HALF-TERM is upon us … and there is surely something for everyone in the days ahead! We have put together a guide to some of the activities and special offers that are going on around the area – we couldn’t include them all because there are literally dozens but hope you find something that tickles you or your family’s fancy!
Wigfield Farm is in romantic mood with a Bring the Love of your Life for free offer. It runs from February 10-17 and all you need to do is head over to their Facebook page and show them the poster on your phone. There’s a calf naming competition on site all half-term and there’s Magic Day from 1-4pm on Tuesday 13th; Arts and Crafts Thursday 15th 10-11am (booking essential) and Quiet Hour on Saturday 17th (book essential). Meerkat Feed is 1pm every day of half-term.
There’s holiday skating at Penistone Leisure Centre. Extra skating sessions on Tuesday 13th 12.30pm, Wednesday 14th 2pm, and Friday 15th 11am as well as weekend skating! £3.50pp including skate hire. Pay & book online to avoid disappointment – limited spaces apply! Public skating session (penistoneleisurecentre.org.uk)
Febru-welly makes a return and there are over 100 walks scheduled in for the month.
Here’s a couple coming up during half-term but follow the link for lots more: www.barnsley.gov.uk/whats-your-move/febru-welly
On Monday at Manvers Lake Waterfront Walk: 12noon to 1.30pm. Organised by Barnsley Wellbeing Walks. The meeting point is in the RSPB Courtyard (S73 0YF). Everyone is welcome to join this 2.6-mile walk. This walk is dog-friendly and can get muddy. The group stops at the Boat House Café halfway through the walk for refreshments. No booking required. Email juliapowles2003@yahoo.co.uk for more details.
On Tuesday from 10am to 11am at Phoenix Park, organised by Barnsley Wellbeing Walks. Meet by the Phoenix Park sign (S63 0BD) A two-mile circular walk around Phoenix Park in Thurnscoe. Look out for the unique sculptures as you stroll along the paths. The park has a good hard surface with slight inclines and plenty of rest stops along the way. The walk is suitable for prams, wheelchairs and dogs on a lead. No booking required. Email sport&activerecreation@barnsley.gov.uk for more details.
The ultimate gaming experience is on offer at the Metrodome on Tuesday 13th. The GSA Esports Community Day promises a day full of non-stop gaming, live esports tournaments, VR, AR and live-action experiences, the latest gaming and tech innovations. Drop in between 9am and 3pm. Tickets cost £4 and children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Buy tickets online: https://forms.gle/ys2wMbq42WN79zuX6
If you want to explore a bit of the history of our wonderful town then, as well as places like Experience Barnsley, there’s also the opportunity to explore the rich back story of the famous Barnsley Market.
One of the oldest and most iconic markets in the country, it celebrates its 775th anniversary this month.A month-long immersive exhibition showcases historical documents, images, videos and artifacts, providing a glimpse into the market's 775-year legacy. The exhibition is on display within Barnsley Market, allowing visitors to explore the history of Barnsley Market. Plus, an interactive trail for children and families, making it a fun and educational experience for all.
It’s Jungle Week at Wentworth Family Farm with animal encounters, jungle animal colouring competition, photo opportunities, hook-a-jungle-duck and the 'I'm a Child Get Me Out of Here' Challenge! 10am-4pm (Last entry at 3:30pm). Adults £3.50, Children £3.25. Children under 1 go free. No booking required. Suitable for all ages. Continuing the jungle theme, there’s the Jungle Explorer Trail at Wentworth Historic Gardens 10am-4pm (Last entry at 3:30pm). Adults £2.75, Children £2. Children under 1 go free. No booking required. Suitable for all ages.
There’s a Colour Detectives Workshop @ Wentworth Castle Gardens. Become a detective and explore the world around you through the magical lens of colour. The workshop is for children aged 5+. Tickets are £2 for both adults and children. To book a place: 0344 249 1895. Session times: 10:30-11:30, 12noon-13:00 and 14:00 -15:00.
And there’s even panto … oh yes, there is! The Wombwell & District Amateur Operatic Society is performing Dick Turpin Rides Again at George Street Theatre on Thursday 15th, Friday 16th, Saturday 17th at 7pm with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm. Tickets £14 and £12 concessions.
The Trans Pennine Trail team has created a Kids’ Half Term Activity Pack that can be downloaded and has lots of fun activities to keep the kids occupied over half term including making a jam jar xylophone and an egg box bird feeder, becoming an animal track detective, and other activities for Pancake Tuesday and Valentine's Day.
The pack is aimed at primary school children with help as necessary from their parents or carers, and older children may enjoy some of the activities too.
Download it here: https://www.transpenninetrail.org.uk/welcome-to-our-childrens-page/
Monday 12th
Free Nature Walk and Craft, 10am-12noon Meeting point: outside Penistone Leisure Centre. Explore the beauty of the season with a one-hour stroll through the leaves and creating a nature craft. It’s a fun activity for both adults and children, allowing you to discover all the changes the season brings and create a unique keepsake. Head to the The Hub Community Café after the walk to create your craft and to purchase refreshments. No booking required!
Family Valentine’s Disco, 6-9pm, Crowedge Community Centre, Suggested £2 donation per child. Free drink and party food for children, party games. Licensed bar for adults.
Bug Belly Story @ Roundhouse Library
Meet Bug Belly the Frog with local author and illustrator Paul Morton. Reading, giant artwork spreads, crafts and froggy fun. No booking required. Entry is free. 1pm- 2:30pm.
Octopus Craft @ Penistone Library
Free entry. Suitable for children ages 3-11years. Booking essential. This session will run from 2pm-3pm.
Valentine’s Crafts @ Mapplewell & Staincross Library
Suitable for children aged 5-11years. No booking required and entry is free. 2pm- 4pm.
Valentine’s Crafts @ Hoyland Library
Suitable for children aged 5-12years. Booking essential. Free entry. 3pm-4pm.
Central Ward Alliance winter event
Join Central Ward alliance for information, advice and family crafts! Suitable for all ages
Free entry. No booking required. 12noon-2pm. Harborough Hills social club, 14 Vernon Street, Barnsley S71 1BW. More information from Dawn on 07787 777 194.
Stop Frame Animation Workshop @ YMCA
Join us for a Stop frame animation workshop. A chance to make a film using clay models. YMCA, Blucher Street, S70 1AP. Suitable for ages 10-14 years Free Entry. 3pm-5pm. Booking essential.
Kixx Holiday Sports Camp @ Kirk Balk Academy
Come and join the Kixx Football holiday sports camp Monday-Wednesday! Sports include football, dodgeball, hockey, bench ball, cricket, basketball and lots of fun skill games. Packed lunch and plenty of still drinks are required. Suitable for children ages 4-12years. 10am-2pm. Packed lunch and plenty of still drinks are required. £15 per day. Visit the Kixx Barnsley Facebook page to book. Also tomorrow and Wednesday.
Tuesday 13th
Amazelab @ Roundhouse Library
Join Amazelab to bring your favourite books and stories to life by creating your very own diorama. Suitable for children over 5years old. Tickets are free but booking essential, 10am-12noon.
'Plastic is Everywhere!' @ Penistone Library
Wacky fun with local, ukulele busting duo, McShane & Shaw for the premiere of their new song, Plastic is Everywhere – puppet dance-a-long. Children can also make their own puppet from recycled plastic. 10am-12noon. Booking needed. Suitable for children ages 7-11years.
Story & Rhyme Valentine Craft Session @ Barnsley Academy
Make your own Valentine's card and then join in with a story and sing along rhymes. Suitable for children up to aged five but older siblings are welcome. This is a drop-in session. Free entry. 10am-11am.
Poetic Adventures @ Lightbox Library
In this high energy, interactive workshop, Dommy B will be acting out his poetic adventure stories whilst also safely teach tae kwon-do techniques. Suitable for children aged over 7years. 11am-12pm. Booking essential. Entry is free.
Amazelab @ Cudworth Library
Join Amazelab to bring your favourite books and stories to life by creating your very own diorama. Suitable for children over five years old. Booking essential. Tickets are free. 1:30pm-3:30pm.
Children's craft session @ Thurnscoe Library
Make a polar bear silhouette picture using a variety of materials. This is a drop-in session suitable for children aged four - 11 years. Entry is free. 3:30pm-4:30pm.
Dance Workshop @ Kendray & Worsbrough Family Hub
Dance Workshop - A chance to learn some new moves! Free entry. Suitable for ages 10-14 years. Kendray & Worsbrough Family Hub, Overdale Avenue. S70 4BD. Booking essential.
Here be dragons @ Experience Barnsley
Come and see us to create your own fantastical map inspired by the magic of the Lord of the Rings. Free entry. 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm. No booking required, drop in to the learning lab.
Dance & Wellbeing Session @ Roundhouse Library
Come and join the Ad Astra team for a fun dance and wellbeing session! Suitable for children aged 13+. Free entry. 4pm-8pm. Email adastrabarnsleycic@gmail.com to book or via the Ad Astra facebook page.
Wednesday 14th
Valentine’s Disco, Wacky Warehouse, The Chestnut Tree 3-5pm.
Prince, Princess and Mythical Creatures Afternoon Tea, Little Fishes Soft Play Area, Hemsworth. Soft play, crafts and afternoon tea. £10 children, £8 adults.
Make Moths Matter @ Royston Library
Local artist Bridg Murray is on a mission to make moths matter! A drop-in craft workshop, where she will show you and your family how to create your own paper moth brooch, badge or bookmark, all whilst learning about these fascinating creatures. Suitable for children ages 4-11years. This is a drop in session, no booking required. 10am-12noon.
Decorate a Wooden Heart @ Goldthorpe Library Suitable for children ages 3years and above. Booking essential. 10am-11am. Children under 8 must be supervised.
Love Measborough Dike!
Join Central Ward Alliance for Craft activities and free refreshments. Entry is free. No booking required. 10am-12noon. The Church of St Peter the apostle and St John the Baptist Church, Brinkman Street, Barnsley. S70 1JQ. For more information ring Dawn on 07787 777 194.
Dearne Churches Together family fun day
Crafts and activities for all the family. 10am-12pm. Goldthorpe Pentecostal community Church, Market St, Goldthorpe. S63 9HA. Free entry. Free lunch/refreshments provided. To book, ring Julie Turner on 07729 421 405 or email julie@gpcchurch.co.uk.
Shop, cook & eat @ YMCA
Let’s plan and make a healthy brunch! Suitable for children aged 10-14years. Free entry. 10am-12:30pm. YMCA, Blucher Street. S70 1AP Booking essential.
Make Bird Feeders & Wind Chimes
Come try your hand at making bird feeders and wind chimes! Suitable for children aged 10-14years Free entry 1:30pm-3:30pm YMCA Allotment, Shaw Lane. S70 6HN Booking essential.
Thursday 15th
‘Building Wentworth Woodhouse Family Fun Day’, a range of family-friendly arts and craft activities exploring building, construction and architecture. No need to book, activities included in general admission – kids go free. 11am-2pm
In the parklands at Cannon Hall Museum Park and Gardens use natural materials to make your own pine cone pets to take home. Make your own marvellous mouse or fantastic fairy friend using just pine cones and other natural materials in this eco-friendly workshop. Drop in for free from 10am to noon or 1pm to 3pm in the North Range in the walled gardens.
Get 'Wild and Wonderful' at at Worsbrough Mill Country Park. Join land artist James Brunt as he creates a stunning piece of art using natural materials in our Wagonway Glade from 10am to 3pm.
Hot Air Balloon mobile @ Heart of Handmade Visit Heart of Handmade for a fun session and create your very own hot air balloon mobile. Suitable for children aged 8years and above, £7.50 10:30am-12:30pm. Book inshore, or ring on 07421 232131. 27 Dodworth Road, Barnsley. S70 6DW.
Friday 16th
Visitors can get 'All at Sea' at the Cooper Gallery. Go along and have fun making your own maritime masterpiece inspired by the seascapes in the Cooper Collection from 10am to noon or 1pm to 3pm.
Colourful Kites @ Mapplewell & Staincross Library
Suitable for children ages 5-11years. Free entry, no booking required, just drop in, 2pm-4pm.
Valentine's card craft session @ Wombwell Library
Children will be able to make and decorate a pop-up Octopus Valentines card to take home. Suitable for all ages. Free entry. Booking essential. 3pm-4pm.
Make Clocks @ St Johns Church
Come and upcycle Vinyls into Clocks. St Johns Church, Green Road, Dodworth. S75 3RT Suitable for ages 10-14 years. Free Entry. 12noon-2:30pm. Booking essential.
Design your own picture frame @ Lightbox Library
Come and join our fabulous team in Library the Lightbox. You will get to use your creativity to make your very own picture frame! Suitable for children ages 3+. Free entry. No booking required, drop in between 10am-12pm.
Saturday 17th
A FESTIVAL which promises to be every Lego fan’s dream. The Barnsley Brick Festival is at the Metrodome where collectors and traders alike will gather to share their love for the Danish toy. There will be a variety of activities, including building competitions, mosaic making, mini-figure hunts and a dedicated building area, alongside stalls selling Lego sets and accessories. 10am-4pm. Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/barnsley-brick-festival-february-2024-tickets-671360586587
You can find out more about Barnsley Museums activities here: https://www.barnsley-museums.com/digital/family-activities/holiday-activities/museum-makes-february-half-term
And if you’re still looking for ideas there’s plenty more on here: https://barnsley.cloud.servelec-synergy.com/Synergy/WhatsOnInTheSchoolHolidays.aspx
If all that activity has given you an appetite here are some Eating Out offers which might prove useful.
Asda
Kids eat for £1 all day every day at Asda cafes. No adult spend required.
Brewers Fayre
Two under 16s get free breakfast every day with one paying adult.
Greene King pubs including Dearne Valley Farm
Kids eat free all day with purchase of one adult meal between Monday February 12 and Friday February 23.
Morrisons
Spend £4.49 and get one free kids’ meal all day every day.
Tesco
Kids eat free with a purchase of at least 60[ from Monday February 12 to Friday February 23.
