Half term days out in Essex
So February half term is almost upon us and its another week to entertain the kids. So here are a few ideas for February half term days out in Essex.
Thames Chase Forest Centre
Tues 13th & Wed 14th February 2018 – Make your very own nest box to take home, plant wildflowers and design a poster.
Thurs 15th February 2018 – Follow a compass trail around the forest.
Drop in for as long as you like, no need to book. Why not also explore our natural play trail or collect a brilliant Highway Rat activity pack!
£3 donation per child.
For more info visit their website. Address: Broadfields, Pike Lane, Upminster, RM14 3NS.
Hanningfield Reservoir
Hanningfield Reservoir in Downham, Billericay has the Wind in the Willows sculptures in the forest. A special map is available to purchase at the visitor centre. At each sculpture you can use the back of the map to make your very own brass rubbings of Badger, the Weasels, Ratty, Mole and Mr Toad. They are holding several activities during half term week:
Crazy Clay Creations – Tue, 13/02/2018 – 10:00am – 1:00pm. Make crafty creations to take home using clay. £3 per child. No need to book.
Brilliant Bugs Trail – Sun, 11/02/2018 – 10:00am – 4:00pm. Test your creepy crawly knowledge on our brilliant bugs nature trail. £2 per trail sheet. No need to book
For more information visit their website. Address: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, Hawkswood Road, Downham, CM11 1WT,
Langdon Visitor Centre
Langdon Visitor Centre is in Lower Dunton Road in Basildon. It is a lovely nature reserve with a trail, meadows, woodlands and lakes. As you take a wander around the trail you will meet wonderful wooden characters from Peter Rabbit.
Some of the events they are holding are:
Plant labels for Mr McGregor – Thu, 15/02/2018 – 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Follow Peter Rabbit Trail and visit the garden areas. Go inside to make some animal plant labels for you to take home. Drop in event but places may be limited at busy times. Accompanied children only.
Bug Craft – Fri, 16/02/2018 – 11:00am – 3:30pm. Get creative and design your own bugs in the indoor classroom.
For more information visit their website. Address: Langdon Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve, Third Avenue, Lower Dunton Road.Basildon SS16 6EB.
Belfairs Woodland Centre
Valentine’s Crafts Drop In Day – Sun, 11/02/2018 – 10:00am – 3:00pm. Drop In Craft Day for Valentine’s themes crafts for children of all ages! No need to book.
There is a small charge per craft and children must be accompanied.
For more information visit their website.
Essex Wildlife Trust are holding lots of fun events at the other centres, but many of them you need to book in advance so I would advise visiting their website first. They range from Button Crafts, building bird boxes to Space Days and Fairytale Fun.
Museum of Power
The Museum includes numerous power-related exhibits that will interest all ages, many working examples of various power sources, machinery, equipment and tools. In addition, in the former workshop, the Steam Pump Tea Rooms offer a selection of refreshments. Outside in the grounds more attractions can be found including a model village, picnic area and the miniature railway.
Rock Painting for Kids – Take your youngsters along to the Museum of Power during the February Half Term Holiday and have fun painting and finding rocks around the museum grounds. This is a popular activity with children and adults alike. Note that the museum is closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays but open from Weds 14th to Sunday 18th February. Normal entry fee applies. Adults: £5.00; Concessions: Senior citizens and students: £4.50; Children 5 to 15 incl £2:00; Children 4 and under: FREE.
Please visit their facebook page or website for further details. Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, Essex CM9 6QA. Tel: +44 (0)1621 843183.
Essex Police Museum
An absolutely fascinating place, small but packed full of interesting facts and information and has an area aimed at children.
Fingerprint Art – Sat 10th Feb, Weds 14th Feb and Sat 17th Feb. How many different pictures can you make with your fingerprints? Can you make a fingerprint story? All crafts and resources are provided along with examples and staff on hand if needed. The museum is also open for browsing 10am – 4pm. The activity is suitable for all ages with varying levels of parental support. £2 per participant. All monies raised go directly to the Essex Police Museum to help fund it.
Visit their website for further information. Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford CM2 6DN.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Here’s an excuse to have some fun and get your hands dirty with a range of themed activities whatever the weather. The line-up includes a garden trail, splash puddles, vintage tractors, art & craft workshops (Mon-Fri only), storytelling (Tue only) and the Great British Mud Pie Off (Fri only).
Normal garden admission applies. For further information visit their website.
Havering Museum
Dinosaur Family Fun day. 15th Feb – Drop in with the family anytime between 11:00am and 3:00pm. Have fun exploring Britain’s dinosaur heritage through crafts, quizzes and other fun. Suitable for 4 – 10 year olds. No booking in advance required.
Admission: One adult admission of £3.00 admits up to four children FREE. Address: 19-21 High Street, Romford, Essex RM1 1JU.
Hylands House & Park
Hylands House is a personal favourite of mine since we got married here in 2010. Based in Chelmsford in Hylands Park, the Grade II listed house is set in gorgeous landscaped parkland, with pretty formal gardens to explore, cafe and a large adventure castle play area.
Free entry to the park and free onsite parking. To enter the house is £3.80 for adults and free for under 16s.
Weds14th Feb – Scrapbook Safari – Is your little one ready for the adventure of a lifetime, Scrapbook Safari is the perfect day out! After the children immerse themselves on an expedition around Hylands Estate, learning about the plants wildlife that surround them, the fun moves inside where they assemble their own scrapbook. Scrapbook Safari is aimed at primary school aged children and their parents. Booking is essential and can be made on their website.
Please check their website for opening dates and times of the house and cafe. For more information please visit their website.
Barleylands Farm Park
Lambing Live. All week 10am to 4pm. This February half term, join Barleylands for Lambing Live. Farmers will be on hand to answer all your questions regarding the adorable newborns plus there will be interactive talks about shepherding and much more. You’ll also be able to get up close with the newborn animals.
You can buy tickets on their website. Barleylands, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD.
Hadleigh Park
Hadleigh Park are hosting Warrior Week, you need to book online in advance here. Ages 6 years and older. Take part in a variety of activities including Archery, Slingshots, Spears and Target Games. They are also hosting a Teddy Bear Warriors for under 5’s on Tuesday 12th February.
Gruffalo Trail – Thorndon Country Park North
The Gruffalo Trail is in Thorndon Country Park North in Brentwood. It’s a great walk through the forest spotting all your favourite characters from The Gruffalo books by Julia Donaldson. There is a visitor centre where you can purchase a trail guide for 50p. There is also a gift shop, cafe and toilets with picnic area.
Free entry and parking onsite. There is a charge for parking.
They are holding several events through half term week, like Button crafts and plate decorating but you do need to book in advance.
For more information please visit their website.
Thank you for reading ‘February Half Term Days Out in Essex’. For more of our favourite local free days out, see here.
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