Home for the holidays: How to keep the kids entertained
If you’re dreading what to do with the kids for half term, don’t worry. We’ve put together a list of events taking place in or around Cardiff that will stop you fretting and give the kids a fab time while they are off school for the half-term break
1. Get romantic at St Fagan’s
Where: St Fagan’s National History Museum, CF5 6XB
When: Saturday, February 17 - Sunday, February 25 If you want the kids to feel romantic this half term with activities inspired by Dwynwen and Valentine, the patron saints of love, then head here to see the lovespoons in the collections. While you’re at it, you will be able to explore all of the historic buildings too.
2. Be a space hunter
Where: Techniquest, Stuart Street, CF10 5BW
When: From February 17 Nan’s garden shed is no ordinary shed — it is a space ship in disguise. Go with the children on a treasure hunt in space to meet an astronaut, ride on a comet’s tail, look for an exploding star and much more.
3. Do a spotter trail
Where: Dyffryn Gardens, St Nicholas, CF5 6SU When: Saturday, February 10 to Sunday, February 25 Discover some of the fascinating plants and animals you can find at Dyffryn Gardens with a special February half term spotter trail.
Put your detective skills to the test as you follow the clues to each location and write down the letters you find to spell an important Dyffryn name.
4. Try a new instrument
Where: St David’s Hall When: Saturday, February 17 Book: 029 2087 8444 The whole family can enjoy beautiful bronze Javanese percussion instruments and learn to play a traditional piece. The two hour sessions are fun and non-stop hands on, offering something new whether you’re a keen instrumentalist or have no previous musical experience.
It’s suitable for ages 7 years and upwards but under 11s must be accompanied by an adult.
5. Watch Sister Act Live Choir
Where: St David’s Hall, The Hayes, CF10 1AH
When: Saturday, February 17, 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Book: 029 2087 8444 See the brilliant film ‘Sister Act’ like never before, on a large screen whilst a live 35-piece gospel choir and band accompany the on-screen nuns, sing hit songs from the film.
6. Build a universe
Where: Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, CF10 5AL
When: Monday, February 19 to Saturday, February 24 This half-term head on down to Wales Millennium Centre for a spectacular space adventure.
The Millennium Seagull has landed at the Centre and its crew need your help. Become a Universe Explorer and discover new planets, moons and alien beings.
Build your own satellite and space ship and begin your adventure into the unknown.
7. Jump on SIX giant inflatables
Where: Vale Sports Arena, Penarth Road, CF11 8TW When: Monday, February 19, 10am6pm The Conquest Inflatable Challenge is not for the faint-hearted! Tackle the six giant inflatables and see if you can complete the challenge.
All proceeds from this event go to charity partner Cerebra, who work wonders for children with brain conditions.
You will get 30 minutes to make your way around the course as many times as possible.
It’s for those aged 8 and above.
8. Play some rugby
Where: Cardiff Arms Park, 18 Millennium Walk, CF10 When: Monday, February 19 to Wednesday, February 21, 9am - 4pm Book: www.cardiffbluescamps.com If you have a little rugby fan in the house, this is the perfect activity to keep them happy - and they are bound to sleep well afterwards. rugby They will have a chance to play lots of rugby-inspired activities and take part in fun drills and exercise.
9. Do the Cardiff Bay Spy Mission Treasure Trail
Where: Outside the Wales Millennium Centre
When: Anytime If you are looking for something to do with family and friends or seeking a fun day out with the kids in Cardiff Bay, this could be the activity for you.
As you follow the Trail route, you can solve the sneaky clues set on existing buildings, permanent features and monuments to crack the code and complete the mission just like a true secret agent.
This Trail starts at the iconic Wales Millennium Centre and follows a route close to the waterside passing the Pierhead building and the Senedd. See the sights as you detour into the Wetlands area and then return through bustling Mermaid Quay to your starting point.
All you need to do is download a trail from the website
10. Watch a film
Where: Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff When: Friday, February 9 until Sunday, February 25 (various times) Set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures and woolly mammoths roamed the earth, Early Man tells the story of Dug, along with sidekick Hognob as they unite his tribe against a mighty enemy Lord Nooth and his Bronze Age City to save their home.
It’s directed by Wallace and Grommit’s Nick Park.
11. Meet the Cadw Dragons
Where: Caerphilly Castle, CF83 1JD When: Now until February 28 Visitors can get up close to Cadw Dragons, Dewi and Dwynwen, but will have to keep their eyes peeled for their mischievous little monsters, Dylan and Cariad, who are playing hide and seek around the Castle.
12. Make a magical machine
Where: Cardiff Story Museum, The Hayes, CF10 1BH When: Wednesday, February 21, 10am-3pm Get the kids inspired by the artwork of local legend Charles Byrd and create their own magical machines.
Suitable for families with children age 4 to 7.
13. Dance with The Little Mix Experience
Where: Memo Arts Centre, Barry, CF62 8NA. When: Wednesday, February 21
Tickets: 01446 738622 If you’re a fan of one of X Factor’s finest exports you’re sure to L.O.V.E. the Little Mix Experience!
Four hugely talented girls pay tribute to one of the UK’s finest GirlBands with all the right dance moves, replica costumes and some of the finest vocals in the UK, this is a high-energy show from beginning to end, packed with all of Little Mix’s greatest hits and suitable for all ages.
14. Watch What the Ladybird Heard
Where: New Theatre, Cardiff. When: Thursday, February 22 to Sunday, February 25
Tickets: 029 2087 8889 Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they reckon without the tiniest, quietest creature of all: The Ladybird has a plan of her own.
Join the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in this glittering stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard adventure. With live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs.
See pages 4 and 5 for an interview with creator Julia Donaldson
15. See Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales
Where: Sherman Theatre, Senghenydd Road, CF24 4YE When: Tuesday, February 22 and Wednesday, February 23 Tickets: 029 2064 6900 Under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle, these terrific tales are woven together with live music, puppetry and a whole host of colourful characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved titles: Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze.
There will be funky moves, toe tapping tunes and plenty of giggles.
16. See your favourite Milkshake! Live characters
Where: St David’s Hall, Cardiff at noon and 3.30pm When: Friday, February 23
Tickets: 029 2087 8444 Starring Milkshake! favourites Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Wissper, Fireman Sam, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur, Shimmer and Shine, Milkshake’s very own Milkshake! Monkey and two Milkshake! presenters, this all-singing, all-dancing, musical masterpiece will take audiences on a journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales.
17. Build a birdbox
Where: Tredegar House, NP20 3AJ When: Wednesday, February 21, to Friday February 23 (and also Tuesday, February 15 and Wednesday, February 16)
It might be nippy out but there’s plenty of wildlife surviving the cold in the beautiful gardens.
Look out for the hands-on trail discovering the hidden lives of birds and help out the birds in your back garden by building a bird box.
Venture inside the Mansion House and discover the hidden lives of the women who lived here through a brand new interactive trail.
18. Listen to a story with Fi and her puppets
Where: Margam Park, Port Talbot, SA13 2TJ
When: Monday, February 19, 11am Fiona is a storyteller and puppeteer, based in South Wales, who performs for family audiences at events. Her amazing tales are told with the help of her wonderful puppets.
There are other events including Water Tales, Welsh Folktales and castle tours.