Family fun awaits

Adventures under starry skies and dazzling light shows set the pace for February half term. Allow us to inspire you to plan a week that's out of this world in and around Chichester in West Sussex. Read on to start planning your family fun.

A mission to Mars

Fasten your seatbelts for a trip to the red planet at South Downs Planetarium (16th-18th February). Expect an immersive, interactive visit with VR Headsets, a huge 3-metre diameter Mars globe, the Planetarium's star dome in action, how to spot meteorites, dark sky identification, rocks, fossils and, weather permitting, safe solar observation.

A view of Mars

Prepare to be dazzled

This February, see the skies above Chichester and, for the first time, Petworth, lit by stunning laser shows. These extravaganza evenings will feature spectacular light shows set to music and are fabulously free to attend. The Chichester laser shows begin at 5pm on 21st & 22nd February with two shows running each evening at 6pm and 7:30pm. The Petworth laser show is on 15th February, with shows at 5:45pm and 6:45pm. During the day of the laser show you will be able to visit Petworth House free of charge, with family activities and crafts to enjoy.

Lasers light up Chichester

Star Gazing in Sussex

The South Downs National Park's Dark Skies Festival returns this February with events running from 13th - 23rd February.  Explore our star studded skies at a star party at Goodwood or experience an atmospheric after-dark walk. Discover more opportunities for night sky adventures here.

South Downs Planetarium

A Goodwood getaway

If you're looking for a half term break that combines fabulous family entertainment with rest and relaxation for the grown ups, the Goodwood Estate is your answer. Stay at the hotel and you'll be able to explore a Drone Masters STEM Session (also open to non-residents) where you can try your hand at coding and racing drones inspired by Festival of Speed technology. Den building, marshmallow toasting and outdoor exploring await with Forest Adventures, plus there's Cricket, swimming, a Goodwood Sports Day, track cycling sessions, gut-loving Chocolate Making and even the chance to sit in the cockpit of a Cessna aeroplane. A Little Farmers menu and Tea Time will satisfy little tummies after all that excitement. See special half term packages for The Goodwood Hotel here.

House & Homes Adventures at Weald & Downland Living Museum

As well as exploring the historic buildings in the fresh air and burning off excess energy, little explorers can delve into discovering the ways of life from centuries past. Follow the House & Homes trail, solving the clues as you go. Play a good old game of I-Spy in the Gridshell building then don detective caps and search for fascinating domestic artefacts in the Gridshell Collections Store. More hands-on historical fun comes in the shape of trying traditional crafts and participating in interactive demonstrations. You'll love having a go at Rag Rugging and Candle Making, take part in a strict Victorian School Lesson, try making Wattle and Daub, and of course, a visit here wouldn't be complete without a visit to the animals on site - grab yourself a Nature bag which contains challenges for a free-range family adventure around the Museum’s beautiful site.

Ducks at Weald & Downland Living Museum

Littlest Yak

Meet Gertie, The Littlest Yak. Maybe your children already love this adorable character, either way they'll be delighted to see her appearing on stage in a musical adaptation of her award-winning book at Chichester Festival Theatre 15th - 22nd February.  With the curliest, whirliest wool and the grippiest of hooves for clip-clopping up cliffs Gertie isn't loving being the littlest, but what if there are some things that only a Gertie can do? 

The Littlest Yak on stage

Wild and Wonderful at RSPB Pagham Harbour

A dose of fresh air and vitamin sea awaits at Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve. discover more about the residents who are spending the winter here, what signs of spring are already emerging. Get hands on with some craft activities.

Birdwatching at RSPB Pagham 

Get creative at Chichester Cathedral

Part of this year's celebrations marking the 950th anniversary of Chichester Cathedral, families are invited to come and Draw950. In the atmospheric setting of the Cathedral's Nave, let your creative side free as you join in illustrating a giant canvas, bringing some of the Cathedral's story to life.

A family drawing event at Chichester Cathedral

All weather fun

Rain or shine, half term entertainment is taken care of at Sky Park Farm. Wrap up and visit the friendly deer herd, hit the adventure playground, or book in for one of the theme days. 

Child stroking a deer at Sky Park Farm

 

Still in need of more inspiration? Read our pick of walks around two hours, perfect for smaller legs.

 

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