Affordable fun for families this half term

2 Feb 2024, 4:14 p.m.

With half term fast approaching, many families will be planning fun things to do during the week-long school holiday. The good news is, there are lots of activities and events right here in Buckinghamshire and even better, many are either free or low cost, meaning everyone can enjoy the fun.

From creative crafts to hands-on discovery workshops, and from outdoor activities to games and story-telling, there are options to suit all ages and interests. Here are some of the things you can get up to:

Discover Bucks Museum - From making a dragon puppet celebrating the beginning of the Lunar New Year, to taking part in a creative workshop exploring the science of friction by making your own marble run, different activities are running throughout the week. Costs start from as low as £3.50 per child but booking in advance is essential.
On Saturday 17 February, also at the Discover Bucks Museum, families are invited to attend a free Game Shows of the 80s event to celebrate the museum’s current ‘I Grew Up 80s’ exhibition. Try your hand at some of the most beloved game shows from the decade. There is also the chance to weave your own friendship bracelet, add to the graffiti wall or go on an 80s trail. Entry to the exhibition and activities is included in the standard admission charge for the museum.
Wycombe Museum is also hosting some creative Discover and Make workshops during the week. You can make your own felted picture, have a go at spinning wool and learn all about natural fabric dyeing at the Felt Fun events on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 February. You can also learn how to crochet in the Kids’ Crochet Workshop on Saturday 17 February. Tickets are £4 per child for Felting Fun and £8 for the crochet workshop. Be sure to pre-book your place online.
Black Park Country Park – Take part in a Children’s Film Walk and discover the many locations around the park that have been used for filming blockbuster screen hits including Harry Potter and Star Wars. The walks are running on Saturday 10 and Saturday 17 February. Tickets from £4.87 each. You can book tickets online.
Buckinghamshire Libraries – There are lots of free activities for children and families taking place at libraries across Buckinghamshire throughout half term. Activities include crafts and colouring, board games, story time sessions and other creative pursuits. Some events require pre-registration but for others you simply need to turn up. Find out more about library events.

Using funding provided by the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Grant, Buckinghamshire Council is once again providing digital food vouchers to eligible families for the half term holiday. Families of pupils eligible for free school meals, early years pupil premium or 2-year-old funded free education will be sent a voucher code direct from their child’s school or early years setting. Find out if you're eligible for free digital food vouchers.

For further information on cost of living support visit the council website.

Clive Harriss, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure said:

“School holidays can put extra pressures on families who want to make sure their children have fun but may not have much money to spare. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do locally that don’t cost a lot and many of them are completely free. In addition to events in libraries, museums and country parks, there are also lots of low-cost activities taking place in our leisure centres and swimming pools as well as local community events.”

Find information about your local leisure centre.

Clive added: "If you'd prefer to make your own adventures why not go out and about and explore the beautiful countryside Buckinghamshire has to offer. Whether on foot, bicycle or scooter, there are lots of options for all ages and abilities."

You can find a range of walking and cycling routes on the council website.

Why not turn your outdoor activity into a fun-filled adventure with the Love Exploring app? Take part in fun, interactive and family friendly games and activities including trails and treasure hunts in local parks and green spaces.

The Buckinghamshire Family Information Service also has listings of activities running throughout half term and allows you to search via location, type of activity and age.