With half term just around the corner, it’s time to take a look at what’s on offer around Peterborough, Stamford and Bourne for kids. From nature walks to solving crimes, there’s bound to be something here to keep the kids amused.

Puss in Boots at Stamford Arts Centre

Puss in Boots, Stamford Arts Centre
Thursday 19 February

Would you trust a talking cat? You never know, he might turn you from a pauper to a prince just like the hero of this story. With a host of puppets, a working windmill and an avalanche of fruit and nuts come and see this classic furry tail, it’s the cat’s whiskers. This is suitable for kids 4 years and over and starts at 2.30pm on Thursday 19 February. Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £6.50 for kids. For more information, or to book see Stamford Arts Centre, or call 01780 763203.

The Big Thaw!, Peterborough Museum
16 – 20 February

Come along to the museum for ice-age themed activities, including arts and crafts, stories and a trail around the museum. Admission: £3.50 adults, £2.50 concessions, £8 families (under 5s and Heritage Pass Holders free). No need to book, just drop-in. See more at the Peterborough Museum website.

Horrible Histories, Wildcats Academy, Stamford
Monday 16 February

A full day of Egyptian fun; activities include: design a Pharaoh’s head dress, make a protective amulet and write a story in hieroglyphics. This is suitable for children 5 – 13 years and costs £22.50 per child. The day runs 9.30am – 4pm, please bring drinks and a packed lunch. For more information or to book a place, call 01780 762000 or see www.wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk.

Get crafty at Love Stamford

Craft workshops, Love Stamford, Corn Exchange, Broad Street, Stamford
Tuesday 17 February

Come along to a craft workshop and make lots of fun projects using material, wood and paint. There are two workshops at 10.30am and 2pm, suitable for primary school children. £5 a session. Book tickets at Love Stamford.  Throughout half term there will also be free daily activities at the ‘create and make’ table for children using the play area. See lovestamfordshop.com for more information.

Stop frame animation workshop, South Holland Centre, Spalding
Thursday 19 February

Fancy having a go at making your own short film? In celebration of the first Shaun the Sheep film, the South Holland Centre is running a stop frame animation workshop. The workshop will introduce the basic skills of creating stop frame animation, share some ideas on creating sets for filming on and show you some appropriate apps. Suitable for children aged 8 – 14 years. The workshop runs from 10am – 3.30pm (bring a packed lunch) and is £15 per child. Find out more at the South Holland Centre website or tel. 01775 764777.

Crazy grassheads

Wild Wednesday, Ferry Meadows
Wednesday 18 February

Come along to the Discovery Den at Ferry Meadows and make a grass head monster and take it home and watch it grow. After you’ve finished, enjoy a walk around Ferry Meadows, and a drink and piece of cake in the café. There’s no need to book for this free event, just drop in. Available from 10am – 3pm. There’s also a self-guided nature trail on during half term week (Saturday – Saturday) as well. Pick up a trail map for 50p at the visitors centre.  See Ferry Meadows website for more information.

Dance, sport, secret missions and crime-solving fun, Stamford Welland Academy
16 – 19 February

Have a new ‘Xperience’ this half term. Go on a secret mission and crack the secret code in the Spy Xperience. Solve a crime by following the clues in the Detective Xperience. Learn some cool new dance moves, and put on a performance in the Dance Xperience. And finally try dodgeball, parachute games and rock-it ball in the Sports Xperience. All Xperiences cost £18 per child and run from 9.30 – 4pm. These activities are suitable for 5 – 11 years. Bring a packed lunch and drinks. See www.sports-xtra.com for dates. For further information email sara.strid-coughlan@sports-xtra.com or call Sara on 0770 3030711.

Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder

Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder, Showcase Cinema, Peterborough
various dates and times (coming in July 2015 – sorry original press release did say February)

In order to be reunited with his dearest Juliette, Doctor Proctor must invent something that will make him famous; but is it fart powder that can lead him to the stars? A modern fairy tale about friendship across ages, dangerous animals in the sewer and adults that have a screw loose. The film is based on a children’s book by the famous author Jo Nesbø. Now coming to cinemas in July 2015.

Make a nest box, Rutland Water
Saturday 14 February

Make your very own home for nature by making a bird, bug or bat box or a bird feeder. All material is supplied and experts will be on hand to give advice on how to attract wildlife in your garden at home. The workshop runs 10am – 12.30pm and costs £8 to make a nestbox and £1 to make a bird feeder. Booking required, please phone 01572 770651 or book online at the Rutland Water website.

Winter fun at Sacrewell

Winter fun at Sacrewell
14 – 22 February

Pull on your wellies, wrap up tight and join in the fun as the farm and activity centre embraces the season, and highlights the best of the winter, including ferret racing, pancake day and a star party. Winter fun events will take place every day over half term, with special events on Tuesday to celebrate pancake day and a stargazing evening on Saturday night. Adult tickets cost £7.50, children £5.50, under 2s free. See www.sacrewell.org.uk for more information.

Blast off!, various Peterborough libraries
14 – 19 February

Pop along to the Peterborough libraries for some space-themed fun over half term. Take part in games that are out of this world, make your own space shuttle, decorate an alien mask, create pom-pom alien and enjoy some stellar stories. No need to book, just come along on the day. Suitable for children 4-11 years, accompanied by an adult. See Peterborough libraries website for dates and venues.