Explore the power of nature this February Half Term with hands-on activities, spectacular science and so much more. Enjoy hands-on exploration with our nature backpacks, see legends come to life and get creative with free crafts.
Time Tunnel
Wed-Sun
£5.50 per child, £6.50 per adult, pre-booking advised
Be transported through the centuries as you are taken through almost 200 years of mining history thanks to state-of-the-art technology. Led by a former miner you will travel through time and discover the incredible stories of coal mining through the centuries.
Canary Capers Puppet Show
Sat 15 – Sun 16 February & Thu 20 – Sun 23 February, 11.30am-3pm
Free, Drop-in at Pony Discovery Centre
What has Sparky the Canary been up too? Find out about his capers in our shadow puppet show, sure to delight the young at heart.
Makers’ Shed
Wed-Sun, 11.30am-3.30pm
Free, drop-in at Learning Space, The Hub
Get creative with free crafts inspired by our nature backpacks!
Paddy Train
Wed-Sun, 11am-3pm, £2.50 per person
Hop on the Paddy Train and travel to Hope Pit and Caphouse Colliery
Horsekeeper Talks
Wed-Sun,
Free at Pony Discovery Centre
Visit Eric, Ernie, Finn and Bud. Join us for our Horsekeeper talks at 12pm, see what they are fed at 2.30pm.
Roots, Shoots, Buzzes and Hoots
Wed 19 & Fri 21 February, 11am to 3pm
Free, drop-in (All ages welcome, especially suited to Under 5s)
What’s growing here in our outdoor spaces? Come and join in with stories of the plants and creatures that live in and around the Museum.
Guided Nature Tour
Wed 19 February (11.30am & 2pm) and Fri 21 February (11.30am & 2pm)
£2.50 per family. Meet outside The Hub, pre-bookable
Join us on a guided investigation of the Nature Trail, using scientific equipment from our new Nature Explorer Bags – perfect for curious minds eager to uncover the wonders of the natural world!
Meet the Trees Walk
Wed 19 February, 11am-12.30pm
Free Meet outside The Hub, pre-bookable (5 years and over)
Join us for a relaxed guided walk through our Nature Trail. Discover different trees and get hands-on with nature. Moderate walk with some steep inclines.
Spectacular Science
Thu 20 February, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.30pm
£10 per family (up to 3 children), pre-bookable. (7-12 years, younger siblings welcome)
Join Amazelab for a fun and interactive science workshop to discover how mine water is cleaned naturally by our reed beds – and create a fabulous filter to take home.
The Dirt in My Fingernails
Thu 20 February, 10.30am, 1pm & 2pm
£2.50 per child, meet at Reception, pre-bookable
Join Storytrails for an interactive storytelling performance exploring the strong bonds between mining communities, the natural world, and the old, deep stories within it.
Little Wildlings Scavenger Hunt
Fri 21 February, 10.30am-11.30am
Free, meet outside The Hub, pre-bookable. (All ages welcome, especially suited to Under 5s)
Join us for a woodland adventure hunting for nature’s treasures, and use your finds to create beautiful nature prints!
Steam Winder Demonstrations
Wed-Sun, Free, Frequent Demonstrations
See how a few puffs of steam can work with some giant machinery to move the mighty Pit Wheel.
Tours:
Pithead Baths Explore
Wed-Sun, 12pm, Free
Meet at Pithead Baths
Discover the daily routines of miners, from the start to the end of their day, in this fun family tour!
Visit us this half term for a fantastic family day out, take a walk around our Nature Trail, explore discovery spots, and lots, lots more!
For more information including contact details please visit the National Coal Mining Museum’s directory listing on our website –
