Experience winter fun at the National Memorial Arboretum this February Half Term

The National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, is inviting families to explore the wintry landscape at its 150-acre estate this Half Term (16-20 February). 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.

Arbie’s i-Spy Winter Trail (14-22 February, 10am-4pm, £2.50 per person)
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.

Shadow Puppetry (16-20 February, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm, Free, but advance booking is required)
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.

Drop-in Arts and Crafts (16-20 February, 11am-3pm, Free)
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.

Arbie Explorer’s Passport
February Half Term won’t be the last opportunity in 2026 for families to enjoy Arbie themed activities. Ahead of his return in Illuminated Arboretum, there will 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.

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.

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

Stick Man Outdoor Trail (Daily throughout 2026, 10am-4pm, Free)
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.

Outdoor Play Areas
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.

Children’s Picnic Packs
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.