The seven greatest family days out in Suffolk this February half term

With spring on the horizon, yet not quite here, it's important to occupy the children and lure them from the grips of an iPad or television. Here in Suffolk we provide the perfect antidote: lots of fresh air, fun activities and good old fashioned quality family time. You're welcome!

Ipswich Museum

Down on the farm

A visit to Jimmy’s Farm will be a hive of activity during February half-term and has everything you need to entertain the kids for a whole day of fun! With all the usual fun and educational farm activities, including petting the rabbits and guinea pigs as well as visiting the rare breed pigs and alpacas, we remember it’s lambing season! Get up close to these fluffy favourites, learn something new from the Keeper Talks or head over to the pony enclosure for a spot of grooming. Feeling hungry? The Restaurant provides tasty locally produced menus, full of goodness for your little ones.

Down on the farm with Jimmy

Kids go free at Africa Alive!

A visit to Africa Alive! is like no other zoo you’ve ever been to. The focal point is the spectacular ‘Plains of Africa’, where spotting a giraffe or two or a rhino is the norm. Spy the superior heavyweights – the lions - from the ‘Lookout Lodge’ and wonder over to the ‘Lemur Encounters’ enclosure for full-on action.

The fun doesn’t end there. Discover some amazing facts during the feeding talks and seasonal ‘Bird of Prey’ displays and climb aboard the free ‘Safari Roadtrain’ for an entertaining journey around the park. Who doesn’t love a train?!

And if that wasn’t enough excitement, this February half term, kids go free between 10th and 18th when accompanied by one full-paying person.

Kids go wild at Africa Alive! near Kessingland.

Fun and discovery at Ipswich Museum

Ipswich Museum invite you to learn more about the mammals, reptiles and insects around the globe during ‘Animal Day’. When we say from around the globe, we mean exactly that! Spot your favourites from Africa and Madagascar, The Americas or Australia and Asia. Children 5 or older are in for a treat – they can touch the animals! And, if you have kids 4 or under, they get to see the show for free!

Animal fun at Ipswich Museum

Middle Earth needs your help!

Between the 10th and 18th Februray, the popular ‘Lord of the Rings’ themed family challenge returns to West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village. Explore the Ring Quest trail around the park and village, spy huge spiders of Mirkwood and even a dragon guarding its treasure - all in the aim of saving Middle Earth! For an extra treat check out the Hobbit Hole, meet Halbarad the Ranger and even try your hand at archery. And at £16 for a family ticket, we think this is a bit of a bargain.

www.weststow.org/whats-on

The magic of West Stow Country Park and Anglo-Saxon Village

Snowdrop walks at Ickworth (National Trust)

With 1800 acres to explore, there isn't time for your little ones to be bored at Ickworth. If you follow the path along Lady Geraldine's Walk, as well as The Albana Walk, you’ll be in for a treat. Every winter, this wonderful walk blossoms into a carpet of snowdrops amidst the golden glow of aconites – a bright yellow flower you associate more with spring.

To warm up, head indoors where kids can recreate their own interpretation of a snowdrop or something else gathered on the winter walk, either as a ‘weather mobile’ or ‘season tree’. After such a busy day, a souvenir maybe your reward, but don’t be too hasty. Your little ones won’t leave empty handed. In fact, they can take away their very own 3D tree showcasing the changing seasons.

Family days out at National Trust Ickworth in Suffolk

Winter walks at Ickworth © Tom Soper

Tree Top Junior and biking through Thetford Forest

Let the kids release their inner Tarzan on high swings and zip wires, facing obstacles like the Spiders Web and Log Balance located 8 metres above ground - a test for any budding adventurer! The only hurdle, your young ones must be at least a metre tall!

Continue the adventure with a cycle ride through Thetford Forest by hiring a bike for all the family at Bike Art. Explore the 40 miles of traffic free marked trails through magnificent forest, providing the perfect setting for family-friendly cycling.

www.goape.co.uk/days-out/south-east/thetford

www.bikeartthetford.co.uk

Go Ape at Thetford Forest in the Brecks in Suffolk

Go crazy at Go Ape!

Story telling at Kentwell Hall

Encouraging children to get out and explore the great outdoors is obligatory in Suffolk. Head to Kentwell Hall and the Story Book Adventure Trail, which sets to inspire children to get ‘outdoors and let their imagination have fun’. With nineteen stories and characters located in the gardens and woods in the grounds of the estate, this safe and magical environment is perfect for children of all ages. The star is a ‘Crunching Munching Caterpillar’ nearly 7 yards long, and each character is represented in its own unique way. To carry on the adventure, the story books are available in the Stable Yard Tea Rooms to enjoy over a delicious home-made lunch or afternoon tea.

www.kentwell.co.uk/storybook-trail

The 'munching caterpillar' at Kentwell

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