February 2025 Half-Term Fun at Beningbrough

Become a Tree Detective
Grab a trail sheet and embark on the Magic of Trees trail at Beningbrough. Search the gardens for 8 leaf symbols, record your findings on the Top Tree Trumps chart, and discover fascinating facts about trees like the hardy Yew, playful Horse Chestnut, healing Ash, and mighty Oak. Look out for caterpillars’ favourite trees and signs of woodpeckers and owls up high. The trail runs Friday to Sunday in winter and daily during February half-term (15–23 February).

Explore the Wilderness Play Area
Adventure calls in the Wilderness Play Area. Build dens, climb stacks, cross the rope bridge to the slides, or swing high on the pendulum swing. For little explorers, there’s a Wendy House, balance beams, tunnels, and a mini clamber stack. Accessible bucket swings ensure fun for all.

Take your adventure indoors
Head into the Hall to continue your detective work. Spot images of trees and wooden objects – you’ll be amazed at how many there are!

Don’t forget to stop by the restaurant when you are ready to refuel with a hot chocolate, sweet treat, or lunch box (or feel free to bring a picnic).

Photos © National Trust Images / Annapurna Mellor

Sat 15th Feb: Brood Blow Dry

Get a blow dry or an up do while your little one is entertained in our pamper themed stay and play followed by their own trim.

Sun 16th Feb: Ariel Brunch

Party with “The Little Mermaid” in our studio, followed by an Under the Sea brunch, and a one to one meet and greet with the mermaid herself.

Mon 17th Feb: Pop Star Academy

Drop your little ones off for a 2 hour master class on how to become a pop star!  Finishing with a performance for the parents.

Tues 18th Feb: Spring Crafts

A studio full of different crafting stations for your little ones to explore whilst you sit back, enjoy a coffee and some yummy food.

Wed 19th Feb: Clay Workshop

Join Puffin Pottery to make clay Easter wreaths that will be taken away, fired and returned in time for Easter.

Thurs 20th Feb: Build a Bear

“Down in the Jungle” followed by stuffed animal making, singing and themed play.

Fri 21st Feb: A Day at the Zoo

Join us for the launch of our new Stay and Play theme “A Day at the Zoo” – music, stories, puzzles and animal play!

Sun 23rd Feb: Mini First Aid

Baby First Aid for Parents – preventing accidents from happening.

North York Moors Dark Skies Festival 10th anniversary: 14th February – 2nd March 2025 

Our tenth Dark Skies Festival will be full of activities and opportunities for you and your family to appreciate the wonders of the night sky. Join us to celebrate this fantastic anniversary by attending a stargazing event in the North York Moors, there’s lots to choose from!

The North York Moors is one of only 21 locations in the world to be recognised for pristine, dark skies. We’re an International Dark Sky Reserve, awarded by DarkSky (formerly International Dark-Sky Association).

From Dark Skies experiences at Sutton Bank National Park Centre to astro-themed family crafting activities at various venues; lantern-led ghost walks at Robin Hood’s Bay and night walks at Sutton Bank, there’s a myriad of after-dark adventures to ignite your sense of wonder. Date night with a difference? Check out the Dark Sky Meander and Stargazing event in Dalby Forest.

If you can’t make events in person, there’s an interactive online presentation on 17th February so you can join in the celebration of Dark Skies from your own home.

Find out more about the full Dark Skies Festival Programme here.  Why not go for an overnight stay to enhance your Dark Skies experience?

Learn to Save a life & gain a formal qualification- for ages 11-18 years old

Friday 21st February 2025 9:30-3pm

Student First Aid Level 2 RQF

Course cost £47

Teaching them first aid helps young people evaluate risk. It also empowers them with life skills to help themselves or their friends, if faced with a medical emergency from social times to babysitting there are many places and situations young people can find that learning to save a life can be one of the most valuable lessons in life.

There is no doubt that teenagers often find themselves in situations which first aid skills could make a critical difference. This amazing new qualification means students would also have the opportunity to attain a nationally regulated qualification, enhance their CV making them more employable, for work or babysitting and develop new life skills.

The course costs just 47pp and is aimed at young people age 11-17 . on completion a nationally recognised level 2 RQF certificate is awarded to the learner. This course meets Duke of Edinburgh requirements for expeditions.

A range of subjects are covered including:-
• What is first aid?
• Primary survey
• Recovery position
• Resuscitation and AED
• Choking
• Common Injuries

Click here to find out more & book on-line: www.watsontrainingservices.co.uk/shop/student-first-aid-level-2-rqf

Bring your winter explorers to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal this February half term.

Springo spotter sheet:  Pick up your spotter sheet from any admission point and head on your adventure.

Annabelle and Flower: live storytelling and craft with author Em Lynas

Tuesday 18 February, 11am, 12.30 and 2pm

Head to Swanley Grange Workshop and meet the author of Annabelle and Flower, Em Lynas.

Join a live storytelling session and craft activity all about her beautiful new picture book Annabelle and Flower.  Find out more and book your child’s place here:

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Making charcoal and sound maps

Thursday 20 and Friday 21 February, drop in between 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm.

Join the ranger team in Swanley Grange who will teach you how to make a fire responsibly, burn sticks safely and create charcoal.

Guess How Much I Love You™ – A Garden Adventure

Daily, from Saturday 15 February until the end of 2025

SATURDAY 15th FEB – SUNDAY 23rd FEB 2025

SAVE 20% use code MUMBLER20 at checkout!

The Detective Dog | SAT 15 FEB | 12pm & 2:30pm | AGES 3-103

Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s well-loved story, The Detective Dog, is brought to life on stage for Deaf and hearing family audiences by Tiny & Tall Productions.

https://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/events/the-detective-dogs/

Ugg ‘n’ Ogg and the World’s First Dogg | SAT 22 FEB | 11am & 2pm | AGES 3+

In the fresh sparkling world just after the last Ice Age there were no dogs. Not a single one. So how did we get our best friend and the world’s number one pet, the dog?

This original play for families and dog lovers of all ages is inspired by the truly amazing evolutionary process that transformed the wolf into all the dogs that we see in the world today.

https://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/events/ugg-n-ogg-the-worlds-first-dogg/

February 2025

JORVIK Viking Festival: 17th until 23rd February 2025

Get ready for an exciting adventure this February at the JORVIK Viking Festival! The streets of York will come alive with Viking warriors, traders, and craftsmen. The festival will feature a variety of activities that are perfect for families, including living history encampments, hands-on Viking workshops, guided tours, and film screenings. Find out more on the festival programme here.

Experience JORVIK Viking Centre as you’ve never seen it before this winter!

For the first time in 40 years, the attraction is embracing the chill with an immersive winter makeover, you’ll find the streets and houses of the Viking Village under a stunning blanket of snow.  This magical experience is available until February 23rd 2025, so don’t miss out!  Pre-booking a timeslot is essential – head to jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk.

NEW exclusive Viking Top Trumps and trail!

JORVIK Viking Centre Top Trumps are now available in our gift shops for £8 (£12.50 online here).  There’s also a Viking Top Trumps family trail throughout half term – 7 large versions of the cards will be dotted around the city and families can get an activity sheet and complete the trail to get a Super Top Trumps card. A linked illustration workshop for age 15+ will also be running (prebooking required). Find out more on the Mumbler blog here.

Mercer Art Gallery Make & Take
Wednesday 19th February 2025 | 10am – 4pm |  Free Drop-in (donations welcome)

Looking for a fun, creative, and educational activity to keep the kids entertained this Half Term? Join us for Make & Take Family Crafts, a hands-on session inspired by fascinating objects from the collection.  Visit anytime that suits you. Children will love getting creative with painting, gluing, and designing their own masterpiece, all while discovering the stories behind museum artefacts.

Why visit?

• A fun activity perfect for school-age children
• Sparks curiosity and creativity through history-inspired crafts
• A relaxed, drop-in format—stay as long as you like!

Spaces are limited, so if the space is full, take the opportunity to explore the other exhibitions.

• Christopher Wood: Red Riding & Other Grimms’ Fairy Tales – a new series of prints inspired by the enchanting and eerie world of Grimms’ Fairy Tales.
• Secrets of the Majestic – a unique comic art exhibition inspired by Harrogate’s famous Majestic Hotel

Just a short walk away step into history at the Royal Pump Room Museum (admission prices apply) to discover Harrogate’s famous spa heritage, from Russian royalty to 19th-century visitors.

Museum & Gallery Hours: Open over Half Term: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:30am – 5:00pm.

31 Swan Road, Harrogate HG1 2SA

‘Make your own pizza’ experience, available on the children’s menu.

Create your own pizza at the table choose 4 toppings from the following; ham, mushroom, mozzarella, pepperoni, sweetcorn, olives, chicken, peppers

15th – 23rd Feb 2025

This year, February half term coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival. As part of the celebration, we will immerse you in Yorkshire’s stunning dark skies with an interactive presentation. This family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the wonders of space and constellations.

What to expect:

• Discover fascinating facts about our solar system.
• Learn how to spot constellations with a beginner’s guide.
• Get creative with hands-on activities like crafting your own planets and constellations.

Our daily fossil experiences will take you on a journey into Earth’s extraordinary past. Marvel at our remarkable collection of fossils and gems, unearthed from the depths of time. These interactive, educational sessions are designed to spark curiosity and ignite fascination with stories of Earth’s ancient history.

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Half Term: Blood and Beats

Sat, 15 February 2025 – Sun, 23 February 2025

Did you know your brain contains 400 miles of blood vessels? That’s like running from Thackray Museum to Land’s End! And while you’re reading this, your body’s already made 26 million red blood cells—impressive, right? 

This February half-term is all about blood – what exactly is it, and what does it do? Take part in science shows, trails, craft activities and – if you’re feeling brave – our infamous hands-on heart dissection workshops!  

Come and find out why the red stuff is the best stuff with a host of activities for all the family, and all free with your museum ticket.

Thackray Science Live 

What do you get when you combine a set of crochet organs, some homemade inventions and two mad scientists? No, not Valentine’s Day—you get a Thackray Boffins show! Our Boffins will be presenting another whizzbang science show about the basics of blood.  

If blood and gore ain’t your bag, fret not! This show is suitable for the whole family. 

The Harrogate Bus Company operates buses in and around the city of Harrogate and across north Yorkshire. In particular, it runs the award-winning line 36, which connects Harrogate, Ripon and Leeds with buses every 10 minutes throughout the day.

With regular buses running to Leeds, Knaresborough, Wetherby, Ripon, Pateley Bridge, Knaresborough and throughout Harrogate catching the bus is the perfect way to start your family day out.

Valentine’s Disco Party  – All ages under 12

Join us for a night full of fun, laughter, and love at our Valentine’s disco on  Monday 17th February – 16:15- 17:45

Sign up for just £15

Your children will enjoy Gym activities and games, crafting fun with a Valentine’s twist, delicious food, dancing, and disco vibes. Dressing up is encouraged.

Contact us today to book: [email protected]

Perfect Partners at Tropical World – 14 to 23 February

Help your little Explorers discover how our cute couples show their love for each other! Who likes to show off their dance moves and who loves to sing to their sweetheart!

We’ve Keeper talks at 2pm daily; craft activities and colouring in our Activity Room; Valentine treats on offer in the Tropical World Café as well as freshly made stone-baked pizzas.

Enjoy a trip to Tropical World – our indoor zoo is warm and cosy whatever the weather and a fabulous family outing.

Our Keeper’s Love List

Pick up your FREE worksheet at the admissions desk and help our Keeper’s to find out which of our animals are Perfect Partners.

Keeper Talks

Stop by and listen to one of our Keeper talks daily at 2pm in Creature Corner and find out more about our Perfect Partners antics.

Children’s Craft Activities

Drop into our Activity Room for some craft activities and colouring. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Tropical World Café

Treat yourself to a tasty Valentine themed snack or lunch in our light and bright café.

February 2025

Yolk Farm’s Hen School – A Cracking Half-Term Adventure!

Looking for something egg-citing this half term? Bring your little ones to Yolk Farm’s Hen School, where fun and learning come together! For just £9.95 per child, your budding farmers will enjoy:

• Hen School – Learn all about our Yolk Farm hens, help collect 6 fresh eggs to take home, and discover the magic of farm life. Yolk are all about inspiring the next generation!
• Hen-Themed Art Class – Get creative with a clucking good craft session to end the session on a high!
• Access to The Yard – so your little chicks can burn off that excess energy!

Perfect for curious kids and families looking to hatch some fun-filled memories!

Spaces are limited, so book your spot today. Don’t miss out on this eggs-traordinary half-term experience!

Daily from 8th Feb- 23rd Feb 2025. 10-11am OR 11-12pm

Yolk Farm, Minskip Road, Boroughbridge, York, YO51 9HY