Half term fun for all the family
Half-term is now upon us and Plymouth has lots going on that will keep the kids happy and occupied, but won’t break the bank.
The outdoor ice rink is open on the Piazza in the City Centre, offering a fun day out for the whole family. Open to the public from 9am to 8.15pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 6.15pm on Sundays with skating starting at 9.30am, this provides a must-do activity.
Adults can skate on the ice rink for £7 and children for £5, tickets can be purchased on the day, however booking is advisable by visiting www.iceangelevents.co.uk or calling 07891 945 975.
There will also be a spooktacular Halloween disco on Friday 31 October from 4pm. Visitors are invited to wear their scariest fancy dress and prizes will be awarded for the spookiest costumes.
Head to the City Museum and Art Gallery on Wednesday 29 October between 10.30am and 1pm where kids can get creative with a free arts and crafts drop-in session inspired by the Walk On exhibition. This ‘Let’s go walk about’ session lets youngsters make their own fantastic folded book filled with drawings, pictures and collages.
The museum is also holding a clay bead creations workshop. Taking place on Thursday 30 October this one hour workshop costs £2 and takes place at 10.15am and 11.30am.
Children can create their own amazing clay beads at this bookable workshop.
Inspired by the Bronze Age objects which were found over 4,000 years ago on Dartmoor, beads were one of the items discovered within a stone chest burial (a cist) at Whitehorse Hill.
Also inspired by the Walk On exhibition, Stepping Stones to Nature and the Friends of Ham Woods have arranged a walk in the woods on Thursday 20 October at 11am. Explore Ham Woods and enjoy a storytelling trail and see what you discover!
If you fancy exploring the city as a family take a trip down memory lane and explore Plymouth’s heritage. With a number or trails visiting some of the historic sites, places of interest and parks where you will discover some fascinating facts.
Children can also play away the hours at one of the city’s numerous parks.
The Seven Continents Adventure Playground, situated in Central Park – the largest park in the city - provides something for all ages. The park includes a dino swing, climbing frames, large pyramid net, drums, sound wheel and wheelchair roundabout.
Children can set out to discover the seven continents as recognised famous events and landmarks have been incorporated into the play environment.
Sitting on top of a hill with wonderful views of the River Tamar, the Devonport park is a great place to be active, learn about history, or just watch the world go by.
Recent restoration of the park means it's in tip top condition and has something for all ages, including a memorial garden, adventure play for children, a bowls club and a fascinating heritage trail.
A modern adventure play area which includes a sensory garden, a toddler play area as well as areas for juniors and teenagers.
Overlooking Plymouth Sound the West Hoe Park contains a large children’s play area, a miniature railway and putting green. There is a charge for some of the activities at this park.
A day out to the Plymouth Life Centre will keep the kids occupied for hours, offering a family leisure pool with flumes, ‘beach entry’ and bubble pool as well as a climbing zone with a 15-metre wall. If staying indoors is not what you are looking for, grab your bike and explore numerous tracks and trails on two wheels.
With many National Trust parks and woodlands in and around the city, as well as group led rides, you will find something suitable for all ages and abilities.
For those of you looking for ghoulies and ghosties, creepy crawlies and things that go bump in the night there are some spooky events for the whole family. From a Cruise of Lost Souls with Plymouth Boat Trips to Attack of the Killer Pumpkin at the Barbican Theatre, Plymouth is sure to offer a ‘howl’ of a time! For further information go to www.visitplymouth.co.uk.
