February already! As ever, there’s so much going on this month for families. Highlights include Mr Bloom at St David’s Hall, warrior school at Cardiff Castle, So you think you know dinosaurs? at Newport Riverfront, family art workshops at National Museum Cardiff, various activities across South Wales for National Bird Week,  and graffiti workshops for the over 10s at Boilerhouse Graffiti in Canton.

I’ve rounded up everything I can find taking place this month, including half term activities. Some venues are yet to announce events, so bookmark this page and I’ll update as and when they are confirmed. Events are divided into categories – regular toddler and family events; cultural, science and historical; theatre and performance; the great outdoors; fun and games; cinema.

As always, please remember all events are subject to change so do check ahead to avoid disappointment.

This article is supported by Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival. The 5^th annual festival takes place between Saturday 25^th March and Sunday 2^nd April 2017. Cardiff Mummy Says is a blogger ambassador for the event, which sees sessions with authors and illustrators taking place across the city. Tickets cost £4 per session and famous names on the programme include illustrator and author Nick Sharratt, Andy Stanton of Mr Gum fame, Hugless Douglas author David Melling, Welsh children’s poet Anni Llŷn, Lyn Gardner, Guardian journalist and children’s novelist, and TV presenters Lucy and Rhodri Owen with their new picture book Boo-a-Bog in the Park. You can read more about it here.

It helps me massively if you share or like this post, ensuring Cardiff Mummy keeps showing up in people’s timelines. Thank you for your support.

Follow the Cardiff Mummy Says Facebook page for more ideas of local family-friendly activities, visit the Cardiff section of Cardiff Mummy Says, follow Cardiff Mummy Says on Instagram or @cardiffmummy on Twitter

Regular toddler/family days

Toddler Day – When I Grow Up

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay

Friday 3^rd February, 9.30am-4.30pm

Lots of Love is the theme this month as the famous hands-on science centre opens its doors to the pre-schoolers of Cardiff and beyond. As well as more than 100 exhibits, you can expect Valentine’s themed drawing, colouring and crafts, as well as story time and a disco. Under 4s are free, with accompanying adults paying £5.50 entry. Read our review of a previous toddler day here.

FREE Family Saturdays

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Saturdays, 11am-4pm

Drop in to enjoy some family-friendly arts and crafts in Wales Millennium Centre’s foyer, with a different theme every week.

FREE Toddler Time

National Museum Cardiff

Every Friday during term-time, 1.30pm-4pm

The museum welcomes pre-schoolers every Friday afternoon, with special boxes of toys, games and books hidden in different galleries to help parents and children explore the museum through play. Read our review of a previous  Toddler Time here.

FREE Clore Explorers

National Museum Cardiff

Saturdays and Sundays during term time, 2pm

Free workshops give families the chance to find out more about objects from the museum and take part in a crafty activity.

FREE Super Saturdays

National Roman Legion Museum Caerleon

Saturdays from, 11am-4pm

Every Saturday, visitors can discover what life was like for a soldier in the Roman army. Visit the reconstructed barrack room and learn more about the weapons and armour, as well as try on some replica armour. Families can also dress up and play games in the Capricorn Centre, a relaxed hands-on area of the museum. Both areas are closed on Sundays but are open during some school holidays.

Read our review of the National Roman Legion Museum plus other Roman sites in Caerleon here.

Baby and Toddler Tuesdays

Greenmeadow Community Farm, Cwmbran

Every Tuesday

Events and workshops for the pre-school crowd, including singing, crafts and guest sessions from local pre-school classes. Usual entrance fees apply, but all workshops are free on a first-come, first-served basis.

FREE Dinky Dragons

Cardiff Story Museum, The Hayes, Cardiff

Friday 10^th February, 10am-3pm

The Cardiff Story is a fascinating hands-on exhibition exploring the history of Cardiff. You can read our review here. The monthly Dinky Dragons free family days are great fun, taking place on the second Friday of each month, between 10am and 3pm. As well as the usual exhibits and dressing up clothes, there will be toys to play with, detective trails, crafts, messy play and rhyme time and story time at 11am and 1pm.

FREE Story and Rhyme Time in Welsh for Babies

Big Pit National Coal Museum

Thursdays during term time,10am-11.30am

Storytelling and singing for parents and babies, through the medium of Welsh, as well as soft play equipment for youngsters. Suitable for 0-4 years. In partnership with Menter Iaith Blaenau Gwent.

Culture, science and historical

Fire and Ice Show / Star Tours / Space Hunters

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay

Saturday 18^th-Sunday 26^th February, usual admission applies

As well as the usual hands-on science exhibits, Techniquest have three shows running over half term. Star Tours, suitable for over 7s, takes place in the Planetarium, and looks at how stars are born and die, as well as some familiar constellations. Space Hunters, also in the Planetarium, is for under 7s and takes children on a treasure hunt in space to meet an astronaut and ride on a comet’s tail. Fire and Ice is a live science show, full of daring experiments including an ice powered cannon and how you can turn a banana into a hammer with liquid nitrogen. Spaces limited; book on arrival. Read our review of Techniquest here.

FREE Wriggle – The Wonderful World of Worms

National Museum Cardiff

Until September 2017

A fascinating look into the weird and wonderful world of worms, this has plenty of interactive exhibits, perfect for children. Read our review here. Please note the museum is not open on Mondays.

FREE Chinese New Year

National Museum Cardiff

Saturday 4^th February, 11am-4pm

Celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Rooster, with creative fun for all the family. Visitors can take part in colourful craft activities, listen to magical stories and experience exciting performances. The workshops support the museum’s new exhibition, Nature’s Song: Chinese Bird and Flower Paintings.

Half-term activities

St Fagans National History Museum, Cardiff

Saturday 18th-Sunday 26th February, 12pm-4pm

Childhood is the theme at St Fagans this half term, with traditional toys, family-friendly guided tours and craft sessions inspired by stories and objects from the museum’s collections.

Weekends 18th&19th, 25th&26th – Make A Toy craft sessions, £2 per child

Monday 20th-Friday 24th Playtime toy sessions, free

Monday 20th-Friday 24th Victorian childhood guided tours, £2 per person

Entrance to the museum is free, although car parking is £5 and you’ll need the correct change. Small charges apply for some activities. The traditional fairground will also be open, from £1 per child per ride.

For more of what to expect from the museum, read our review here.

Graffiti Workshop

The Boiler House, Canton, Cardiff

Monday 20^th February, 11am and 1.30pm

£25 including all material; age 10+

Learn the basics of graffiti art in this inspirational warehouse space. Paint on 8x4ft boars and learn basic skills such as cut backs and fades, under the guidance of Cardiff graffiti artist Bryce Davies.

FREE Create A Paper Garden

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Monday 20th-Friday 21st February, 11am-4pm

Transform Wales Millennium Centre’s foyer  into a beautiful garden, made entirely from paper. Create colourful flowers, grass, birds and bugs, with a range of coloured paper, shapes and textures. No need to book – just turn up.

FREE Chinese Legends Family Workshop

National Museum Cardiff

Tuesday 21st-Friday 24th February, 11am, 1pm, 3pm

Booking Book on arrival, places limited

In honour of the Chinese new year, discover more about Chinese myths and legends and create your own piece of art to take home. There will also be a chance to create traditional pen and ink style drawings in the style of the beautiful bird and flower paintings in the museum’s new exhibition Nature’s Song. Places limited; book at the information desk on arrival.

FREE Artes Mundi Family Activities

National Museum Cardiff

Tuesday 21^st–Friday 24^th February, 11am, 1pm, 3pm

Create your own work of art inspired by Artes Mundi, one of the biggest arts prizes in the world, currently on display at the museum. Places limited; book at the information desk on arrival.

Half Term Space Day

Penarth Pier Pavilion

Thursday 23rd February, 10am-4pm

Budding young astronauts are welcomed for a day of star gazing and science. Step inside Dark Skies Wales’ pop-up planetarium (must be pre-booked, £3.50 a ticket) for a fascinating star show and learn all about the night sky from professional astronomers. Or book a Mad Science show (£5, age guidance 4-11, 10.45am, 12.45pm, 2.15pm) to experience hands on experiments, plenty of jokes and a range of interactive demonstrations and experiments. (EDIT: Mad Science shows now almost sold out.)

Warrior School

Cardiff Castle

Thursday 23^rd-Saturday 25^th February

Mini Warrior School (ages 5-9), 10am and 12.15pm, 45 minutes, £7.50 (1 child and 1 acocmpanying adult; additional adult £2.50, additional child £5).

Warrior School (ages 10+) 11am, 60 minutes, £10 (1 child plus 1 accompanying adult, additional adult £2.50, additional child £7.50)

Limited availability, must be pre-booked. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Not suitable for under 5s.

Learn the techniques of successful sword fighting and become a fully-fledged knight, under the expert tuition of The Warwick Warriors. The sword school is held indoors in the 15^th century undercroft. Archery display at 2pm (weather permitting).

There’s also an adult-only warrior school (Friday 24^th and Saturday 25^th, 4pm, 60 mins, £15)

Craft at the Museum

The Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff

Wednesday 22^nd February, 10am-3pm

£1 per child.

Get creative in the museum’s drop-in family craft sessions. Explore the rest of the museum while you are there – it’s free to visit and depicts the history of Cardiff through hands-on exhibits, including a dressing up and play area for children. Read our review here.

Theatre, performance and music

Aladdin

St Donats Arts Centre, Vale of Glamorgan, Tythe Barn

Friday 3^rd February-Sunday 5^th February, 7.30pm

Stage Door 1 presents Aladdin, the traditional story of a poor boy, his laundress mother, an evil ‘uncle,’ a genie and a lamp. Along the way he falls in love, finds his riches and battles with evil. A magical journey packed with slapstick, comedy, and occasional pantomime nonsense.

OrchestraAdventure!
St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Tuesday 7^th February, 1pm

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Symphony Orchestra present a programme of classical music including Rossini’s Gallop (William Tell Overture), John Williams’ Rey’s Theme from Star Wars The Force Awakens and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The performance has been specially devised to capture the imagination of children and teachers through the power of a live symphony orchestra, by combining singing, music and dancing.

So you think you know about dinosaurs…!?

The Riverfront, Newport

Saturday 11^th February, 2pm

Did dinosaurs eat their own families? Was every Tyrannosaur a fearsome carnivore? Why did Allosaurus headbutt its prey to death? Find out the answers to this and more in an interactive show where children can ask questions and show off their dinosaur knowledge to the audience. Host Ben Garrod, the TV Scientist in Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur, will use film footage from the BBC’s Planet Dinosaur to talk about the deadliest predators that ever roamed the planet.

Big Fish Little Fish Family Valentine’s Rave

The Tramshed, Cardiff

Sunday 12th February, 2-4.30pm, £7.50

Super Furry Animals’ Bunf (Super Furry Animals) is back at the helm for a flower power Valentine’s party. Get moving on the multi-sensory dance floor with club visuals, glitter and bubbles, giant bouncy balloons and the legendary parachute dance. There’s also a craft room, giant colouring mural plus a soft play chill out room, as well as licensed bars and restaurant with a kids menu created for the event. 

Mr Bloom’s Nursery – Live

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Wednesday 15^th February, 1pm and 4pm

Age guidance: 3-7 year olds

CBeebies favourite Mr Bloom comes to the stage in his first live tour. The interactive show sees the veggies getting the allotment ready for a visit from a member of the royal family. Sing along to favourite songs from the show, including This Is My Allotment, Meet The Veggies, The Compo Song and Night Night Veggies.

Try Gamelan

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Saturday 18^th February, 1-3pm

This hand-on two hour session gives the opportunity to play the beautiful bronze Javanese percussion instruments and learn a traditional piece, and is suitable even if you have no previous musical experience.

Age guidance: 7+

The Flying Bedroom

Riverfront Arts Centre, Newport

Tuesday 21^st February, 1pm and 3.30pm

Based on the book by Heather Dyer, join Elinor, whose bedroom can fly, taking her on adventures to far off lands, under the sea and outer space. A joint production from Little Light and Venue Cymru, this adventure tale is told through dancer theatre in an immersive digital projection space. There’s also a free workshop for ticket holders after each performance (2pm and 4.30pm).

Age guidance: 4+

Fantastic Mr Fox

New Theatre, Cardiff

Tuesday 21st-Saturday 25th February

Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday 2.30pm, Thursday and Friday 2.30pm and 7pm; Saturday 11am and 3pm

Can Fantastic Mr Fox outwit the three greedy farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean and save his family and friends? The stage adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic features live music and songs and creative set design.

The Curious Adventures of Pinocchio

Riverfront Theatre, Newport

Friday 24^th February, 11.30am & 2.30pm

The classic tale of the wooden puppet who wants to be a real boy is brought to the stage, with Patrick Lynch from CBbeebies pulling all the strings.

Age guidance: 5+

The Amazing Maurice And His Educated Rodents

The Gate Arts Centre, Keppoch Street, Cardiff

Thursday 23rd-Saturday 25th February, 7.30pm

Saturday 25th February, 2.30pm

Terry Pratchett’s story tells of a group of rats who become the Changelings, after eating off a magic rubbish heap makes them smart. Under the guidance of streetwise alleycat Maurice, they run a profitable business posting as a fake plague in unsuspecting towns. Proceeds will be donated to the Forget-Me-Not chorus, a local choir for people with dementia and their families.

Age guidance: 12+.

Youth Dance Night

Dance House, National Dance Company Wales, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Sunday 26^th February, 4pm and 7pm

NDC Wales presents an evening of fresh and exciting work from youth dance groups from across Wales. Curated by NDC Wales’ artistic director, Caroline Finn, the evening will include ETC Youth Dance, Fantasy Feet, Rubicon, Joon Youth Dance Company and National Dance Company Wales Associates.

The great outdoors and nature-themed

Bird trail and I Spy trail

Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan

Saturday 18th-Sunday 25th February

Usual admission fees apply

A bird trail will bring little ones close to nature this half term, with an array of feathered friends hiding in the gardens. There’s also a game of I Spy in the house to test your observational skills.

Half term events

Tredegar House, Newport

Saturday 18^th-Sunday 26^th February

Younger children can seek out colourful buckets on a spotter trail, while older children can pick up a 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ scrapbook from the visitor reception.

Monday 20^th-Friday 24^th February

Bird box making workshops, 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm, £4 per child

Children can make their own box to take home and put in their garden to encourage birds to nest.

VISIT FOR FREE on Saturday 18^th February, 10.30am-4pm. Explore the house, learning about the Morgan family, and explore the three walled gardens.

Half term events

Amelia Trust Farm, Barry7

Saturday 18^th-Sunday 26^th February

As well as the farm animals, fairy and gnome trail and playground (see our review of the farm here) , half term will see a range of special events for youngsters.

Animal petting sessions take place on Saturday 18th, Tuesday 21st, Friday 24th and Saturday 25th February, priced £3 per child.

Animal Adventures in Africa show, on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 24th, priced £4.50 per person/£15 for a family of 4. An interactive one-hour show telling the story of building a zoo in Africa for the local children to learn about their local wildlife and vegetation and all the wonderful creatures encountered along the way.

Bird feeder making session, on Saturday 25th February, 11am-12pm and 12.30pm-1.30pm, £3.70 per child, must be booked in advance. Making wild bird feeders out of natural materials to take home and hang in your garden to give the birds a treat.

Entry to the farm itself is free, although donations are welcome.

Half term events

Mountain View Ranch, Caerphilly

Saturday 18th- Sunday 26th  February, 9.30am-430pm

£5 per person aged 2+ (under 2s go free), family of 4 £19, family of 5 £23

A fairy forest, Gruffalo trail, Hobbit houses, a dragon’s lair, a huge climbing tree, a hill to roll down – and acres of open space to explore – you can read our full review here.

PLUS half term activities all included in price

Weekends: Gruffalo story 11am, 1pm

Campfire and marshmallows 1pm-3pm

Monday 20th-Friday 24th

Grffualo story 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm

Campfire and marshmallows 1pm-3pm

High ropes Monday 20th-Friday 24th, ages 8+; book online at least a day before. Charges apply.

Meerkats, Mongooses and Maggots

Cardiff Castle

Tuesday 21^st February, 10.15am, 11.30am, 12.45pm and 2.30pm

£3.50 per person in addition to usual entrance fees or valid Castle Key.

Limited availability so advance booking recommended.

An exotic encounter where you can touch, hold and appreciate the complex habitats of these exotic animals and insects.

Wildlife Watch Week 

Pugh’s Garden Centre, Radyr, Cardiff

Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd February, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm

Must be pre-booked. £7 per child; no adult tickets needed

Pugh’s popular Little Green Fingers workshops return with a chance to learn about all things nature. Take part in wildlife quizzes, go on a nutty journey to find where Squeak the Squirrel has hidden some nuts for winter, and show your love for wildlife by creating your own heart-shaped seedy treat and pine cone feast to take home and attract wildlife to your garden.

Wildlife charities RSPB, Wildlife Trust and Woodlands Trust will also be on hand to teach children more about nature with mini activities running at their stands.

You can read about a previous Little Green Fingers workshop here.

FREE February Fun with Freddie the Frog

Bute Park Education Centre

Tuesday 21st and Thursday 23rd February, 10.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm

Suitable for age 3+; no need to book

Frog-themed stories, games, activities and crafts in these 90-minute sesions. Meet outside Bute Park Education Centre – and don’t forget to wear your wellies and waterproofs. Email  butepark@cardiff.gov.uk or call 029 2078 8403 for more information. If you’ve never been to Bute Park before, here’s a review of what you ca expect.

Half-term events

Cwmcarn Forest

Various nature-themed events. For more on Cwmcarn Forest, see our review here.

Apple Bird Feeders

Wednesday 22nd February, 10.30am-11.15am and 11.30am-12.15pm

£2 per child (booking recommended)

Make some tasty apple treats for the birds to enjoy

A Prickly Affair

Thursday 23rd February, from 12pm (4 sessions)

£2 per child

Join the staff from the Hedgehog Rescue Centre and learn all about these secretive little creatures and how you can help them as they wake up from their winter sleep. You will also get the opportunity to meet some of the hedgehogs in their care.  A very popular event so book early to avoid disappointment

Feathery Toddlers Crafts

Friday 24th February
From 10.30am (2 sessions)

£2.00 per child
A session filled with feathers and paints and make a colourful bird to take home. Lots of sticky fun to be had!  Booking essential.

Spring Crafts, Castle Tours, Sports Activities

Margam Country Park

Monday 20^th February, 11am

Crafts in the castle, castle tours, and sports activities on the lawn!

Tuesday 21^st February from 11am

Wonderful woolly pompons, archery and sports activities

Wednesday 22 February, from 11am

Animals in Winter and Sports Activities

Thursday 23^rd February, from 11am

Animal mask making, and sports activities

Friday 24th February, from 11am

St David’s Day crafts, castle tours and sport activities.

The Big Bird Box Build

Newport Wetlands

Monday 20th-Friday 24th February

10.30am -12pm and 2pm -3.30pm

RSPB members £5 / non members £7

Make your own nest box for National Nest Box Week.  Discover more about the birds who might nest in it and find out how to look after the nests and its residents.

Bird Week

Wyevale Garden Centre, St Melllons

Monday 20^th February Paint a nest box

Tuesday 21^st February Make a feeder

Wednesday 22^nd, Thursday 23^rd and Saturday 25^th February Birdy Bakery

Friday 24^th February Bird Finger Puppets

Sunday 26^th February Make a Potty Owl

Times and prices vary – see website

FUN AND GAMES

Family Fun Fest

Hollywood Bowl, The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay

Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th February, 12pm-4pm

As well as all the usual fun of bowling, the weekend will see face painting, glow bowling, balloons and treasure hunts inclusive in the price. See our review of a previous family fun weekend.

Half term fun

Treetop Adventure Golf, St David’s Shopping Centre, Cardiff

Saturday 18^th, Monday 20^th, Wednesday 22^nd-Friday 24^th February, 12pm-4pm

Book a game of golf and enjoy free face painting and glitter tattoos.

Tuesday 21^st February

Meet Simi, the centre’s mascot.

See our review of family golfing at Treetop Adventure Golf here.

Win With Hamleys!
Hamleys Toy Store, St David’s Shopping Centre, Cardiff

Every weekend in February, and weekdays in February half term

From 12-4pm

Take part in carnival activities, meet the Hamleys Fun Conductors and win spectacular prizes. A range of activities take place throughout the day, including a lucky dip, bottle flip challenge, Beanboozled challenge and meet Hamley and Hattie Bear.

FREE Brick and Block Workshop

The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay

Monday 20th February, 12pm-4pm

Celebrate the new Lego Batman movie (released 10th February) with a free brick and block drop-in workshop from The Kids Construction Company. Just turn up and build whatever you like. The best Lego Batman-themed creation will win a star prize (see website for full details), plus a tribute Batman will be making regular appearances during the day. (Please note, this is NOT a make-and-take workshop activity. All brick blocks must stay on site.)

CINEMA

I’m focusing on special film events and cheap family screenings at holidays and weekends here, rather than regular cinema screenings.

Underground Cinema: Legends

The Undercroft, Cardiff Castle

Saturday 18^th and Sunday 19^th February

Special screenings of classic films in the 15^th century undercroft. These events sell out fast, so book quickly! (I realise some of these films are not family-friendly, but am including them anyway!)

All screenings £5 per person plus booking, except the 8.20pm showings which are £10 per person plus booking fee. Children under two will not need a ticket but will not be allocated a seat.

Saturday – 11am Mulan (U); 1.30pm The Incredibles (U); 4pm Willow (PG); Monty Python and the Holy Grail (12); Pan’s Labyrinth (15)

Sunday – 11am Hercules (U); 1.30pm Aladdin (U); 3.15pm Enchanted (PG); 5.20pm The Fisher King (15); 8.20pm The Silence of the Lambs (18)

Odeon Kids

Odeon Cinema, The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay

The 10am weekend and school holiday showings are £2.50 per person. Films to be announced; films are usually a few months old rather than new releases.

Movies for Juniors

Cineworld, Mary Ann Street, Cardiff

The 10am weekend and school holiday Movies for Juniors showings are just £1.75 per person. Check online for schedule; films are usually a few months old rather than new releases.

Mini Mornings

Vue Cinema, Millennium Plaza, Cardiff

The 10am weekend and school holiday Movies for Juniors showings are just £1.99 per person. Check online for schedule; films are usually a few months old rather than new releases.

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff

Family friendly film screenings of classic films, every weekend and during school holidays. See website for full listings.

PLUS Crafty Pictures (ages 7-12)

Saturdays, 1.50pm

£6 including ticket to the 3pm film

Saturday 4^th February, A Monster Calls (12A)

Satrurday 11^th February, A Street Cat Named Bob (12A)

Saturday 18^th February, The Queen of Katwe (PG)

Saturday 25^th February, Sing (U)

A cinema club where for one hour before the 3pm family film, children can take part in a number of craft activities relating to the film. Spaces limited so pre-booking advisable.