23 fun things to do this half term
Half term is here and there are plenty of events and activities across the county to keep the children entertained. From Markeaton Park and Kedleston Hall to Derby Arena and Buxton Opera House, there is something for all the family to enjoy. Here are 23 e
SUPERHERO ACADEMY AT BLUEBELLS DAIRY IN SPONDON Sat-Sun, Feb 15-23 from 9.30am-4.30pm each day
■■Use your superhero skills in this interactive and adventurous hour long experience with The Woman of Wonder, The Bat Knight and The Neighbourhood Spider!
Tickets: Bookings only. Tickets cost £8.75 for children, £7.25 for adults, with discounts available for concession. Regular farm entry is included in the ticket price.
SKYLINE HIGH ROPES COURSE AT MARKEATON PARK
Available throughout half-term during opening hours.
■■Located next to Mundy Play Centre, this challenging tree-top adventure has various rope courses with obstacles, a leap of faith and a zip-line.
Tickets: Prices start at £10 for children and £12.50 for adults (over 14 years old) when booked on 01629 534561.
WOODLAND THEMED
PET WORKSHOPS
Every day during half-term holidays from 11.30am for 30 minutes.
■■The sessions at Pets at Home stores across the county will aim to educating children on how to care for animals including wild birds, hedgehogs and small furries in store. Children will have the chance to take part in games, meet the small furry residents and complete an activity booklet based on what they have learned. At the end of the session, children will be awarded stickers and a certificate in a goody box. The workshops, aimed at children between the ages of 5-11, will also cover the five key welfare needs for small furries including shelter, food, water, good health, appropriate company and the right living environment.
Tickets: Free, bookings can be made at www.petsathome.com.
Sessions throughout half-term 10am-4pm
■■The Pharaohs have hidden their treasure around the Museum and Art Gallery. Solve the clues to find some treasure of your own. This session is suitable for children 5-15 with their grown-ups. Other events will also be taking place at Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
Tickets: Trail sheets cost £1 each or free for Derby Museums Family Friends.
MESSY PLAY AND CRAFT ACTIVITY SESSION, WILLINGTON VILLAGE HALL Mon, Feb 17, 1.30pm-3.30pm ■■Abi’s Events & Entertainments is putting on the session, suitable for children of all ages. Parents/carers must accompany their children. Activities will include paint, play dough, water play, sensory play and crafts suitable for older children. It is recommended that children wear clothes suitable for messy play. Tickets: £5 per child.
FAMILY TRACK CYCLING AT DERBY ARENA
Sessions Mon-Fri, Feb 17-21
■■Family Track Cycling offers everyone from age 9 upwards the chance to ride the Velodrome track under the guidance of qualified coaches. No experience is needed, and you won’t need to bring anything, just wear trainers.
Tickets: The one-hour sessions cost £20 for one adult and one child under
16.
POOL ACTIVITIES AT QUEEN’S LEISURE CENTRE
Atlantis Splash Run Mon-Wed, Feb 17-19, Float Run Splash Fri, Feb 21 ■■Younger family members can splash out at Derby’s Queen’s Leisure Centre and enjoy some great inflatables. The Atlantis Splash Run stretches the length of the Gala pool, and is full of giant obstacles to clamber over and thrilling slides. Or you can run the gauntlet across the pool on the new Float Run Splash. Both activities are suitable for children aged five upwards. Tickets: Booking for both activities is advisable by calling Queen’s Leisure Centre on 01332 641444.
BUILD A BIRD BOX AT KEDLESTON HALL
Mon-Fri, Feb 17-21, sessions 10am-noon and 2pm-4pm each day ■■You will be provided with the tools and materials to work as a family to construct the perfect home to take back and put it up in your garden to see if you get a feathered family moving in. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and assistance dogs are welcome.
Tickets: £7.50 per bird box. Normal admission to the venue applies. Drop in session no need to book.
BLOCKS AND BRICKS WEEK AT EREWASH MUSEUM IN ILKESTON Mon-Sat, Feb 17-22, 11am-3pm ■■There will be Lego crafts, activity trails, competitions and other Lego themed activities!
Tickets: Visit the Erewash Museum website for more information.
MAKE AND TAKE DAY
AT DERBY QUAD
Mon, Feb 17, 11am-4pm
■■Quad’s family friendly artist-led creative sessions are suitable for families with children of ages. Choose from a range of craft materials to make whatever you want and take it away afterwards. Other events are also taking place at Quad during halfterm.
Tickets: Free entry
MULTI-SPORT CAMP, DERBY ARENA
Tue-Thu, Feb 18-20
■■Derby County Community Trust is running a multi-sport camp for children aged from reception to year six.
Tickets: Book on 01332 416140.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES AT SPRINGWOOD LEISURE CENTRE IN OAKWOOD
Tayplay sports multi-activity festival
on Tue & Wed, Feb 18&19
■■The new Tayplay sports multi-activity festival at Springwood Leisure Centre is suitable for ages 5 to 11 years, and includes different sports, a range of inflatables, NERF UNITE, plus arts and crafts. The leisure centre is also taking bookings for Ninja Warrior style circuit sessions, a fun and challenging obstacle course for children aged 5 to 12, and football coaching on Friday, February 21.
Tickets: To book the Tayplay session call 07546 116004 or book online at www. tayplaysport.co.uk/book. Call 01332 640333 to book the Ninja Warrior and football sessions.
CRAFTY TUESDAYS AT PICKFORD’S HOUSE IN DERBY Tues, Feb 18, 10.30am-12.30pm.
■■This half-term have a go at making some beautiful birds to celebrate our garden visitors. Drop-in session, suitable for children 5-15 years old with their grown-ups. Accessibility restrictions to upper floors.
Tickets: Free/give what you like.
HALF-TERM INFLATABLE FUN AT ETWALL LEISURE CENTRE
Wed, Feb 19 with four sessions available between 9.30am and 4pm.
■■Half-term indoor inflatable fun at this local leisure centre.
Tickets: £5 per child and £3 for underthrees. Email info@adventuremania.co. uk or call 07588 204205 for more information.
OWN A PONY DAY AT MATLOCK FARM PARK
Wednesday, February 19, from 10.30am until 2.30pm.
■■Ever wondered what it’s like to own your own pony? Here’s a chance to find out just how much commitment and hard work goes into owning a pony. Your day will include grooming, tacking up, cleaning tack, general pony care, practical horse riding experience and theory. Available to those aged six and above. Weather permitting, those attending should dress sensibly for the time of year.
Tickets: £35 per person, subject to availability. To book call 01246 590200.
SHARK IN THE PARK AT DERBY THEATRE
Thu, Feb 20, 2pm and 4.30pm.
■■Featuring all three of the Shark in the Park Series, this family musical follows Timothy Pope (and his telescope!) on three exciting adventures.
Tickets: Standard £14.50, under-26s £12.50.
MR MEN AND LITTLE MISS, BUXTON OPERA HOUSE
Fri, Feb 21, 1pm and 4pm.
■■About: Join your favourite Mr Men and Little Miss characters as they leap off the page and on to the stage in this live show.
Tickets: £14.50 each with family discounts available. Tickets can be booked at buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/ or by calling 01298 7219.
PANGOLIN DAY AT DERBY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
Sun, Feb 16, 10am-3pm
■■Enjoy pangolin activities, stories and facts with nature ambassadors and Rachel Shaw, author of Pipisin the Pangolin.
Tickets: Free, donations welcome
HALF-TERM FILM PARTY
Tues, Feb 18 2pm-5pm, Annie’s Burger Shack, Friary Street, Derby
■■A free screening of Toy Story 4 will be starting at 2pm
Tickets: Call 0330 094 8200 or go to anniesburgershack.com.
ART HUB AT DERBY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
Wed, Feb 19, 10.30am-12.30pm
■■Art Hub explores different creative techniques and processes – there’s always something new to try in this artist-led session. This session will explore how to make a small scale model inspired by the work of Ronald Pope. Suitable for children aged 7+.
Tickets: Free
VR DAY AT DERBY QUAD
Fri, Feb 21, 11am-4pm
■■Those at Quad will be delving into the digital world of virtual reality (VR). Suitable for ages 8+.
Tickets: Free, book at www.derbyquad. co.uk.
LEGO DEMO AT SMYTHS, INTU DERBY
Sat, Feb 22, 10am-3pm
■■Lego Hidden side demo, chance to check out the new multi-player feature and all new sets.
Tickets: Free
KIDS’ MASK MAKING AT HOBBYCRAFT
Sat, Feb 22 at 10.30am or midday, Kingsway Retail Park, Derby
■■Make your own tiger or Hungry Caterpillar mask, using a variety of foam and kids’ crafting components.
Tickets: Free, book at www.eventbrite. co.uk.