Family activities in Chichester this February half term
Families looking for fun activities in Chichester will find a packed programme of events on offer from seven venues across the city this February half term.
Whether families enjoy crafts, storytelling, theatre or exploring local history, theyll find plenty of choice — from creative workshops and family shows to free drop-in sessions.
Chichesters Family Arts Network is made up of Chichester Canal, Chichester Cathedral, Chichester Festival Theatre, Graylingwell Chapel, Pallant House Gallery and The Novium Museum. Together, these family-friendly organisations collaborate to provide engaging events and experiences for all ages across the city.
If you take part in any of these events and activities, dont forget to share your experiences with us on social media using the hashtag #ChichesterKidApproved and stay connected by following us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/ChichesterKid...
Chichester Canal
LASER LIGHT SHOWS @ Chichester Canal, Fri 20 & Sat 21 February, shows at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm
Organised by Chichester District Council to support the Chichester Canal Trust charity, people of all ages can round off half term with a two-night run of laser light shows choreographed to music. Alongside three different shows each night, there will be food and drink options around the Canal Basin, including the Canal Café, plus illuminated entertainers and a childrens carousel ride.
For all ages, free.
https://chichestercanal.org.uk...
Chichester Cathedral
GLOWING + ALIVE @ Chichester Cathedral, opens Fri 13 February
On display from 13 February, Chichester Cathedrals new exhibition will uncover the story behind one of Britains most daring post-war art commissions — a vivid tapestry behind its High Altar by celebrated artist and printmaker John Piper (1903-1992). The exhibition brings the story of the tapestry to life through personal correspondence, showcases alternative designs and offers rare insight into the creative collaboration behind this iconic work.
All ages, free (donations welcome).
www.chichestercathedral.org.uk...
WEAVE TOGETHER @ Chichester Cathedral, Sat 14 February, 10am and 11.30am
Two special weaving workshops inspired by Chichester Cathedrals John Piper tapestry — the centrepiece of the Glowing + Alive exhibition. Children will learn about the tapestry and take inspiration from its imagery, texture and colours, before heading to the South Transept to weave their own bookmark to take home.
Ages 7+, £8.50 per child.
www.chichestercathedral.org.uk...
Chichester Festival Theatre
POP-UP FAMILY FUN @ Chichester Festival Theatre, Sat 14 Sat 21 February
CFTs family-friendly spaces can be found near the stairs in the Festival Theatre foyer where children can discover toys, colouring-in, fancy dress and books in the nooks. Its an ideal place to take your pre-schoolers and catch up with some parent pals over a barista coffee, delicious cake, or sandwich from the welcoming Café on the Park.
For ages 0-5, free.
www.cft.org.uk/offstage/pop-up...
THE KOALA WHO COULD @ Minerva Theatre, Tue 17 Sun 22 February
Based on the bestselling picture book about taking a chance. An empowering and chuckle-out-loud story about embracing change whether we like it or not. Join Kevin, King of the staying-still-kings, and his friends kangaroo and wombat in an Australian Outback adventure, as they learn that life can be great when you try something new!
Ages 3+, tickets from £10.
www.cft.org.uk/events/the-koal...
PLAY CAFES @ Minerva Bar, Tue 17 Sun 22 February, check the website for times
Popping up for extra fun before family shows in the Minerva Theatre, CFT transform the Minerva Bar into a warm friendly space for all ages. Children can play, snuggle up and read a book, enjoy colouring in and dressing up while grown-ups can relax with a well-earned coffee and sweet treats (snacks and drinks for children too).
For all the family, free.
www.cft.org.uk/offstage/play-c...
FAMILY FRIENDLY BACKSTAGE TOUR @ Chichester Festival Theatre, Sat 12 February, 10.30am
This 60-minute guided tour is a brilliant way to explore how theatre is made! Discover the Theatres backstage spaces, how they create shows and experience the famous Festival Theatre stage.
Ages 7-11, £14/£5 for U16s & Prologue members.
www.cft.org.uk/offstage/family...
Graylingwell Chapel
STORIES & SUPPER WITH CHRIS NORTH @ Graylingwell Chapel, Mon 16 February, 3.45-4.45pm
The amazing Chris North and weekly Stories & Supper session are the perfect way for children and families to connect, make friends and share some joy. Its a lovely moment to slow down, spend time together, and enjoy something simple and fun. The session features interactive storytelling, followed by a complimentary bowl of pasta for every pre-booked child.
Ages 0-7, £2 per child.
Pre-book at https://chichestercdt.org.uk/c...
FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN @ Graylingwell Chapel, Mon 16 Wed 18 Feb, 12-2pm
Pop along to Graylingwell Chapel during half term for a range of free activities for children. Join us from 12-2pm for something different each day: Monday - Makers Crafting Session; Tuesday - Colouring and Drawing; Wednesday - LEGO Table.
All ages, free drop-in.
https://chichestercdt.org.uk/c...
Pallant House Gallery
THEATRE BOXES WORKSHOPS @ Pallant House Gallery, Wed 18 February, 10am-2pm (ages 7+) and 1-4pm (ages 11+)
Create your own pantomime scene in this theatre-in-a-box workshop with freelance art educator Catherine Claasen. Inspired by classic stories such as Peter Pan and Cinderella, children will paint, craft and collage their own set design, with props, curtains and even lighting. When the theatre is complete, theyll create mini characters to bring it to life.
Morning workshop suitable for ages 7+, £16.
Afternoon workshop suitable for ages 11+, £22.
https://pallant.org.uk/whats-o...
The Novium Museum
SHIPPAMS FAMILY DAY @ The Novium Museum, Wed 18 February, 11am-3pm
A hands-on, family-focused day linked to The Novium Museums Hurrah for Shippams exhibition, celebrating a beloved part of Chichesters history. Enjoy free childrens crafts, from decorating a Shippams shopping bag to making a fish and farmyard animal, plus the chance to explore the exhibition before it closes on 28 February.
All ages, free drop-in.
ELMER COMMUNITY ART WORKSHOPS @ The Novium Museum, Thu 19 Fri 20 February, 10am-11am and 11.30am-12.30pm
Two creative workshops with local artists Splodge Designs to help create a giant community art installation for The Novium Museums upcoming exhibition, Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee. At Thursdays workshops, children will design their own McKee characters using bright fabric crayons; on Friday, theyll make decorative tassels for the giant artwork. Every child who takes part receives a free ticket to the exhibition to see the finished artwork.
Ages 3-6, £3 per child and £1 per accompanying adult.
www.thenovium.org.uk/elmer-art...
ELMER CREATIVE COMPETITIONS @ The Novium Museum, Closing date Sunday 8 March, 4pm
For a creative activity to do at home this half term, The Novium Museum is running two competitions for children aged 3-11 inspired by David McKees picture books: Make Your Own Monster (ages 3-6) and Make Your Own Time-Travelling Tale (ages 7-11). Prizes include family tickets to Chichester Festival Theatre, entry to the exhibition, gift vouchers and David McKee books. Winning entries will be displayed in the exhibition, which opens on Saturday 18 April.
Ages 3-11, free.
www.thenovium.org.uk/elmer-com...