by Katie Thompson
The first half-term of the new year is almost upon us, so it’s time to plan some exciting activities that will keep the whole family entertained. And as it’s only February, that means things to do inside as well as outside!
From animal lovers to young scientists to budding bakers, there’s loads on in Norwich and Norfolk this February half-term. Take a trip on the beary exciting Teddy Express, get involved at Norwich Science Festival or head to the zoo for a wild day out. And don’t forget to see what else is going on in the City of Stories this February.
Take a look below for our recommendations!
Come face-to-face with the Thrigby’s endangered animals, including rare leopards
Take a walk on the wild side this half term at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens! It’s just a half an hour drive east from Norwich.
Thanks to Thrigby’s conservation efforts, you can come face-to-face with the zoo’s endangered animals. Keep your eyes peeled in the treetops for the elusive red pandas, follow the movements of their mischievous meerkats and see if you can sing louder than the whooping gibbons! The most exciting part? Walking and rolling on Thrigby’s unique network of walkways past rare leopards, over cunning crocodiles and (a favourite here at VisitNorwich) next to magnificent tigers.
Get involved with Norwich Science Festival- there’s something for all ages!
Norwich Science Festival is back this February! With an amazing line-up of workshops, shows, talks, experiences and activities taking place across the city, there’s loads to get involved with. The festival’s events are great fun for all ages and a fantastic way to learn something new, too! Here are just some of the 130 events, some are free and some are ticketed.
Step inside the Explorer Dome (15 – 19 February, £8, Norwich School). This planetarium will transport you to weird and wonderful worlds, including The Wonder of Space, Disgusting Digestion, and Light Fantastic. We’re already intrigued!
At Norwich Theatre Playhouse, Adventures in Science (16 February, from £10) is a magic-filled interactive show that tries to answer some of the trickiest questions in the history of humanity. You can expect skills, silliness and a lot of laughs!
And each day you can get hands-on at The Explorium (15 – 22 February, FREE, The Forum) to learn about local wildlife, test your scientific skills and challenge yourself with exhibitors’ games. Plus, exhibitors change every day, so you can keep coming back for more!
We’ve all heard of the teddy bears’ picnic, but what about Bure Valley Railway’s Teddy Bear Express?
We’ve all heard of the teddy bears’ picnic, but what about the Teddy Bear Express? Throughout February half term, children (and their teddies!) go free with a full-paying adult at Bure Valley Railway. Travel from both their Wroxham and Aylsham stations on a bear-filled journey across the Norfolk countryside before purchasing a tasty Teddy Bear Lunch Box to tuck in to at their specially decorated Whistlestop Cafe. Just don’t forget to bring your cuddly friend along for the ride!
Love is in the air at Pensthorpe! Get involved with their Crazy Courtship trail
Love is in the air at Pensthorpe this half-term! As part of their Crazy Courtship trail, the whole family can immerse themselves in the weird and wonderful world of animal romance. Enjoy a range of interactive, informative and creative activities before being rewarded for your efforts. And if that’s not enough, you can listen to daily flamingo talks and run wild in Pensthorpe’s indoor and outdoor play areas. Then after an energetic day filled with the wonders of wildlife, tuck into some Crazy Courtship-themed treats in the cafe!
Learn all about the antics of Jack Valentine and find his lost packages!
The Museum of Norwich will be celebrating Norfolk’s unique Valentine’s Eve traditions throughout half term. Here, you’ll learn all about the antics of the secretive Jack Valentine who leaves small gifts on locals’ doorsteps (and sometimes whisking them away with a piece of string!). Children will be able to hunt for Jack’s lost packages around the museum before crafting a handmade Valentine’s card for their nearest and dearest. We suggest using the Museum’s own collection for inspiration!
Let your little ones get creative in the kitchen with Yalm’s Valentine’s-themed cooking workshops
Let your little ones get creative in the kitchen with Yalm’s Valentine’s-themed cooking workshops. Over a two-hour session, they’ll get to bake their very own heart-shaped pink peppermint creams, enjoy delicious, decorated Valentine’s cupcakes (specially boxed to take home and tuck into afterwards!), and take part in a heart-shaped photo frame craft activity. What’s more, all ingredients are included and there’s free drinks and biscuits for every budding baker!
Castle Quarter is bringing the hilarity of Total Wipeout to Norwich- laughs guaranteed!
For one day only, Castle Quarter is bringing the hilarity of Total Wipeout to Norwich! Open to children of all ages (as well as any mums, dads or grandparents!), it’s up to you to jump, dart, duck and dodge the giant spinning arm and avoid being knocked off the platform. It’s bound to put a smile on your face! And if you don’t want to have a go yourself, we’re sure you’ll make loads of entertaining memories watching your loved ones trying to stay on their feet!
It’s Buy One Get One Free at BeWILDerwood this half term!
February half-term marks the re-opening of BeWILDerwood for 2025! Between Saturday 15 – Sunday 23 February, this magical adventure park is offering Buy One Get One Free on all day tickets. So, whether you’re a first-time explorer or it’s a family favourite destination, you can enjoy the excitement of BeWILDerwood’s Wobbly Wires, Slippery Slopes, Sky Maze and more at a lower cost this half term.
With hundreds of amazing animals, Banham Zoo is a fantastic place for families to spend the day. And this half term, kids go free if you book in advance! So now it’s even more accessible for every lemur-lover, flamingo-fan or snake-supporter to get up close and personal with a range of exotic species. Plus, because we all know that the weather doesn’t always play ball this time of year, Banham Zoo’s Rainy-Day Guarantee makes sure you can return for free if rainfall continues for over an hour!
