Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Feb half term events at National Coal Mine Museum
-23rd February 2025
Address: Wakefield
Venue: National Coal Mine Museum
Website: www.ncm.org.uk
15th – 23rd February
Feb half term events at National Coal Mine Museum
National Coal Mine Museum
www.ncm.org.uk
Time Tunnel
Wed-Sun
Our brand new immersive Time Tunnel experience is now open!
Be transported through the centuries as you are taken through almost 200 years of mining history thanks to state-of-the-art technology. Led by a former miner you will encounter digital characters of the past through exciting films, touch treasures of times gone by and be greeted by authentic sights, sounds and smells, all culminating with an unforgettable special effects finale.
This exciting, new, accessible experience is a permanent addition to the museum. It also provides an exciting alternative to our famous Underground Tour that is temporarily closed until March 2025 while a new electric winder is installed.
- Get kitted out with your hard hat, then step into our time tunnel and travel through time and discover the incredible stories of coal mining through the centuries.
- Our tours are led by our captivating Mine Guides. Hear all about your guide’s working life and experiences as part of the tunnel experience.
- Discover the different ages of mining, from Victorian times when women and children worked underground alongside men, mining during a time of war, and how modern machinery changed coal mining.
Canary Capers Puppet Show
Wed-Sun, 11.30am-3pm
Free, Drop-in at Pony Discovery Centre
What has Sparky the Canary been up too? Find out about his capers in our shadow puppet show, sure to delight the young at heart.
Makers’ Shed
Wed 19-Sun 23 Feb, 11.30am-3.30pm
Free, drop-in at Learning Space, The Hub
Get creative with free crafts inspired by our nature backpacks!
Horsekeeper Talks
Wed-Sun,
Free at Pony Discovery Centre
Visit Eric, Ernie, Finn and Bud. Join us for our Horsekeeper talks at 12pm, see what they are fed at 2.30pm.
Roots, Shoots, Buzzes and Hoots
Wed 19 & Fri 21 February, 11am to 3pm
Free, drop-in (All ages welcome, especially suited to Under 5s)
What’s growing here in our outdoor spaces? Come and join in with stories of the plants and creatures that live in and around the Museum.
Guided Nature Tour
Wed 19 February (11.30am & 2.30pm) and Fri 21 February (11.30am & 2.30pm)
Meet outside The Hub, pre-bookable
Join us on a guided investigation of the Nature Trail, using scientific equipment from our new Nature Explorer Bags – perfect for curious minds eager to uncover the wonders of the natural world!
Spectacular Science
Thu 20 February, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.30pm
pre-bookable. (7-12 years, younger siblings welcome)
Join Amazelab for a fun and interactive science workshop to discover how mine water is cleaned naturally by our reed beds – and create a fabulous filter to take home.
The Dirt in My Fingernails
Thu 20 February, 10.30am, 1pm & 2pm
meet at Reception, pre-bookable
Join Storytrails for an interactive storytelling performance exploring the strong bonds between mining communities, the natural world, and the old, deep stories within it.
Little Wildlings Scavenger Hunt
Fri 21 February, 10.30am-11.30am
Free, meet outside The Hub, pre-bookable. (All ages welcome, especially suited to Under 5s)
Join us for a woodland adventure hunting for nature’s treasures, and use your finds to create beautiful nature prints!
Steam Winder Demonstrations
Wed-Sun, Free, Frequent Demonstrations
See how a few puffs of steam can work with some giant machinery to move the mighty Pit Wheel.