AS FEBRUARY half-term approaches parents are stuck with the dilemma on how to keep their children entertained whilst not breaking the bank. Fear not. We’ve compiled 10 of the best activities across the Bracknell and Reading area that one can do for free.

1. My Pet Pals Workshop – Pets at Home

Times: From 11:30am, lasting approximately 30 minutes.

This free daily workshop will educate children from the ages of 5-11 on how to look after animals and potential pets. Children take part in fun games and have the chance to interact with their furry friends. Once finished, they will receive stickers and a certificate to prove what they’ve learnt. Find out more here: https://community.petsathome.com/events/child-workshop/?_ga=2.143824117.1571559468.1580140637-192869928.1580140637#xd_co_f=YjY2YmM2YTYtYjBhZi00MGQ5LWJkNjUtYWE3ZGNmZDM4ZDlm~.

2. Explore Reading Museum

Times: Monday, times vary. Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm. Saturday, 10am-5pm.

Collecting since 1883, the Reading Museum has almost 500,000 artefacts in areas such as archaeology, art, natural history, social history and world cultures. With free trails, worksheets, picture bingo and handling bags to keep children entertained, this can be fun for all the family. Find out more here: https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/.

3. Feed the ducks at Dinton Pastures

Times: 7am-9pm.

This wildlife haven has a bountiful amount of woodland that surrounds a gorgeous lake. With multiple paths circling the lake and a large playpark, this is a great place to spend an afternoon with the children. Find out more here: https://www.dinton-pastures.co.uk/.

4. Orienteer in South-Hill Park

Times: Monday-Saturday, 9am-11pm. Sunday, 10am-10:30pm.

These beautiful grounds are perfect for an afternoon walk and a picnic. If that isn’t enough, on their website they have a set of orienteering maps which you can do by yourself. Find more information here: https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/about/south-hill-park-grounds/.

5. Cycle in the Look-Out

Times: 7am-6pm.

This huge expanse of wood is ideal for a family bike ride. With trails for everyone you can take to the wide flat paths with beginners but if you fancy something more advanced there are blue and red trails available. If you need to drive, parking is £2 for 4 hours or £4 for all day. Find out more here: https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure-services/look-out/swinley-forest/visit-swinley-forest.

6. Walk in Windsor Great Park

Times: 6am-8pm.

Take a stroll down The Long Walk in the shadow of the Castle. Alternatively, you can wander into the Deer Park to see the stunning scenery of the former royal hunting grounds. Information around parking can be found here: http://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/visit/parking.

7. Picnic in Forbury Gardens

Times: All day.

This public park in central Reading is located on the edge of Reading Abbey. Surrounding the large lion statue in the centre, these well-cared for lawns and water fountains make a lovely spot to lay down a picnic rug with the family. Find out more here: https://www.reading.gov.uk/article/7062/Forbury-Gardens.

8. Go to Reading Abbey

Times: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.

Founded by Henry I, this historical centrepiece of Reading was the recipient of a £3.1 million regeneration project in 2018. Formerly one of Europe’s most grandiose Abbey’s, visit here to learn more about its history. Find out more here: https://www.readingabbeyquarter.org.uk/.

9. Visit Virginia Water

Times: 7:45am-7pm.

See waterfalls, totem poles and a beautiful lake. Here at Virginia Water you can marvel at the scenery or stroll around its perimeter. Find out more here: http://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/experiences/virginia-water.

10. Learn History at Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre

Times: 8:30am-4pm.

Although slightly out of the city, you can visit these ancient ruins. After the Conquest of 43 AD Calleva Atrebatum became an important town for the Romans. At Silchester you can learn all about it. Find out more here: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/silchester-roman-city-walls-and-amphitheatre/.