Half Term in and around Hull
Are you looking for inspiration on what to do with the kids this half term? I know I always am – somehow the prospect of a week looking after my own child with nothing to do fills me with dread! I try to have a few things lined up with indoor and outdoor options (especially this time of year with unpredictable weather!) so I know where to go if we’re feeling up to it. So here’s a little round-up of some activities in Hull and the surrounding areas this February half-term. Feel free to tag us on Instagram @the.b.family.bog and share your adventures!
Things to do in Hull
Hull Museums
As usual, the museums in the city centre have a range of free drop-in activities available for families over half-term. These are worth keeping note of and keeping that note to hand – a quick trip on the bus/train into the city centre and a visit to the museums (with added activities!) is a quick and easy activity for all. Throughout the half-term, there is also a free activity sheet available at Ferens Art Gallery to complete as you explore the Queen Victoria and Hull exhibition.
- Monday 13th February, 1-3: Hull and East Riding museum are offering the chance to make a mini clay pot inspired by the range of pots on display in the museum
- Tuesday 14th February, 10-12: Ferens Art Gallery is offering a range of art and craft activities for children under 5 including making a crown and collaging with jewels
- Wednesday 15th February, 1.30-3.30: Ferens Art Gallery is offering the chance to make your own trinket box inspired by Queen Victoria
- Saturday 18th February, 1-3: the Streetlife museum are offering the chance to make your own miniature bus based on the collection within the museum
Hull Libraries
We are so lucky in Hull to have access to so many libraries – one in each area of the city! They run a range of events every week, and the fun doesn’t stop over half-term! From Lego Club to Make and Take, you’re sure to find something fun to do here. And if all else fails – why not spend an hour looking through books and choosing some to take home for a week or two?
Back to Ours – The Adventures of Bo Peep
A family show adapted from the popular nursery rhyme, this is perfect for little ones with interaction promoted as children are encouraged to get hands-on in sensory learning through touch and water play. Shows run from 14th-18th February and are recommended for children aged 2-6 years with a run time of approximately 45 minutes. All tickets are £3 and babes in arms are free.
More information, including how to buy tickets, here.
Hull Truck Theatre -The Tortoise and the Hare
Everyone knows the story of the Tortoise and the Hare, but it wouldn’t be a Truck production without a slight twist! Suitable for 4+ this is a real family event, with each time slot beginning with an arts and crafts session before you settle down to the performance. Children’s tickets cost £7 and each child ticket includes one free accompanying adult. There are two sessions daily from Thursday through Saturday, and you can find more information and buy tickets here.
Hull New Theatre – The Ugly Duckling
Northern ballet are putting on a wonderful little show (as seen on CBeebies!) for little ones who are interested in dancing. A sweet reimagining of the classic Ugly Duckling told through dance, this is sure to be a charming 40 minute event for anyone with little. £10 for adults and £8 for under 16’s this is one of the cheapest ways to introduce kids to ballet. With only two shows running on Saturday 18th at 2 and 4 pm, I’d run, not walk, to buy your tickets here!
Middleton Hall – Little Listeners, Mini Vixen
Opera North are also offering a wonderful introduction to the world of opera for little ones. A spellbinding combination of opera, storytelling, and music, a relaxed and interactive experience can be expected where singing along is encouraged. There’s even the opportunity to make your own vixen mask to take along 30 minutes before the performances at 11 am and 1 pm on Thursday 16th. For tickets (adults – £4, children – £2, and UoH students free!) click here.
The Fairy Trail – The Avenues, Dukeries, and Ella Street
With more than 40 locations to explore, the HU5 lot have pulled it out of the bag again with their fantastic fairy trail. Some of the fairies have grand gardens, whilst others are hiding or up to mischief. There is also face painting in Pearson Park, and craft activities at Artlink. The true community spirit continues to make this one of my favourite places in Hull and I hope to one day be included in the HU5 crew, and join in their fantastic community events. Maps can be downloaded here to print at home, or a physical copy can be collefted from the addresses below:
- 82 Park Avenue
- 106 Victoria Avenue
- 111 Ella Street
- Fantastic Faces stand
Lab Rascals – Dry Ice Volcanoes
An exciting opportunity for those aged 5-14 (under 5’s will not be permitted due to health and safety) to make their own volcano using dry ice. Located at Trinity Market at 10 am on Friday 17th (other dates and locations in sections below). Tickets must be booked in advance here and cost £7.95 per child.
Rewilding Youth Wild Family
An amazing opportunity for the whole family to get wild and explore the great outdoors. With activities ranging from fire lighting and campfire cooking, to den building and whittling there’s something for everyone to enjoy at only £10 per person! There are three sessions Monday 13th, Wednesday 15th, and Friday 17th all 11 am – 2 pm which are suitable for those aged 8+. Read more here.
Things to do in East Riding
Active Coast School holiday Activities
Offering a range of activities tbis half-term including bird box making, dancing, indoor athletics, and sand and stone art, be sure to check out the Active Coast website here to find out what’s happening at our local beaches.
East Riding Libraries – The Old Green Time Machine
Following the story of two time travellers, this is the story of how they race to save the world. It’s a family friendly show described as a whirlwind of contemporary dance, music, poetry, and fun with an interactive stay, play, and learn session after the show. The event is suitable for those aged 3+ and is happening at a range of venues and tickets (adults £6 and children £3) can be booked (alongside a range of other events) here.
- Monday 13th – South Cave library – 11 am
- Monday 13th – Beverley library – 2 pm
- Tuesday 14th – Withernsea centre – 5 pm
Burton Constable Half-Term Events
One of the East Riding’s notable historic halls, Burton Constable are offering a range of half-term events from archery to seed planting. Grounds only tickets are available from £4.40 for children and £7.95 for adults.
Burton Agnes Snowdrops Walk
Another of the East Riding’s notable historic homes, Burton Agnes are celebrating the start of spring with a spectacular walk through the snowdrops. A lovely outdoor day for a taste of brighter days ahead. Grounds only tickets are £9.50 for adults, and £6.50 for children.
Whitby Abbey – Make History this Half-Term
Join characters from the past for historical hijinks and hands-on shenanigans at Whitby Abbey this half-term. Discover what life at the Abbey was like for the monks of Whitby, with songs, stories, and dressing up fun. What better time to join English Heritage ready for a year of fun?
Lab Rascals, Beverley
An exciting opportunity for those aged 5-14 (under 5’s will not be permitted due to health and safety) to make their own volcano using dry ice. Located at Flemingate Shopping Centre at 9.30 am or 11 am on Wednesday 15th (other dates and locations in other sections). Tickets must be booked in advance here and cost £7.95 per child.
Things to do Further Afield
Jorvik Viking Event, York
Europe’s largest Viking Festival is right on our doorstop (I bet you can guess where we’ll be taking Bertie this half-term!) and you’d be mad to miss out. The Viking encampment is sure to have something to interest everyone – meet the Vikings and learn about their trades, the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal to take as many photos as you can! There are daily craft opportunists, storytelling, and even a Beserker Boot Camp for the bravest little Vikings! If you’ve read our other posts, you’ll know how much we love York, and you’ll definitely spot us there for a day or two this half-term.
Piglets February Frolics, York
With 15 mummy ewes expecting to give birth over half-term, lambing season is well and truly upon us as Piglets Adventure Farm re-opens for the new season. There’s even a new panto to get your teeth stuck into (oh no there isn’t!) and an indoor play barn if the weather isn’t on your side when you visit. Real fun for all the family. Prices start at £10.95 with free entry for under one’s.
Lab Rascals, Barton
An exciting opportunity for those aged 5-14 (under 5’s will not be permitted due to health and safety) to make their own volcano using dry ice. Located at The Assembly Rooms at 9.30 am on Thursday 16th (other dates and locations in other sections). Tickets must be booked in advance here and cost £7.95 per child.
Pink Pig Farm Superhero Week, Scunthorpe
Animal handling is back at Pink Pig Farm this half-term as you take on the role of a real life superhero by completing all six tasks around the outdoor play area. Tickets are £9.50, or £3.50 for under 2’s which is a 50p saving by booking online.
Dark Skies Festival, North Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Dales
Now I’m it’s eighth year, the Dark Skies Festival offers a range of activities at night to heighten the senses such as night runs, canoeing, night photography, stargazing safaris, and mindful experiences. With the NY Moors being one of only 20 places in the world recognised as having pristine dark skies, any keen stargazers among you will be in awe of the thousands of sparkles above you.
Stockeld Park February Half-Term Adventure
A humongous playground for children of all ages, I honestly believe you could spend a week here and not get bored. The 3 Little Pigs Panto is on this half term for an additional £3.50 per person, and tickets can be upgraded to include an ice skating session! Prices start at £12 for a full day’s adventure.
