More Days Out News
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Severn Valley Railway launches ‘Kids for a Quid’ offer this half term
Posted on Tue 29 Apr
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100 days till The Hundred returns to Edgbaston
Posted on Tue 29 Apr
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ArtSlam to debut in Newcastle-under-Lyme
Posted on Fri 25 Apr
With half term fast approaching we've selected some great events and shows taking place in Staffordshire that you and your little ones to enjoy throughout the school holidays.
Thomas & Friends - Drayton Manor Theme Park, Sat 19 - Sun 27 February
Whether you fancy a trip down Sodor Railway with Thomas, Rosie or Percy, or you'd like to fly high with James, Harold and Jeremy, there are plenty of Thomas & Friends themed attractions to explore this half term.
There's over 25 rides and attractions in Thomas Land to enjoy, along with other family rides the park has to offer such as Carousel and Jolly Buccaneer.
There’ll be lots of entertainment in Thomas Land throughout the day. Join Sir Topham Hatt and his hilarious station sweepers Rusty & Dusty as they host interactive singalong shows throughout the day from the Knapford Station Balcony. Then, it's your chance to meet and greet the fab trio and take a snap together.
Pirate fun at Alton Towers - Alton Towers, Staffordshire, Fri 18 - Sun 27 February
Well shiver those timbers and splice that mainbrace if Alton Towers Resort isn’t the perfect place to take your little pirates this half-term holiday!
The popular visitor attraction is being taken over by the infamous pirates of Mutiny Bay, who’ll be taking families on their very own pirate adventures - complete with favourite rides and sea shanties aplenty!
Away from the pirate theme, visitors can check out Sharkbait Reef to see a variety of amazing fish, splash around in the tropical surroundings of the Alton Towers Waterpark, and enjoy a round of what’s being termed ‘extraordinary’ golf.
New Life On The Farm - National Forest Adventure Farm, Burton upon Trent, Sat 19 - Sun 27 February
National Forest Adventure Farm is gearing up for the arrival of spring. Visitors can pay a visit to the sheep maternity ward and witness lambing live, whilst also having a go at bottle feeding some of the new arrivals.
Other activities to enjoy include scarecrow making, tractor fixing, and taking a trailer ride around the farm.
Gandeys Circus - Trentham Shopping Village, Fri 18 February - Sun 6 March
An international cast of over 30 artistes, come together to wow audiences in a production staged in Gandeys Big Top of Dreams equipped with the latest theatre-standard lighting and sound effects.
Gandeys “Roar!” brings you world class acts from across the globe, with acrobats, aerialists, comedy, music and sensational foot tapping, heart stopping productions.
Elsewhere in the Midlands...
PALAVER Party Takeover! - Aston Hall, Birmingham, Wed 23 February
Aston Hall’s celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month sees some of the Midlands’ most popular drag and cabaret performers host a glittering and colourful children’s party.
Suitable for youngsters aged three to eight, the event features music, stories, performances, DIY costume-making, party games and, as a grand finale, a rainbow disco in the Long Gallery.
PJ Masks Marine Mayhem Adventure - National SEA LIFE Birmingham, Mon 14 February - Sun 13 March
National SEA LIFE Birmingham has been thrown into chaos as the Night-Time Baddies from kids’ favourite television series, PJ Masks, have caused Marine Mayhem overnight.
Thankfully the series’ resident superheroes, Catboy, Owlette and Gekko, have been recruited to help restore the aquarium back to its usual peaceful self. But they need help.
The only way to get SEA LIFE Birmingham back to normal is for you to find the missing answers to the Activity Trail. Brave heroes willing to help the PJ Masks need to visit the Action Stations within the aquarium and locate the missing information.
LEGO Mythica - LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Birmingham, Sat 12 - Sun 27 February
Join hero Alicorn on his epic adventure in LEGO® MYTHICA – A journey to MYTHICA 4D movie comes to LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre – Hold onto your seats as you journey from our world into MYTHICA.
Experience enchanted forests, raging seas, hidden caves, fire and ice and find out if our hero is in time to save this mystical world.
Event activities include mythical creature building, trading card hames, and build an Alicorn in the creative workshop.
Bunkered LIVE - NEC, Birmingham, Fri 18 - Sun 20 February
Here being held in England for the very first time, Europe’s premier golf show offers visitors the chance to take advantage of free lessons, find out about the latest golf gear and peruse the stalls of more than 150 exhibitors, including big brands like Titleist, Callaway and Taylormade.
Enthusiasts can also test the latest equipment for free in the purpose-built indoor driving ranges.
Top golf and celebrity guests, a giant golf shop and a 19th-hole bar also feature.
Fiendish Felons - Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 19 - Sun 27 February
There’s trouble afoot in Black Countyr Living Museum's canalside village this half term. Stay vigilant and help the police constable track down a vile villain who has been causing mischief in the village.
Take on the trail using your detective skills to help solve a Black Country crime wave. Will the crook be captured? Step into the courtroom to see justice served!
Plus, hone your investigative talents in the detective school as you try your hand at examining evidence, lifting fingerprints and even posing for your own mugshot.
The World of Robots - Enginuity, Ironbridge, Tues 22 - Wed 23 February
Discover how to program four types of robots and make them move, and then edit the computer code to make them do something different.
No previous robot experience necessary – suitable for all abilities, for children aged 7 – 12 years.
The workshops will be held at 10am, 11.15am, 1.00pm and 2.15pm. Each session will last for one hour.
Tile Decorating Workshops - Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Sat 5 - Sat 26 February
Create your own unique tile using the traditional process of tube-lining; using a clay slip to create an outline you then infill your pattern with beautiful coloured glazes.
The workshop is prepaid, and costs £9.50 per person (plus eventbrite booking fee £0.98 per person) and includes all you need to decorate one 6 inch square tile.
Wonderful Weaving - Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Sat 19 - Sat 26 February
These drop-in craft sessions celebrate the weaving history of Coventry.
From 19 to 22 February, children will learn the craft of weaving while making their very own drinks coasters.
Then, on the 23rd & 24th, there’s the chance to make desk pen pots.
The final two days provide participants with the opportunity to make a woven bracelet or magic dreamcatcher.
Spectacle of Light - Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Fri 11 February - Sun 6 March
See Compton Verney transformed into a spectacle of light and sound, courtesy of this brand-new after-dark experience.
A dazzling illuminated trail will light up the woodland and parkland of the estate.
Light installations include the changing Light Curve, the Carpet of Colour on the main lawn, and sparkling light beams across the lake.
Hot food and drinks will also be available to purchase and enjoy as you make your way along the trail.
Hey Duggee - West Midland Safari Park, Tues 22 - Thurs 24 February
Duggee is coming to West Midland Safari Park for three days during February Half Term.
He’ll be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day, with meet and greets, perfect for photo opportunities with the CBeebies favourite.
Join Duggee and his friend to bust your best dance moves to some Hey Duggee classics, including the Stick Song. This high energy, fun-filled activity lasts for 13 minutes, so there may be time for a high-five from Duggee at the end.
Festival of Archery - Warwick Castle, Sat 12 - Sun 27 February
Visitors to Warwick Castle this February half term can find out all about the centuries-old art of archery.
Expert archers will be demonstrating their top-notch skills and uncovering the secrets of the sport - and there’s even the chance to have a go yourself!
Other attractions at the venue include winter bird of prey displays, the Horrible Histories Maze, the Castle Dungeon and the Princess Tower.
Formula One Fun - British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Sat 19 - Sun 27 February
There’s a range of racing-themed activities to enjoy at the British Motor Museum this half-term holiday, as the high-speed sport of Formula One takes centre stage.
Attractions include: a brand-new ‘road map’ family trail, allowing visitors to navigate their way through the museum’s car collection; the chance for little ones to try their hand at designing their very own Lego racing car in the Learning Space; and special weekend tours hosted by resident racing driver Jackie Demon.
Professor Pickle and Doctor Pumpkin will be on hand too, hosting a fast-paced Formula One-themed science show on a daily basis.
Shropshire Kids Festival - Telford International Centre, Shropshire, Sat 26 & Sun 27 February
Catering for youngsters up to 14 years of age, Shropshire Kids Festival boasts hundreds of activities, all under one roof.
Giant inflatables, bouncy castles and sports-related fun all feature, whilst visitors looking to broaden their cultural experiences can join in with drama performances, choreographed dance routines or arts & crafts workshops.
Enchanted Castle Crafts - County Museum at Hartlebury Castle, Worcestershire, Tues 22 - Fri 25 February
Children are invited to arrive dressed in their favourite fairytale outfit as Hartlebury hosts some ‘enchanting’ craft activities this half term. The drop-in sessions will see little ones designing and decorating their very own fairytale door to take home.
Once they’ve finished their crafts, families can pick up a trail map and hunt for the pixie doors hidden around the castle and grounds.
Elizabethan Spy - Tudor World, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 12 - Sun 27 February
Mention of spying calls to mind James Bond and the British Secret Service, but undercover operatives have been around for centuries, as this fascinating half-term event makes clear. It’s the spying secrets of the Elizabethan age which come under the spotlight at Tudor World, as the techniques of some of the 16th century’s ‘007s’ are revealed. Learn how the spies worked with secret codes and invisible ink, busily but covertly going about the business of breaking seals and forging signatures.
And that’s not all. Young spies visiting Tudor World will be asked to discover whether Mary Queen of Scots is plotting against Queen Elizabeth, and if so, to do their level best to stop the dastardly traitor in her tracks. If successful, the spies will receive a secret prize and certificate to take home with them.
A GIANT Half Term Adventure - Hatton Adventure World, Sat 19 - Sun 27 February
Hatton Adventure World is to host a brand-new pantomime to entertain children during half term. Families can laugh and join in with ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, one of the world’s favourite fairytales, as the fearless Jack encounters a Giant during the 40-minute show. Held indoors in the pop-up theatre, there’s no worry about the British winter weather causing any disruptions.
In addition, there are fantastic magic shows throughout the day and a host of other indoor activities including animal handling, guinea pig village, Scales & Tails exotic experiences where children can hold a snake, feed a lizard, or cuddle a chinchilla plus play on the huge indoor soft play and slide mania centre.
Outdoors the action continues with the return of the epic laser combat battles - Death Match, Domination and Capture the Flag, plus amazing falconry displays, mini funfair rides, giant helter-skelter and family games, with plenty of space and bags of fresh country air.
Visitors can also meet Bubbles, the world’s oldest donkey, who has lived at Hatton since it first opened its doors in the 1980s. Bubbles is now in her sixties and still loves a fuss from visitors in the Farmyard Favourites Barn.
Half term activities - Stratford Butterfly Farm, Sat 19 - Sun 27 February
Anyone who visits the Butterfly Farm over half term will receive a beautiful complimentary marble heart to either keep or give to a loved one. In return the Farm asks that visitors pledge their love to the environment by making a green action promise. Pledges to do something positive to help protect the environment can be actioned at home, school or at work.
Over half term on display in the Discovery Zone is a Jungle Nymph Heteropteryx dilatata which originates from the rainforests of Malaysia. The Jungle Nymph is the heaviest of all Stick Insects weighing approximately 80 grams, with the female being larger than the male. Females are leaf green and have a set of wings but are too heavy to fly, whilst males are brown with functional wings so they can fly to find females. Instead of fleeing predators they deter them by displaying aggression. They rustle their wings to produce a noise and show the thorns on the inside of their hind legs.
Also on display is a Malaysian Shield Mantis Rhombodera basalis which commonly live in trees and bushes and feed on other insects. They are known for their enlarged neck that looks like a shield and can grow up to 10cm. When threatened they produce a hissing sound that is produced by air being pumped out from their abdomen!