It’s February! As the days get longer and longer, love is in the air and we can detect just a hint of spring around the corner. The weather may still feel wintery but there’s a lot to keep us busy and with half term only days away there are plenty of things to help keep the kids entertained.
Imagine Children’s Festival, Southbank Centre – London
Running from 10th to 21st February this popular children’s festival returns to The Southbank Centre. Incorporating the Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl, which celebrates 100 years since his birth, there are many events and activities running throughout half term. The festival is open from 10am till 4pm and lets children enjoy theatre, literature and music. With plenty of free activities and workshops for children up to 12 years old including Junk Orchestra, Groove Baby and creating your own dream jar or animation film there are lots of ways for the kids to be active and get creative. The Southbank Centre have only limited parking because of construction so take the stress out of the car journey and take the family by cab instead.
National Trust Back to Backs – Birmingham
This last surviving court of Back to Backs houses in Birmingham takes visitors through a historical journey from the 1840s to the 1970s. Find out more about the lives of some of the everyday former residents in these historically restored houses right in the centre of Birmingham. Visits are by guided tour only so make sure you book in advance. The Back to Backs are just a short walk away from Birmingham’s Grand Central so you can combine your dose of history with a visit to this impressive and brand new shopping and dining complex.
With the third largest Chinatown in Europe, Manchester will be celebrating the Year of the Monkey from the 4th to 7th February. At numerous locations across the Chinatown area, the festivities include fireworks, a light show and on the last day you can watch the spectacular 175-foot dragon dance accompanied by acrobatics, music and traditional lion dances. The Manchester Arndale will be hosting several family friendly creative workshops including calligraphy, paper folding and making your own New Year cards. This years celebrations are also hosting an Asian street food village, a “Taste of China” and you can really get into the celebrations at the pop up Tsingtao Beer Ping Pong Bar. Enjoy the fun and don’t forget to book your cab home.
BBC Radio 6 Music Festival – Bristol
This popular music festival is back in Bristol from the 12th to the 14th February. With a line up of acts including Primal Scream, Suede, Foals and Guy Garvey and an impressive list of nighttime DJ sets, the festival is live in five venues across Bristol. Tickets are available now. Why not enjoy one of the many independent bars and restaurants across Bristol, sample the live music festival and dance the night away. Book your cab in advance so you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to get home.
KAWS Exhibition – Yorkshire Sculpture Park
In his first ever UK museum exhibition of work, American artist KAWS showcases his work at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) from the 6th to the 12th February. In a wide-ranging exhibition including sculpture, graphic design, toys, prints and paintings, this impressive display includes a series of monumental and imposing sculptures made from fiberglass and wood throughout the park. With free admission, this is a unique opportunity to see work from a world-renowned artist and to enjoy the indoor and outdoor experience of the YSP.
Whether you are 2 or 92, everyone loves Lego and the National Museum of Scotland is running a Lego Build It! Exhibition from the 29th January to 17th April. As part of the Festival of Architecture 2016, guests can view a display of mini buildings from renowned Lego artists and watch them build a 3-metre model of the museum. Lego fans can get creative in the Builders Yard and as part of the mini maker station your masterpiece could be displayed for the day. Free admission and activities throughout half term week make this a great place to visit for all the family.
