February half term is on the horizon, meaning that plenty of parents will be starting to wrack their brains for ways to entertain their kids for a full week – but thankfully Visit Nottinghamshire have got you covered! From educational entertainment and action-packed adventures to immersive and imaginative activities, there’s sure to be something for all ages and tastes.
Educational entertainment
Sonic Moves at Nottingham Contemporary: Image credit Sam Kirby
Head to Nottingham Contemporary from the 15 – 23 February between 11 – 3pm for Sonic Moves – a selection of free, drop-in creative activities designed for little ones to explore sound, patterns and drawing. At the other end of town, try out Nottingham Playhouse’s fun-filled February Family Fest (17 – 21 February); with a diverse range of activities from drama to dance, circus classes to crafts and storytelling to singing, there’s something for everyone.
The Festival of Science and Curiosity returns to Nottingham between the 12 – 19 February, with events and workshops involving science, technology, engineering and maths designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Over at Nottingham Lakeside Arts you can Build a Cardboard City, Design your own Comic Book, or Become a Physicist for a Day! Check out the full list of events here.
On a hill just outside the city centre is popular museum and science centre, Green’s Windmill, which has plenty of brilliant events happening this half term between 15 – 22 February, including meteor strike cookie baking, cheese straw baking, a science day and lots more. Little ones can test their brain power with the hands-on experiments in the Science Centre, exploring electricity, magnetism and light.
Action and adventure
Superhero Half Term at Wheelgate Family Theme Park
If your kids are craving a day of exciting, action packed fun, why not head out to Twinlakes Family Theme Park or Wheelgate Theme Park (both from 14 – 23 February) and join their Hero Academy? There are indoor and outdoor activities, from enrolling in spy school to arts and crafts activities, as well as a range of rides and entertainment. What’s more, if you dust off those superhero costumes you can even get 2 for 1 park entry!
For kids who could do with burning off some extra energy – or if you just want to make sure they fall asleep that night – take them to Holme Pierrepont Country Park’s Half Term Adventure Club (17 – 21 February). Their outdoor activities include archery, climbing, the Sky Trail, mini golf and lots more. Alternatively, thrill-seekers of all ages can head to Go Ape; an awesome outdoor adventure park in Sherwood Forest for the whole family to enjoy. With epic zip wires, Segways and loads more, this makes for a truly exhilarating day out this half term!
Another great place to get active in the great outdoors is Conkers, an award-winning adventure park and learning centre with loads to explore. They offer a whole host of exciting Half Term Adventures (15 – 23 February) from bushcraft and orienteering to ranger activities, and in rainy weather you can check out the 4D cinema, craft workshops and indoor performances.
Immersive and imaginative activities
Mini Musketeers at Bolsover Castle: Image credit English Heritage
Become a Mini Musketeer over at the stunning Bolsover Castle (15 – 23 Feb) and find out what life was like in the 17th Century, with musket drills and gunpowder making activities as well as the chance to explore the fairytale Stuart mansion of the castle itself.
For a truly magical experience for kids, take them to experience Rufford Abbey Country Park’s Enchanted Fairy Trail (15 Feb – 1 March). Head out on a quest to find magical miniature houses, seek out the king and queen of the fairies, walk through wonky archways to find the resident dragon and tell your secrets to the Rainbow Sunbeam wishing fairy. Dressing up encouraged!
Budding historians will thoroughly enjoy a visit to Lakeside Arts to see what everyday life was like in Roman times (21 Feb). They’ll get the chance to handle archaeological artefacts, play Roman board games and even dress up in costumes from the period!
Posted on 27 January 2020
