Holidaying at home this half term?

Our guide to family activities within a hour’s journey of Huddersfield includes a whole raft of unusual and entertaining ides for days out – everything from a children’s camera workshop and drama for tiny tots to sheep shearing and battling Saxon warriors at the Royal Armouries.

Saxon Week at the Royal Armouries

The Saxons are coming to The Royal Armouries in Leeds for half term

Leeds; Saturday, May 28, until Sunday, June 5

The museum is offering craft activities, demonstrations and displays, all linked to the Saxons. Complementing a special exhibition, Warrior Treasures: Saxon Gold from the Staffordshire Hoard, the week includes combat re-enactments, have-a-go pottery demonstrations, wire jewellery making and Animals in Art workshops. While the museum has free entry there will be a small charge for some activities. During half term the outdoor arena area is displaying a reproduction longship, from which there will be storytelling sessions and talks.

The Armouries is open from 10am until 5pm daily.

Sheep Shearing Festival at Cannon Hall Farm

Spring arrival at Cannon Hall Farm

Cawthorne; Saturday, May 28, until Sunday, June 5

10.30am until 5pm: the farm’s first sheep shearing festival takes off with a lot of sheep-based activities. Children will learn how wool makes the journey from sheep’s back to carpet factories and knitters. Entry to the farm is £8.85 per person or £34 for a family ticket.

Gold, Gods and Giants, Leeds Central Library

Leeds; Saturday, May 28, 10.30am, 11.45am and 1.30pm

An interactive music and storytelling workshop for families who want to learn more about the stories and music behind Wagner’s magical operatic Ring cycle. Led by a professional actor and musician, the sessions will explore the epic tale and majestic music - currently being performed by Opera North. Cost £4. Book on 0844 8482727 or howardassemblyroom.co.uk

4D Movie at the Legoland Discovery Centre

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, Manchester
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, Manchester

Manchester, Trafford Centre; Saturday, May 28

Children can join in with the quest to defeat evil building brick characters by harnessing digital technology through an interactive 12-minute film, Lego Nexo Knights. It’s all very high-tech for a generation raised on apps and computer games. Prices from £9.95. For information visit www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk/manchester

Eye Dissection Workshops, Thackray Medical Museum

Leeds; Monday, May 30, to Friday, June 3, 11am, 1pm and 3pm

Not for the squeamish, but these workshops will reveal how the cornea, lens, iris and optic nerve work together to create an image of the world. Booking not necessary – cost £3.

Pyjama Drama at PJ’s Health and Fitness Centre

Pyjama Drama classes introduce young children to music, movement and imaginative play

Cleckheaton; Tuesday, May 31, 10am

Pyjama Drama sessions provide music, dance, song and let’s pretend for young children. This special half-term session, led by a qualified teacher and drama graduate, is themed around the Billy Goats Gruff story and suitable for two to five-year-olds. Cost is £5 a head, with discounts for sibling groups. Places are limited and need to be booked by contacting kates@pyjamadrama.com or calling 01484 615686.

The Adventures of Walter Lemonface, Lawrence Batley Theatre

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Huddersfield; Tuesday, May 31, 2.30pm

A theatrical production for children aged three to 10 and their families. By 154 Collective, this show combines art, music, digital performance and animation and is fast-paced, interactive and colourful. After the show, youngsters can have a go at making music and live animation for themselves. Tickets £7 from www.thelbt.org.uk or 01484 430528. (This show is also at The Civic in Barnsley on Sunday, May 29, at 2.30pm).

The Mummy Returns, Bagshaw Museum

Wilton Park, Batley; Tuesday, May 31, 11am until 1pm and 2pm until 4pm

Walk like an Egyptian at this jewel in the crown of Kirklees’ museums. Inspired by the museum’s Egyptology section there will be a chance for children to dress in ancient Egyptian clothing, eat their food, try writing hieroglyphics and learn about mummification. Cost is £5 per adult, £2.50 for children, under fives free. Booking essential on 01924 324765, email bagshaw.museum@kirklees.gov.uk

A Children’s Guide to Digital Cameras, Dewsbury Museum

Crow Nest Park; Tuesday, May 31, 10am until 3pm

A workshop suitable for children over 11 years. Learn how to get the best from the latest digital photography. Cost £10 per child. Book on 01924 324766 or email dewsbury.museum@kirklees.gov.uk

Crafty Kids, Springfield Mills

Crafty Kids at work in Springfield Mills, Denby Dale

Denby Dale; Tuesday, May 31, to Saturday, June 4, 9.30am to 4.30pm

This new venture, founded by nursery nurse Jessica Wood, offers craft sessions for children aged up to eight years and is running themed half term sessions all week. For families who want children to be creative but don’t want the mess at home. There are guided craft activities and a range of free play areas. Entry is £5 per child and includes the cost of craft materials.

Sculpture workshop, Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Exhibition by KAWS at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Bretton - Small Lie.

West Bretton; Wednesday, June 1, 11am and 1.30pm

Come Rain, Come Shine is a chance for families to work together to create sculptures inspired by artworks seen at the YSP. All materials are provided. The sessions are outdoors so be prepared to wrap up or bring sun protection. Each session is about 60 minutes long and costs £3 per person. Meet at YSP Learning.

Travel in Royal Style, Tolson Museum

Ravensknowle Park; Thursday, June 2, 11am until 1pm and 2pm until 4pm

Celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday by designing a coach or car fit for a royal procession. A craft activity with material provided. Cost £1 per child.

Creative Arts Hub, Mirfield

Children's art workshops at the Creative Arts Hub in Mirfield, for half term

Wednesday, June 1, and Friday, June 3, 10am until 3pm

Two full-day workshops for children from age five upwards. Painting the Town on June 1 will take Mirfield's buildings and landscape as inspiration for a giant painting for Mirfield Arts Festival. The second workshop, Moving Models, is all about creating wooden sculptures. Children attending both days can earn an Arts Award Discover certificate for their work, a nationally-recognised qualification. Individual workshops are £15 each. Booking is essential. For more information visit www.creativeartshub.org.uk