If you’re keen to keep the kids off the sofa, here are our top picks for fun activities which will keep you and your little ones busy over the school break.
Crime Season at The Postal Museum, London
17th – 22nd February 2020
Did you know that The Post Office Investigation Branch is the oldest criminal investigation force in the world? Hone up your detective skills this half term with a series of crime-fighting themed activities at The Postal Museum. From undergoing essential detective training and making their police ID, all the way to imagining futuristic gadgets and learning how to make secret spy letters – your mini detectives will have lots to keep them busy!
Half terms also marks the opening of the Great Train Robbery Exhibition: Crime & The Post (15 February – 19 April 2020), which will show you exactly how The Post Office’s investigative team helped crack on of the biggest heists of the 20th century. From the personal stories of the people involved to never before seen artefacts, it’s a must-see for history buffs.
Treasure Trails, Various Locations incl. Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead, Eastbourne
Half term means more time with the kids, so why not spend it having fun together in the simplest of ways? No attractions, no crowds; just you, your family and your Treasure Trails adventure. A covert spy mission, a thrilling treasure hunt, a wizard adventure or a nefarious murder mystery – each trail is a self-guided experience with its own theme and storyline, which will draw you in and keep you engaged for hours.
The great thing about Treasure Trails is that they’re available to download instantly, so you don’t have to worry about advance planning. Also, at £9.99 per trail, it gives you a whole afternoon of entertainment for all the family, so it delivers great value for money too. Simply choose your location and get ready to start hunting for clues and solving puzzles together!
Animate it! Aardman Model Making Workshop at Dreamland, Margate
15th February 2020
Here’s a one-day half term event your kids won’t want to miss! Dreamland is teaming up with Aardman Animations for an animation workshop where you can learn how to craft one of your favourite Aardman characters. Ever wanted to make your own Shaun the Sheep, Gromit or Morph out of clay? Now you’ll know how to! Plus, you’ll get to see screenings of some of the best Wallace and Gromit and Shaun The Sheep adventures.
Godstone Farm Olympics at Godstone Farm, Godstone, Surrey
15th – 23rd February 2020
How about a half term event for farm enthusiasts? Get into the spirit of the Olympics with Godstone Farm’s very own farmyard Olympic games! Lots of farm themed challenges are in store, from entering your toy tractor into a race, to a welly throwing competition. Collect all 5 rings to earn your spot at the winners’ podium! The play areas and the animal zones will be open as usual.
Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
If you asked your kid to picture a castle, it’s likely they wouldn’t come up with something far off Bodiam Castle. With striking symmetry, massive towers and a moat complete with fish, it’s a great place for imaginative kids. See original features and interior ruins at one of Britain’s most picturesque ancient monuments, plus with a programme of kids events during half term, it’s great for a family day out.
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Kent
Visit the home of the UK’s original and authentic safari experience at Port Lympne wildlife park, where you can experience a taste of savannah life, right here in Kent. Over 88 species and 700 animals roam across the incredible 600 acres, and the opportunity to hop on board a safari truck and get right to the heart of the action is included within your ticket.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then a range of unique safari experiences can be booked for an additional cost. Come face to face with one of Africa’s ‘big five’, including the black rhino or Rothschild giraffe or even pay a behind the scenes visit to see the lions, which are not normally accessible to visitors. With incredible accommodation options too, it’s a must for animal lovers.
Tower of London, Become a Knight
The year is 1471, the Wars of the Roses rage on and the Tower garrison is looking for new recruits. Put yourself through your paces as you find out what it takes to become a Knight of the Tower. Learn the art of the sword, charge at a quintain, handle armour, dress up, design your own flag and much more.
With the range of impressive skills you have mastered, will Queen Elizabeth Woodville think it’s enough to grant you knighthood?