Family fun in February half term

With the February half term nearly upon us, you might be wondering what you can do to keep the kids entertained. With theatres, museums, countryside and beaches in the area, there’s plenty of fantastic family activities happening in and around Chichester and Bognor Regis.

Amberley Museum is supporting Random Acts of Kindness Day in half term with its Acts of Kindness Trail, colouring in the café and mindful paper crafts for the family. If you’re looking to keep little hands even busier, you can join its pottery workshop to make a bird or bird’s nest from air-drying clay.

If you’re looking for a couple of hours to sit back and be entertained, the stage-show version of Bugsy Malone is showing throughout the half term at Chichester Festival Theatre and is not to be missed.

Arundel Wetlands Centre is hosting The Big Hide Out, with activities for all the family. Borrow a pair of binoculars and pick up a trail card to play Birdy Bingo. Alternatively, join a drawing workshop and learn how to sketch a bird or make a pinecone feeder. Most of the activities are free, or just £2 per child.

If your kids are into history, they won’t want to miss out on the ‘At home with the Romans’ half term activities at Fishbourne Roman Palace. It’s hosting free activities every day throughout the week, including Roman hairstyles, falconry, arts and crafts. You can also follow an activity trail around the palace to be in with a chance of winning a prize.

Weald & Downland Living Museum is home to 40 beautiful acres of historic gardens and buildings. In addition to a woodland trail and outdoor play area for children, there are activities being held every day throughout the half term, including archery and biscuit making. You can also join in with a special treasure hunt, have fun at the games station and take part in the bird box trail.

Built over the remains of a Roman bath house, The Novium Museum in the heart of Chichester is holding a week of pirate-themed activities. Your little ones will be in for a swashbuckling time as they seek out the hidden treasure around the building and make their own swords. The Treehouse Theatre will also pay a special visit to the museum on the 14^th February for some interactive storytelling.

The Regis Centre & Alexandra Theatre in Bognor Regis is offering free under the sea crafts and storytelling on the 16^th and 17^th February. And if your little ones prefer space and stars to underwater, Squashbox Theatre is performing Journey to the Stars – a mix of puppetry, music, comedy and fantastic facts about the cosmos.

Chichester Cathedral is holding a special drop-in family workshop on Friday 17^th February with artist-in-residence, Anne Grebby. After learning more about how she creates her work and taking some time to look at the artwork being created, you can make your own masterpiece to take home.

If you’re looking to get the kids out into the fresh air, there’s so much to discover, like the beaches in West and East Wittering, not forgetting the seaside classic of Bognor Regis. If greenery is more your thing, then there are endless walks and beautiful scenery in the South Downs National Park. As well as day-time activities, the South Downs Dark Skies Festival is running until Friday 17th February, featuring a variety of nocturnal events, such as wildlife walks and stargazing parties.

Have fun this half term exploring all that West Sussex has to offer!