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February half term on the canals


With the kids off school for a week, you might be in need of some inspiration when it comes to great family days out. Fortunately there are lots of exciting attractions on the canals and rivers that are running children’s events and activities this half term. Waterscape rounds up the best of what’s going on. Click the links to find out more.

Half term at the National Waterways Museum, Cheshire, 12-17 February

The National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, is a fascinating place to discover the history of canals and boats. This half term, lots of extra activities are included in the admission price. Children can have a go at crafts, sit down for storytelling and try their hands at some Victorian household tasks, including fire laying and seed planting.

Half term at Gloucester Waterways Museum, Gloucestershire, 11-19 February

This week at the Gloucester Waterways Museum, children can meet birds of prey on Tuesday, and rabbits, ferrets and snakes on Thursday. Plus, lots of craft sessions, including the traditional canal art of roses and castles painting.

Half term at the Black Country Living Museum, West Midlands, 11-19 February

The Black Country Living Museum brings to life a canalside village from the industrial revolution. This half term, children can try Victorian crafts and games, including hoop rolling, hopscotch, whip and top, and skittles. Plus, follow the fact trail around the museum and discover the history of film in the 1930s cinema.

Flight of Babuscha Baboon at the Puppet Barge, London, 11-19 February

The Puppet Barge is a wonderful little theatre on a boat, moored on the canal at Little Venice. This week’s show Flight of Babuscha Baboon, tells the story of a baboon who wants to fly to the moon in a hot air balloon. Booking advised.

Dragon Tales, Yorkshire, 11-19 February

The Royal Armouries on Leeds Waterfront houses Britain’s remarkable collection of arms and armour. It’s holding dragon-themed activities this week. Find the dragons in all the different galleries - there's a prize for the winner. Enter the dragon's maze, make your own scary dragon mask and meet real life lizards in the petting zoo.

Wildlife watch, Hertfordshire, 12 February

Rye Meads Nature Reserve is a series of lakes beside the River Stort, and a great place for spotting wetland birds. At this event, volunteers will be waiting in the reserve’s hides to help you spot wildlife and answer your questions.

Tour the workshops where lock gates are made

Creating canal lock gates is a skilled craft. This week there’s a rare chance to look around the only two workshops in the country where this happens. Tours are free and are happening at two locations:

Stanley Ferry, Yorkshire, 11 February

Bradley, West Midlands, 16 February.

Last updated: 08/02/2012

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