Pastime | Podcast
Pastime

Activity Quest: Days out and crafts for kids

Join our presenters from across the UK as they give you interesting and fun things to keep you busy out-and-about and at home. It's the weekly kids entertainment show from the UK’s children’s radio station Fun Kids.
Plus, when you become a Fun Kids Podcasts Plus subscriber, you get this show – and 30 others! – ad-free and support the work Fun Kids does in bringing you high-quality, entertaining, and safe content for your family. Find out more at FunKidsLive.com/plus

Jul 05 2026 | 00:08:02

ex sends Adam to the Royal Society in the heart of London for the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, where the very best of British science is on show. The room is bursting with things to discover, from telescopes hunting for invisible dark matter to Oxford robots learning to stack cups and whole universes being built inside a computer. Adam meets cosmologist Sir Carlos Frenk, a scientist who studies the entire universe — galaxies, planets, stars and everything in between. Carlos shows off his exhibit, Galaxy Makers, which reveals how you build a galaxy like our own Milky Way... and even how the Moon was made by firing an asteroid at the Earth! Along the way, Carlos explains why scientists are just normal people (who tell jokes and sometimes get a bit sweaty), how a night under the stars in the Mexican jungle set him on his path, and one of the biggest questions science still can't answer: are we alone in the universe?Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 29 2026 | 00:11:03

Dan visits the iconic Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), a Wimbledon fan’s dream, for a one-on-one coaching session with top tennis pro Sam at the National Tennis Centre. Find out what it’s like to train where the pros play, learn about the new LTA Youth programme designed to help kids fall in love with tennis, and get some simple drills to try at home, even in your living room! PLUS: It’s Craft Corner! Get ready for some glow-in-the-dark fun as we show you how to make your very own water bottle bowling set using recycled bottles and glow paint, perfect for summer evenings when the sun goes down.Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 13 2026 | 00:07:30

Adam heads to one of England's oldest and most mysterious historical monuments — the world-famous Stonehenge. Joined by Stonehenge volunteer manager Sue Martindale, Adam explores the 4,500-year-old stone circle, discovering secrets of its prehistoric builders, ancient engineering feats, and the natural phenomenon that draws crowds every year: the solstice alignment. PLUS: Get creative! Georgia visits to lead you through a craft activity where you’ll make your very own Stonehenge miniature at home.Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 05 2026 | 00:15:36

Host Bex takes us along with Adam for a magical trip to the Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm. Experience what it’s like to step into the tropics even in the middle of a British winter, where it’s always warm and hundreds of butterflies flutter all around. Adam chats to William Gorst, horticulturist and tour guide, who shares how the butterflies live, feed, and transform from caterpillars to magnificent adults. Plus, we learn fascinating facts like how the Mayans saw butterflies as ancestors visiting us, and why you should always handle these delicate insects with care. Then, we put our butterfly-spotting skills to the test with Dan from Butterfly Conservation, focusing on the Red Admiral — an amazing British butterfly that’s bold, bright, and active even in winter! Discover the science behind their vibrant wings, how climate change is helping them survive UK winters, and what you can plant to make your garden a butterfly havenJoin Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 30 2026 | 00:07:41

Adam and Dan head to Sandbox VR in London. There, they take on the “Davy Jones’s Locket Quest” – an amazing, fully immersive virtual reality experience that transports them onto a pirate ship, complete with flaming swords, battling skeletons, strange tar-filled creatures, and a not-so-helpful talking parrot!  PLUS: Don’t live near London? We’ve got a creative at-home activity for you to try. Get crafty and make your own VR headset using just a cardboard box, some markers, and your smartphone, bringing the excitement of virtual reality right to your living room.Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 23 2026 | 00:09:53

Adam is off to Reading in Berkshire to visit the Museum of English Rural Life. He meets Philippa, the Learning and Engagement Manager, for a fascinating tour. Step inside the education studio, try on countryside costumes, and find out what it was like to work in the fields—did you know children used to scare birds away for up to 10 hours a day? Adam explores the museum’s hands-on galleries, from old shepherding games to steam engines and Land Rovers, and discovers how life in the countryside evolved over the years. Plus, we get to say hello to the museum’s garden chickens, Nook and Gemini Rosalina!Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 16 2026 | 00:11:30

Adam heads to Harcourt Arboretum near Oxford. Joined by Catherine and Roger from the Arboretum’s education team, discover what an arboretum really is and why it’s sometimes called a living library of trees. Explore wildflower meadows bursting with colour, spot butterflies like the red admiral and marbled white, and gaze up at an enormous California redwood. Learn why connecting with nature is great for your wellbeing, try some bark-hugging, and find out about willow weaving activities and special family days at Harcourt. Then, get creative at home with Georgia's craft: a DIY pressed flower bookmark, inspired by the Arboretum’s blooms. Packed with outdoor inspiration and crafty fun!Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 05 2026 | 00:07:26

Adam heads to the stunning landscapes of Wales to ride the legendary Snowdon Mountain Railway – the highest railway ascent in England and Wales! Discover fascinating facts about this Victorian marvel, from its challenging construction in the 1890s to how it still chugs adventurers nearly five miles up Mount Snowdon. Experience a ride through Snowdonia’s breathtaking scenery, find out how the railway makes the summit accessible for all, and learn about the mountain’s mythical ties to King Arthur. Back at home, Bex introduces a fun and creative craft activity—a make-your-own mountain railway model! With simple materials like cardboard, paints, toy trains, and pebbles, you can bring the magic of the Snowdon railway to your living room. Step-by-step, Bex walks you through designing the scenery, laying out the tracks, and adding all the finishing touches so your train can “climb” the peak just like Adam’s.Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 26 2026 | 00:10:47

Adam visits the Walthamstow Pump House Museum in East London, a hidden gem bursting with engines, model trains, and family fun! Volunteer Victoria gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the museum's impressive Marshall steam engine, which once helped pump sewage uphill and kept Victorian London running. We also pop into the model train room, where volunteers are recreating the historic Weaver Line, complete with old-fashioned trains, a WWII bunker, and bustling high streets. The museum even has real 1967 Victoria Line tube carriages repurposed as a unique Supper Club, where diners enjoy a mashup of history and delicious Latin American cuisine inside a genuine train carriage. Families are welcome to explore, with Sunday craft sessions in the iconic pump room, DIY workshops in the Tool House for budding engineers, and a friendly tuck shop-style café offering treats and local hospitality. Whether you want to dive into engineering, try your hand at crafts, or just marvel at the machinery, there’s something for everyone, including ways to get stuck in as a volunteer!Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 20 2026 | 00:11:13

Adam heads to 270 Climbing Park in Gloucestershire, home to one of Europe's highest and most exciting ropes courses! He makes his way through a series of unique, high-flying challenges, finishing off with an adrenaline-fueled freefall from the 18-meter activity tower.  Afterwards, we check out a home craft project: creating your very own miniature climbing wall for toy climbers.Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 12 2026 | 00:12:05

Adam explores the British Library's brand new Fairy Tales Exhibition, where stories, myths, and legends leap off the page and into real life. He discovers storyteller cottages, a gingerbread house, magical pop-ups, and more, plus over 54 tales from around the world, including re-imagined classics and bold new adventures. Find out which fairy tales are really for heroes, which ones might have a twist, and why these stories still matter today. Whether you’re a fan of Goldilocks, Cinderella, Anansi, or brave new characters, this family-friendly journey will inspire you to create your own fairy tales. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 02 2026 | 00:08:45

Dan is hitting the running track for some action-packed fitness fun at Hyrox Young Stars. He heads to London’s Olympia, where Hyrox Young Stars is turning fitness into a challenge for thousands of kids aged 8 to 15. It’s the junior version of a real-deal adult fitness race, with all the buzz, competition, and camaraderie you could want. Run laps, push and pull sleds, lunge, burpee, and take on wall balls! Listen as the team explain how the event scales challenges for all ages and builds young athletes – and all-around strong, healthy kids. Want a taste of the challenge? Find out where to search to join Hyrox or cheer someone on!Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 30 2026 | 00:14:41

We meet Mark Day, a collections access facilitator, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Science Museum Group’s vast storage facility – a building so big it could fit three football pitches inside! Discover how this top-secret former military airfield became home to over 80% of the Science Museum’s artefacts, and learn about the fascinating process of caring for, cataloguing, and moving tens of thousands of important historical objects. Walk with us amongst rare vehicles, vintage aircraft, bizarre scientific instruments, and even robots! Hear the story behind some of Mark’s favourite objects, including a magical Victorian prism, a robotic trumpet player, and an unexpectedly famous rubber duck that helped scientists land a probe on a comet! Search for “Science Museum Store Tours” online to plan your visit.Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 22 2026 | 00:18:06

Bex goes behind the scenes at the Lush Factory in Pool to discover exactly how your favourite bath bombs are made. We hear from Annabelle and Ben from Lush about the company’s history, their commitment to inventing eco-friendly, package-free products, and their ongoing fight against animal testing. Then – Bex has a go! We find out what a "compounder" is and listen as Bex joins the team to hand-make some "Toby’s Magic Cow" bath bombs. Discover why they use natural, fresh ingredients, how weather can affect the bomb-making process, and why every bath bomb is tested for fizziness and colour before it goes to the shops... Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 16 2026 | 00:17:16

Explore Edinburgh Zoo like never before. Adam chats with Morris, a Discovery Ranger, to uncover what makes this iconic, hilltop zoo such a special place. From giant African land snails and sassy baby hippos to rare armadillos and a mischievous monkey with a taste for Yorkshire puddings, discover the stories behind some of the zoo’s most incredible residents and learn how conservation is at the heart of everything they do. Plus, join Jon Carter from the British Trust for Ornithology for a journey into the great outdoors as they reveal the wonders of the great spotted woodpecker. Hear how these brilliant birds communicate, why their tongues are so extraordinary, and how you can attract them to your garden.Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 08 2026 | 00:08:04

Adam visits Volcano Falls Mini Golf in Milton Keynes! Joe, the General Manager, talks about the different courses they have – including Volcano Valley, Tropicana Beach, and the Island Carnival. Georgia's also providing instructions on how to create a homemade mini golf course!Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 02 2026 | 00:09:43

Bex heads to the Story Centre where she meets Jess who explains their mission and the amazing three floors packed with story worlds, immersive exhibitions, and a beautiful garden!Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 22 2026 | 00:16:19

Bex explores the UK’s most iconic movies and TV shows with a behind-the-scenes look at Aardman, the legendary animation studio behind classics like Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run, and more! With a brand-new exhibition opening at the Young V&A in Bethnal Green, London, we take you inside the creative wonderland of Aardman’s world.Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15 2026 | 00:16:10

Bex embarks on a magical exploration of the brand new Jolly Postman exhibition at The Postal Museum! Step inside the world of Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s iconic story as Bex joins Sally Bruce, exhibition curator, for a tour packed with hands-on fun, fairy tale deliveries, and behind-the-scenes secrets about the beloved children’s books. Discover how the classic book series inspired a fully interactive exhibition where visitors can literally step right into the story, starting with possibly the biggest book you’ve ever seen! Find out how Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s home life – complete with attic studios and garden sheds – led to the creation of The Jolly Postman and his enchanting postal rounds.Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 08 2026 | 00:08:09

Adam heads off (sort of) into the wilderness – North London, to be exact – to explore the Green Tree Badge, an exciting new badge programme all about trees that you can take part in no matter where you live in the UK. Find out what the Green Tree Badge is, who created it, and how you can earn your very own badge by completing fun tree-related activities. Adam chats with Smrithy, co-founder of Green Tree Badge, from Bags of Ethics along with charity partners the Royal Forestry Society. They share how the programme encourages YOU to discover the amazing properties of trees whether you live in the countryside, a town, or a city! The Green Tree Badge has been designed for everyone, wherever you live and whatever your abilities. Thanks to donations, passbooks and school packs are available across the UK, making it easy and affordable for all families to join in.Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 31 2026 | 00:19:30

Adam steps inside the television to visit CBeebies Rainbow Adventures at Westfield, White City. He chats with producer Emma about how this interactive, immersive experience brings children’s favourite shows like Hey Duggee, Bluey, and JoJo & Gran Gran to life. CBeebies Rainbow Adventures is the UK’s first immersive, interactive theatre experience designed just for preschoolers. You're led by the Rainbow Gardener on a colourful quest to restore the missing colours of the rainbow through familiar locations from CBeebies shows! The experience is perfect for preschoolers with sessions for under-3s and small group sizes. Don’t forget your photo with Duggee or Bluey at the end!Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 25 2026 | 00:10:31

ClueQuest is set up as a secret spy agency led by Mr. Q, offering immersive escape room experiences that are fun for families, friends, and teams! This week, we're trying an escape room. We get locked in and work together to solve a series of puzzles to gain our freedom.Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 19 2026 | 00:13:49

Magician, inventor, and master of robo-fueled slapstick, Mario the Maker Magician pops into the Fun Kids studio during his London run – and we’re seriously starstruck. Fresh from his performances at venues like the Sydney Opera House and Broadway, Mario brings us into a world of handmade robots, modern slapstick comedy, and magic that’s for everyone – whether you’re three or 103. George sits down with Mario to explore why every show should be for every person, and how Mario creates magic for YOU.Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 08 2025 | 00:12:49

Bex sends Adam off to try something extra special: a visit to the new Paddington Bear Experience in London. If you love marmalade sandwiches, hidden secrets, and stories set in both deepest, darkest Peru and bustling London, this is the episode for you!Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 01 2025 | 00:07:54

Join Adam as he travels to beautiful Buckinghamshire to explore one of the UK’s most magical festive experiences: Christmas at Waddesdon Manor – a real life 'fairy castle on a hill'. Pippa, Director of Waddesdon, gives us the inside scoop on why it’s so magical, especially at Christmas. Plus Head of Learning Sarah reveals how 13,500+ local schoolchildren have helped decorate the stables with artwork inspired by the Sounds of the Season. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 24 2025 | 00:18:55

Join Bex and Adam on another adventure-packed episode of Activity Quest! This week, Adam steps inside the remarkable Grant Museum of Zoology at University College London (UCL), discovering a world of fascinating animal specimens, quirky museum stories, hands-on learning, and the importance of understanding science history. Plus, we finish with a creative zoology-inspired craft you can try at home!Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 16 2025 | 00:12:19

Adam goes for an adventure at London’s oldest surviving operating theatre and Herb Garrett, located near London Bridge. He meets Dr. Monica Walker for a fascinating look at the history of medicine, gruesome Victorian surgeries, and the hospital’s herb-filled origins. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.