February Half Term Holiday fun in Derby

Thanks to the unpredictable weather, the February half term holiday is probably the trickiest one for finding things to keep children entertained. Luckily the team at In Derby has something for all ages, indoors or out, come rain, snow or sun.

Many families enjoy cycling together, and at Derby Arena you can take your cycling experience up a gear. Family Track Cycling offers everyone from age 9 upwards the chance to ride the Velodrome track under the guidance of our qualified coaches. No experience is needed, and you won’t need to bring anything, just wear trainers. The one-hour sessions cost £20 for one adult and one child under 16, and are on Mon 17 and Fri 21 February.

Balance bikes are now seen as the best way to learn to ride a bike with confidence, and Derby Arena is offering half hour sessions perfect for two to four-year-olds who are just starting to ride. They can learn the basics of balancing, jumping, moving objects with fingers, hands and feet and stepping over objects. Everything is provided and parents must stay for the session. Sessions are £3 per child and are on Mon 17 Feb (perhaps while their older sibling is whizzing around the track), and also on Thurs 20 and Sat 21 February. To book, call Derby Arena on 01332 640111.

The great outdoors has so much to offer, even in February. The newly improved Skyline High Ropes course at Markeaton Park is the ultimate family adventure. Located next to Mundy Play Centre, this challenging tree-top adventure has various rope courses with obstacles, a leap of faith and a zip-line. To book call 01629 534561.

Younger family members can enjoy discovering dinosaur and fairy trails by using the Love Exploring app at Markeaton Park. Simply download the free app, choose your location and start the search! Guaranteed to burn off all that energy and fill them with fresh air.

If the great outdoors doesn’t appeal, younger family members can splash out at Queen’s Leisure Centre and enjoy some of the great inflatables. The Atlantis Splash Run stretches the length of the Gala pool. Suitable for children aged five upwards, it is full of giant obstacles to clamber over and thrilling slides. Sessions are on Mon 17 and Wed 19 Feb. Run the gauntlet across the pool on the new Float Run Splash, on Fri 21 Feb, again suitable for the over fives. Booking for both activities is advisable by calling Queen’s Leisure Centre on 01332 641444.

For a variety of activities, there are two multi-sports running in the city during half term. The new Tayplay Sports Multi-Activity Festival at Springwood Leisure Centre is suitable for ages 5 to 11 years and runs on Tues 18 and Wed 19 Feb, and includes different sports, a range of inflatables, NERF UNITE, plus arts and crafts. To book call 07546 116004 or book online at tayplaysport.co.uk/book. Springwood Leisure Centre are also taking bookings for Ninja Warrior Style Circuit Sessions, a fun and challenging obstacle course for children aged 5 to 12, and football coaching on Fri 21 Feb. Call 01332 640333 to book. Derby County Community Trust is also running a multi-sport camp for children from reception to year 6 at Derby Arena from Tuesday 18 to Thursday 20 February. The telephone number for bookings is 01332 416140.

Information about everything listed can be found at inderby.org.uk.