Family fun: 5 things to do over half term in Nottingham

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With the sun shining and temperatures set to reach 18°C, half term couldn’t have come at a better time.

While the cost of living is still on the rise, Nottinghamshire has plenty of free and low-cost activities guaranteed to entertain children and adults alike, both indoors and outdoors.

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The May 2023 half-term runs from Monday, May 29, to Friday, June 2. It looks like we could be in for some good weather too as the forecast from the Met Office predicts weather between 17 and 21 degrees with cloudy sun until Monday, June 5 when the kids go back to school.

Here are some of the great events you could join this week and beyond in Nottinghamshire.

1 - Rufford Abbey Country Park

Rufford Country Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9DF

Rufford Abbey Country Park is located just under 20 miles north of the city centre and is the estate and grounds of a former 12-century Cistercian Monastery and country house.

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With free entry and only £5 for parking, Rufford Abbey is the perfect day out away from the city for families, boasting several gardens, a lake, and a children’s play area.

Food and drinks are also available at the five food outlets there, including stone-baked pizza, hot drinks, and snacks.

The estate is open every day.

2 - Zog activity trail at Sherwood Pines

Sherwood Pines, Mansfield, Kings Clipstone, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9JL

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This free forest adventure is available until January 31, 2024, and uses augmented reality technology to enable participants to collect golden stars, just like Zog the Dragon.

This brand-new family activity trail also gives children the chance to take a picture with their favourite dragon at the end.

The event runs daily between 8 am and 5 pm.

3 - Sundown Adventureland

Treswell Road, Rampton, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 0HX

Sundown Adventureland is a theme park designed for the youngest family members, focusing on under 10s.

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With rides and attractions ranging from indoor soft play to an Angry Birds Activity Park, a Jolly Pirate Barrel Ride, and even a Storybook Village, this is definitely one of the best days out on offer this half term.

Snacks and treats are also available at the various cafés and shops.

Entry for adults and children is priced at £17.50, while all kids under 90cm can go in for free. The theme park is open until December 24.

4 - Skating at the National Ice Centre

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Bolero Square, Belward Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 1LA

If you’d rather stay close to the city centre, skating at the National Ice Centre is always a good idea.

Over the next few days, the centre will host a multitude of events, including disco sessions and even a cross-ice competition for under 12s. Children aged five and under skate for free, while adults skate for £5.

5 - Cave Escape

3 Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG1 3FN

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Families with older children may enjoy this exciting activity, which is guaranteed to offer immersive escape games packed with twists and turns, puzzles, and conundrums.

Teams will be welcomed into the 19th Century Gentlemen’s Lounge before descending below street level to their chosen toom.

With an hour to solve the room’s twisted puzzles, Cave Escape will put your mind and teamwork skills to the test.

Prices vary depending on the time of entry and number of people in one group, ranging between £17pp and £22pp off peak, and £20pp and £26.50pp during peak times.

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