘no-bot’ for ever more!
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Boris and Friends with Sam Lloyd
Kissey kissey kissey! All Boris wants to do is play but Wendy and Doris have other ideas. Join Sam Lloyd the author and illustrator of the brilliantly popular ‘Boris’ books and her monster mates for a playful interactive story time and drawing activity.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Just Play at Discover
Sssshhhhhhhhhh it’s a secret but Discover is working away to take play to another level this weekend as part of Stratford Rising 2013’s Welcome to the Playground. Be prepared to be gobsmacked!
Once you’ve been to Discover go out and about to Theatre Square (outside Theatre Royal Stratford East) to see what else we’re up to on that day.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Beegu by Alexis Deacon
Beegu is lost on Earth far from her mother and the big people don’t seem very friendly. Join our Story Builder and Beegu’s small friends and help her find her way home.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man by Michael Chabon and Jake Parker
Awesome Man must fight mutant talking jelly from Beyond the Stars and defeat the Flaming Eyeball, his arch nemesis, in an intergalactic battle. But what is the secret to his awesomeness? Come along to find out!
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Make a Banner for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with Charlie Dark
Would you like to create a banner that goes to the opening of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park? Discover and poet/DJ Charlie Dark need your help to get ready for a celebration across the road. Come and enjoy this bright and energetic workshop.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Q Pootle 5 in Space by Nick Butterworth
Q Pootle 5 and his friend Oopsy are on their way to help their friend Dave when they are interrupted by three hungry bladder monsters! Can they escape in time to get to Dave? Join our Story Builder for an intergalactic mission.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Welcome to Alien School by Caryl Hart and Ed Eaves
Albie is off for another day at school when mum’s car turns into a rocket and he ends up as the new boy in an alien class! With alien lessons, space-ghetti for lunch and a ride on a space scooter, this is one day Albie will never forget.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Help us track down missing space explorer Major Tom!
We’re launching a brand new interactive game on Facebook for the summer holidays based on the space explorer character, Major Tom from Discover’s interactive exhibition, Journey to Space. Follow the weekly clues to find Major Tom.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Max the Champion by Sean Stockdale, Alex Strick and Ros Asquith
Max is mad about sport – everything he does makes him dream of winning a major sporting prize. Join our Story Builder to find out whether Max will win his dream of being the Champion!
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Pop-Up Workshop with Andy Mansfield and Nghiem Ta
Learn to create your very own Journey To The Moon pop-up book to read and show to all of your friends.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Space Babies
Age 0 – 3 years
Journey out of this world led by our Story Builder with your baby or toddler in our cozy hideaway downstairs at Discover for a fun-filled session that will include a story, songs and action rhymes.
Events are included with admission to Discover unless otherwise stated. Booking in advance is advised, 020 8536 5555, Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm. We regret we cannot take bookings on the day of the event.
Five minutes from Stratford’s Jubilee Line, Central Line, DLR, Overground, National Rail Services and bus stations.
Suitable for
- 0-4
Admission
Admission to Discover:
£4.50 per adult/child
£16 for family of four
£4 concessions
Under 2s Free
Website
The Brave Beast with Chris Judge
Brave Beasts and Explorers! Join award-winning illustrator Chris Judge for an action-packed adventure and find out what it takes to be a great explorer. Then learn how to draw your very own hairy Beast.
Admission
Free
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