Fifteen fun family activities across Suffolk this February half-term
Hands up who is ready for half-term with the children next week?
If you need some inspiration to fill the winter days with wallet-friendly activities, then look no further.
We have compiled a list of 15 fun family-friendly activities across Suffolk sure to keep youngsters physically and mentally occupied during half-term.
1. Jack and the Beanstalk, Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds
Fee Fi Fo Fum, we are starting our list at Bury's beautiful Regency theatre with some dramatic entertainment – an activity much missed by many youngsters during the pandemic.
The Theatre Royal is welcoming Lyngo Theatre with their version of Jack and the Beanstalk, featuring Cbeebies' Patrick Lynch.
Expect some surprises as Patrick tells Jack's story, in a show aimed at children aged three and above.
Jack and the Beanstalk is at the theatre on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, with two shows each day.
Tickets, costing £12.50 for adult and £9.50 for under 21s, are available at www.theatreroyal.org
If you want a double dose of theatrical half-term fun, later in half-term the theatre is presenting Pinocchio on February 25, 26 and 27 – book at https://theatreroyal.org/shows/pinocchio/#book
Alternatively, call the box office on 01284 769505.
2. Frosty February Fun at Easton Farm Park
Brrrr, some 'frozen' snow-loving friends will be visiting Easton Farm Park every day until February 27.
The special half-term event will include sing-a-long shows, meets and greets with famous film characters, warm hugs, a snowflake trail and glitter face art.
But that's not all as all the usual farm animals will be in situ – including newborn lambs – with hug-a- bunny, pony rides and more.
Entry costs £12, including all activities.
Book in advance at https://www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk/februaryhalfterm
3. Power of Stories at Moyse's Hall Museum, Bury
Film fans will be able to enjoy another treat this half-term, but this time at Bury's Moyse's Hall Museum.
Until April 28, the museum is home to three original costumes from the Marvel Studios film Black Panther, alongside historic museum objects, comic books and photography.
Entrance to Power of Stories includes entrance to the whole museum.
Tickets can be booked in advance, costing £5 adult, £3 child and concessions £4.50 – go to https://bit.ly/3BpxoaU
4. Explorer Quest at Framlingham Castle
Framlingham Castle is hosting fun-filled outdoor explorer quest every day until February 27.
Families will be able to roam around the grounds to find games and activities inspired by lords and knights, along the way finding out quirky facts and tackling playful puzzles see if they have got what it takes to get moving like people from the past.
The event is open daily 10am-5pm.
Admission is free for English Heritage members or £12.50 adults, children aged five-17 £7.50, concessions £11.30, family (two adults) £32.50 and family (one adult) £20.
For more information and to book, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/framlingham-half-term-explorer-quest-12-feb---20-sun-2022/
5. Ring Quest 20th anniversary at West Stow
Until February 27, West Stow is welcoming Ring Quest for its 20th anniversary celebration.
The Lord of the Rings-themed family challenge explores Tolkien's world. As always the quest around the Anglo-Saxon villages and country park will be central to the event, but this year the grand prize is a two-night stay at West Stow Pods' fantastic Pod Hollow.
Participants can also see the Hobbit hole and watch out for spiders in Mirkwood, explore the visitor centre exhibition and try on Lord of the Rings costumes and try their hand at archery (extra charge).
Ring Quest costs £6 for adults, £3 children and £4 concessions (family tickets are available). Parking charges apply.
Book online at https://www.weststow.org/whats-on/details.cfm?id=662947&ins=947190 or call 01284 758000.
6. Wildlife Week at Hollow Trees Farm, Semer
From Monday to Friday, Hollow Trees Farm is hosting an action-packed timetable of activities including a sensory scavenger hunt around the trail, arts and crafts in the barn, bug hotel building activity, the grand opening of the buzzy bug hotel and all the usual farm-trail fun.
Booking in advance is essential (tickets cost £5.25 per person, twos and unders go free).
Booking and more information at https://www.hollowtrees.co.uk/2022/02/08/wildlife-week-this-february-half-term/
7. Circus Spectacular at Felixstowe's Spa Pavilion
The Greatest Show on earth arrives at the Spa Pavilion on February 24 at 3pm, with international circus acts, amazing magic and plenty of laughs.
Every Circus Spectacular performance is unique, as during the 'what’s next?' section the audience are given the chance to choose which act they would like to see next.
The show culminates in a ‘slosh’ style finale – with the first four rows provided with rain macs.
Tickets cost £19 adults, £17.50 children/concessions and family tickets £68.
Book at https://thelittleboxoffice.com/spapavilion
8. National Nestbox Week at Haverhill's East Town Park
On February 27, East Town Park is supporting National Nest Box Week as the rangers seek help making new nest boxes for the park.
Participants in the activity – aimed at children aged five-12, accompanied by one responsible adult – will also make and take home a box for the birds in their garden.
Sessions are at 10am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm, with the activity costing £10 per child.
The event takes place outdoors so dress appropriately.
To book, call 01284 758000 or go to https://www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk/whats-on/details.cfm?id=614547&ins=895390
9. Movie Madness at Freedom Café, Great Barton
The very family-friendly Freedom Café is hosting two 'movie madness' events during half-term.
On Wednesday, families can book to see Peter Rabbit 2 at 10am or Space Jam at 1pm.
Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.
For more information and to book, go to https://www.facebook.com/freedomcafegb/
10. Haughley Spectacle of Light
The beautiful after-dark illuminated trail is back for 2022 – but time is running out to see it.
Haughley Park and its grounds are brought to life with stunning light installations and atmospheric music.
Visitors can see the Carpet of Colour and the flickering Field of Fire, walk through the kaleidoscope, gaze at mirror balls and more.
Tickets cost £16 adults, £10 children aged three-15 (under threes free), family £52 and disabled carers free.
For more information and to book, go to https://www.haughleypark.co.uk/public-events/spectacle/
Spectacle of Light is open on February 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27.
11. Dinosaurs at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, in Bury
Roar! Teach Rex are bringing dinosaurs to St Edmundsbury Cathedral next week.
A pair of animatronic velociraptors will be at the cathedral on Wednesday as Teach Rex provide two creative workshops, from 10-11.30am and 2-3.30pm.
The sessions will begin by showing children some baby dinosaurs and a 45-minute main show, when youngsters will be able to get up close with the velociraptors.
Tickets, costing £7 each, are for sale at https://stedscathedral.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/17066?catID=14551&
The cathedral is also hosting free dinosaur-themed arts and crafts activity sessions on Tuesday and Thursday, from 10am-noon and 2-4pm.
12. Wellie Walk Nature Hunt at Kentwell Hall, in Long Melford
Until February 27, go on a fun half-term family expedition around the gardens and woodland trails at Kentwell Hall.
Explorers of all ages will be able to explore the outdoors and see the signs of spring on the Nature Treasure Hunt and discover some of Kentwell’s fun surprises along the way – but make sure you dress appropriately for the weather.
Booking is essential and standard admission charges apply (under fives go free) – go to https://www.kentwell.co.uk/events/wellie-walk-nature-hunt
13. Fun Park at Bury Rugby Club, Bury St Edmunds
For the first time, Fun Park is visiting Bury Rugby Club for a full half-term of daily sessions, starting on Saturday and running until February 27.
Alongside inflatable attractions there will be three-to-four children's rides and a funhouse.
Unlimited use wristbands cost £8.99 per child (ages two-12) per session, with free admission for accompanying adults. Bungee trampolines are not included in ticket price.
Two sessions will be held each day, from noon-3pm and 3pm-6pm (only noon-3pm on February 27).
You can book in advance at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/kidz-funpark?fbclid=IwAR0Lbh07G0HWZRhjwtHo4tz537w_dHQra1jJmad5phz-IUWhpW23EPd58uU while tickets can also be purchased at the gate, subject to availability.
Hot food and refreshments will be for sale.
14. Toddler time storytime and crafts at Museum of East Anglian Life
Younger visitors to the Museum of East Anglian Life can enjoy storytime and crafts on Wednesday, from 10-11am.
Toddlers can explore the museum, listen to stories and have crafty fun outside.
Admission is free for the museum's silver and gold members
For more information and to book, go to https://eastanglianlife.org.uk/events/toddler-time-story-time-crafts/
15. Build a Nest Box Week at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, Lowestoft
From Saturday until February 25, you can drop in to make a nest box at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve from 10am-2pm each day.
Visitors of all ages are invited to make a nest box to encourage more birds to live in their garden, with help on hand to guide you through the process.
It costs £10 per nest box kit and no booking is necessary.
Half-term nest box sessions are also available at other Suffolk Wildlife Trust sites including Bradfield Woods, Redgrave and Lopham Fen, Foxburrow Farm and Lackford Lakes.
For more information, go to https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/events
