Fab February half term fun
As half term is fast approaching, a wealth of family fun is set to take place in Darlington during the holidays.
Active kids can enjoy activities in Eastbourne Sports Complex, including a football camp running from 18 to 21 February between 10am-3pm, and Move More Mash Up on Friday 22 February 10am-3pm. There is also a pool party at the Dolphin Centre on Friday 22 February noon-5pm.
Magic comes to the streets of Darlington with the award-winning magician Graeme Shaw on Tuesday 19 February. This performance is provided by Darlington Libraries, and takes place in the Cornmill Centre between 11am-1pm, and performances in the Dolphin Centre are between 1:15-3pm. The event is free and no booking is required.
Captain Raggy Beard’s Pirate Adventure delivers a swashbuckling spectacle in Crown Street Library between 10:30-11:30am and Cockerton Library between 1:30-2:30pm on Wednesday 20 February. Recommended for ages four to eight year olds. Tickets are £4 per child and need to be booked in advance.
Head of Steam will be hosting Animal Story on Wednesday 20 February between 11am-3:30pm, which offers the chance to get up close with some amazing creatures from around the world – including geckos and snakes! Booking is required, participation included in admission and family passes.
On Thursday 21 and Friday 22 February, St. John Ambulance Advocates will be inviting both Cornmill’s Kids Club and local shoppers to partake in interactive first aid sessions, which will teach the basics of life-saving first aid practical skills. Alongside the event, St. John Ambulance will be looking to recruit keen locals who would like to volunteer and share first aid techniques at future events around the town. This session runs between 10am-3pm.
Join the Block Party team and create LEGO® vehicles to race down the custom ramp at Head of Steam on Thursday 21 February, 11am-2:30pm. With around 30,000 pieces of LEGO®, the only limit will be their imagination. Included in admission and family passes, but session must be booked for in advance.
Aspiring scientists can take part in impressive experiments, including a Slime and Bathbomb Making workshop, in Darlington Libraries’ Cool Science at the Indoor Market on Thursday 21 February from 11am-1pm. This free event requires no booking. Demos for the workshop are at 11am and 12:30pm.
Creative kids can try their hand at art with Painty Printing at Head of Steam. This drop-in event takes place on Friday 22 February from 1-3pm. Participation is included in admission and yearly passes and booking is not required.
Station Scamps gives youngsters under four the chance to run about and have fun in a drop-in session between 10am-12:30pm on Friday 22 February in Head of Steam. Station Scamps is free to Museum family annual pass holders, and non-members pay £2 per session. Snacks and drinks are provided.
Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure, local environment and transport, said: “Half term is an exciting time for everyone, and Darlington offers a wealth of things to get excited about.
“Local groups are working hard to make sure there are plenty of things to do throughout the week.”
Please note that some of these events may require booking. More details of what’s going on during February and beyond can be found online at www.darlington.gov.uk/events
For more details about Darlington Libraries visit www.darlington.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/libraries/ or call 01325 349630, on Facebook @DarlingtonLibraries or on Twitter @DarlLibs
For More details about the Head of Steam, please visit www.darlington.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/head-of-steam or call 1325 406000, on Facebook @headofsteammuseum and Twitter @HeadofSteamMus.