Keep the family entertained this February half term in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire has lots of exciting events and activities happening this February half term. If you are looking to keep your little ones entertained while school’s out, start planning now. Whether you are looking for outdoor activities for children to burn off some energy or something to keep them quiet for a while , you will find it all in North Yorkshire.
Discover Dark Skies in North Yorkshire
The North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales are both International Dark Sky Reserves where you can see the stars shining brightly. Gaze up at the heavens and see which constellations you can find, look out for the Milky Way, too. Perfect for young astronomers!
The 10th Dark Skies Festival runs from 13 February – 2 March. Discover the secrets of the night sky with events and activities including canoeing, astrophotography, walking and mountain bike trails, children’s events, art workshops, and talks.
Celebrate railway heritage this half term
Railway200 is the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the modern railway and there is a calendar of events happening in North Yorkshire throughout the year. Families visiting the North Yorkshire Moors Railway can ride on the restored diesel-powered North Eastern Railway Electric Autocar No. 3170 between Grosmont and Goathland stations alongside steam train services to Whitby. The free February Fun Kid’s Kit full of activities can be downloaded to keep the little ones entertained.
Marvel at the magic of trees at Beningbrough
The eight acres of gardens at Beningbrough are waiting to be discovered this half term. Children can become tree detectives for the day as they search for the different trees and complete the Magic of Trees trail. Enjoy adventures in the Wilderness Play Area with a rope bridge, pendulum swing and den zone plus tunnels, balance beam and a wendy house for smaller children. Head inside the Hall to find images of trees and try some origami.
Winter walks along the coast
Wrap up warm and enjoy a day out at the North Yorkshire coast this February. Take a wander along the beach and see what little creatures you can find in the rock pools or perhaps you will find a hidden fossil. For those looking to burn off more energy, why not walk the Cleveland Way from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay where you can explore the narrow winding streets of this pretty coastal village. Dramatic scenery awaits at Filey Brigg, follow the footpath along this Site of Special Scientific Interest which is home to many bird species especially during the winter months. At Whitby Abbey historic characters will tell you about the past, and children can dress up and join in some hands-on activities.
Spring adventures at Fountains Abbey
Look out for lots of exciting half term activities at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden this February. Children can pick up a ‘Springo spotter sheet’ at one of the admission points and start their adventures – counting snowdrops, looking for frog spawn and spotting birds will keep them occupied. Join a live storytelling and craft activity session as well as learn how to produce charcoal before creating a sound map using the charcoal you have made.
Delightful garden activities this February
RHS Garden Harlow Carr has a packed February half term with events inspired by the popular children’s book, Guess How Much I Love You™. Children can explore the gardens on an interactive children’s trail throughout the year. Half term events include craft workshops, story time with the Garden Detectives and story yoga, all based on these beloved characters. In the winter months the gardens are home to the many beautiful plants that thrive at this time of the year. Finish your day with a warm drink and a treat from the plant centre.
Half Term events at Dalby Forest
Enjoy a family fun day out at Dalby Forest in the North York Moors National Park. Families can have a go at the Gruffalo Orienteering Trail at Adderstone Field, can you find all the Gruffalo markers and complete the trail? There are free activities at the Visitor Centre including a stars-themed treasure hunt and spacecraft-themed craft activity to coincide with the Dark Skies Festival plus a new trail for children and families to explore. Refuel at the cafe with hot and cold food available before heading off on more adventures.
Children’s events at our cultural venues
Children can take part in free Make & Take craft sessions at Skipton Town Hall and the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate on 19 February. These drop-in craft sessions are the perfect way for children of all ages to release their inner creativity.
At Skipton Town Hall ‘Ugg ‘n’ Ogg and the World’s First Dogg’ for ages 3 plus tells the tale of how the dog was invented through a mix of physical comedy, puppets, music and song.
