Fun for kids across the East Midlands
Well, it is that time of year again—having just recovered from the chaos of Christmas, the imminent approach of dreaded February half term is nigh. It seems like only yesterday that we threw out the tinsel, packed our kids back to school, breathed a sigh of relief and let normality resume. Co
uld half term possibly come at a worse time? As usual, far too much money was spent over the festive period and the weather is guaranteed to be awful. Wonderful. But never fear, fellow parents, TopThingsToDo is here. We’ve been wracking our brains for cheap and cheerful children’s entertainment across the East Midlands, so you don’t have to.
Get creative in Derby
Have you ever wanted to make up your own rules when playing a board game? Well now you can. On 23 February Quad visual arts gallery in Derby will be hosting a family workshop that allows you and your little ones to personalise your own board game. Genius. Use your name and interests to inspire the theme and create your own rules. You can also bring along any special items to help you customise your game. Suitable for children over the age of five, it’s completely free.
Quad, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS. 01332 290606 www.derbyquad.co.uk
Skate away in Nottingham
There’ll be no cries of “I’m bored” this half term because Skate UK is running an intensive three-day “Learn to Skate” course starting on Monday 21 February in Nottinghamshire. For kids aged five and above, the course teaches the fundamental skills of ice skating. Learn to glide gracefully around the rink (without falling over) or, for the more ambitious (and well- balanced) skater, take part in figure skating or ice hockey.
For details contact 0843 373 3000
History boys in Leicester
Explore a Roman bathhouse this half term with the Jewry Wall Museum in Leicester. From 19-27 February, the museum provides fantastic family friendly backpacks containing activities and costumes to wear to help you discover what life was like in Roman times. You can also take home a Roman activity pack to keep the children entertained during the holiday. Who thought history could be so much fun?
0116 225 4971 www.leicester.gov.uk
Get on your bike in Derby
In Markeaton Park, Derby, on Tuesday 22 February, CycleDerby is holding a “Learn to Ride” event. This service teaches anyone of any age how to ride a bicycle. Get on your bike and encourage the younger generation to enjoy this healthy and green way of getting around. What better way to spend a day with your family—and it’s completely free. All you need is your own bike.
For more information or to book contact Ruth Sadler on 01332 641773 or ruth.sadler@derby.gov.uk.
Guilty pleasures in Derby
Here’s one that your kids (and especially you) will adore. Ten of the biggest stars from X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, Pop Idol, Pop Stars The Rivals, Grease Is The Word and Last Choir Standing will be performing together to produce reality TV’s Ultimate Pop Group. The stars, including Theikki Loney (X Factor), Andy Scott Lee (Pop Idol) and Shaun Smith (Britain’s Got Talent) among others, will be performing songs inspired by the smash hit TV phenomenon Glee. Gleemania is a spectacular production that showcases brilliant arrangements and jaw-dropping choreography that your whole family will enjoy.
Gleemania will be held on 20 February 2011 at Assembly Rooms, Market Place, Derby DE1 3AH. 01332 255800 www.derbylive.co.uk
With so many fun activities to choose from, there’s no way your kids can possibly get bored this half term.
