Arboretum introduces winter fun during February half term

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is inviting families to explore the wintry landscape at its 150-acre estate this Half Term.

From outdoor trails with Arbie the Owl, to free shadow puppetry workshops and arts and crafts sessions, there is something for all ages to enjoy.

Families can join Arbie, the young fluffy owl from the Arboretum’s first-ever children’s book, ‘Arbie and the magical lights’, on a brand-new outdoor trail through the Arboretum's winter landscape, searching for frosty wonders, bare branches and signs that spring is just around the corner.

It runs from 14 to 22 February, from 10am to 4pm each day and costs £2.50 per person.

There will also be a chance to join Arbie on his adventures during various school holidays (Easter, May Half Term and October Half Term), with young people able to collect “passport stamps” to record their experiences.

Younger visitors can step into the world of storytelling and creativity with the Arboretum’s shadow puppetry sessions.

These interactive workshops invite children to expand their imaginations through the magic of light and darkness. Advance booking is required to guarantee specific time slots for this free activity.

It will take place from 16 to 20 February at 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, and 2.30pm.

Inspired by the Arboretum’s living landscape, families are welcomed to unleash their creativity through an array of drop-in arts and crafts sessions.

Drawing on its cold colour palette and boundless woodlands, visitors can bring their creations to life from 16 to 20 February between 11 am and 3 pm.

During the school holidays, free activity passports will be available from the Arboretum’s Welcome Desk.

There are twelve different stamps to collect and any young person who gathers eight or more stamps in their passport will receive a themed gift.

Rachel Smith, head of learning and participation at the National Memorial Arboretum, said: “February Half Term marks the start of a year-long programme of school holiday activities hosted by the ever-adorable Arbie the owl.

“From seasonal outdoor trails that take families on a winding adventure through our woodland landscape, to arts, crafts and interactive storytelling, there’s a little bit of something for everyone.”

Visitors are welcomed to join Stick Man on his journey back home to the family tree, featuring five wooden character carvings and a large-scale Stick Man sculpture.

A free copy of the self-led trail will be available to pick-up from the Welcome Desk. It is recommended that families completing the trail wear appropriate footwear and clothing and note that the route may be unsuitable for some pushchairs.  The trail will run throughout 2026 from 10 am to 4 pm.

The Arboretum offers two outdoor play areas for young visitors to enjoy. The Children’s Sensory Play Garden can be found near to the Remembrance Centre. A second children’s play area with a dedicated picnic space is located close to the Children’s Wood.

To avoid the hassle of needing to pack and carry lunch around, families are invited to pick-up one of the Arboretum’s nutritious children’s picnic packs from the Restaurant.

Entry to the National Memorial Arboretum is free of charge. Booking in advance via the Arboretum’s website is recommended to guarantee entry and save on parking (£5 in advance, £8 on the day).   

For further information about the Arboretum and Half Term activities this February, visit the link, here.