What's On: February Half Term 2025

Here's everything you need to know to keep your little ones busy during half term! Let's keep everything crossed for some blue skies!

The Big Attractions

Kids' Activities

Outdoor Adventures

Theatre & Film

THE BIG ATTRACTIONS

Bluebells Dairy

Farm Academy

Sat 15 to Sun 23 Feb

Live lambing, lambing lessons, milking demos, farmer role play, chick handling, small animal petting, calf bottle feeding and countryside crafts.

Book here

Bolsover Castle

Half Term History Makers

Sat 15 to Sun 23 Feb – 10am to 4pm

Think you know all about Medieval Life? Think again! Be transported back in time through interactive stories to discover more about what it takes to become a medieval knight or princess at Bolsover Castle. Join characters from the past for heritage-inspired hijinks and hands-on shenanigans.

Book here

Church Farm, Anslow

Half-Term Dine Out Deal

Mon 17 to Sun 23 Feb

Children’s meal and fruit shoot for £3 with any adult meal. Usual farm entry costs apply.

Book a table here

Cromford Mills FREE (we think!)

Half Term Activities

Sat 15 to Sun 23 Feb – 11am to 3pm

Join local artist and maker Netty Reddish in the school room to try your hand at a variety of crafts inspired by the local wildlife. Find out more here

Derby Market Place

St Valentine’s Fair

Fri 14 to Sun 23 Feb – 11am to 9pm

A family funfair in the heart of Derby City Centre with an array of rides and attractions to suit everyone. Charges apply for rides.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Peter Rabbit Character Day

Sun 16 Feb

Start at the free carpark at Wirksworth Station. 60-minute journey. Every child receives a gingerbread train biscuit and juice carton. Photo opportunity with Peter Rabbit at the end of the journey.

Book here

Hardwick Hall

Sat 15 to Sun 23 Feb – 9.30am to 4.30pm

Linking to Elizabethan festivities celebrating St Valentine, a date in the calendar we still celebrate today, there will be play activities in the Stableyard inspired by themes of connection, pairs, gratitude and love such as ‘Match the pairs’, Connect Four, create your own sonnet on the storyboard & rustle up a valentine’s feast in the mud kitchen. Explore the gardens and hall using the St Valentines themed spotter sheet discovering some of the love stories of Hardwick. FREE drop in crafting at the East Stables in the Stableyard on the Mon 17 and Thu 20. Normal admission prices apply (£6 adults; £3 children)

More info here

Heights of Abraham

Mrs B’s Troublesome Tea Challenge

Fri 14 to Sun 23 Feb

Join Victorian Mrs B on her hunt for the troublesome teaset in this fun I-Spy for younger visitors. Plus all the usual attractions. Half term entry also gets you a free return visit within 7 years.

Book here

Midland Railway, Butterley

Paw Patrol - Chase

Sat 22 Feb

The famous police pup will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day. Booking advised.

Book here

Peak Wildlife Park

Tiny Ravers – Family Silent Disco

Sun 16 & Mon 17 Feb – 11am & 2.30pm

Pop on your wireless headphones for an hour of non-stop dancing fun! Tickets do not include park entry. Adults and children require tickets.

Tickets: £7

Book here

The Children's Country House at Sudbury

Normal admission charges apply

Sketching Sessions

Sat 15 & 22 Feb – 11am to 4pm

Gather your artist's equipment from the Parlour and head out into the gardens to sketch what you see, or join the team in the Parlour to have a go at a still life drawing. Normal admission changes apply, plus a small donation

The Canterburys

Sat 15 & Sun 16 Feb – 12 to 12.30, 1 to 1.30 & 2 to 2.30pm

Acoustic duo performing a selection of hits in the Saloon

Clock Tours

Wed 19 Feb – 11 to 11.45am, 12.15 to 12.55 & 1.30 to 2.25pm 

Explore the history of the house's clocks

Wellness Walk

Fri 21 Feb – 11 to 11.45am

Join Garden Volunteer Fran for a wellness walk through the gardens

Gardens Talk and Tour

Fri 21 Feb – 1 to 1.45pm & 3 to 3.45pm

Learn about the history and the future of the gardens on a tour with our Head Gardener

More info about all the above here 

Thornbridge Estate

Love Locker Launch FREE

Fri 14 to Sun 16 Feb – 10am to 4pm

Join the BBC and ITV’s film crews to watch The World’s Biggest Love Lock Rescue! Thornbridge has rescued 40,000 locks from the Bakewell bridge and designed a new structure to hold them. Filming occurs on Fri. Sat/Sun treasure trail. Add your own lock if you wish. Music and entertainment plus food and face painting. Free parking and garden entry all weekend.

Fun Zone

Mon 17 to Sun 23 Feb The Carriage House is being transformed into our Fun Zone with an indoor bouncy castle (3 - 12yrs), soft play area (under 3s), arts and crafts tables, film club, and of course, the return of our duck fountain! £3 entry during Feb (under 3s free)

More info here

Twycross Zoo

The Creature Cases

Sat 15 to Sun 23 Feb

Twycross Zoo transforms into a top-secret mission HQ with The Creature Cases: Operation Twycross Zoo. Junior detectives must solve an exciting zoo-wide mystery. Entry includes returns for a year.

Book here

White Post Farm

The Weekend of Love

Fri 14 to Sun 16 Feb

Free return visit when you book online.

Jungle Antics

Celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the fantastic Jungle Barn indoor play area with a range of crafts, activities and keeper talks centred around reptiles and the jungle.

Book here

KIDS’ ACTIVITIES

Cre8ive Trix Half-Term Crafts

West End Community Centre, DE22 3BL

Thu 20 Feb – 2.30 to 4pm

Crafts cost £5 per child and £3 per sibling. Face painting also available (£5 full face or £3 half face and glitter tattoos).

Denby Pottery

Pet-Themed Crafts

Paint a pet plate, make a clay pet or craft a pet-themed mobile to celebrate all the fluffy, cute and unique pets out there. You can also book an aditional ticket for the pets trail around Denby Pottery Village and 'Have a go' at pottery throwing on selected dates.

More info here

Derby Museum FREE

Make your Own Fossil

Thu 20 Feb – 10.30am to 12.30pm & 1.30 to 3.30pm

Drop-in session for families. Explore the natural world, linking the animals on display and fossils that remain. Then design, make and create your own clay fossil. Suggested donation £3.

More info here

Derby Theatre with CANVAS  FREE

Move Me!

Fri 21 Feb – 9.30 to 11am

Play, dance and move with your little ones in this active early years sensory experience. Suitable for 0-5s. No booking required.

Erewash Museum

Get Arty

Wed 19 Feb - 11am to 4pm

Paint your own canvas (age 5+).

Thu 20 Feb - 11am to 4pm

Paint your own canvas workshops (age 5+). Pottery wheel and felting demonstration, crafts and trails.

Fri 21 Feb - 11am to 4pm

Paint your own canvas workshops, felting demonstration, crafts and trails.

Sessions £3. Book via 0115 907 1141 or email museum@erewash.gov.uk

Fleet Arts FREE

Meet & Make at Belper Library

Mon 17 Feb - 2 to 3.30pm

Artist-led workshop for age 7+. An adult must stay. Booking essential 01629 533192

Massive Maps & Mark-Making at Co-Create space inside the Coop

Wed 19 Feb - 11am to 3pm

Drop-in to see two artists and add to their installation with the table-top art activity provided.

Clay Workshop at Co-Create space inside the Coop

Thu 20 Feb - 2 to 4pm

Throw a pot and make a tile. Age 7+. An adult must stay. Book here

Upcycled Hearts at St Peter's Church

Fri 21 Feb - 7 to 9pm

Make green hearts for #showthelove as part of a clothes swap with donations to Hope for Belper and Derby Refugee Solidarity

Genesis Soft Play, Alfreton

Valentine’s Day Disco

Thu 13 Feb – 4 to 6pm

Disco, games, Valentine card making, Cupid’s cupcake decoration, buffet and a sweet cone and balloon for every child to take home. Spaces are limited.

Tickets: £10.95 per child. Pre-book on 01773 417014

Ilkeston Library FREE

Half-Term Crafty Activity

Fri 21 Feb - 10.30am to 12pm

Simple drop-in craft activity led by staff.

Infinite Wellbeing, Heanor

Holiday Club

Mon 17 to Fri 21 Feb - 8am to 6pm Children will have chance to play games, get creative and use their imaginations. Breakfast, lunch and a light tea included. For ages 4-11. Half day, full day and early drop-off options available. Book here

Little Moos Play Barn

Wed 19 Feb – 10am Messy Play in the Moo Room

Thu 20 Feb – a visit from Miss Rachel

Normal playtime and sensory room the rest of the week

Moorways Sports Village

Inclusive Waterpark Session

Wed 19 Feb – 4 to 5.30pm

Autism-friendly session.

More info here

Swim, Run, Bike FREE

Wed 19 Feb - 9.15am to 1pm

Free holiday triathlon taster session for 8-14 year olds. No experience needed - coached will guide you. Bikes and helmets provided or bring you own. Bring a packed lunch and water bottle.

Book via 01332 414310 or email JessicaBurtenshaw@everyoneactive.com

Ripley Library

We Feel Happy! With Katie Abey FREE

Wed 19 Feb – 1 to 2pm (6 and under)

Wed 19 Feb – 2.30 to 3.30pm (7 and over)

Creative art workshop with local artist Katie Abey. Meet a real life author and illustrator and make something wonderful to take home. Limited places. Call 01629 532982 to book.

SEND Fusion, All Saints Church, Marlpool DE75 7BP FREE

Music& Movement Stay and Play

Wed 19 Feb - 10 to 11.30am

A safe space for children to be self-expressive and feel empowered. For children aged 3-11 with SEND needs.

Message to book on Facebook

SENDisco

Out of This World Theme

Fri 21 Feb – 5 to 7pm

Blackwell Community Centre

Blast off to an evening of fun! Sensory sand, space-themed crafts, tuck shop and low-level disco music. Designed for SEN children aged 4+ and their families.

Tickets: £5 SEN; £3 siblings

Book by messaging 07733 060448 or on Facebook 

SEN-Fit CIC

Holiday Club

Tue 18 Feb – 9am to 1pm Langley Mill

Thu 20 Feb – 9am to 1pm Borrowash

Lego, pick and mix crafts, daily physical activity, sensory area and cooking for ages 7-16. £20. Bring your own packed lunch. Must be booked in advance.

Book here

The Farming Life Centre FREE

Countryside Crafting Kids Club

Wed 19 Feb – 10.30am to 12.30pm

Drop-off session for primary aged children from rural areas. Sheen Village Hall, Sheen, Buxton, SK17 0ES. A scavenger hunt around the village using findings to create countryside crafts and clay.

Bird Club

Thu 20 Feb – 10.30am to 12.30pm

Drop-off birdy fun session at Hardenclough Farm, Edale S33 7ZL. Make bird feeders, go bird spotting and take a farm nature walk. For primary aged children from rural areas. Bring a packed lunch.

Contact Chloe to book a place via chloe@thefarminglifecentre.org.uk

The Play Village

Ashbourne

Role play Use code BOOM for buy one, get one free entry during February.

Book here

Titchy Town

Chellaston, Derby

Interactive role play centre designed for children up to 6 years.

Book here

Woodlands Church, Allestree FREE

Egyptian Adventure Holiday Club

Wed 19 – Fri 21 Feb – 9.30am to 12pm

Drop-off sessions full of games, challenges, team exercises, Bible stories, crafts, snacks, drinks, songs and more. Parents are invited to stay for a free lunch after pick-up on Friday. Free but voluntary donations are welcome. Suitable for anyone in reception to year 6.

Book at place here

OUTDOORS

Calke Abbey

Join Fearless Flynn on an Adventure

Sat 15 Feb to Sun 09 Mar – 9.30am to 4pm

We've teamed up with local author Sue Wilkins to create a fun family trail inspired by the characters in Fearless Flynn. Say hello to Flynn outside the Ticket Office and then travel around the Pleasure Grounds and Stableyards in search of his friends. But remember, mice like to play games! Each character has a different challenge you must complete before moving on. Pose for a family photo next to the characters and then head back to the Stableyards for arts and crafts, including badgemaking. Normal admission charges apply

Carsington Reservoir

Nature Heroes Trail

Sat 15 to Sun 23 Feb

Pick up a free trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and head off around Stones Island.

Family Bat Box Making

Wed 19 Feb – 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1 to 2pm

A hands-on event for families who want to learn about bats and create a cosy home for them. £25 per family (includes parking).

Book here

Chatsworth FREE

The Woodland Lab

Tue 18 to Thu 20 Feb – optional explorer walks 11am & 1.30pm

What are zombie trees? Find out in this free nature-themed half term workshop and walk based at the Stickyard outdoor learning centre. No booking required. Best suited to children aged 5+. Pay to park.

More info here

Dovedale 

Big Bird Count Trail

Sat 15 to Sun 23 Feb & Sat 01 to Sun 09 Mar – 10.30am to 2.30pm

Pick up a trail sheet (£3) from the welcome van and a pair of DIY binoculars, then head up Thorpe Cloud or along the river Dove, counting up as many different birds as you can along the way.

Elvaston Castle

Once Upon a Trail

Thu 20 Feb – 10.15am to 3pm

Step into a magical storybook world, courtesy of Wyatt’s Café at Elvaston Castle. Dress up as your favourite storybook character and embark on an enchanting adventure around the park. Solve puzzles, complete tasks and enjoy themed stations inspired by beloved family books. Basic and premium (includes lunch) ticket.

More info and tickets here

Hardwick Hall

St Valentine Themed Activities

Sat 15 to Sun 23 Feb – 9.30am to 4.30pm

Outdoor games and activities, and a spotter sheet to use around the hall and gardens.

Drop-in crafting activities

Mon 17 & Thu 20 Feb – 10.30am to 3pm

Normal admission charges apply

Hopton Hall, DE4 4DF

Snowdrops

Every day in February – 10.30am to 4pm

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Hopton Hall's renowned Snowdrop Walk. Discover the history, explore the mesmerising display, and indulge in a serene escape amidst nature's winter wonderland.

More info here

Ilam Park

Wonderful Winter Birds

Sat 15 Feb to Sun 09 Mar – 10.30am to 2.30pm

Walk the trail and try to spot all 10 of the hidden birds and learn along the way. Then come back to the welcome hut to collect your prize: a DIY bird box kit. Decorate this in our bookshop or take it home to enjoy. £3 for a trail sheet from the welcome hut

Bird Ringing Demonstration FREE

Sun 16 Feb – 6 to 10.30am (weather permitting)

Come along early and watch Ranger Bryn humanely catch, measure, ring and release birds whilst explaining the science and motivation behind the project. Meet at the bird feeder on the path up to the stableyard.

Guided Walk

Sun 16 Feb – 10am to 12pm

Take in the beauty of the valley, as our experienced guide leads you on a journey through the rich and captivating history of Ilam Park. Voucher included for 10% off at Ilam Tea Room and free car parking redeemable on the day of the walk. £6 - booking essential: call 0344 249 1895

Make Your Own Yoghurt Pot Bird Feeder

Fri 21 Feb – 12.30 to 3.30pm

£3. In the stableyard. Suitable for 2+

More info here

Kedleston Hall

Winter Adventures

Sat 15 to Sun 23 Feb – 9am to 3.30pm

Enjoy a wintery walk along the 'Short Trail' with activities along the way, including welly-wanging, self-led yoga, storytelling and snowball bowling. Normal admission charges apply

More info here

National Memorial Arboretum

Animals in Remembrance

Mon 17 to Fri 21 Feb – 12 to 3pm

Free arts and crafts sessions to make a range of animals and purple poppies. Complete the outdoor trail (£2.50). Pay to park. Interactive storytelling workshops about Arbie and the Magical Lights throughout the day. There’s also the permanent and free Stick Man trail.

More info here

Rosliston Forestry Centre

Children’s Book Hunt

Sat 15 to Sun 23 Feb – 10am to 4pm

£3 per child.

More info here

Woodland Connections at Shining Cliff Woods

Woodland Adventure Day

Mon 17 Feb – 9am to 2.30pm

Drop-off session for children aged 5-12. Spend a fun day in the woods playing games, building dens, crafting and spending time around the campfire.

Tickets: £26.50

Book here 

Family Campfire

Fri 21 Feb – 11.30am to 1.30pm

Join Woodland Connections for a family-friendly time at the campfire. Do some nature-based crafts or sit and relax with your choice of hot drinks. Whittle your own marshmallow toasting stick. Feel free to bring a packed lunch.

Tickets: adults £6; children £4 (4-16yrs); 3 and under free

Book here 

THEATRE & FILM

Buxton Cinema

Mufasa

Mon 17 to Thu 20 Feb

Mufasa, a cub lost and alone, meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of a group of misfits searching for their destiny.

Book here

Derby Theatre

Maria in the Stars

Sat 22 Feb – 1 & 3pm

Calling all space explorers! Join an interactive adventure for everyone aged 7+. When the Queen offers a medal to whoever can find signs of life on Mars, budding astronaut Maria jumps at the chance! However, she has to battle not only the treacherous landscapes of the Red Planet but also her sneaky neighbour, Leo, who has come along for the ride. Luckily, Maria is reunited with the exploration Rover that her Grandma lost on Mars years before – but who seems curiously afraid of the disco…

Through this dynamic space race young audiences will learn sign language for the planets and stars, create brand new sign language for Maria’s discoveries, and be inspired to have out-of-this-world ambition!

Book here

The Ritz, Belper

Dog Man

Sat 22 to Sun 23 Feb

When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured together on the job, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together and Dog Man is born. Dog Man is sworn to protect and serve—and fetch, sit and roll over. As Dog Man embraces his new identity and strives to impress his Chief, he must stop the petty evil plots of feline supervillain Petey the Cat.

Book here