Looking for something to do to entertain the kids this half term? Discover NI have put together this list of 10 family friendly events happening in Northern Ireland during the mid-term week (12-17 February) to keep children entertained and parents happy.
Toddlers take over the museum, Bangor, 16 February
As part of the playful museums month, North Down Museum will be hosting ‘toddlers take over the museum’. The building will become a fun and exciting place for children aged 3-5 years old. This is a chance for your child to experience arts and crafts, storytelling and puppet shows put on just for them. Free event.
X Factor Live Tour 2018, Belfast, 16 February
The X Factor Live Tour 2018 kicks off and for the first time ever the audience will choose their own winner. The top artists confirmed to go on the tour are Rak-Su, Grace Davies, Kevin Davy White, Lloyd Macey, The Cutkelvins, Matt Linnen and Sean and Conor Price.The X Factor Live Tour has thrilled more than three million people since it began 13 years ago, making it one of the UK’s most successful annual arena tours .To book tickets visit SSEArenaBelfast.com
Winter Woolly Walk, Newcastle, 17 February
Wrap up warm and come along to Cancer Fund for Children’s wonderful Winter Woolly Walk at Tollymore Forest Park. Walkers are free to stroll leisurely or can walk as briskly as they wish, it’s all about having fun together as a family, getting out in the fresh air and enjoying the wonderful wintry scenery. Refreshments for adults and children will be provided at the end of each walk as well as some fun family activities. To sign up phone 028 9080 5599 or e-mail fundraising@cancerfundforchildren.com
NI Science Festival, Belfast 15-25 February
With over 180 events across over 50 venues, the NI Science Festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold. During the day, the festival offers a range of workshops, talks and interactive activities for young people and parents. Full festival programme at NIScienceFestival.com
Dusty’s Northern Ireland Puddle Jumping Championships, Castle Espie, 16-18 February
Join Dusty the duck by grabbing your wellies, getting outside and having a splashing time at Dusty’s Northern Ireland Puddle Jumping Championships this February half term. Bring friends and family and see who can make the biggest, craziest splash as measured by special splash-o-meters. The Championships are open to children no matter what age or ability. U105 will be there each day between entertaining the crowds.
Museum of the Moon, Belfast, 10 February – 4 March
Museum of the Moon is a new touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram coming to W5 .Measuring seven metres in diameter, the moon features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. This installation is free to view with admission to W5.To book tickets visit W5Online.com.
The TQ Giants Trail, Belfast, 17 February
A family friendly trail where you will be provided with a treasure map and lots of clues. Spend the morning exploring Titanic Quarter searching for industrial giants, discover how they have played a huge role in the Titanic Quarter’s maritime history, and the one thing that links them all. Prizes to be won. To book visit VisitBelfast.com
George’s Marvellous Medicine, Belfast, 13-17 February
Most grandmothers are lovely, kind, helpful old ladies. Not George’s Grandmother. She likes to gobble up slugs and bugs, and is always telling George what to do. Following the success of Fantastic Mr Fox, The Twits and The Witches, Curve’s magnificent new co-production with Rose Theatre Kingston promises to be yet another hugely imaginative and entertaining stage adaptation coming to The Grand Opera House bursting with growing grannies, feathery farm animals and bags of frothbuggling family fun. To book visit GOH.co.uk.
O Duo, Bangor, 17 February
See percussionists O Duo whizz around the stage as you have never seen before in this exciting family concert. The pair perform an invigorating mix of classical music alongside some popular classics from TV and film on a huge array of percussion including marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, drum kit, African and Brazilian drums and a multitude of handheld percussion. To book tickets visit TicketSource.co.uk.
Spotlight Talk, Newtownards,
Join Castle Espie’s aviculture team to find out more about their range of collection birds, which are kept on-site and inspire any young nature enthusiast. The close encounters area is one of the most popular attractions of the reserve, offering visitors the opportunity to feed rare and exotic birds. To book a space call 028 9187 4146.
For more information on these events or to plan a short break for any season in Northern Ireland, visit DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.