10 things to do with kids over the Spring half-term in the East Midlands!

If you’re anything like me, those of you with school-aged children have probably been wracking your brains about what to do with the kids over the forthcoming Spring Bank week. With this in mind, I’ve scoured the internet for the best local events taking place in the East Midlands over May half-term.

Come rain or shine these activities are guaranteed to put a smile on your little one’s faces, so sit back, and relax whilst we let you know what’s going on!  

1. For a relaxing family day out, why not head over to Newstead Abbey’s Bank Holiday Craft and Gift Fair, taking place on 25^th-27^th Featuring a variety of stall holders offering springtime treats for all the family, Newstead Abbey is a stunning place to visit with the kids and if the sun is shining it’s sure to be winner for all the family.
   
   
2. Step back in time and watch rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength and skill at Bolsover Castle’s Knight Tournament. Running from the 25^th-27^th May, this is a fantastic event for families, with kids encouraged to join in with drills on the field and take part in their own kids’ battle. We headed to last year’s event with some family friends and all the kids were absolutely fascinated by the people dressed up in medieval costumes, demonstrating their weapons and skills.
   
   
3. No Spring break would be complete without a visit to Twinlakes Family Theme Park. My soon-to-be four year old is obsessed with dinosaurs at the moment, which is handy really as Twinlakes are holding a Dino week from 27^th-31^st With a Dino Hunt running throughout the park, prizes to be won and opportunities to meet Tank Triceratops, Raptor Blue and baby dinosaurs – along with their other great attractions, including a petting farm and waterpark it really is one not to be missed!
   
   
4. Head over to Bluebells Dairy Farm in Spondon next week and you can take part in their Farm Academy. With ‘Future Farmer’ activities including lamb bottle feeding, animal grooming, egg collecting and sheep racing, there’s plenty of fun to be had down on the farm, and a gorgeous café for the grown-ups to indulge in a cup of coffee and slice of cake.
   
   
5. If the weather takes a turn for the worst, it’s useful to have some indoor activities on standby. Our Make Your Own Chocolate Pizza Kit is a must-have in my family, as the kids love decorating their very own pizza with chocolate curls and jelly beans. We even mix it up sometimes by adding our own selection of sweets, so the kids can really let their imaginations go wild!
   
   
6. Junk modelling. If you haven’t tried your hand at junk modelling recently, you’re really missing a treat. Kids love making things and this is a really cheap but effective way to keep them occupied for an hour or two. Raid your recycling bin and use cardboard boxes, yoghurt pots, plastic bottle lids to create their very own masterpiece, the only extra things you’ll need are some glue and child-friendly paint.
   
   
7. If you’re a football fan, then Monday’s Championship Play-offs final at Wembley probably won’t have passed you by. With the mighty Rams taking on Aston Villa, both teams are competing for promotion into the Premiership and there’s a massive £160m in revenue to be won for the club that comes out on top. Get the kids involved by watching the match with you, or why not take them outside for your own mini play-off match. Show your support for your favourite team with our Football Chocolate Pizzas.
   
   
8. Having a BBQ can be great fun for kids. Not only does it get them outdoors but they can also getting involved with the food prep. Why not get them to make some fruit skewers with a chocolate dip for the ultimate fruity treat. Click the link to find the perfect dip recipe.
   
   
9. Put up a tent in the garden. Who said you can’t go camping at home? If you already have a tent, but haven’t got a campsite booked in for half-term, then why not pop your tent up in the garden. Kids love to have their very own secret hiding place and a tent offers the ideal solution, providing shade if it’s sunny and shelter if it’s raining – what’s more it can be kept up all week if needed! 
   
   
10. Explore your local area. Grab the kids’ scooters or bikes and go for a walk or run in your local park, forest or riverside path. Whether it’s a walk in Sherwood Forest, a stroll in the Derbyshire Dales, or a visit to the local country park – it doesn’t need to cost much to get outdoors and have some fun!