Half-term is almost upon us and the February break can often be one of the trickier holidays to navigate when it comes to keeping the kids entertained.
The weather isn’t always the kindest and it is still too early to bribe them with Easter eggs – even if they did arrive in shops on Boxing Day.
Fortunately there are lots of activities being planned in the Harrogate district, so parents can escape relatively unscathed.
We have put together a list of activities to do with the kids this half-term.
Harrogate Indoor Funfair – February 21-27
Always a popular one with families in the area, the indoor funfair is back at the Yorkshire Event Centre at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground.
With rides and inflatables for all ages, the event offers all the fun of the fair under one roof – perfect if you need to escape the unpredictable February weather.
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Morning sessions run from 10am until 1pm and afternoon sessions from 2pm until 5pm. For the first time, there will also be two 6pm-9pm sessions on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
Tickets on the door will be limited. Book online to avoid disappointment.
Online tickets are £10.99 for unlimited rides per session and can be purchased here.
Fountains Abbey, Ripon – February 19 – February 27
For those little explorers who love being outdoors, a number of activities are taking place at Fountains Abbey.
Children can pull on their wellies and spend a full day exploring, running and playing.
Families will be able to plant their own snowdrop to take home from 11am-1pm on February 19, 21, and 23 and the weekend of 26 and 27.
They can also grab a ‘spring-go’ activity sheet to take with them on their adventures, spotting signs of spring – as they go!
For a full list of half-term events click here.
Birchfield Farm, Summerbridge
This year the popular attraction, set in the stunning Nidderdale countryside, is opening earlier than usual.
Visit the farm this spring and say hello to all the expectant ewes in the barns ready to give birth. If you are lucky, you may even see a lamb being born.
The farmers will be on hand to answer any questions and tell you more about the animals.
For little animal lovers, as well as sheep, there are also piglets, goats, ponies, guinea pigs and donkeys.
After working up an appetite, enjoy a homemade ice cream at the farm’s café – it’s never too cold!
No booking is required and the farm is open from 10am-4pm
Admission is £5 for adults and children – under twos are free.
Stockeld Park, near Wetherby – February 19-27
The ever-popular family attraction is holding a ‘Talking Animals Week’ over half-term.
Our Planet Your World, across the Harrogate district – February 21-February 26
Two life-size kangaroo impersonators will arrive in Harrogate.
A robotic polar bear and an 18-metre whale are among the attractions travelling round the district as part of an environment-themed week of free events.
Visit Harrogate, Harrogate Borough Council’s tourism body, has organised the week of events named ‘Our Planet, Your World’, to offer activities for families with an over-arching message of protecting the environment.
The events are as follows:
Monday, February 21
Boroughbridge Library, storytelling sessions
10am-1pm
Tuesday, February 22
Masham Town Hall, sea-theme crafting activity
11am-4pm
Wednesday, February 23
Ripon Market Square, animatronic polar bear, interactive art sculpture, face painting, craft activities for children and live music.
11am-4pm
Thursday, February 24
Harrogate’s Valley Gardens
11am-4pm
Friday, February 25
Pateley Bridge play area, environmentally-themed crafting activity for children
11am-4pm
Saturday, February 26
Knaresborough Castle Grounds, Boat About, crafting activity for children, face painting
11am-4pm
Organisers have said some activities are weather dependent so are asking visitors to follow the Visit Harrogate social media channels.