Well, February Half Term has crept upon us and if you are still feeling the expense of Christmas we have pulled together some activities that are either free or low cost in and around Ryedale. I have included a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities as the weather can be unpredictable.
Sutton Bank National Park Centre, YO7 2EH
Discover the special owl pellets and investigate what they have been scoffing during the night by dissecting them with the North York Moors National Park’s Ryevitalise team! Using our special microscopes, you’ll find out how to identify all the little creatures our local owls have been eating…
This event is free to attend, just drop-in any time between 11am – 3pm!
Constellation Rubbing Trail
Come and try our new permanent Dark Sky themed rubbing trail.
Explore the grounds and find the constellation rubbing plaques, use your brass rubbing crayon and discover the 10 different constellations we have hidden for you to find.
This is a drop-in event, no booking is required
Adult £3. Child £3
Danby Lodge YO21 2NB
Constellation Rubbing Trail
Come and try our new permanent Dark Sky themed rubbing trail.
Explore the grounds and find the constellation rubbing plaques, use your brass rubbing crayon and discover the 10 different constellations we have hidden for you to find.
This is a drop-in event, no booking is required. Adult £3. Child £3
14th Feb 2024 10:30 am – 2:30 pm – Family Friendly Astro-crafting!
Learn all about the dark skies above us, whilst creating projects to take home. Book your place: Dark Skies crafts
Adult £5. Child £5
Helmsley Library – Friday 16th February 2024 – 10.30am – 11.30am
LoveScience and Mini Boffins fun-filled science workshop
FREE
Suitable for ages 5 – 11 years
Town Hall. YO62 5BL
Phone: 01609 534553
Malton Library: Saturday 17th February 2024 10.30am – 12pm
Family Collage Workshop with local artist Denise Doggett
Age 6 upwards. £2 per family
Malton Library, St. Michael Street, Malton
Norton Hive
10th – 17th February 2024
Norton Hive, Commercial Street, Norton. YO17 9ES
10th – 18th February 2024. Join us for more than just a train ride as we embark on a week of discovery, learning, and family fun. Craft sessions, storytelling, activity sheets and signal box demonstrations. Free Entry. Train ride not included!
Song Writing Workshop – We are inviting all 7-13 year olds to take part in FREE a Song Writing Workshop 1pm on 3pm on Saturday 10th February 2024 at NYMR, Pickering. For more information please do get in touch on 07845 878642.
Pickering Station, Park St, Pickering YO18 7AJ. 01751 472508.
Dalby Forest – School Holidays
Entry costs £9 per car
Loads to do including the new Gruffalo’s 25th birthday trail… All children to be accompanied by an adult. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Dalby Forest Visitor Centre, Low Dalby, near Thornton le Dale YO18 7LT. 01751 460295
Rotunda Museum: Fossil Handling with the Rotunda Geology Group
Tuesday 13 February 10.30am – 12noon and 1.30 – 3pm
Find out about dinosaur footprints and ancient fossils in hands-on sessions with our expert geologists.
More details on the website HERE
Scarborough Art Gallery: Sharing The Love
Wednesday 14 February 2024 10.15am – 1pm and 2 – 4pm
Create your own Love Hearts to send a message with friend. Use printing stamps to make a heartfelt message.
More details on the website HERE
Rotunda Museum: My Little Dino Book
Thursday 15 February 2024 10.15am – 1pm and 2 – 4pm
Use ink stamps to fingerprint create a ‘designer dino’ in your own little handmade book. Imagine what it eats, where it lives and how many times it might go to the loo!
More details on the website HERE
All events are free for children with an accompanying adult’s £3 Annual Pass. Drop-in, no need to book. The events are recommended for ages five to 11.
National Railway Museum – February Half Term
New activities in Wonderlab, especially for February half term, all about shapes and angles. Bubble Geometry, mini origami trains, rainbow robots and picture puzzles will keep all the family entertained.
Big News: Flying Scotsman is back!
The most famous locomotive in the world returns to the museum. See the much-loved locomotive for FREE, with access to the footplate and entry to the cab. Book free museum admission tickets here
Leeman Rd, York, YO26 4XJT:
033 0058 0058
JORVIK Viking Festival: The Vikings are back in York from 12th until 18th February 2024
Click on the link above for lots of FREE activities
Colour & Light at York Minster
7th – 25th February 2024 6pm – 9pm
‘Colour & Light’ returns to provide a fabulous projection experience for the whole family, illuminating York Art Gallery during the dark evenings of winter!
✨The projection will play every 10 minutes, between 6-9pm daily and viewers are invited to stay for as many showings as they wish.
✨ No booking is required – this is non-ticketed, free event
York Art Gallery Exhibition Square York YO1 7EW
Sewerby Hall
Sewerby have FREE entry to their grounds and gardens, including the play area, throughout half term.
The zoo is open, if you want to go in admission is £4/adult, £3/child. Half term Zoo activity – Meet the Hoof Stock, 16th February 2024, 11am & 1.30pm. Come along and meet our Donkeys, Llamas or Goats. Young children are to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Meet at the education hub located in the centre of the zoo. No need to book, just turn up.
01262 673769. Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1ED
Yorkshire Beaches
Take a walk on the Yorkshire Beaches, there are lots of lovely beaches nearby. Read a short guide here
For more ideas for February Half Term see our full What’s on Guide here or visit our Days Out page. Walks here and Rainy days here.
Hope you have a great February Half Term.
