Do I need to book to attend a session?
Yes – you can book a space via our EventBrite. Please book for the amount of children attending. If you are having difficulties booking get in touch with Morgan who can help you. There is no need to print or bring your ticket with you as we can check you in with the name you booked under.
How long should I wait for a response to my email?
It can take a week or so for a response to bookings, please bear with us as we work through high volumes of emails.
Will I receive a reminder about the session I booked onto?
You will receive a reminder about the session on the Friday before it takes place. This will include whether the session is inside the gallery or outside, how to find us and where the parking is etc.
I can no longer attend a session, should I email to cancel our place?
We understand that things crop up so if you can no longer attend a session, even last minute, let us know via email so we can offer the space to another family on the waiting list.
What are the sessions like?
Each session has a different theme with exciting materials alongside the soft play set up. We focus on child-led open-ended play where children explore the gallery and the materials they are interested in at their own pace. Grownups are encouraged to actively play and follow their child’s lead.
Where does Open Play’s sessions take place?
We are based at the heart of De Montfort University’s beautiful campus at Leicester Gallery.
Our address is: Leicester Gallery, De Montfort University, Vijay Patel Building, LE1 9BH.
We are opposite DMU Doctors Surgery and next door to Riverside Cafe (which is closed at the weekends unfortunately).
Here is the campus map for options on how to travel to us: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/documents/study-documents/undergraduate-study-documents/visit-us/dmu-campus-map.pdf
If we are running sessions elsewhere in the city we will provide you with other locations and transport options.
Is there a cafe nearby?
Riverside Cafe is our next door neighbour and nearest cafe, however it is closed at the weekend. You can grab a coffee from there throughout the week Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm during term time.
The nearest coffee at the weekend is across the street from the machines in OneStop or Tesco Express.
Can I breastfeed or feed my child during our time at the gallery?
Yes! We are a breastfeeding and feeding welcome space. Fed children are happy children, with energy to explore, play and make friends. Please bring your own drinks and snacks to the sessions. There is no set snack break so you can choose an appropriate time for your child to eat or drink. We ask that you don’t bring products containing nuts – thank you!
How much do the sessions cost?
Most of our sessions are FREE. However, we run one session that is Pay What You Ca.
Is there buggy parking?
We have a dedicated space for buggy parking in our gallery during in-door sessions or outside during our outdoor sessions.
Can I bring older or young siblings?
These sessions are just for early years children. Open Play is open to all children 0-4 years old but Tiny Play is solely for tiny babies.
Can I bring the child’s other parent/carer or grandparents?
Yes! We know limited spaces during the pandemic has affected the way families made playful and joyous memories with the children in their lives. We don’t limit how many grownups can come along in a booking. Families come in all shapes and sizes and we look forward to playing with you all.
Can I visit the gallery with my children outside of Open Play sessions?
We welcome children and their families to visit during Leicester Gallery’s regular opening hours (Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 12pm – 5pm) to see the artworks in the exhibition and browse in the shop. We have beanbags and tables for you to sit at your own leisure.