11 fun-filled ideas for half term

1. Kids go for a quid at Emirates Spinnaker Tower

With the new children’s trail open until February 21, children can enjoy the views and exictement of the Tower for only £1 (one discounted child per fully paying adult). The Portsmouth landmark is open between 10am and 6pm so you can have the whole day filled with fun for the family!

For more information on the Tower visit www.spinnakertower.co.uk

2. A chance to walk with dinosaurs

At Chichester Festival Theatre from February 16-20 the company Erth have been able to bring to life the childhood dream of coming face to face with dinosaurs. Direct from the West End with the use of puppets families can enjoy this imaginative and interactive show; those who feel brave enough are even able to get on stage with the “zoo keeprs” and help them with their daily tasks. Each show even concludes with a “meat and greet” allowing all audience members the chance to come on stage and get up close to the beasts.

Standard tickets: £12.50

Danger seats: £15

For more information and how to book go to cft.org.uk

3. Meet Lloyd Warby from Disney’s Art Attack in a Princess and Pirate workshop

Ferneham Hall at Fareham is offering an amazing opportunity to all those swashbuckling pirates and regal princesses to meet Lloyd Warby from Art Attack and enjoy a hands on workshop with him; even the chance to have a photo and autograph afterwards! All materials are provided for and each child will have the chance to make two craft pieces during the session. The sessions are running on Thursday February 18 and cost £10 per child; in order to book ring the Box Office at 01329 231942.

4. Get up close and personal to creatures from all over the globe

Blue Reef Aquarium in Portsmouth is holding a special “Claws - Incredible Crustaceans” event from February 13-21, allowing families to not only attend talks on exotic crabs and lobsterrs but also do activites and a Claws Quiz. A great way for kids to learn about creatures of the deep in a hands on and fun way! Admissions for children under 3 is free, children aged 3-12 cost £8.25 and adults cost £10.50.

For more information visit www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/portsmouth/

5.Enjoy a country walk in one our local nature parks

Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve offers families 369 acres of untamed wildlife; enjoy a day of wildlife spotting or just for a quick picnic this nature reserve offers an enjoyable outdoors day for the family.

For information on directions visit www3.hants.gov.uk/countryside/countryside-service/country-parks/titchfield.htm

6.Combine history with play time

At Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower in Gosport on February 19 from 11am - 3pm families are invited to come to their Lego Shipbuilding Workshop where prizes can be one! Enjoy the chance to make some of their famous ships out of Lego! There is no extra cost for this workshop, visitors just need to pay the standard entry fees of children (between 5-16) costing £6 and adults costing £10.

For more information visit www.explosion.org.uk

7.Kings and Queens Quest

From February 6-21 Portchester Castle is running a special Kings and Queens Quest aimed at the whole families amusement! Crack eight clues and discover their hidden Kings and Queens, with an English Heritage Certificate as a prize at the end! If you are a member of the English heritage then your entry is free, if not then it is only £3.60 for children aged 5-15 and £6 for adults.

For more information contact the castle on 02392378291

8. Rhyme and Storytime

At Gosport Discovery Centre there are two events occuring this week allowing parents to introduce their children to stories and rhymes in a relaxed and fun environment! On Tuesday the 16th at 10am there is Rhymetime (aimed at children 0-2) and on Wednesday February 17 at 2-2.30pm there is Storytime (children under 5). Both of these allow children to learn and make friends all at once!

For more information visit www3.hants.gov.uk/gdc.htm

9.Discover space

The Winchester Science Centre offers an array of events to suit the whole family this half term! Come along to one of their live Science shows, including ‘Big Science for small People’ aimed at younger children who wish to learn all the fun things in science or their ‘Destination Space: Family Show’ aimed at children of all ages and adults alike who are interested in the astranuat Tim Peake’s recent expedition to space (there’s even balls of fire!). There are also space themed table activites allowing children to learn all about science in a hands on way! Children under 2 have free entry, children aged 3-16 cost £8.40 and adults cost £12.

For more information visit www.winchestersciencecentre.org

10.Beautiful history and walks all in one

Netley Abbey offers a free family day out exploring the ruins and enjoying the wonderful scenary the Abbey has to give; whether its just for an hour or a whole day this place is a go to for a fun family day out!

For more information on how to find the abbey visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/netley-abbey

11. How it all started

As part of the 15 years celebration Michael Underwood is running free tours of Gunwharf Quays; allowing the whole family to learn its rich history, from its start as a gun wharf, to HMS Vernon and how it used today. A lovely day out for the whole family and chance to learn how Portsmouth has been shaped and changed throughout the decades.

For more information on tour times visit gunwharf-quays.com/history