Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Activities at home in Devon for families
We know that this is a February half term like no other for families across Devon. Luckily, a number of the fantastic businesses and organisations across our wonderful county have created their own family activities to keep you entertained from home. See below for lots of fantastic fun things to do in Devon during the half term week that are specially designed to keep family members young and (older) active, stimulated and happy at home!
As more events are announced across Devon we will update this page, Primary Times Devon will add them to this page and our social media so bookmark this page and keep coming back. Don't forget you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for daily updates and if you haven't already, don't forget to sign up for our new regular e-newsletter for lots of news and exclusive upcoming offers and information.
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1. Join Dartmoor National Park this half term for ‘moor’ fun they host brilliant bird activities including a Nest Making Challenge.
Dartmoor National Park have a full schedule of events this half term, led by their 'Nest Making Challenge'. They would like your family to make your own magnificent nests inspired by the work that Dartmoor birds themselves will be doing in the coming months.
To take part you must:
- Only use materials from your garden, a short walk in your location or from your house where it is safe to do so.
- The materials can be natural man-made or a mixture of both
- The next needs to fit a toy or two eggs in without breaking
- Think about how to make it warm and unbreakable to water or wind
Send photos to visit@dartmoor.gov.uk to receive your challenge certificate and do not forget to share your work with them on Facebook and Instagram as well. The challenge will end on Sunday 21st February.
There are also more activities including:
- Sunday 14th February from 9am: How to make your own nest box on YouTube
- Tuesday 16th February from 9am: Make a 'bird feeder pancake stack' on YouTube
- Wednesday 17th February 10:30 to 11:30am: A Family Friendly Guide to Birdwatching. You are welcome to ask questions in advance by emailing education@dartmoor.gov.uk
Find out more about Dartmoor National Park at their website, and don't forget to visit their 'FunZone' for games, activities and crafts
2. Take part in the family half term online challenge with St Nicholas Priory, Exeter
St Nicholas Priory are hosting a series of half-term activities starting on Monday to inspire local families to get creative and learn more about the history of Exeter's oldest building. There will be four downloadable activities available from Monday 15th February via the Priory's website with a short accompanying film to introduce the activities. Once completed, you will be invited to send in your family's completed activity or artwork which will be displayed in a grand live exhibition once the Priory reopens! Children are also invited to design a stained glass window which will be made up and displayed in the Priory.
Find out more about St Nicholas Priory via their website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
3. Get creative with Crealy
Crealy Theme Park and Resort are currently hosting the #crealycreativitychallenge over at their Facebook page and on their website. Every Wednesday throughout February, they will be bringing you a new challenge for children to complete at home which can then be shared across their social media channels so don't forget to tag @crealyresort in your drawings on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Find out more and see previous creativity challenges here
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4. Meet 'baby shark & friends' with National Marine Aquarium on Wednesday 17th February
Join the Aquarium from 12pm on Wednesday where the team will introduce you to some of the amazing animals in their Plymouth Sound exhibit, including their baby shark nursery Rockpool feeding time on Facebook.
You can ask questions to the team live, or comment your questions on their event page prior to the livestream. In order to help raise some funds for the charity, there will be a cost of 99p. If you are unable to watch live but have paid your 99p you will be able to watch the video later.
You can purchase your ticket via the event page and find out more about the Aquarium via their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube
5. Enjoy an Exeter February Half Term at Home
Visit Exeter have compiled a helpful list of activities that you can take part in at home including:
- A time-lapse video of Exeter's Underground Passage
- Their own Exeter-themed colouring-in sheets
- Virtual exploration of Topsham Museum
- Take a look at their Exetercation quizzes and Educational Activities
See their blog post for more ideas here
6. Take part in the Planet Earth Games - Winter Games 2021.
Following the huge success of August 2020's events, Planet Earth Games is back with a full month of sustainable, virtual FREE challenges suitable for all ages and abilities. All you need to do is sign up via their registration page and full information will be sent to you during the event with details of how to take part in each challenge. Be in with a chance of winning daily prizes and complete 10 challenges to win a Planet Earth Games medal!
Find out more about Planet Earth games via their website
7. Take part in an interactive family theatre experience online with Paddleboat Theatre Company
Paddleboat Theatre Company have made their 'Dream Maker' show available on demand in conjunction with Villages in Action, Carn to Cove, Exeter Phoenix, Beehive Honiton, Crediton Arts Centre and other regional organisations. Recommended for ages 4+, your family is invited to discover the mysteries of Dream Making and to share the secrets of mixing the perfect dream from February 12th to 21st Children will be encouraged to join in with the story with moments of interaction throughout. Tickets are offered on a pay what you can basis.
Find out more about the show and how you can book at the event page on Facebook or buy tickets directly here.
8. Access your library services
Physical library services will vary dependent on your locations. Some locations are offering 'choose and collect; facilities, so check the website or social media for your local library for more information. Regardless of this, digital services including e-books, magazines, newspapers and audiobooks are still available via the library websites and associated apps.
To find out more visit the library websites for your local authority area:
9. Get creative with #artjumpstart easy art projects
South West artist Darrell Wakelam has created a fantastic collection of dozens of art projects to try at home using materials from your recycling. Families have the option of downloading the full collection as a PDF or individual projects. Our favourites include a toilet roll pirate ship, cardboard castle and the yoghurt tub tiger.
View and download all of the projects here
9. Take part in the RAMM's Super Sleuth Challenge
Join the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) on a shape-finding adventure and create your very own shape collection inspired by the museum.
Visit their website and download their activity sheet to get started
10. Bring the zoo home with Paignton Zoo
The Wild Planet Trust/Paignton Zoo have pulled together some brilliant downloadable activities for all ages on their website including sensory journeys, design and craft ideas and writing prompts as part of their Wild At Home education programme. The Wild Planet Trust YouTube channel is full of playlists and talks about their various speeches and KS2 children will enjoy the 'School from the Zoo' sessions.
Don't forget that you can also access their webcams at any time to see their flamingos, sulawesi crested macaque cam and meerkats.