Half-term in the city
28th January 2026
From creative workshops and clowning to puppet shows and hands-on science, we’ve rounded up some fun activities for February half-term in Norwich
Norwich Theatre will be hosting a range of inclusive family workshops during February half-term, whether your little crew are budding performers, creative crafters or sensory explorers. There’s a free Crafty Café on 17 February at Café Royal, a family drop-in event inspired by The Great Big Bug Show that day at Stage Two. Take as long as you need to create unique puppets, a fluttery butterfly or a dazzling dragonfly. Children don’t need any previous experience to take part in Play in a Day on 19 February, where participants will produce a short, original piece of theatre which will be shared with their families. This is a ‘pay what you can’ session with a range of options to choose from, including joining in for free or making the suggested donation of £15.
Sensory Stories for SEND on 16 February is a ‘pay what you can’ session and will be accessible for non-verbal children, guiding the group through a journey of imagination and play in a relaxed, supportive environment, using sensory materials and props.
Make a morning of it at Norwich Castle, exploring the medieval keep from the basement to the battlements and the gallery spaces. From 14 to 22 February, use a spotter sheet and get hands-on with fun creative activities as part of the temporary Watercolour Now exhibition – experiment with watercolours, build your own mini landscape inspired by the paintings or take part in collage craft to create your own future vision of the world. These activities are staff-led except on the Sundays when you can enjoy self-led activities.
www.norwichcastle.norfolk.gov.uk
Norwich Science Festival is back from 14 to 21 February, with more than 200 events for all ages, including comedy, shows and talks for adults, and immersive experiences and workshops for children, bringing science to life. From ‘Do Try This at Home’ with Dr Nikhil Mistry on 15 February, who’ll share exciting experiments you can do with regular household items, or learning about the chemistry of pancakes with Great British Bake-Off finalist Dr Josh Smalley on 17 February, to dino fun complete with dinosaur animatronics on 19 February, there’s much for families to enjoy. Add in creative workshops, free experiences, and the return of The Explorium at the Forum for the duration of the festival (check out the daily quiet hour from 9.30am to 10.30am for a controlled, lower-capacity experience), and that’s half-term sorted! Plus, there are activities for older children including STEMM Careers events, too.
Half Moon and A-arts will present Brave Bettie by Tatenda Naomi Matsvai at The Garage on 20 February, a 50-minute magical woodland adventure told through poetry, songs, live music and stories, exploring their home heritage in Zimbabwe. Ages three to eight years.
There’s much to enjoy at Norwich Puppet Theatre over half-term including the adventures of Hans Christian Andersen’s Thumbelina with traditional glove, rod and shadow puppets (14 February, ages 2+) and Oldilocks and the 3 Bears presented by Garlic Theatre (17 February, ages 3+), featuring puppets, music and porridge! Meanwhile on 16 February, the Foolhardy Circus are back by popular demand with ‘Another Fine Mess!’ (ages 4+); think clown routines, circus skills, tumbling and magic. Just before the show, there’s a Cosmos Clowning Workshop, too, suitable for ages five to 15 years.
Whilst you’re in the city, why not visit Paddington Bear on his bench, now located in the Cathedral’s Upper Close, a short distance from the Hostry entrance, a change of scene after 11 months near the Herb Garden and a little spruce up in January. He’s still got his marmalade sandwich in hand, of course!
Please check websites for full details, prices, up-to-date information and guidance.
