Creative family things to do in Plymouth this May half term
Looking for something creative to do with the family this May half term? Plymouth has plenty happening across the city, from free craft sessions and family theatre to storytelling, cinema, trails and hands on workshops. Here are a few ideas to help you plan the week.
Family Fun: Picnics and Pasties at The Box
The Box is running free family craft activities from Tuesday 26 May to Friday 29 May, inspired by Beryl Cook’s colourful painting Picnic at Mount Edgcumbe. Families can make pasties from air dry clay, learn how to crimp them and create bright collage pictures in the Explore More area. The sessions are ideal for children aged 4 to 11 and their adults. Free admission, with a suggested donation welcomed.
Quiet and Calm Family Crafts at The Box
For families who would benefit from a quieter creative space, The Box is also offering a Quiet and Calm Family Crafts session on Thursday 28 May. This early session has limited capacity and gives children the chance to enjoy the same picnic themed craft activity before the busier public sessions begin.
Family storytelling at The Box
For younger children, The Box’s Family Fun: Tell Me a Story sessions offer half an hour of storytelling under the figureheads. These Friday sessions are perfect for under 5s and their grown ups, with time afterwards to visit Mildred the Mammoth, explore simple craft activities or look around the museum. Free admission and no booking needed.
The Magic Faraway Tree at Plymouth Arts Cinema
Plymouth Arts Cinema is showing The Magic Faraway Tree on Wednesday 27 May and Saturday 30 May at 11am. This family friendly film is based on the much loved children’s book and follows a family who discover a magical tree and the extraordinary worlds above it. Tickets are £5, with babies under 12 months going free. There will also be a free colouring session from 10am.
All at Sea at The Soapbox Children’s Theatre
All at Sea brings immersive theatre to The Soapbox Children’s Theatre in Devonport Park from Thursday 28 May to Sunday 31 May. There are 10.30am performances for under 5s and 1.30pm performances for children aged 5 and over. Expect puppetry, music, sea creatures and a magical underwater adventure.
The Detective Dog at Theatre Royal Plymouth
Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s The Detective Dog comes to Theatre Royal Plymouth on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 May. Created for Deaf and hearing family audiences, the show features British Sign Language, creative captions, spoken English, puppetry, music and plenty of story loving fun. The age guideline is 3 to 7.
Old Town Street Arts, Crafts and Food Fair
For a relaxed creative wander, the Old Town Street Arts, Crafts and Food Fair takes place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May from 10am to 4pm. Expect original artwork, prints, handmade jewellery, textiles, ceramics, glasswork, woodcraft, eco friendly crafts, artisan gifts and local food stalls.
Check out the latest info here
Outdoor Cinema at Saltram House
Adventure Cinema returns to Saltram House from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 May, with Wicked Sing Along, Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza and Sense and Sensibility. Families can bring a picnic, chairs and blankets and enjoy cinema in the grounds of Saltram. Tickets start from £9.80.
Climb Smeaton’s Tower
For brilliant views across Plymouth, head to the Hoe and climb Smeaton’s Tower. This much loved red and white lighthouse is one of the city’s best known landmarks, and families can make their way up through the tower to enjoy views across the Sound, the city and the coastline. It is also a great way to explore Plymouth’s maritime history in a fun and memorable way.
Visit the Mayflower Museum
The Mayflower Museum on the Barbican is a great half term stop for families who want to explore Plymouth’s past. Through displays, objects and interactive exhibits, visitors can learn more about the Mayflower voyage, the Pilgrims and the city’s important role in maritime history. It is an easy way to add a bit of discovery and storytelling to a family day out.
Experience the Immersive Dome at Market Hall
Market Hall in Devonport is home to an impressive immersive dome, where families can step inside a 360 degree experience and feel surrounded by sound and visuals. Currently showing, Our Story with David Attenborough takes audiences on a journey through the history of the planet, combining powerful storytelling with spectacular images. There is also a café on site, making it a good choice for a relaxed family visit with breakfast, lunch, coffee or cake.
Book your place and find out more
Get creative with Plymouth Scrapstore
Plymouth Scrapstore is bringing a free drop in craft workshop to the Visitor and Learning Centre at Bridging the Tamar on Wednesday 27 May. Families can get hands on with recycled materials and enjoy a relaxed creative session that encourages children to make, play and think about sustainability. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
Find out more
Enjoy Flavour Fest in Plymouth city centre
Flavour Fest returns to Plymouth city centre from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May, bringing together local producers, street food, chef demonstrations, live music and family friendly activity. It is one of the biggest food and drink events in the South West and a great way to round off half term with a wander through the city, plenty to taste and lots to discover.
Find out more
Meet the dinosaurs at Dinomania
Dinosaur fans can head to YMCA Plymouth for Dinomania: Prehistoric Takeover on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May. This 90 minute live show features Ranger Chris, life sized dinosaurs, baby dinosaurs, interactive moments and plenty of fun facts, making it a lively mix of entertainment and learning for the whole family.
Find out more
Explore the rockpools at Wembury Marine Centre
Younger children can discover the coast with Devon Wildlife Trust’s Tots and Toddlers Rockpool Safari at Wembury Marine Centre on Friday 29 May. Led by staff and volunteers, the session is designed as a gentle introduction to rockpooling for preschool children and their adults. It is a lovely way to explore local marine life and enjoy time by the sea. Please note that this event is currently listed as fully booked.
Find out more
Build and play at Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre
Cloud Nine Plymouth is hosting play sessions at Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre on Tuesday 26 May, with trains, LEGO, Duplo and craft activities for children to enjoy. The sessions offer a hands on space for building, making and social play, with a SEND session listed from 3pm to 4pm.
Find out more
Whether you want something free, relaxed, creative, theatrical or outdoors, Plymouth has lots for families to explore this May half term. As always, check the individual event pages before setting off, as some activities need booking and spaces may be limited.
