The first half term of the year is coming up and some parents may be looking for ways to keep the children entertained until school starts again. 

Schools in Suffolk break up for half term on Friday, February 16, and will reopen for learning on Monday, February 26. 

Here are seven free and cheap events taking place across Suffolk in half term. 

 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Brandon Country Park has three nature trails to exploreBrandon Country Park has three nature trails to explore (Image: Sonya Brown)

1. Country Park Half Term Trail

Where: Copper Beech Cafe, Brandon Country Park, IP27 0SU

When: Saturday, February 17 to Sunday, February 25

Cost: £1 per trail sheet

Solve the clues to find the special word hidden along the trail before collecting a prize from the café. 

Families are advised to bring their own pen or pencil to help complete the trail sheet. 

There are also other trails of varying lengths to explore around the park. 

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Beccles & Bungay Journal: Two dinosaurs are coming to Bury St EdmundsTwo dinosaurs are coming to Bury St Edmunds (Image: Tom Soper Photography)

2. Teach Rex

Where: St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1LS

When: Wednesday, February 21

Cost: £8

A pair of baby dinosaurs will be entertaining guests in a 45-minute-long show where children can get up close with the dinosaurs. 

There will be two sessions to attend starting at 10am and 2pm. 

As well as Teach Rex the Cathedral will also have free prehistoric themed arts and craft activities on Tuesday, February 20, and Thursday, February 22. 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: It's a beach party in February!It's a beach party in February! (Image: Handcrafted Me)

3. February Beach Party

Where: 47 Queens Way, Ipswich, IP3 9EX

When: Sunday, February 25

Cost: £8.50

It may be cold and wet outside but the Handcrafted Me studio is being transformed into a beach party. 

Children can pretend they're in Hawaii while completing themed crafts such as mini surfboard painting or creating their own Punch and Judy-inspired show. 

It is anticipated the event will be busy so early booking is advised. 

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4. Woolly's Bug Hunt

Where: Christchurch Mansion, Christchurch Park, Ipswich, IP4 2BE

When: Saturday, February 17 to Sunday, February 25

Cost: £5

Embark on an intriguing mystery Mansion hunt and search to find 12 hidden Woollys. 

There may also be critters lurking in the shadows so keep your eyes peeled. 

The trail is suitable for children over the age of three and the ticket price includes a gift at the end. 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Find Orcs around the villageFind Orcs around the village (Image: Newsquest)

5. Ring Quest 2024

Where: West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, West Stow, IP28 6HG

When: Saturday, February 17 to Sunday, February 25

Cost: £2 plus cost of admission

The Lord of the Rings-themed family challenge is back with a new quest trail to save Middle Earth by finding the rings. 

Have a go at archery, meet an Orc and see an enormous dragon guarding its treasure. 

There are two parts to the trail which last around 45 minutes each. 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The beach is coming to a community libraryThe beach is coming to a community library (Image: Google)

6. Beachcombing

Where: Gainsborough Community Library, 246 Clapgate Lane, IP3 0RL

When: Saturday, February 24

Cost: Free

If you cannot get to the beach then do not worry- the beach is coming to a library. 

Decipher the clues to find the treasures hidden in the mini beach and have fun playing the giant beachcoming board game. 

All of the activities are free but donations to Suffolk Libraries are encouraged. 

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Beccles & Bungay Journal: You can meet the animals along the farm trailYou can meet the animals along the farm trail (Image: Andy Abbott)

7. Fun on the Farm

Where: Hollow Trees Farm, Semer, IP7 6HX

When: Saturday, February 17 to Sunday, February 25

Cost: £6

Feed and give the animals a fuss along the trail with plenty to explore both indoors and outdoors. 

It will be an adventure for children with tractors to pedal, tyres to swing on and slides to whizz down. 

Children two and under can explore the farm for free.