HALF-TERM will soon be here and families are already planning how to keep the kids entertained.

While the seaside may not be as appealing when you can't spend hours on the beach with a bucket and spade or splash about in the sea, even on a crisp cold February day, a trip to the coast can provide invigorating strolls collecting shells on the sand. There are generally plenty of parks and activity centres to visit too.

But before you set off, it's worth checking out what's on your doorstep. For those intending staying closer to home there is an extensive programme of family-themed activities and events throughout the region.

Shaun the Sheep fans can flock to the National Media Museum in Bradford from Saturday February 14 until Sunday February 22 and participate in a range of free family activities and events inspired by Aardman's 'Shaun the Sheep The Movie' which opens at cinemas on February 13.

Visitors can get hands-on at creating their own stop-motion animation, discover behind-the-scenes secrets and participate in a ewe-nique trail around the city centre museum.

Youngsters can also 'Meet and Bleat' the Aardman team including model maker Jim Parkyn who will be on hand to give expert advice for youngsters to have a go at making their own 'Shaun the Sheep The Movie' models and storyboard artist Jay Clarke.

Aardman's storyboards will inspire them to create their own 'Shaun the Sheep The Movie' story and glean an insight into the technology used by the studio to make lambs leap and sheep fly.

There will also be time to sit back and savour the mischievous sheep's mishaps and misadventures in previous Shaun the Sheep episodes before testing your knowledge in a behind-the-scenes interactive quiz.

To find out more about what's on at the museum visit nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/planavisit/ families/getanimated-with-shaun

Inspired by all that creativity? Then why not let your crafty kids use their imaginations in the Pop Up Play Shop. The sessions run from 10am until 4pm, with a break from 12.30 until 1pm, starting on Monday February 16 and running until Friday February 20 in the Airedale Shopping Centre, Cavendish Street, Keighley.

Low cost crafts and play resources will be on sale and youngsters will also be able to recycle scrap materials too. Qualified staff will be on hand to supervise at the event which has been organised by Bradford Community Environment Project, Bradford Council and Airedale Shopping Centre. To find out more call 01274 223236 or email bcep.org.uk

Youngsters can have fun in the fresh air with a programme of outdoor fun at East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Keighley.

From 1 until 3pm on Monday February 16 volunteers will be helping the hall's young visitors to make their own bird feeders. The event also offers the opportunity for youngsters to turn detectives, exploring the gardens and riverwalk and following the family nature trail.

Throughout the week, youngsters can also show off their den and mud making skills in the Discovery Garden and seek out the Riddlesden Hob in his Hobbit House.

To find out more about the Hall's programme of events visit nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall or call 01535 607075.

Hirst Woods Holiday Forest School are running an outdoor adventure on Thursday February 19 and Friday February 20 in Hirst Wood, Hirst Lane, Saltaire.

Led by qualified and experienced forest school professionals, the two day programme, for 5 to 11s, includes outdoor games, den building and woodland crafts. Sessions run from 10am until 2pm.

To book, or for more information, call 07974 935105; email annie@getoutmorecic.co.uk or visit getoutmorecic.co.uk

At the Eureka Children's Museum in Discovery Road, Halifax, youngsters can explore the wonders of the universe in 'Reach for the Stars' - an event giving an insight into space. For more information call 01422 330069 or visit eureka.org.uk

Lego enthusiasts can have fun re-creating their favourite characters in a Superhero Academy for the Under fives run by Bricks4Kidz. The session takes place on Monday February 16 at Silsden Youth Centre, Elliott Street, Keighley. For times and more information contact Keith Moran on 07736 298782 or email kmoran@bricks4kidz.com or visit bricks4kidz.com

Train buffs can be transported back in time along the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Explore the landscape made famous in The Railway Children on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during half-term week. For bookings, times and more information visit kwvr.co.uk or call 01535 645214.

The landmark Skipton Castle is also a fantastic place to visit. Sitting at the helm of this pretty market town's Main Street, the castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England. It's fascinating history dates back more than 900 years. To find out more or to plan your visit call 01756 792442 or visit skiptoncastle.co.uk

Over at the Royal Armouries in Leeds youngsters can watch the masters of Kobudo and Taewondo in action as part of a week-long programme of events themed around Eastern Warriors: Japan.

They can also create Samurai helmets and origami cranes; learn how to make sushi and take part in Taiko drumming.

The programme starts from noon on Saturday February 14 and runs until Sunday February 22.

For more information call 0113 220 1999 or visit royalarmouries.org/events

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