There’s loads on this February half term in East Sussex, so we’ve done a round up of some of the key events across the county.

Events in Lewes area

  • Head to Middle Farm during half term, where they’re celebrating the arrival of their early spring chicks and lambs. Open 10am-4.30pm daily. Under 3s free, everyone else £6.
  • Get the kids out to run off some energy at Peacehaven’s new Junior Park Run. This free 2km run is suitable for children aged 4-14, and is on every Sunday at 9am. You need to register online before your first run, then head to Centenary Park, Piddinghoe Avenue. Afterwards you can visit the fabulous ‘Big Park’ playground or Gateway café which are both in the park. You can easily spend a few hours here on a nice day.
  • Is your dog ‘the best cuddler’ or ‘biggest heart-throb’? Pop to Raystede animal sanctuary for a Valentine’s themed dog show on 16 February. It’s £3 to enter a dog before you get there, but you can also go as a visitor and wander around the dogs, cats, ducks, horses, goats, poultry, rabbits and more. There’s a playground, a sensory trail, a café and plenty of space to run around. Open every day, free of charge but donations welcome.

Events in Wealden area

  • Throughout half term, Sheffield Park is host to the play ambassadors, who’ve got lots of fun ways to keep the children entertained outside in nature. 18-21 February, 10am-4pm. You could even arrive by steam train, for a special treat.
  • Wilderness Wood is a fabulous place to spend a few hours, walking the woodland trails, playing in the natural playground and mud kitchen, and enjoying a delicious bit of cake or lunch in the café. Over half term there are daily activities like a Gruffalo hunt, fairy and elf garden making, den and shelter building, forest school and more. You need to book tickets online.
  • Dive into the magical world of Hansel and Gretel with a puppet show at the Civic Centre in Uckfield. Friday 22 February at 11am, £7.50 per ticket. Suitable for ages 3+. Book by calling 01825 769694.

Events in Eastbourne area

  • Celebrate Chinese New Year- the Year of the Pig with a flag parade from Banker’s Corner to the Royal Hippodrome Theatre where there’ll be traditional dancing, food and entertainment. 2.30pm on Sunday 17 February. £5 for adults, £3 for children, book online.
  • Is your child or teenager a fan of The Greatest Showman? Sweet Circus are offering a free circus play day at St Elisabeth’s Church in Old Town on Wednesday 20 February. 2.30-4pm for ages 11+ and 4.30-6.30pm for all ages.
  • Are your children full of energy? The UK’s largest inflatable park is coming to Eastbourne on 21 and 22 February at Eastbourne Sports Park. Suitable for children aged 5+ and you get a 90 minute session on the ‘total wipeout’ style inflatables. There are also lots of whacky animals to meet and hold for just £1.99 extra. You need to book tickets in advance.

Events in Hastings area

  • Enjoy Quentin Blake’s latest illustration exhibition and learn about his love of reading and literature at the Jerwood Gallery, Hastings throughout February. It is a child-friendly venue with a lovely cafe and shop.
  • Blue Reef Aquarium will play host to a huge animatronic dragon on Tuesday 19 February from 10am-3pm. There will be lots of fun activities for your mini dragon-slayers, and all the sea creatures to enjoy too.
  • Join Spiderman and Batman for a tea party at Rose Petals Beauty function rooms on Saturday 23 February from 11am-12.15pm. There’ll be tea and cake, a disco, photo opportunities, games and a treat to take home. £20 for one adult and child. Book tickets on 07814418478.

Events in Rother area

  • The classic children’s book ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’ has been turned into a West End play. It’s touring and will be at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 February. £12.50 per ticket, suitable for children aged 3+. Book tickets here.
  • Let your 3-8 year-old enjoy a day of Forest School at Battle Pre-School on Monday 18 February, 9am-3pm. They will spend the day outdoors in the woods, enjoy a real campfire, outdoor crafts and activities and learn to use real tools. Book a space at battlepreschool@btconnect.com
  • Get the whole family outdoors with a trip to the Lions Den obstacle course in Broad Oak. Everyone can use the obstacle course, and you can also walk around the woods, shelter in a giant marquee and enjoy the tuck shop. Monday 19 February 10am-1pm. £10 for a family ticket, book now.

 

 

Things to do all over

  • February is peak season for crocus and snowdrops and the first sign that Spring is not far away. These beautiful flowers can be found all over the county, covering the ground in delicate carpets. Find a snowdrop walk near you.
  • If we’re lucky enough to get some snow, there are parks and hills all over the county, perfect for sledging, snowman building and snowballs.
  • Your local leisure centre is a great place to spend a few hours. As well as swimming, many offer trampolining, ball sports, soft play, roller-discos and bowling.
  • If the weather’s bad, the cinema is a popular choice for the whole family. The new Lego movie is out now, and is sure to be popular with children and adults.