Okay so you’ve got the whole week to find activities for your kids this half term. What are you going to do?
Here are a few ideas for babies, toddlers and older kids to do in around Plymouth this February half term.
Saltram
If you’ve read my blog for more than five minutes you’ll know my favourite place to go is Saltram. And the National Trust never fails us on a half term. This week there’s a new garden trail that’s started ready for the holiday or there are still seven fairy houses to find. Or there’s always the infamous tree to climb (you all know the one), or the bike track. Find out more here https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram
National Marine Aquarium – Sea the Difference, Explore the Shore
The NMA is offering families the chance to meet scientists, conservationists, and animal experts this half term. Children can take part in activities, games and adventures, as well as watch talks, feeds and shows by the local ocean heros who work to champion the coastal waters. The Aquarium is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
To find out more click here http://www.national-aquarium.co.uk/events/february-half-term-sea-the-difference-explore-the-shore/
Moo Music Cafe
There’s a new place to be for young kids in Plymouth and that’s the brand new Moo Music Cafe on Mutley Plain. Run by Lisa Clark of Moo Music, the cafe opens this week and offers a chance for mums (and dads) to have a coffee or lunch whilst their children enjoy the soft play or get arty on the blackboard wall. From next week the cafe will also be the new permanent base for the popular Moo Music sessions too. Find out more and book into a session by going to www.bookwhen.com/moomusicplymouth
Polar Bear Explorer Trail
Visit Plymouth have been running a trail to find 20 polar bear cubs around the city’s waterfront since November, and it continues until March 3. But if you’ve not completed it yet, there are workshops taking place this week on February 19 and 22.
Plymouth Waterfront Partnership are holding the workshops at the Mayflower Visitors Centre on the Barbican where families can learn the bear facts about the Arctic and the oceans, how plastic is affecting the bears’ home and how we can help. There is colouring in for children of all ages and polar bear mask-making. Also free hot chocolate and squash! To book a place, logon to https://helmtickets.com/events/3590/polar-bear-explorer-workshop
Horrible Histories – Theatre Royal
Two amazing shows with Horrible Histories are on this week at the Theatre Royal – Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects. They are being peformed from Tuesday February 19 to Saturday February 23.
Find out more here https://www.theatreroyal.com/whats-on/2019/horrible-histories-awful-egyptians/
TR2 Backstage Tour
And if a show isn’t enough, grab a chance to see what goes on backstage at the Theatre Royal’s production and learning centre in Cattedown is this brilliant backstage tour on Tuesday February 19. You’ll be able to see where they build sets, make costumes and where companies rehearse. https://www.theatreroyal.com/
YMCA Holiday Club
If you have older children (aged 8-16) and want to book them into a holiday club, the YMCA in Honicknowle are offering safe, fun and engaging activities every day this week. They include sports, trips to adventure parks, street surfing, climbing and arts & crafts
For more details and to book, click here https://www.ymcaplymouth.org.uk/holidayclub/
Pennywell Farm
Pennywell is offering up to nine days for the price of one this half term. The farm near Buckfastleigh, is opening its doors again for the season this week, and is offering the chance to pay once then receive a VIP ticket to visit anytime from February 16 to 24. More details www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Burrator Family Activity Day
A day of themed nature trails, woodwork, environmental art and outdoor cooking is taking place at the Burrator Discovery Centre on Tuesday February 20 from 10am to 3pm. You can just drop in, no booking needed. Find out more here www.swlakestrust.org.uk
Cheerleader Camp
If your child fancies trying out as a cheerleader the Plymouth Raiders basketball team’s cheerleaders are holding a two day ‘camp’ at Devonport Guildhall for children aged 7 to 11 and 12 to 16. It takes place on February 21 and 22 and costs £40.
Life Centre activities
Plymouth Life Centre are holding daily activities all week for children aged five to 12. As well as different sports, there will also be arts and crafts sessions, parachute games, team games and swimming. Have a look at what you fancy here https://www.fitforsport.co.uk/holiday-activity-camps/find-your-nearest-camp/detail/plymouth-life-centre?lat=50.3853348531161&lng=-4.15311243935778&id=215#
Dartmoor Zoo
Staff at Dartmoor Zoo have lots of fun lined up for children this week, including a daily scavenger hunt with edible prizes. They are also holding a raffle every day to win a same day animal encounter.
Find out more here https://www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/
Cotehele
Kids can build a shelter, light a controlled fire and learn survival skills in the wild during a bushcraft activities session. Run by Jack at Serious Outdoor Skills, the workshops are suitable for children aged 7 to 15 and take place on February 18, 19 and 20. Booking is essential. There is also a daffodil trail on in the gardens. Look here for more details https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele/whats-on
Buckland Abbey
There’s loads on for kids at Buckland Abbey this half term. Children will love the equipment, including a zip wire at the Higher Paddock Play area, and there are a whole host of workshops running through the week. These include making pine cone bird feeders, magical fairy houses, creating miniature worlds and creatures from natural materials, making wild art during a meet the Ranger session, Tudor cooking, and creating your own glass coaster or hanging decoration with the Serendipity Glass workshop. There is also a trail to find 12 hidden penguins hidden around the Abbey and a nature spotting trail. Find out more details and how to book here https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey
Plymouth Libraries
Libraries across Plymouth are hosting a whole load of different activities this half term and there are some amazing things on offer. They include crafts, biscuit decorating, card making, rhymetime for babies and toddlers, storytimes for under 5s, book groups, author visits, table tennis, film showings, coding and digital making for kids aged 8 to 13, pebble art, making talking robots, make your own bird feeder or bug hotel, a Lego/Duplo club, making friendship bracelets, and stay and play sessions for under 5s. There’s literally something for everyone at locations across the city. Find out more here: https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/libraries/activitiesandeventslibraries
Adrenalin
A special half term unlimited use ticket is on offer at Adrenalin this half term. Kids can bounce from as much as they want all week from 11am every day for £39 Monday to Sunday. More details are here https://www.adrenalinleisure.co.uk/special-offers/
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