Make Your Monday: Build your own Board Game

A hands-on making session suitable for families. Our facilitators have created a series of activities inspired by the Museum and Art Gallery that you can do from home. There will be different things to make each time.

Board games have been played since civilisation began – they were important enough in Ancient Egyptian culture that some people were even buried with them! Derby Museums has a range of gaming items in its collection, from Roman counters, to 1940s board games. Some games, like chess and backgammon, require complex rules, but here you can learn how to create a traditional ‘Race-to-the-End’ game, inspired by our collections. Share and explore themes you enjoy with friends and family by playing a board game you’ve created!

Scroll down to see the materials you will need. You can also download the activity sheet to accompany the film here.

Suitable for children aged 5+ with their grown-ups.

This online session is free of charge, however, if you are able to consider making a donation, this will help us to continue to conserve our heritage and re-open our doors for future generations. All of your generous donations will be matched pound for pound by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Donate here.

View the activity film below, subtitles are available.

Materials List

For this session, you will need:

• Blank paper or card for your board

• Drawing materials – pens, pencils, crayons etc.

• Dice (you can use our template to make your own)

• Materials for counters, e.g. Buttons, coins, card or playdough

• Glue or tape (optional)

• Scissors (optional)

• Decorative items – stickers, sequins, beads etc. (optional)

Materials you will need for the activity

Click the image to download the activity sheet