Love is in the air this February half term with Valentine’s crafts, love trails, a wall of hearts and more to discover across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Keep the whole family entertained for hours with our handy guide to half term activities that will stop the ‘I’m bored’ sentences in their tracks and ensure a fun-filled February.
Get crafty at the Russell Cotes Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth from 14-16 February where you can make your own Valentine’s card to give to your loved one or take a love trail through the house and garden from 11-19 February.
True romantics can get swept up in Annie and Merton’s love story (the original owners of the museum building), from 5-8pm on 16 February with love letter writing, student artwork, live music, themed talks and Japanese inspired cocktails run by Arts University Bournemouth students.
Over at Highcliffe Castle in Christchurch, create your own wreath of hearts to give to your special someone from 14-16 February, take part in a ‘Things that we Love’ trail from 12-16 February, or add your special message to their ‘Wall of Hearts’ and watch the love grow.
History is the theme for the activities at Upton Country Park in Poole, where you can journey on an Historic Explorer Trail, discovering important characters in the history of the Upton Estate along the way from 11-19 February, or make some historic top hats and bonnets in the craft shed.
Get muddy with The Parks Foundation who have activities planned for a park near you! Take part in some community gardening at Winton Recreation Ground, Bournemouth or Alexandra Park, Poole on 11 February while enjoying the great outdoors, or build a bug house at one of ten parks across the conurbation from 13-17 February.
Get ready for spring by embarking on a spring creature themed trail at Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre in Bournemouth from 11-19 February and enjoy the picturesque sights as you amble along the River Stour.
Crabbing at Mudeford Quay makes for the perfect free family day out. Wrap up warm, pack a picnic and prepare for a fun-filled afternoon, or venture into Christchurch and explore amongst the castle ruins.
Challenge your friends to a round of mini golf in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens and take advantage of their alternative Valentine’s promotion ‘Mates Dates’, where you can get 2-for-1 on a game of mini golf upon purchase of a drink from the nearby Hedgehog Kiosk.
Visit Bournemouth Aviary and enjoy a warming drink from the nearby Picnic Park Deli, then wander along the tree trail in Bournemouth’s beautiful gardens to while away an afternoon.
Plan a day out in Poole Park, where you can try out the new Poole Park Railway, have fun in one of two playparks, enjoy a walk around the big lake or just relax and let the kids tire themselves out scooting around the cricket pitch!
Councillor Beverley Dunlop, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Vibrant Places commented: “We’ve got so much going on over the half term that will delight and amuse all ages, the only problem will be choosing what to do!
“Spending time with your children – and in my case my grandchildren as well, provides so much joy whatever the weather – and getting outside in the fresh air is good for your wellbeing, so I encourage everyone to put their wellies on, go on a trail or two, and enjoy the activities on offer during this week.”
And if any parents want to start the half term off with a bang, they can let their hair down at the Woodpecker Café in Queen’s Park, who will be hosting their ‘Anti-Tines’ Rock-N-Roll Quiz and Bingo night on Friday 10 February at 6pm, with a tantalising menu of pizza and cocktails for the evening, a winning combination to prepare for the week ahead if ever there was one!
