In an effort to combat boredom during the upcoming May half-term, Wakefield Council has compiled a comprehensive list of free and low-cost activities for families across the Wakefield district. With schools scheduled for a break from 27th May to 4th June, Experience Wakefield’s list aims to provide entertainment options for all, while also boosting visitor attractions throughout the region.
Featuring a selection of thirteen events and venues, the list guarantees that visitors will find inspiration for their holiday activities, with each option being either completely free or costing less than £5 per person.
Councillor Michelle Collins, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, and Sport, expressed empathy for families facing the challenge of keeping their children entertained during the school holidays, particularly those on a tight budget. She emphasised the district’s abundance of exciting experiences and hoped that the provided guide would offer families a range of enjoyable and affordable events and activities to participate in.
Among the highlights included in the list is a visit to Pugneys Country Park, where families can partake in various complimentary activities such as sandpits, nature trails, the zipline swing, bird-watching in the hides, and enjoying the pirate-themed playground. For a more structured outing, visitors can follow the Blown Away Story Trail, which uncovers the mischief caused by the wind. Alternatively, families can opt for a ride on the beloved mini trains of Pugneys Light Railway, priced at just £2 per ticket.
For an entire day of free fun, families can venture to the National Coal Mining Museum, where they can explore galleries, witness the colossal mining equipment up close, meet pit ponies at the Pony Discovery Centre, explore the nature trail, and unleash energy in the adventure playground. Exclusive half-term activities at the museum include an interactive puppet show, as well as Caphouse Creators and Maker’s Shed workshops.
Moreover, families can partake in an array of free Wordfest activities. Younger children can engage in the See Your Name in Collage project, crafting a beautiful collage artwork inspired by their own names. Older children, on the other hand, can participate in Unleashing the Power of AI, an exciting day where visitors employ AI tools to generate images and text while learning about the social and ethical implications associated with AI.
To access the complete list of activities and gather further information, families are encouraged to visit the following website: expwake.co/MayHalfTerm.
