Play Ground: A Summer of fun, play, and discovery

Following on from the hugely popular series of ‘Play’ exhibitions, this summer The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum invites families to step into Play Ground – an exciting, interactive exhibition where children can play, explore and connect with Cheltenham’s rich heritage of outdoor spaces.

Play Ground is a free creative play resource for families in Cheltenham.

Running throughout the summer holidays, Play Ground transforms the museum into a world of imagination and discovery. Inspired by our exhibition Common Ground (running until 31 August), Play Ground explores ideas around rewilding ourselves and embracing the changing landscapes of our surrounding areas.

At its heart is a collaborative commission from local textile artists Centre Half, who have worked to create an immersive landscape of local plants using naturally dyed fabrics.

Visitors can take a trip on our very own boating pond, inspired by Cheltenham’s beloved Pittville Boating Pond, which first opened in 1895. Families can enjoy a playful boat picnic, hands-on activities and races, and storytelling through objects and images from The Wilson’s local history collections that bring the town’s parks, playgrounds and green spaces to life.

Whether it’s sunny skies or a rainy day, Play Ground promises fun for all ages, from toddlers to grown-ups – with games, creative challenges and a space designed to spark curiosity about how we use and share the great outdoors. There will be an ever-changing array of nature tours and trails, which can be picked up in the exhibition and taken away with you, so you can embark on your own adventure around Cheltenham and discover something – or somewhere new.

“We wanted to create something joyful, educational and deeply rooted in Cheltenham’s own story,” says Senior Curator Rhia Davenport at The Wilson. “Play Ground invites us to celebrate the act of play and the profound connection between people and the natural world. By uncovering the layered histories embedded in our shared outdoor spaces, we gain deeper insight into the cultural and environmental narratives that shape the places we call home.”

Come once or come back every week – there’s always something new to discover at Play Ground this summer.

Exhibition Dates: 7 June to 21 September 2025
Location: The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, Cheltenham
Entry: Free

For more information, visit The Wilson website or follow us on social media.