Rainy Day Guide to Half Term Fun

For dinosaur obsessed kids, Teach Rex returns to St Edmundsbury Cathedral on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th February with a lively, family show that combines facts, music and tonnes of prehistoric fun. Set within the soaring cathedral space, the 50 minute sessions introduce young audiences to a cast of impressive dinosaurs through songs, stories and interactive moments, plus there’s extra time at the end for photos with the dinosaurs, which is always a highlight.

Sessions run at 10.30am and 2.00pm on both days.

Find out more at https://stedscathedral.org/events/teach-rex-3/

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much loved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to the Theatre Royal stage on 17 February, for the very first time in a calm and engaging lift the flap style production. Young audiences are invited to help Fox find his missing socks, discover who’s knocking on Rabbit’s door, and join Pig and Hen in a game of hide and seek, all while meeting familiar Acorn Wood characters along the way. With puppetry, songs and plenty of moments to join in, it’s a great early theatre experience that works especially well for younger children and their grown ups.

For more information visit https://theatreroyal.org/events/tales-from-acorn-wood/

Fans of Liz Pichon’s hugely popular books will recognise the hand drawn illustrations and wacky humour in Tom Gates Epic Stage Show, on stage at The Apex on 18 February.

The show brings Tom’s world to life on stage with lively performances, catchy songs and lots of visual storytelling; an energetic and accessible introduction to live theatre for primary age children. It’s fast paced, funny, chaotic and full of recognisable moments from the books, with enough going on to keep both children and adults entertained throughout.

Find out more at https://www.theapex.co.uk/whats-on/details.cfm?id=1013547&ins=1643190

A brilliant option for a creative afternoon, Nick Sharratt’s family friendly draw along at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds on 19 February, invites children to pick up their pencils and paper and fire up their imagination. Alongside sharing favourite books and introducing new characters, Nick guides the audience through drawing exercises, games and playful challenges, encouraging children to create their own pictures as they go. It’s relaxed, inclusive and works just as well for confident artists as it does for those who simply want to have a go, with plenty of gentle encouragement throughout.

For more information visit https://theatreroyal.org/events/nick-sharratts-picture-book-draw-along/

Dinosaurs take centre stage at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds on 19 February as the Natural History Museum returns with its hugely popular touring show. Children are taken on a journey through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, meeting lifelike dinosaurs along the way and learning about fossils, timelines and how our planet has changed over millions of years. The show balances spectacle and education, with enough wow moments to hold attention and plenty of facts to spark curiosity long after the curtain comes down.

Find out more at https://www.theapex.co.uk/whats-on/details.cfm?id=1046547&ins=1717790

There’s something a little different to explore at the National Horseracing Museum with a family friendly Chinese New Year celebration on Tuesday 17th February. Designed as a drop in day; there’s loads for children to explore at their own pace, from craft activities, lantern making and paper cutting to storytelling, painting workshops and chances to dress up and get involved.

Traditional instruments, martial arts and fan dance sessions are running throughout the day, alongside live performances filled with music, movement and colour. All activities are included with standard museum admission, and there will be Chinese street food available to buy too.

Find out more at https://www.nhrm.co.uk/events/chinese-new-year-celebrations/

The much loved Room on the Broom story is brought to life through this interactive woodland trail at High Lodge Thetford Forest, designed especially for families. Children can search for the Witch’s missing hat, bow and wand, collect ingredients for her cauldron and take part in a series of nature themed activities as they explore in nature.

Along the way there are forest facts to discover, spells to cast and animal habitats to learn about, and don’t forget to snap a photo with the Witch and her friends. Trail packs are available to guide you around and include everything you need to complete the activities and make a wand to take home.

Find out more at https://www.forestryengland.uk/high-lodge/room-on-the-broom

If the weather turns, National Trust Ickworth offers a fun indoor alternative with a spring themed nine hole adventure golf course set up inside the West Wing Gallery. Designed to be enjoyed by all ages, the course challenges families to compete for the best score while enjoying a relaxed wander around the historic setting. Pair it with a walk around the sprawling estate, and coffee in the cafe to make a day of it.

Find out more at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/ickworth-estate/events/f427b463-ed51-4f79-beb3-7099365169a2

For older children and film fans, Moyse’s Hall Museum hosts its annual Sci Fi and Action exhibition packed with recognisable and iconic movie props and displays. From Batman and James Bond to Star Wars, Jaws and Lord of the Rings, there’s plenty to spot and talk about as you explore. Family trails, quizzes and hands-on activities run alongside the exhibition on selected days, including droid workshops and themed challenges, a must for budding movie buffs.

Find out more at https://www.moyseshall.org/whats-on/details.cfm?id=1045347

For families seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, Go Ape Thetford offers a range of high ropes and forest adventures suitable for different ages and confidence levels. Entry level courses are ideal for younger adventurers or first timers, while older children can take on more challenging routes high in the trees. There’s also the option to explore the forest on all terrain Segways; it’s a lot of fun to zoom around the tracks together amongst the trees.

Find out more at https://goape.co.uk/locations/thetford/

Shuffle is a relaxed café and bar with a strong focus on board games, a really great place for families to enjoy time away from screens and working together as a team. With hundreds of games to choose from, settle in with a drink and something to eat while trying out quick-play games or longer strategy challenges depending on mood and attention spans. Staff are on hand to recommend games and explain the rules, so it’s easy to try something new without any pressure.

Find out more at https://shufflecafe.co.uk/

Bowling remains a reliable favourite for half term days, and Bury Bowl has plenty of lanes and simple scoring systems that keep things moving smoothly. Whether children are aiming for high scores or relying on the bumpers to help them out, they’ll enjoy friendly competition and the thrill of the strike.

Find out more at https://www.burybowl.co.uk/

For families who enjoy mixing imagination with adventure, the Ring Quest returns to West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village and Country Park for February half term. Created to mark the 25th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring, this Lord of the Rings themed challenge invites visitors to explore the park in search of hidden rings and ancient runes, following a trail designed for all ages.

Along the way you’ll encounter the Hobbit Hole tucked among native trees, weave through Mirkwood with its oversized spiders and spot the enormous dragon guarding its treasure. You might spot characters such as Halbarad, the Ranger of the North, and there are opportunities to try your hand at basic archery. If you’re lucky a friendly Orc might cross your path! It’s a playful way to see the reconstructed village and countryside trails whilst burning off a bit of energy.

Find out more at https://www.weststow.org/whats-on/details.cfm?id=969147&ins=1825592

CurveMotion combines one of East Anglia’s biggest soft-play frames — with mega slides, tunnels, ball cannons and climbing zones for children up to around 12 years old — with a lively roller skating rink that hosts themed sessions, discos and games for all ages. Whether you’re zooming down the vertical drop slide, skating to music with friends, or refuelling with a tasty meal or snack in the on-site bistro, there’s something to keep kids active and excited throughout the day. A half term visit here is perfect for burning off energy, trying new skills like skating, and making happy memories together.

Find out more at https://www.curvemotion.uk/

This half term at Abbeygate Cinema in Bury St Edmunds is a great chance for families to enjoy big-screen fun together. Over the school break the cinema is showing a lovely mix of family-friendly films during its Family Matinee and regular screening slots, including animated and adventure titles like the latest hit release GOAT, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants and Trolls: Band Together — perfect for kids and parents alike.

These matinée showings are relaxed and welcoming for younger audiences, and offer an affordable way to fill a half-term day with excitement and smiles on the big screen.

Find out more at https://www.abbeygatecinema.co.uk/whats-on/

Home to one of the UK’s largest multi-level laser tag arenas — Planet Laser is an immersive 6,000 sqm space where players aged 6 and up can team up, compete and race through futuristic battles with high-tech phasers and LED battle suits. Beyond laser tag, there’s plenty to fill a half-term visit: enjoy friendly competition at the mini-bowling lanes, try your luck at the arcade games, or relax with food and drinks in Café Lunar between sessions. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a group challenge, Planet Laser offers action-packed sessions and varied activities that keep kids engaged and moving throughout the holiday.

Find out more at https://www.planetlaser.co.uk/