Feb 16, 2013 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES THIS HALF-TERM Stuck for things to do outdoors with the children this half term? Here are a few ideas. Courtesy of the Guardian: Epping Forest Field Centre, near Loughton in Essex, which will be running family activity events from pond-dipping to stargazing (18–20 February, activities about £6pp, booking required, 020-8502 8500, field-studies-council.org/centres/eppingforest.aspx). Down in Surrey, Painshill Park near Cobham is running Wild Woodland Camps Monday to Friday for eight- to 13-year-olds. There will be a different theme for each day, from wild winter art to bushcraft, and children will be able to try their hand at bivouac-building, archery, animal tracking and orienteering (18–22 February, £35 a day, booking required, 01932 868113, painshill.co.uk). In North Yorkshire, families can follow a bird-themed trail around the beautiful grounds of the ruined 12th-century Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. But if the February weather's bad, head to Swanley Grange Learning Centre for nature-themed crafts and bird box making (16–24 February, site entrance adult £8.60, child £4.50, family £21.80, 01765 608888, nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey). And a few others: Wild Learning – outdoor learning and adventure Some great ideas from the BBC And if you're on a budget. The National Trust also offer great opportunities for outdoor fun. And, if you live in Devon, don't forget The Big Sheep, which is open at half-term. Have a great week!