Beyond the Classroom: Your Guide to Half-Term Adventures

February half-term is just around the corner, and if you’re looking to keep the kids entertained without resorting to endless screen time, Sussex has some great options. This year, the focus is on getting hands-on with science, history, and creativity, featuring some big themes: stars, fossils, and, yes, plenty of Lego.

If you’re up for a short trip outside of Brighton, the Hastings Museum & Art Gallery is hosting the main themed events, making it a perfect destination for a dedicated day out. The fun kicks off on Tuesday, February 17, with the Lego Lab. This hands-on session is for ages 5 and up, giving children the chance to build and programme interactive Lego machines and creatures. It sounds like a great way to mix creativity with basic engineering, but remember that places are limited and booking is essential (reservations open on February 3).

Mid-week is dedicated to exploring the universe and the prehistoric world. On Wednesday, February 18, you can step inside a mini celestial theatre for the Pop-up Planetarium, taking a virtual journey to the stars starting from 10 am. Then, on Thursday, February 19, the museum travels back in time for the Dinosaurs at Dusk experience, exploring the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. Both the Planetarium and Dinosaur events are suitable for ages 5+ and cost £5 per person. To round off the themed week, the free Relics Roadshow takes place on Saturday, February 21, from 10 am to 3 pm. If your kids have found any interesting rocks or relics, they can bring them along to be identified by experts. The first 50 children who attend will even receive a free fossil.

Closer to home, Brighton & Hove Museums have put together a packed schedule, offering several free entry options. The Booth Museum of Natural History is free to enter and is hosting several engaging events. On Saturday, February 15, they are celebrating the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science starting at 11:30 am, which is a great way to inspire young scientists. If you have a budding artist, the Booth Art Club on February 18 offers nature-inspired art sessions (ticketed). The museum also hosts interactive Storytelling sessions on February 19, inspired by the collection, including tales of 'creatures of the past' (sessions for under 5s and over 5s are available).

Over at the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, the acclaimed Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is still running until June 30, and there is a special event, A Closer Look, on February 18 at 11:30 am, delving into the stories behind the award-winning images. For those who enjoy a bit of mystery and history, Preston Manor & Gardens is hosting a Twisted Tales: Ghost Story Writing Workshop on February 20, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, perfect for older children who love a chilling tale. Alternatively, the Mystery at the Manor Escape Room is also returning for the half-term period.

If you are looking for more variety in Brighton, there are plenty of other activities. The Hove Museum of Creativity offers free entry to explore The Mechanical Circus exhibition. For high-energy fun, the Brighton Dome is hosting Rude Science with Stefan Gates on February 21, promising an explosive and informative show. You can also check out the Kids Craft Workshops at the British Airways i360, where children can make mermaid stones and get a flight included. For outdoor fun, the Brighton Lanes Secret Spy Mission Trail is a self-guided way to explore the city, or you could head to Wakehurst for the Nature Heroes: Dino Detective trail (running Feb 15-23), linking back nicely to the fossil theme.