Half term is here and as each holiday descends so does the boredom. Luckily we live in a fabulous kid-friendly city so there’s lots to do to wile away the time. Take a look below to see what Brighton has to offer between now and Sunday (3rd June)!
Kids Half Term Art School
Join ONCA’s outreach artist, Ellie, for an afternoon of observation and fun. If your kids are aged between 5 and 12 then head to ONCA tomorrow (30th May) for an art inspired day. The workshop draws inspiration from the current exhibition ‘Somewhere Nowhere: The Long View’, which brings together hand-printed photographs, poetry and journal entries inspired by trees. Call ONCA or email [email protected] to catch a last minute place!
The Adventures of Robin Hood
The wonderful open-air theatre in Dyke Road Park has re-opened for summer and this half term they are offering kids the chance to see the famed tale of Robin Hood on stage. The theatre company say “Prepare yourself for a thrilling adventure as Robin and his merry band whisk you to Sherwood Forest to rise up and fight against the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham! Expect boo-able villains, thigh-slapping songs, narrow escape and daring escapades!” This event is suitable for the whole family and you can bring a picnic to enjoy in the open air. It’s running from Wednesday (30th May) to Sunday (3rd June) with showings at 2pm and 4pm each day.
Raver Tots Half Term Rave in Brighton!
Raver Tots is day-time fun-time family rave for everyone to enjoy. There will be face painting, UV lights, bubbles, balloons and giant parachutes in a rave-style atmosphere…all before 3pm! A percentage of all profits raised goes to charities which support children with autism and ADHD. These events are insanely popular with one recently selling out 1500 tickets so definitely grab one before Thursday for your opportunity to party with your kids. They have some really amazing DJ’s who play with Artful Dodger and more being announced for past events. No adults are allowed without a kid and babies are free as long as they’re in a sling. Check out tickets and more info here.
Be Original! With Lorraine Bowen
The Britains Got Talent ‘Golden Buzzer’ gal Lorraine Bowen is back with an all new show at The Marlborough Pub! Having worked as a piano teacher for many years she wowed David Walliams with her quirky but loveable ways. Her new show involves quirky songs, interactive games and creative challenges all set up in a way to inspire kids to create their own music. Running from the 31st May until 3rd June at 2:30-3:30pm bring your kids down for a fun and educational hour of music and more! A family ticket is just £28.00 for two adults and two kids or £7.50 each.
Free Drop-In Activities for Families
On Thursday join the team at St Peters in Preston Park for a day of free and fun creative activities. The fun will be led by local artist Tina Tighe and have been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the ongoing project to restore 19th Century stencilling in the chancel of the church. On Thursday the workshop will focus on block printing and making your own bunting to take away with you! Everyone is welcome but there is an advisory notice of 6+ for the event!
Beach Volleyball Class: Half Term Special
At the extremely popular and brilliantly managed Yellowave Beach Sports kids can come down for a special session of Beach Volleyball over this half-term. Each session is, according to them, “a mixture of fun games, drills and skills, all played in the soft sand.” The 10am is focussed towards 12-16 year olds with the 11am for 8-11 year olds and their final session at midday for 5-7 year olds. Each 1 hour session costs £6.50 and they have a wonderful cafe/sun-catching terrace if you can stick around!
The Elves and The Shoemaker
If you’re itching to cram in the last of the Fringe, The Elves and the Shoemaker is playing at The Warren on Friday and Saturday (1st and 2nd June). Join ‘Above Bounds’ production company for their portrayal of the classic story…”When everyone in the house is tucked up in bed, a magical creature lifts its head. With little green fingers and little green toes, pointy ears and a sharp pointed nose, the house elves awaken and look around with glee. What they will make, create or decorate, we will have to wait and see!” It’s playing at 10:15 am and 12:20pm each day so check it out if you get the chance to!
Sea Stars
In February a brand-new installation entitled ‘Sea Stars’ opened at Sea Life Brighton. It features more than 170 types of sea-life and is the “UK’s largest celebration of the ocean’s most visually captivating, and most important creatures, the humble star fish”. Sea Life Brighton is a great time for kids anyway but with this all new exhibition of some of the most beautiful creatures in the sea hours will pass by before you know it!
Fun Fact: Star Fish come in every different shape and size with some having up to 200 arms!
Nature: No App For That! at Borde Hill Garden
This one is slightly further away but well worth the travel if you want a whole day-trip taken care of for you. Put down the electronic devices and hide away the games consoles as this half-term Borde Hill Garden are offering a plethora of fun! Kids can make their own crafts to take home with them, hear stories from talented story-tellers, get creative with balloon modelling and even learn how to use a camera properly.
On Thursday 31st May between 11am and 3pm RepTylers will offering kids a hands-on time with snakes, lizards and spiders. RepTylers are a fabulous local business who really care for their animals and kids will be able to learn about each habitat and how they live in the wild. There’s even more! You can also take part in the Woodland Trail and if you grab a Nature Explorer bag kids can complete the activity sheets as they venture round the woods. Most of it is free too so what more could you want to keep the kids happy and entertained this week!
