There is a lot to keep the kids busy this half-term with a range of family fun events running across the country, including numerous free activities! Below is an outline of some of the events we’ve found near our schools …
Staffordshire
Local libraries across Stoke-on-Trent have a fun-filled timetable of free events planned over the half-term holiday, including an unmissable performance from Frontline Dance which is especially designed for children with disabilities, but can be enjoyed by everyone!
The National Memorial Arboretum has something for all ages this half-term, from outdoor trails and sensory play areas, to leisurely strolls with the family surrounded by wildlife. Join the arboretum team for their interactive storytelling, and arts and crafts workshops, for some family fun! Discover more at: https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/whats-on/february-half-term-activities-p1862911
Spread the magic this half-term at Gladstone Pottery Museum's Witches and Wizards day on 22nd February! With wand and potion-making workshops there's fun for the whole family! Find out more: http://ow.ly/ES0X50MOzK9
Tickets are now available for a family craft workshop with the artists from FUSE at Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme. Play with clay, paint your own masterpiece or get hands on with charcoal – there is something for everyone! For more information visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/brampton-museum/family-craft-with-the-artists-from-fuse/e-avgzkq
The fun of the circus comes to the Biddulph Town Hall on 24th February when the laughter-packed stage show Cartoon Circus Live combines the comedy of pantomime with the thrill of the circus. Featuring some of Britain's funniest clowns, award winning international circus artists and illusions, as well as numerous prizes and surprises, there is something for everyone! Book tickets now at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/stoke-on-trent/biddulph-town-hall/cartoon-circus-live-biddulph-extra-show-added-due-to-popular-demand/2023-02-24/13:30/t-qjmklxj
North West
Make some noise at the Science and Industry Museum as they explore sound and music this February half term. Play, create and experiment with free drop-in activities and science shows for all ages. Add a ticket to the special exhibition, Turn It Up: The Power of Music, to discover some weird and wonderful instruments or play your way through 50 years of gaming with a visit to Power UP. To book tickets, visit: https://www.visitmanchester.com/whats-on/february-half-term-at-the-science-and-industry-museum-p719301
Learn how to be an author at a free session in Tameside with author Andrea Bowker. The creator of Rab the Rainbow Crab uses her work to introduce children to LGBTQ and disability, bringing important messages such as being kind, and different is good. This session is aimed at children aged 4 to 7 year olds, however, older children are welcome. Learn more at: https://www.familyonthego.co.uk/whats-on-in-tameside/free-denton-half-term-activity-meet-the-author
Enjoy a free Comics Workshop at Dukinfield Library led by Marc Jackson and learn to draw your own characters. Marc Jackson is a UK based cartoonist who has created comics and characters for BEANO, Aces Weekly, Comic heroes magazine, Comicscene and lots more. For more information visit: https://www.familyonthego.co.uk/whats-on-in-tameside/free-half-term-activity-dukinfield-library
Think 'out of the box' this school holiday with a fun-filled day at Immersive Gamebox. The high-tech, digital room is full of interactive games for all ages, creating an exciting and enjoyable experience for the whole family! To book tickets, visit: https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/attractions/immersive-gamebox-zjnxz24b
Join Wonderland’s wacky inhabitants at Bury Transport Museum to help them uncover who committed the crime! Discover more at: https://www.visitmanchester.com/whats-on/foul-play-malice-in-wonderland-p721701
Midlands
The Happy Half Term event at Resorts World marks Children’s Mental Health Week, aiming to inspire and engage children by boosting happiness and confidence with new skills and new connections. There are a range of free and bookable events across the week with something to suit all age ranges and abilities, including sensory workshops, circus skills, yoga sessions and drama workshops. Visit their Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/711321420584750/711321427251416/
Head to Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens for Percy’s big adventure! Join Percy and his friends for story time, games, craft and nature activities. This event will be based outdoors and is ideal for families with children aged 2-9-years-old. Find out more at: https://visitbirmingham.com/whats-on/percys-february-half-term-adventure-p1455311
If you are looking for a special day out with family that's a bit different, head down to Statfold! You can enjoy a range of activities including journeys on a steam train, vintage swing chair rides, soft play fun, inflatables, VR and more! This event is open from the 18th-26th of February and will have a free shuttle bus running from Tamworth to Statfold. Discover more at: https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/whats-on/half-term-fun-at-statfold-p1877661
This half-term find out more about Earth Observation and how this can help us protect our planet. Join the team at the National Space Centre in Leicester to understand how satellites work and what they do to monitor our planet. Visit their Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/689342429497301/689342432830634/?active_tab=about
Transport
This half-term kids go free with Transport for Wales! Discover more about this great offer at: http://ow.ly/A3x550MUO4u
Peak Rail will be running a steam train service between Rowsley and Matlock, with under 15s for no cost! Find out more at: https://peakdistrictkids.co.uk/event/kids-go-free-days-on-peak-rail/2023-02-19/