Budget-friendly half-term activities for families
The Donkey SanctuaryWith families facing rising living costs, many are looking for cheaper ways to keep children entertained during February half term.
Across Devon and Cornwall, museums, parks and community venues offer free or low-cost activities aimed at children.
These events often focus on creativity, outdoor play, and learning; with most costing £5 or less per child.
Activities like craft sessions, viewing historic collections and workshops allow families to enjoy affordable, accessible days out.
Animal encounters and farms
The Donkey Sanctuary is a UK-based charity that aims to improve the lives of donkeys and mules through rescue and veterinary care.
With a Sanctuary in Sidmouth, you can visit the rescued donkeys, wander the coastal paths, and even bring your dogs on a lead, all free of charge.
The sanctuary is hosting a seasonal activity whereby visitors can follow Strawberry's Hoofprint Trail, learning how sanctuary grooms keep all the resident donkeys' feet healthy, to then be able to answer the questions on their trail sheets and win a prize.
At Roskilly's farm, Helston, families can visit farm animals, explore the meadows, sample ice cream and watch daily cow-milking sessions at 16:00 (GMT), free of charge.
There are many animals on the farm, such as Tamworth pigs, cows, goats and a large array of free-range poultry, with chances of seeing a new batch of piglets.
Creative workshops and art activities
The Box, Plymouth, is running free drop-in creative sessions for children aged four to 11, inspired by its Beryl Cook exhibition, and focused on playful art and story telling.
Libraries in Devon are inviting families and residents to join their low-cost, artist-led workshops using nature-inspired painting, printing and sculpture.
The workshops are due to take place in five locations; Tavistock, Okehampton, Teignmouth, St Thomas in Exeter and Chagford.
Falmouth Art Gallery is offering free family workshops and exhibitions, including an automata-themed display, and welcoming visits from special needs groups and adults with additional learning needs.
Museums, history and learning
Getty ImagesThe House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey, provides free access to marble, pottery and games museums, showcasing historic collections and interactive displays, with some of the oldest known glass marbles ever discovered.
Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, Truro, will be open throughout half term, with free entry for under 18's to a range of historical exhibitions.
A family Lego-building workshop is set to be held on 20 February, in Newton Abbot Museum; offering guided sessions for children ages six and over, with tickets available online at £5 per person.
Parks, play areas and outdoor adventures
Boscawen park play area, Truro, was recently refurbished, and now features play equipment, a cycling place, woodland walks and a cafe open daily.
Haldon Forest Park, Exeter, provides free woodland walks, cycling trails and outdoor play areas for families.
Cardinham Woods, Bodmin, hosts a Room on the Broom Trail, where families can follow a themed interactive forest trail, alongside five waymarked trails, easy to follow and well surfaced for all weathers.
The Room on the Broom trail pack is required to follow the trail, and is available for £4 from the Ranger's Hut.
