Half term activities in Sheffield and South Yorkshire

- ‘Stella’ comes to the stage

The Civic, Barnsley – Sunday February 24-26

Stella is a Star Engineer. From her home on the Moon she keeps the stars shining bright for when we need them most, to make a wish or find our way back home.

But down on Earth things are changing. The world is becoming bright, busy and people aren’t looking up. The stars are burning out and it’s up to Stella to save them, but she can’t do it alone.

Using projection, playful performance and aerial circus, we want to talk about our sky and how sometimes it is important to turn out the lights and wish upon a star.

Recommended Age 3+

Visit barnsleycivic.co.uk for details and tickets.

- Pop-up cinema of dinosaur classics, Handmade Cinema

Weston Park Museum – Sunday February 24, 4pm & 7.30pm

Handmade Cinema and Museums Sheffield have collaborated on this workshop and two unique film screenings, turning Weston Park Museum into a stomping ground for dinosaurs. Film lovers are invited to enjoy The Land Before Time and Jurassic Park amongst the historic collection of artefacts housed in Sheffield’s largest museum. The award-winning community cinema is known for transforming spaces into the world of the film, and these screenings will be no exception; there’ll be dinosaurs roaming the corridors, erupting volcanoes, jungle scenery and various themed craft activities. The Land Before Time is a classic from the 1980s, following the adventures of dinosaurs Littlefoot, Cera and friends as they navigate the difficult terrain between their home and the Great Valley where they hope to find food and their families. Jurassic Park is Stephen Spielberg’s iconic 1990s film, following the escapades of a group of palaeontologists, scientists and children as a trip to John Hammond’s dinosaur theme park takes a turn for the worst. Handmade Cinema volunteers are currently handcrafting much of the scenery, which will bring the films to life. Creative director of Handmade Cinema, Ellie Ragdale, said: "We could think of no better place in Sheffield than Weston Park to screen two of our favourite family dinosaur films. “From the narrative to the beautiful landscapes and animation, The Land Before Time is a rollercoaster ride of friendship, peril and heart. Jurassic Park is the epitome of dinosaur films, its pre-CGI effects still impress and paired with fast paced action and humour it makes for a thrilling watch. Both films have really stood the test of time and we can't wait to introduce them to a new audience of children.”

- Lambing Festival for all the family

Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley – February 16-24

A South Yorkshire farm is celebrating the start of its lambing season with the arrival of its very first lambs of 2019. The new arrivals were born in the small hours of February 8.

Cannon Hall Farm, in Cawthorne, is now preparing for the start of its busiest season with the Lambing Festival beginning on February 16 - just in time for the school holidays. Scores of ewes will be giving birth to the newest additions to the flock.

Farmer Robert Nicholson, whose family opened the farm to the public in 1989, said: “The first lambs of the year always generate excitement as its a sign spring is coming and that is our favourite time of year as farmers."

- Sheffield braces for an Alien Invasion!

Crystal Peaks shopping centre - February 18-22

There’s an alien invasion heading for the Sheffield shopping centre, bringing a week of half term fun with an Out of This World theme.

The weeks starts on Monday February 18 from 11am to 3pm with Alien Invasion Slime Fest.

On Tuesday it’s the Space Ship Race Ship, Wednesday has Rockin’ Rockets as day’s theme and on Thursday it’s Planetarium Bath Bombs.

The week comes to an end on Friday with a day of Mad Science, some safe and silly experiments for inquisitive young minds.

All events are held in the Crystal Peaks Central Atrium and are free to all subject to availability and while stocks last.

- All the fun of the goo at Slime School

Meadowhall shopping centre – February 18-24

Professor Putty will be teaching little ones how to make their very own sensational slime this half term.

Children across Yorkshire will have the chance to don lab coats and goggles and become professional Slime Scientists. The 25-minute workshops will showcase the special ingredients used to make slime, and children will have the chance to meet the characters who work with the Slime School’s ‘Sensational Slime Machine.’ Budding Slime Scientists will then get the chance to make their very own colourful slime, full of glitter and sparkles, at the ‘Creation Station Slime Lab’ which they can then take home.  Meadowhall’s Slime School will offer visitors to the centre a fun, hands-on activity. Alex Caley, marketing events manager at Meadowhall, said: “Slime is such a huge phenomenon with today’s children and so many kids want to re-create their own. Playing with slime offers a great sensory activity, allowing children to explore and stimulate their senses as well as encouraging the development of fine motor skills and co-ordination.

“Our special Slime School not only allows children to design their very own slime using their favourite colours, but also provides an opportunity to enjoy an interactive, immersive experience too.

“As one of Yorkshire’s leading attractions, we endeavour to offer a range of experiences at Meadowhall and provide fabulous fun and innovative activities that the whole family can enjoy.

“We can’t wait to welcome guests to our very first Slime School experience and hope all the children enjoy playing with their very own specially-made slime later, at home, with their friends.”

Meadowhall’s Slime School workshops are available for children aged 4+ Visit www.meadowhall.co.uk/slime for details and to book.

- Fairies garden trail

Brodsworth Hall & Gardens – February 16-24

Psst, did you see that? Fairies are hiding all around the gardens of Brodsworth Hall and staff at Brodsworth need your help to find them. Pick up your trail sheet from the visitor centre and head out on an adventure. You might even stumble upon a fairy village as you go. If you need a helping hand, join the fairy hunter as she searches high and low, and hear stories along the way. Visit https://bit.ly/2STgA4M for full details and admission prices.

- Animal encounters day

Mayfield Alpacas Animal Farm – Sunday February 17, 10.30am-3.30pm

Meet and handle some amazing animals - a great experience for everyone this half term.

- Circus Minis session

Greentop Community Circus Centre – Sunday February 17, 10.45am

This fun-filled early years circus event is perfect for children aged 3-6 years old. A mixture of age appropriate basic skills will be taught on the day, such as hula hoop, scarf juggling, plate spinning, diablo, bucket stilts, flower sticks, beam, silk cocoons & trapeze. There will be warm up/warm down games Parents/carers will be participating with their children's learning during the session. Contact Greentop on 0114 244 8828 for details and to book, or email [email protected]

- Painting on Ice

IceSheffield – Sunday February 17, 3.30pm-5.30pm

Get creative with this painting on the ice session. Try something new during your normal skating session and paint anything you like straight onto the ice, let your ideas run free! Come to the 'Family Skate' at Ice Sheffield this weekend, and join in with the optional painting. There'll be plenty of activities off-ice to get involved in too, with a bouncy castle, face painting and colouring for the kids, plus the Cool Fuel Cafe and Core Bar serving food and drinks to keep mum and dad happy whilst the kids are busy.

Visit siv.org.uk/page/ice to book.