Half-term activities for cultured kids

If you’re looking for ways to keep the smalls entertained this half term, then you’re in luck. Sussex’s cultural institutions are a hive of family activity for children of all ages – with arts and crafts workshops, amazing shows and art trails.

Get your family portrait taken inside a reimagined 19th century Chinese portrait studio, make your own arty travel zine, or meet some Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World. Here’s what’s happening across Sussex galleries and museums this February half term.

Holiday crafts and family shows at Chichester Festival Theatre 

There’s heaps to do at Chichester Festival Theatre this half-term. Kick off the week with a Holiday Crafts class for 2-11 year olds by award-winnng Creation Station on Monday 12,  meet some Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World in the fantastic family show adapted from Kate Pankhurst’s award-winning book (Wed 14 – Sun 18 Feb, ages 7+), and see the smash-hit production of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt in director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower’s versatile lively score (Thu 15 – Sun 18 Feb, ages 3+). Discover more and book tickets.

Arty workshops at Pallant House Gallery 

Pallant House Gallery in Chichester is hosting creative week of fun, art-inspired workshops and activities for all ages between Monday 12 – Friday 18 February. Craft a love heart card with the kids in an interactive paper weaving workshop on Tuesday 13 (ages 5-11) or explore the work of pop artist Peter Blake on Weds 14 in a love-filled workshop for kids age 7-11. On Thurs 15 Feb, kids age 7+ are invited to explore Greece through John Craxton’s art before creating their own travel zine inspired by the exhibition. See all family workshops and book tickets.

Half-term crafts at Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft 

Children aged 6 – 12 are invited to come along to a half term Craft Club at Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft on Weds 14 February, exploring some of the museum’s core crafts including weaving, and learning how to crochet a cosy blanket. The session will include a look around the museum and activities in the Clore Learning Space. Entry to the museum is always free for under 18s – don’t miss the museum’s family activity trail packs when you visit, available for under 5’s, 6-11 year olds and 12+. Read more.

Family Portraits in a Chinese Studio

Sit for a free family portrait inside a reimagined 19th century Chinese portrait studio as artist Grace Lau brings her celebrated ‘Portraits in a Chinese Studio’ project to Sussex, presented by Towner Eastbourne and Eastbourne Alive. The Year of the Dragon is upon us, and from 9-25 February in Eastbourne, people (and pets!) of all ages can drop in to get their photo taken by Lau. Visit her from Thursday to Sunday, 11.00am–4.00pm at 234 Terminus Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3DE from 9 – 25 February.  Drop in, or book your slot in advance.

Nature Heroes at Wakehurst 

For the first Nature Heroes mission of 2024, Wakehurst invites you to fasten your cape and get ready to earn your Sloth Saver badge. Every day during February half-term, find out what it’s like to live life in the slow lane and help Pip, Bud and Sprout as they seek to protect the rainforests that sloths call home. Hang out with sloths designed by artist Fernando Laposse, and find out why being slow is a superpower yet also poses unique challenges.  Then, head out into the landscape, wander the woodlands trail and fill out your mission pack as you go. Read more and book.

Family Day at Hastings Contemporary

Hastings Contemporary is hosting a Family Day on Thursday 15 Feb, when the gallery will be full of family-friendly activities, including art hunts, creative activities and an artist-led workshop in the studio. This half-term, the activities will take inspiration from the current exhibition, Roland Hicks: The Fourth Wall. Children and families will have the chance to interact with the space in their own way, assembling their own 2D layouts and tessellations and 3D sculptural totems using found and familiar materials, wooden panels and block shapes. Children go free and there’s no need to book – just turn up and enjoy! Read more. 

Amy Leung Family Day at Towner Eastbourne 

Towner Eastbourne is hosting a free family day with Artist Amy Leung on Friday 16 Feb. Join Amy to explore the big ideas behind the impressive work of Jesse Darling, Ghislaine Leung, Rory Pilgrim and Barbara Walker. Activities will spread out over the whole building – just drop in at any point to enjoy creative making led by Amy or self-directed activity packs anywhere in the building. Kids can make materials, install large collaborative pieces and think about ways we can use art to connect us while taking up as much space as possible. Read more.

Holiday workshop at De La Warr Pavilion  

Join artists Nancy Odufona and Reem Acason for a creative art making session at De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea. Add your wishes and dreams to aWishing Tree, and decorate your own valentines heart cards. It’s free to attend – just drop in! More details.

Family films at Towner Cinema 

Peppa Pig is turning 20. To celebrate, join Peppa and her gang at a cinema party at Towner Eastbourne on Tues 13 and Weds 14 Feb, where kids can enjoy  10 never-before-seen Peppa Pig episodes, five brand new songs, as well as 11 interactive entertainment shorts with Peppa and her friends playing, dancing and singing in the real world. If that all sounds a bit raucous, Studio Ghibli masterpiece The Boy and the Heron is screening on Wednesday afternoon.  More info and booking.