Kids and families diary: February half-term

There are lots of exciting and fun things to do at Cornwall's attractions this February half-term, here's our guide...

Various National Trust properties and gardens

There are activities galore at Cornwall’s National Trust estates this February half-term; snowdrops are the star of the show at Trelissick and it’s time to play I Spy at Glendurgan, while over at Lanhydrock why not wander down through the woods to the river or hire a bike and go off and explore?. Down at Godolphin there will be a week of storytelling walks. At Cotehele there's bushcraft for the kids and an apple grafting weekend for the adults. Mini gardeners should get down to Trengwainton where there will be free seed-planting. Phew, it’s going to be a busy week!

 

Get closer to animals at Newquay Zoo

Join Newquay Zoo this February half term for the launch of  ‘Nearby nature 2018’, a celebration of all things native.
There will be trails, activities and more… Have a Creepy Encounter, 2pm daily outside the tropical house or come and watch our animals go wild for some tasty treats throughout half term.

 

Train the Troops! – Pendennis Castle, Falmouth

Attention! Join us for a packed day of action and soldier training. Shape up before you ship out and be put through your paces in commando training. Step back to the time of the Second World War and face the Drill Sergeant. Sign up to the training camp and see if you have what it takes to conquer the obstacle course...

 

Early Man – Eden Project, nr St Austell 

Bring your tribe to Eden this half term for intrepid adventures and behind-the-scenes fun based on Early Man, the latest adventure by the creators of Chicken Run and Wallace & Gromit. Set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures roamed the earth, Early Man tells the story of courageous caveman hero Dug and his best friend Hognob as they unite his tribe against a mighty enemy to save their home.

Come along to Eden and grab your map and go on an exciting quest to find your own Schnoolkel coin – the currency used in the film. You’ll journey along a timeline of civilizations, learning about their discoveries and what gifts they passed on to the next generation.

Or discover your inner cave dweller inside our incredible Cave. Enter through the stone tunnel and get stuck into drawing your own cave art onto the walls.
Elsewhere inside the Cave, you’ll discover the tricks of the trade of how the film was made, and watch some behind-the-scenes footage and film clips. Within another cave, glistening with bronze nuggets, you’ll be able to get involved in an archaeological dig, using brushes to uncover replica tools and artifacts from the Stone Age.

Get your skates on too for February half-term is your last chance to catch the Eden Ice Rink before it packs up for another year!  

 

Little Pirates and Fairies - Paradise Park, Hayle

Join Paradise Park over February half-term for their Little Pirates and Fairies fancy dress week. Complete the family-fun quiz trail and quiz and claim your delicious sweet treat prize. Plus don’t miss the chance to meet Long John Tredinnick and his loyal band of parrots, walk the rope bridge, climb the nets, fly down the slides and keep and eye out for free flying macaws!

 

Telegraph Museum Porthcurno

Telegraph Museum Porthcurno offers a surprising and inspiring visit time and time again. Porthcurno’s golden sandy beach hides an amazing secret. Beneath your feet, messages from all corners of the globe have been buzzing through undersea cables since 1870, making Porthcurno one of the most connected places on the planet and a hub of global communications, even today.Press Morse code keys. Watch lights flashing. Hear dot-dash-dotting. Lose yourself in a whistle-stop timeline of dynamic discovery. Go underground in secret World War Two tunnels.

 

Go Kayaking!

Frenchman’s Creek is a peaceful and stunning inlet off the Helford River which offers a rich array of sights from the kayak. The Koru adventure starts from Budock Vean Hotel private beach where we head towards the Helford Passage passing sailing boats and banks of ancient oak forest. Paddling across the The Helford we enter Frenchman’s Creek, the inspiration for Daphne du Marier’s novel ‘Frenchman’s Creek’. The serene surroundings on calm waters are amazing with shipwrecks and secluded beaches situated on the creek. A great day out for the family in the Cornish springtime!

 

Tate Gallery St Ives

Get creative and have some fabulous holiday fun at Tate Create. Play, make and get creative this half term in there Art Zone. Explore light in the dark den, get ripping and sticking making modern art collages or chill out together in the relaxation area.