Summer fun with mini digs, dragons and fossil rubbing is coming soon to Stroud's Museum in the Park.

Budding archaeologists will have chance to take part in a mini dig at Stroud’s Museum in the Park and excavate some fascinating finds. They’ll also get to try out some archaeological drawing techniques and make a bronze age beaker.

It’s just one of the many fun activities planned for the Summer Holiday programme at Stroud’s popular tourist attraction at Stratford Park.

For a small fee, children can take part in workshops which include making a Victorian illusion toy or peg doll; producing dragon-related creations and designing illustrated embellished letters led by local artist Alison Cockcroft. Her dragon workshops have been inspired by one of the museum’s recent acquisitions, a fascinating 13th century dragon brooch found in Arlingham.

Meanwhile local entertainer Chloe of the Midnight Storytellers will appear as Agent Green the Dragon Whisperer, captivating all ages with her folktales and legends as well as offering hot tips on dragon care.

And for the whole six week holiday period, as well as having access to the museum’s variety of trails - including a new butterfly hunt for younger children - families have chance to buy Colouring in Stroud’s History, designed and illustrated by Tracy Spiers for a £1 (normally £3) if they say a special password.

Free activities include fossil rubbing, meeting the Curator and discovering a selection of toys, games, stories of letters, writing and the printed word from the museum collection which have never been displayed before.

As well as Punch and Judy Shows on Wednesday, July 27 by Storybox Theatre, there will be two outdoor evening theatre productions: including Robin Hood by Jenny Wren Productions on Sunday, July 31 and Wind in the Willows by IKP Productions on Friday, August 19. And from Saturday, August 6 until Bank Holiday Monday, August 29, an exhibition organized by Gloucestershire Printmaking Cooperative, called The Letter as Art takes place in Gallery One.

“We hope families will come along to some of these wonderfully creative events we have planned this summer,” said Abigail Large Museum Administrator.

“It is always great to see both young and not so young engaging with our fabulous collection and enjoying all the museum has to offer.”

For more information contact Stroud Museum in the Park on 01453 763394 or visit the MiP website www.museuminthepark.org.uk