Ultimate what’s on guide to February half term in Plymouth 2024

Okay so you’ve got the whole week to find activities for your kids this February half term in Plymouth. What are you going to do?

Here are a few ideas to keep babies, toddlers and older entertained this half term in Plymouth and nearby.

National Trust fun during half term in Plymouth

Saltram

If you’ve read my blog for more than five minutes you’ll know my favourite place to go during the school holidays has always been Saltram. And the National Trust never fails us on a half term. This February half term there will be a Pattern Finder Trail where kids need to search for photographs of the amazing patterns you see in nature on a family activity trail around the garden. There’s an activity sheet to complete every day from February 10th. There will also be drop-in craft sessions to create your own nature patterns daily from Monday February 12 to Friday February 16 in Stable 6.

A Fairy House Trail is also taking place at Saltram from January 28. The fairy houses are usually magically hidden around the gardens at Saltram, and if you listen carefully you might even hear the crunching and rustling of leaves or the grass rippling around you. These are signs that fairies are out and about playing in the garden. This January and February the Saltram fairies have agreed to show their homes to the visitors – especially those who truly believe in magic. You can spot all 10 houses then head to the bookshop to collect a sticker.

Some nature-inspired fun is also taking place at Saltram’s forest school on the Wednesday of half term. There will be a Valentine’s Day themed Wild Wednesday Session where children will be able to make their own Boggart to live in the trees or make some Valentine’s Day inspired art. There are two sessions running, from 10am to 12pm and then from 2pm to 4pm. To find out more and book, check out the Facebook event.

And if you don’t fancy the gardens, why not head on the riverside cycle track, do the Saltram boundary walk, have a play in the play park or take your bikes on the pump track. Or there’s always the famous tree to climb – we all know the one, and of course an ice cream in the cafe!

Buckland Abbey

If you fancy an alternative to Saltram but still want to make the most of your NT membership, why not pay a visit to Buckland Abbey? This February half term the fairies will also be putting in an appearance at Buckland, with a Forgotten Fairytales event starting on February 10. There is also a Fairytale Crafts with Naturemake event on February 11 and 18. Suitable for children aged four and over, the event will bring your favourite tales to life using natural materials from near and far to create magical scenes, lands and characters from ogres to castles and unicorns. Prices vary depending on what you make from £5 to £15.

Cotehele

There’s plenty going on in February half term over the bridge at Cotehele too. From February 3 to 25, there will be a Little Gardener’s trail. Even in the winter there are so many things to do to keep the gardens looking tidy and the Cotehele gardeners need your help. Become a Little Gardener and complete activities such as sowing seeds, smelling herbs, watching birds and finding your very own nature treasures.

Marine activities during February half term in Plymouth

National Marine Aquarium

You can’t live in Plymouth and not take your kids to the National Marine Aquarium. Whether you just want to wander to look at the exhibits, or get in get involved in some of the activities, it’s always a great day out. This February half term in Plymouth, older children have the chance to become a marine biologist for the day. Ocean Squad sessions are for 11 to 15 year olds where they can join the NMA’s Ocean Discovery Rangers and become a junior marine biologist.

The experience allows them to take part in various hands on activities and are perfect for the budding Ocean Lover. They will go behind the scenes at the NMA including VIP access to the tops of some of the biggest exhibits, do a rockpool safari on the local coastline, take part in species identification, do a tour of the NMA’s hub of ocean excellence, and use brand new virtual reality devices to dive and explore the amazing tanks. Sounds awesome!

Wembury Marine Centre

The week before half term on Saturday February 3, Devon Wildlife Trust’s Marine Engagement team are kicking off monthly free sea watches at Wembury Point. Local volunteers and sea watch expert, Paul Burley, will show visitors how to search for cetaceans and sea birds from the land as well as learning about their behaviour and lives at sea. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Explore the beaches

Living in our part of the world, beaches are always going to be on the list of how to entertain kids during half term in Plymouth. We’ve got so many beautiful beaches so close to us which are gorgeous whatever the weather. Wrap up warm and head for Bovisand, Mountbatten or Wembury. Or head further afield to Bantham, Bigbury, Thurlestone and South Milton or across the Tamar Bridge to find some fabulous ones in South East Cornwall. 

Half term theatre in Plymouth

Kadcat Theatre Group

If your kids love a panto, there’s still chance to see one on Friday February 9 and Saturday February 10. The Kadcat Theatre Group is performing 1001 Panto Nights at St Bartholomew’s Church Hall in Outland Road, Plymouth. Performances are at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Buy tickets here.

Broken Puppet Theatre Company

‘Scrap & Scrunch’ creative workshops are taking place this February half term in Plymouth by the Broken Puppet Theatre Company. They’ll take place at the Market Hall in Devonport. In this brand new immersive puppetry workshop, children will be able to bring characters from their own imagination to life, right before their eyes. Essential materials will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring scrap items of recycling such as empty loo rolls, cereal box card, empy egg cartons, string and tin foil to help make and decorate their puppets if they wish. The 2 hour workshop is suitable for children aged 8 to 12.

Terrific Travels

If you’ve not been to the immersive dome at Market Hall, Devonport then here is your chance. Step into a storybook from the comfort of a beanbag. Terrific Travels will have you experience trainspotting in a wild forest, venture into the city with cars and planes before heading to the stars. Finally you’ll dive beneath the sea with submarines swirling around in this 25 minute showing on Sunday February 11 from 10am.

Sports Sessions during February Half term in Plymouth

If you have sporty children (or those you wish to wear out!), then there are loads of sports clubs and camps taking place during February half term in Plymouth. Here are a few to choose from:

Plymouth City Patriots Basketball Camps

If your kids are into basketball, then why not learn from the pros with Plymouth City Patriots basketball camps. Camps, held at Marjons, will take place from Monday to Friday during half term and there will be various sessions for children aged 6 to 16. Find out more and book them here.

High Five Slam Dunk Basketball Camp

Holiday club favourites High Five are also holding a basketball camp at Eggbuckland Community College on Thursday February 15. Slam Dunk Basketball will see children aged 6 to 13 enjoy a day packed with high-energy activities and masterclass training in the exhilarating world of basketball.

First Touch Football Tournament Day

High Five are also holding a day for football fanatics at Eggbuckland Community College. First Touch Football Tournament Day is taking place on Friday February 16 and promises to be a day packed with fun and football. Designed for young footie enthusiastes aged 5 to 12, it will offer a blend of competitive spirit and pure fun. Whether your child goes on their own, with a couple of friends or a ready made 5-a-side football team, they will be treated to a day of laughter, learning and lots of football.

We Do Football Coaching Clubs

We Do Football are hosting half term coaching clubs at Stoke Damerel Community College each day of the week, and Plymstock School on Wednesday and Friday, 10am to 3pm. There will also be a goalkeeper day on the Wednesday. They’re offering maximum fun with no pressure, and a safe learning environment with qualified coaches. Find out more and book by contacting Joe Geraghty at wedofootball1@gmail.com.

City of Plymouth Trampoline and Gymnastics Club

The City of Plymouth Trampoline and Gymnastics Club are holding Holiday Camps on Monday to Thursday afternoons of half term. They are open to members and non-members and will consist of bars, beam, floor, airtrak, trampoline and games. Find out more details here.

Plymouth Albion Rugby Camps

Children aged 7 to 12 can take part in an all day rugby camp from Monday to Thursday at Plymouth Albion. All abilities are welcome, and those living in the PL1 and PL2 postcode areas can go along for free. It is £10 per day for children in other areas. Find out more and book here.

Holiday Camps in February Half Term in Plymouth

If you’re looking for childcare for your kids during half term whilst you work, or just something cool to keep your children entertained for the day, there are loads of great Holiday Clubs in and around Plymouth.

Science Camp

Venture Outdoor Kindergarten is running a science camp for 3 to 8 year olds on Monday February 12 at Venture Kitley Farm in Yealmpton. If your kids fancy some fizzing whizz popping tasty fun, then this one looks great. Each Venture Holiday Camp is a brilliant opportunity for children to join the fun at Venture Outdoor Kindergarten, immersing themselves in nature and playing with friends. It is lead by qualified teachers and forest school practitioners. Children enjoy an array of activities with the opportunity to learn new skills each day. There will also be time for plenty of child-led play, exploration and making new friends. Book on their website..

YMCA Holiday Club

If you have older children (aged 8-16) and want to book them into a holiday club, the YMCA in Honicknowle are offering safe, fun and engaging activities every day of the week. This half term’s activities include team games, themed arts and crafts, dodge ball, nerf party, street surfing in our sports hall, talent shows and lots more. Find out more and book here.

Forest School Half Term Holiday Club

Flint and Steel Forest School is running a woodland holiday club for 5 to 13 year olds each day from 9am to 4pm this half term. Based at Poole Farm in Leigham, their fully outdoor setting is perfect for children to be children. They’ll get to enjoy being outdoors, connect with nature, and make friends and memories. They’ll learn to cook food over a fire, hunt for bugs, build dens, learn to use a range of hand tools to create natural crafts or just relax in a hammock.

High Five Holiday Camps

High Five has a brand new theme for their February Half term camps. Kids are going to love Galaxy Explorers where they’ll be able to stargaze like a Guardian of the Galaxy, build their own space rocket or craft an entire solar system. High Five will have their full range of zero-gravity inflatables available and themed activities such as Jedi training and alien blaster wars. They’ll even teach the kids to moonwalk! Sports fans can take part in intergalactic team sports such as basketball, dodgeball, football and tennis – all with a cosmic twist. Camps will run at Elburton Primary School, Plymouth College, Widey Court Primary School, China Fleet Club in Saltash, Mount Kelly Prep School in Tavistock, Stover School in Newton Abbot and Stowford School in Ivybridge. Find out more about the camps and book them here.

Plymouth Active Holiday Club

Plymouth Active Holiday Club is taking place at the Life Centre each day of half term for children aged 8 to 12 years. It offers a wide range of activities from swimming to science workshops and climbing to arts and crafts. To find out more see their website here.

Hele’s School Holiday Club

Hele’s School Holiday Club is operated by the Community Sports Centre and encourages children of all abilities between the ages of 6 and 12 to come along and enjoy a week of multi-sports and other activities. This includes swimming, multi-sports, arts and crafts, dance, team-building activities, day trips and much more. The week is designed to promote new sports, stay active, have fun and most of all meet new friends. Find out more here.

Whiz Kidz Holiday Camps

Holiday Club Activity Day Camps are taking place at Whiz Kidz, Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road each day of half term. It’s promised that days are dynamic and planned around numbers and with input on the day from the children at the session. There is a learning theme based around all the activities, and lots will be done in the ‘great outdoors’, as well as crafts, cookery and challenges. There’s also likely to be trips out to beaches and the moors, even if it’s raining. Find out more here.

Plymouth Snowsports Centre Activity Days

If you have kids aged 8 to 15, why not send them to Plymouth Snowsports Centre for some fun-packed days this half term? From February 12 to 16, from 9am to 4pm, youngsters can enjoy 2 ski or snowboard lessons, sno-tubing, tobogganing, the Viper Drop and a hot lunch.

They are also holding a Tots Activity Day for 4 to 8 year olds on Friday February 16. It will include a ski lesson, sno-tubing, tobogganing and a hot lunch for £25. It’s suitable for complete beginners and a parent is required to stay. To find out more and book your spot on either event, checkout their website.

Play sessions for younger children

Moo Music Plymouth

If you have little ones and want to escape the ‘big kids’ during February half term, head to the Moo Music Cafe on Mutley Plain. Younger children can either do a Moo Music session or have fun in the soft play area. Whilst mums and dads can enjoy a coffee and cake! Moo sessions also run in Plympton, Drakes Den, Sherford and Ivybridge. Book onto a session here.

Pop Up Play half term sessions

Play sessions for children who are on the move up to about seven are being held during the half term. Pop Up Play Village will run sessions at Crownhill Scout Hut, Woolwell Scout Hut, and Saltash Girl Guide HQ. Older siblings are allowed to join in the fun during the holidays. To find out more and book onto a session check out their website.

Activities across the city

Plymouth Libraries

Libraries across Plymouth are holding various activities for children throughout February half term. Lego Club is on throughout the week at certain libraries. There are several Make A Valentine’s Card sessions across the city, as well as Storytime and Rhymetime sessions. Other activities include decorating plant pots, planting seeds or bean, games, puzzles, making a marble run, Dragonslayers tabletop gaming, making dragon puppets and even a Fairytale Ballet workshop! Check out Plymouth City Council’s libraries website for specific details.

Half Term Inflator Fun Day

The Woolwell Centre is hosting its popular Inflator Fun Day on February 15 and 16. Parents can sit back and enjoy a coffee, whilst the kids burn off some energy. There will be a bouncy castle, fun run, soft play and glitter tattoos in the 90 minute sessions. Tickets are available from the centre’s reception in Darklake Lane or call 01752 695888.

Royal William Yard

The Royal William Yard is always a great place to visit anyway, but during half term there are several activities going on including a Mini Print workshop and Mini Clay Makers for children aged 3 to 7.

Market Hall events for kids

There’s loads going on at the Market Hall in Devonport this February half term. Children aged 8 to 12 can sign up for Junior Film-making sessions on Monday February 12, Lego Robotics workshops on Tuesday February 13 and Thursday February 15, and a Junior Games Design Taster on Tuesday February 13.

The Box

Free drop-in activities will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of half term at The Box. Inspiration will be taken from John Akomfrah’s stunning multi-screen film ‘Arcadia’ for a variety of free fun. Activities will include marbling paper and making beautiful dream books to capture the dreams or amazing daydreams you’ve had. Incredible local storyteller Abimbola Alao will also be there to share the stories of some of the real life families whose lives are documented in our archives and who left Plymouth in the 18th century when the city was the busiest emigration point in England. Free admission. No need to book. Drop in for as little or as long as you like.

Family Navigation Session on Dartmoor

Crag 2 Mountain are holding a family navigation course on Dartmoor on Saturday February 17. Open to families with children of all ages, the skills taught to children will be adaped for their age and individual learning level. The adults of the group will learn some of the skills from the Basic Navigation Course but over a shorter walk to accommodate those with little legs on the session. The skills taught to children are adapted to each child and their individual learning level. The route from Sharpitor will mainy be on paths andtracks with the final section on open moorland.

Bridging The Tamar

A few events are taking place at the Bridging The Tamar visitor and learning centre this half term. On Monday and Tuesday there will be a Mossy Fun workshop where kids can make a mossy pom pom and learn more about the mosses near the Tamar. No booking required. Then on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday there will be Brick Ideas famiy Lego workshops which you need to book for. Find out more here.

Indoor fun for February half term in Plymouth

Obviously we’ll all be hoping for some glorious winter sunshine this February half term, but if the weather is looking a bit dodgy, there are plenty of places to keep kids entertained indoors in Plymouth. Here are a few to choose from that we all know and love.

• Adrenalin – including a Superheroes Stay and Play event
• Supertramp
• Drakes Den – complete with Valentine’s Party on February 16.
• Jump Soft Play
• Climbing – at Clip ‘n Climb, the Climbing Hangar, the YMCA and the Life Centre.
• Indoor Karting – extended opening hours and Reverse Track Thursday at Plymouth Karting.
• Bowling – half term meal deals at Ten Pin or try duck pin bowling at Spinners
• Virtual Reality – at Player Ready or Adrenalin
• Laser Tag – at Plymouth Karting or Ten Pin
• Clay Art
• Indoor Crazy Golf – at Paradise Island Adventure Golf
• Swimming
• Cinema – at Vue, Cineworld, Everyman or Plymouth Arts Cinema

Days out for February half term in Plymouth and nearby

We’re lucky enough to live in a place with loads of great places for a day out with kids. These are some of our favourites:

• Plymouth Hoe and Barbican
• Dartmoor Zoo – with a dino quest event for half term
• Pennywell Farm – reopening for February half term
• Woodlands Theme Park
• River Dart Country Park
• Woodland Adventure Golf at China Fleet Club, Saltash
• Mount Edgcumbe – kids love the Cremyll Ferry
• Plymouth Golf Centre
• The Box
• Plymouth parks

Things to do with kids further afield

It’s not like you’re going to have run out of things to do with all of the above. I mean, it’s only a week! But if you fancy a day out further afield, what about some of these?

• Torquay’s Dinosaur World
• Paignton Zoo
• Amazing Cornish Maize Maze
• Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Babbacombe Model Village
• Monkey Sanctuary in Looe
• Trethorne Leisure Park
• Dartmoor Otters and Buckfastleigh Butterflies
• House of Marbles
• Crealy Theme Park
• Totnes Rare Breeds Farm
• Hidden Valley Discovery Park
• Haldon Forest
• Go Ape
• Tavistock Tree Surfers
• Mare and Foal Sanctuary
• Eden Project – ice skating is still on until Feb 18

If you’ve run out of ideas, then head over to my Things To Do With Kids in Plymouth post, where you might find something else you fancy. Good luck!

How did I do?

If you liked this post and want more Plymouth ideas, head to:

• What There Is For Kids At The Box Plymouth
• Top 20 Outdoor Spaces In Plymouth For Families
• The 20 Best Things To Do Indoors In Plymouth With Kids
• Things To Do With Kids In The Summer
• Plymouth’s High 5 Holiday Camps and Sports Clubs
• Pubs With Play Parks in Plymouth
• Best Walks for Kids In Devon
• Things To Do On A Family Day Out At Drake Circus’ Barcode

Or you may like some of my other Local Stuff  or the days out reviews in my Travel Section. Or if you want to read some of my usual tongue-in-cheek parenting rants, head to my Mum Life section for a giggle.

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