Magic Carpet Minis introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects, and themes in the museum in a fun and gentle way.

Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the natural world, space, world cultures, and Scottish history through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects, and sensory play. 

Magic Carpet Minis are designed especially for our very youngest museum visitors – babes in arms, crawlers, sitters, and pre-toddlers.

Each three-week block has two time slots: 10:30 or 14:00. Sessions last 45 mins which includes settle-in and chat time and free play.

Places are limited to twelve children per block plus their accompanying adult. Due to the interactive nature of Magic Carpet Minis, there is a maximum ratio of two children to one adult. 

We offer separate Magic Carpet Explorer sessions for confident walkers up to age 4, as well as a monthly Relaxed Magic Carpet for children ages 0–6 with additional support needs.

On the day

• If you are visiting with a pram or buggy we advise you to use the Tower Entrance at the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge.
• Lifts are available to all floors and accessible toilets and changing spaces are available on most floors, as well as a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0.  
• A buggy park is available in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery on Level 1.
• Please meet your Magic Carpet leaders at the green fountain in the middle of the Grand Gallery, Level 1. They will do a welcome briefing and take you to where the carpet is that day. If you’re running late, don’t worry – our friendly Visitor Experience staff will also be happy to help and show you the way.
• Please allow time for using lifts and stairs to get to galleries not on the ground floor as they can sometimes be busy.

On the Magic Carpet

• We want to keep the Magic Carpet a comfortable and safe space for all so please remove your shoes before you sit down.
• The session will last approximately 45 mins, including some free play, chat and relax time. There will be songs, rhymes, sensory activities, and lots of interaction.
• Within the session, there will be time spent both on and off the Magic Carpet. If at any point you need to stand up, walk around, or take some time out to settle your little one, please do so.
• Adults are usually seated with their child on the Magic Carpet so they can play together but if you require additional seating for health or comfort reasons, please let us know.
• Adults are responsible for their child at all times.

Feeding and changing

• Please feel free to give your little one milk or water during the session.
• We kindly ask that no other snacks are consumed on the Magic Carpet.
• At the start of each session, we will let you know where the nearest baby changing facility is and also public seating with backs should this be easier for feeding. 

Accessibility and facilities

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit. 

Find out more about our access information. If you have any questions about accessing this event, please email us in advance at PublicEvents@nms.ac.uk.