With half term just round the corner, there’s a jam-packed calendar of events and activities available in Notts to help keep kids entertained and Nottinghamshire County Council has identified some top boredom busters across the county.

From exploring the magical garden trail at Rufford Abbey, following the Love Edwinstowe and Sherwood Forest trail, to enjoying family theatre at one of the county’s Inspire libraries, families can look forward to a fun-packed half term and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.

For outdoor adventurers, the county parks, green spaces and public footpaths offer thousands of acres of opportunities. Whether it’s an off-road cycling adventure, den building, hiding painted rocks or flying a kite, there’s a whole county just waiting to be explored.  To find a walking and cycling route or local green space visit the county council’s website at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/walking 

The holidays are a perfect time to take advantage of the Government’s £2 bus fare cap and get around the county for less. A single bus journey will cost no more than £2 throughout the rest of February and March. So, get ready to #ExploreNotts and plan a great day out.

Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of the Communities Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said “Once again, there are lots of fun activities to keep children of all ages entertained during the school holidays. I hope families take advantage of these opportunities and make some great memories.”

“Our county is bursting with things to do, whether it’s enjoying the great outdoors at one of our beautiful parks or viewing a theatre performance at one of our libraries. We’re thrilled that families will have lots of activities to enjoy together. During this time, we encourage you to explore everything that Nottinghamshire has to offer and create memories that will last a lifetime.

“Don’t forget to share your adventures with us on social media by using the hashtag #ExploreNotts. We can’t wait to see what everyone gets up to during the school holidays!”

To find out more about events happening across Nottinghamshire visit our What’s On page https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/school-holidays-and-closures/school-holidays-events-and-inspiration/top-events

Featured events for the February half term include:

Love Edwinstowe and Sherwood Forest Trail

Get the heart pumping by heading out along the route for the Love Edwinstowe and Sherwood Forest Trail. The trail returns for a second year with crafted hearts showing the way through the village and up to the reserve.

  • It’s free to take the trail,
  • Starts on 8th February and continues until the 26th of the month.

Learn how to build a bird box

There will also be a walk in the forest on the lookout for birds, with advice about how best to care for them in your own garden or outdoor space.

  • Saturday 18 February
  • £15 to build the bird box (£12.50 for RSPB members). All materials and tools are provided along with expert construction guidance.
  • The guided walk is also included in the price.
  • Please note that this activity is not recommended for children aged under five.

Family Theatre

NIKKI CHARLESWORTH PRESENTS: WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?

What Happened to You? follows Little Red, Noodles and Bo, three raggedy puppets, trying to enjoy their day...but there are so many busy bodies getting in their way!  

What Happened to You? is a semi-autobiographical puppetry show by artist Nikki Charlesworth, who throws away the rulebook with these award-winning puppets that reflect her own physicality and move as she moves.

  • £3 library members | £6 non-library members
  • Touring 8 Inspire Libraries, 14 – 17 February
  • For ages 7+

Magical Garden Trail

Our favourite magical creatures are back again with a few more surprises for you.

Put on your fairy wings and follow the trail around Rufford Abbey’s Magical Gardens and create your own adventure.

Let your imagination run wild at Rufford Abbey Country Park this February half term.

  • Price: £2.50 per trail sheet (each trail sheet allows the holder one treat)
  • Dates: 11 - 26 February
  • Times: 10.00am - 4.00pm Daily