Rainy Day Half Term Fun for Kids on The Suffolk Coast

Give nature a helping hand at Dunwich Heath with a relaxed, hands-on bird feeder workshop that’s perfect for curious young minds. Children can get stuck in making their own natural bird feeder, learning all about garden birds along the way, as well as how to help them through the colder months.

Everything you need is provided, so you only have to bring a willingness to get creative and a bit messy. It’s a relaxed way to start the week, with plenty of fresh air, coastal atmosphere and a little something to take home at the end of it.

Find out more at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/dunwich-heath-and-beach

The Lowestoft Pancake Race returns in all its glorious chaos! Local businesses swap laptops for frying pans and take to the course to be the pancake race champion, while spectators line the route to cheer them on.

The Mascot Race usually sets the tone, followed by the Teams of Three Relay, where it’s all about speed, flipping technique and teamwork. It’s a noisy, silly day out for the whole family, and might inspire your own pancake flipping pursuits at home.

Find out more at https://discoverlowestoft.co.uk/event/pancake-day-race-2026/ 

Head indoors for an interactive animal experience with Angie and her Curious Creatures at East Point Pavilion in Lowestoft. Across two sessions, children can meet a range of animals up close, learn about their habitats and discover the important roles they play within the ecosystem. You even get a chance to gently handle the animals, with plenty of opportunities for questions and close observation. Designed for children aged four and up, it’s a calm and engaging activity that works well as a rainy day option, with sessions running from late morning through to early afternoon. 

Later in the week, there's free family activities to enjoy including storytelling and a games afternoon.

Find out more at https://www.eastpointpavilion.com/

Visitors are invited to celebrate National Nestbox Week at RSPB Minsmere by building a nestbox to take home and install in their garden or at school. Ready-made kits will be provided, along with nails and support from knowledgeable volunteers who will guide participants through assembling their box. Participants can choose a traditional hole-fronted design to attract tits, or an open-fronted box suitable for Robins and Spotted Flycatchers (subject to availability).

Each one-hour session allows plenty of time to assemble the nestbox and speak with volunteers about the best place to install it. The workshop takes place indoors, so it's ideal for soggy days.

Each child’s ticket includes free entry for one accompanying adult, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Standard reserve admission charges apply to any additional non-member adults. Advance booking is recommended as spaces are limited. An additional workshop takes place on Thursday 19 February.

Find out more at https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/147258

Whilst this may not be an indoor activity, embrace the wet weather, wrap up and enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities for little ones aged 18 months to 5 years at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve. Participants join a guided play and discovery session on the nature reserve, where children can explore the marshland environment through hands-on activities designed to boost confidence, creativity and communication while making special memories together.

In celebration of Pancake Day, the session includes cooking pancakes over an open fire, adding a tasty highlight to the outdoor fun. Booking in advance is essential as spaces are limited.

Other family activities on offer included a guided family walk and build a nest box.

Find out more at https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/events/2026-02-17-wild-tots-carlton-marshes-pancake-day-special

If you are looking for something calm, creative and taking place indoors, this clay workshop at Christchurch Mansion is a great option. As part of ‘Love Our Planet’ week, children can make their own hedgehog pencil pot, learning a bit about Britain’s favourite spiky mammal along the way before getting stuck into the clay. Sessions last 45 minutes with everything provided and plenty of guidance, though it is worth remembering a small container to get creations home safely.

Afterwards, you can wander through the mansion’s grand rooms and spot paintings by Constable and Gainsborough, take a look at the majestic Tudor Great Hall and even explore the Victorian kitchen. There are activity sheets and trails to follow to engage kids even further. 

Find out more at https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/discovery-day/

A rare chance to pick up some expert circus skills at the marvellous FoolHardy Circus workshop at the Fisher Theatre in Bungay. Children can try their hand at juggling, diabolo, tightrope walking, plate spinning and more. Led by professional circus artists, the session is structured so that children of all abilities can take part, practise at their own pace and build confidence as they go. The emphasis is on perseverance, coordination and having a go, rather than perfection. The workshop is followed by a show at 2pm, making it a full day out if you book both together.

Find out more at https://fishertheatre.org/FisherTheatre.dll/WhatsOn?Film=1073470

Designed especially for preschoolers and their grown ups, Fun for Little Ones Live brings the much loved world of Ms Rachel to The Marina Theatre stage in a bright, interactive tribute show. Expect plenty of singing, actions and audience participation as little ones are led through familiar songs and playful learning moments, supported by puppets, colourful screen animations and visits from Monty and friends. 

Find out more at https://www.marinatheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/fun-for-little-ones-a-tribute-to-ms-rachel/

A touch of magic arrives at The Freston Boot with a Little Mermaid themed brunch event. Children can enjoy meeting Ariel, listening to stories and joining in with dancing, all before sitting down to a Boot brunch or pancakes- which is included with their ticket. It’s a lovely, magical morning for younger children or anyone who delights in whimsy and storytelling with sparkle!

Find out more at https://thefrestonboot.co.uk/event/ariel-brunch/

Lego fans will want to make a beeline for Brickologists’ Lego Fun Day at Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall, where creativity is encouraged in every corner of the room. Alongside free build areas, there’s a timed Brickoff challenge with prizes for standout creations, plus Duplo for younger builders.

There’s also Bionicles, car building with downhill racetracks and a mini figure hunt to keep everyone busy. It’s innovative, imaginative and full of colour, with lots of variety to keep little hands busy, brick by brick. 

Find out more at https://aldeburghjubileehall.co.uk/whats-on/

Fans of Liz Pichon’s hugely popular books will recognise the hand drawn illustrations and wacky humour in Tom Gates Epic Stage Show at The Marina Theatre. The show brings Tom’s world to life on stage with lively performances, catchy songs and lots of visual storytelling; an energetic and accessible introduction to live theatre for primary age children.

It’s fast paced, funny, chaotic and full of recognisable moments from the books, with enough going on to keep both children and adults entertained throughout.

Find out more at https://www.marinatheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/tom-gates-live/

End the week on a calmer note at Mini Music Makers at The Red House. Designed for babies and young children aged up to five, these sessions combine music, play and gentle exploration in a very friendly and welcoming setting.

Led by Britten Pears Arts, the programme encourages children to respond to sound and rhythm through movement and play, with parents and carers joining in alongside them. 

Find out more at https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/events/mini-music-makers

A half term visit to Africa Alive is a must, with so much to see and learn about. It’s made even more appealing with a ‘kids go free’ offer running during the school holiday. Families can explore the park at their own pace, popping into indoor spaces when the weather turns and spending time watching the animals up close. Expect a fun-filled day out and see if you can visit all the many species there are to see: giraffes, meerkats, lions, zebras, rhino and more!

Find out more at https://www.africaalive.co.uk/

For keen racers aged 8-15, Anglia Indoor Karting offers an energetic indoor option that works well on a wet February day. The ‘arrive and drive’ sessions mean there’s no need to be a member or book a full party, just turn up, get kitted out and head onto the track.

Drivers take on the professionally designed circuit with timing screens tracking lap times and friendly competition building as the session goes on. It’s fast paced, noisy and exciting, and a good way to burn off some half term energy before heading home with flushed cheeks and stories of who managed the cleanest overtakes.

Find out more at https://angliakarting.com/