Thousands of free and affordable events for families this half term
A interactive map showing thousands of low and no-cost events across the country to help plan your half term activities.
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Use this interactive map which shows thousands of low and no-cost events across the country to plan your family’s half term activities.
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Map includes free activities at the country’s leading museums, galleries and local libraries.
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Map has successfully helped thousands of families plan affordable activities over the summer and received more than 76,000 views.
Thousands of free and affordable events for you and your family to enjoy this half term are happening up and down the country.
Using the government’s interactive map, which has received more than 76,000 views so far, you can plan a half term full of activities with free art exhibitions, pay-what-you-can theatre performances and immersive Halloween experiences all on offer.
Many of these events can be found locally with more than 2,500 public libraries putting on low and no cost activities such as Lego® Clubs, Rhyme Times, and Stay and Play sessions.
The map is part of the Help for Households campaign, which shares government support available to help with the cost of living. The campaign contains more than 40 schemes offering advice on childcare, cheaper water bills and travel costs.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:
There are so many great free and affordable events going on around the country this half term for the whole family.
From getting in the Halloween spirit at Pontefract Castle, to building museum treasures with LEGO® at Derby’s Museum of Making or following the beautiful public art trail around Newhaven.
So if you’re stuck for an idea, have a look at our fantastic interactive map which lists all the affordable activities going on at your local libraries, galleries and museums.
Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said:
There are so many free activities taking place in public libraries this half term, from story times and craft workshops to poetry performances and film screenings.
We all know it can be expensive to keep children entertained but libraries are brilliant at providing free family fun in a welcoming and inspiring environment.
This handy map brings all this activity together in one place, making it easy to find a great local event for you and your family.
Here are just some of the free and affordable events from government-funded organisations happening in your area this half term:
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Nationwide: Take part in the Natural History Museum’s newest community science project Nature Overheard, by looking for insects along a short section of a nearby road and making a five-minute sound recording of their surroundings. These recordings can then be submitted to the museum to better understand how noise pollution impacts insects.
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North West: Discover amazing stories of animal heroes who have helped the war effort from the First World War to the present day at the Imperial War Museum North Family Hub.
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North East: Dive into an immersive, eerie adventure and explore museum treasures, local legends, and mythical creatures at The Great North Museum: Hancock. From creative crafts to spine-thrilling trails, they’ve got something for everyone.
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Yorkshire and the Humber: Visit Pontefract Castle to get wicked with their Witches and Wizards October activities. Make fun themed crafts, mix magical potions and take part in some witchy outdoor festivities.
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West Midlands: Enjoy loads of fun, free workshops and events for families at The New Art Gallery Walsall, from celebrating Diwali and their Sunday Art Club, to getting creative in their holiday workshops.
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East Midlands: See the Lake District made out of LEGO® bricks at Derby’s Museum of Making, and catch the artist Jon Tordoff continue to build his sculpture made out of more than 200,000 LEGO® pieces.
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London: Celebrate the opening of Young V&A’s first exhibition, Japan: Myths to Manga by contributing a growing Origami Sculpture, or explore their Imagine Gallery and create and dress up as a character.
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East of England: Get making, moving and munching with Holiday Fun at First Site. Their drop-in creative activities for families change daily and are available from 10am-2:30pm.
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South West: Enjoy a range of free workshops and events at the East Quay, Watchet, from learning the art of weaving to making Halloween lanterns and spooky collages.
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South East: Discover the Museum of Island History and get involved in hands-on family activities including modelling and mascot activities for all ages.
Parents can visit the Childcare Choices website to find out more about the range of support available with the costs of childcare, including 30 hours, Universal Credit Childcare and Tax-Free Childcare, which can be used for out of school clubs, play schemes, childminders and nurseries.
The government recently announced that the £2 fare cap has been extended until 31 December 2024, ensuring passengers can continue to save significant sums off their regular travel costs.