The upcoming February half term marks the first school holiday of 2025, but don’t panic! There are lots of activities happening across East Sussex to make entertaining the kids a breeze, from dragon hunting, farm visits, and ice skating to crafting, art gallery workshops, and star gazing. Read on to find out more.
Ice skating at the Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park, 15 to 23 February
Who says fire and ice don’t mix? Enjoy ice skating on real ice at Sheffield Park Station, set in the unique and amazing location of the Locomotive Shed.
Glide across the ice and see where the locomotives are prepared in the morning before they steam up and down the preserved railway line through 11 miles of beautiful countryside.
Visit the railway station to skate only or add an All-Day Rover Ticket to travel behind one of the vintage steam locomotives. Don’t miss the heritage railway’s great value ‘Kids for a Quid’ offer available for train travel during half term.
Dragon scavenger hunt, Bodiam Castle, near Robertsbridge, 15 to 23 February
Spot the little dragons hiding around Bodiam Castle.
From fire to water, there are dragons who have made their home around the castle. As you look for them, have a go at some dragon games and unscramble the letters to discover a secret word.
Pesky pests trail, Bateman’s, Burwash, 15 to 23 February
Explore the house and garden at Bateman’s to find the pesky pests and play their games.
Play games and activities to learn all about these little critters. Can you win a game of pest top trumps? Find out what the tapping of a death-watch beetle means and work out which fabrics the moths have been eating. From woodlice and ladybirds to silverfish and carpet beetles, there are lots of pesky pests to learn about.
Sharnfold Farm, Hailsham, 15 to 23 February
This February half term, bring the family to Sharnfold Farm for a fun-filled adventure in the great outdoors. Get your wellies and overalls ready because it’s time to embrace the fresh air, muddy boots, and all the joys of farm life.
Explore everything Sharnfold Farm has to offer including meeting farmyard friends, playing in the Adventure Playground, making music at the Sound Station, and enjoying giant vehicles and a self-build roadway in Vehicle Valley.
Plus, kids go free with a paying adult when booked in advance.
Drusillas Park, Alfriston, 15 to 23 February
Make wild memories and have a zoo-per day out at Drusillas this half term.
Get nose-to-nose with 80 species of animal in the interactive zoo, go wild in indoor and outdoor playgrounds, enjoy unlimited access to family-friendly rides, tip-toe among prehistoric giants, be totally immersed in SPARK sensory play experience, and more!
If you’re already a Drusillas annual member, why not share the Drusillas magic with a friend? For the whole month of February you can bring a friend to the park for a full day out for just £10. Tickets are available at the gate on the day.
Half term activities, East Sussex libraries, various locations, 15 to 23 February
East Sussex libraries are hosting various free activities during half term for children of all ages.
Sessions include fun crafting, mindfulness colouring, and treasure hunts for younger children, plus graphic novel workshops for teens. Come and join us, get creative, express yourself and feel good!
The events are free and you don’t need to be a library member to come along, but you’re welcome to join when you’re there!
Moon Watch, The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, 18 February
At this half day workshop, children aged 7 to 11 years can learn all about the magnificent Moon through fun interactive activities.
The Moon is a fascinating piece of rock but how did it get there? What are those dark patches that look like a face? What made all those craters? Come and find out in this fantastically fun workshop where you can make your own Moon model and create some fantastically messy craters.
Planetarium, Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, Hastings, 18 to 20 February
Step inside our mini celestial theatre and take a trip to the stars.
The museum team are working with Immersive Experiences to bring the wonders of the universe to the Durbar Hall! Suitable for ages 5+.
Family Day, Hastings Contemporary, Hastings, 20 February
Explore, create and play your way around the gallery during February’s Family Day.
The gallery will be full of creative activities and crafting stations, plus an artist-led workshop in the Studio. There is no need to book, just turn up and enjoy. Under 18s go free.
Wild about Winter Birds, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, 21 February
Learn all about winter birds at this two hour family activity session.
Enjoy a guided walk with binoculars to Gooder’s Hide to learn how birds on the reserve survive through the Winter. Observe and identify birds at the reserve before heading back to the Discovery Centre to learn how to dry needlefelt or hand embroider a bird.
Suitable for children aged 5 to 11 years, who can be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Family Day, Towner Gallery, Eastbourne, 21 February
Join artists Ruby Campion and Yanaëlle Ritter for Towner’s February Family Day: Folklore!
Explore historic and contemporary Sussex folktales through activities that take over the gallery. Storytelling, performance, shadow-play and a giant imagined landscape invite you into the weird and wonderful tales of Sussex and invite you to create your own. Recommended for ages 5+
Do let us know the places you’re hoping to visit and what you’re planning to get up to during half term in the comments section below. Visit our things to see and do pages for more ideas about places to visit and things to do all year round.
Image: Liis Hirvoja, Towner Family Day
