Fun and budget-friendly ideas for a family weekend in February

Looking for ideas to entertain your family this weekend, without spending a fortune? Here are just a few suggestions for making the most of it: 

• Feeling adventurous? A dry and mild weekend is perfect for exploring some of Shropshire’s country parks. The Mere in Ellesmere and Severn Valley Country Park near Bridgnorth have excellent play equipment for children of all ages and picnic benches for those all-important refreshment stops. Shropshire’s Great Outdoors website has a great tool for discovering new parks and sites to visit. Pack a flask and you will have everything you need! 

The play area at Severn Valley Country Park

• Feeling energised?  Free, fun and friendly, Park Run is a community 5k that you can complete at your own pace. You can also go along to watch or become involved as a volunteer. There are events in Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Alderford Lake and Severn Valley Country Park every weekend. Find your nearest here, as well as details on how to sign up.  

• Feeling crafty? Scrappies in Church Stretton is a fantastic eco-aware recycling charity with a wide selection of craft items to buy for just pennies. They also hold great value workshops at weekends, though booking is essential to guarantee a space. Open from 10am – 4pm on Saturdays. Take a look at their online gallery for some arty inspiration. 

• Feeling imaginative? Lego clubs are running at Oswestry and Shrewsbury libraries this Saturday 4th February. Lego club is completely free and open to all ages. Come along, play with the bricks and see where your imagination takes you. And of course, once it has finished, there is a whole library of books to explore, too. 

•  Feeling curious? Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery is completely free to visit and is accessible to many by public transport. The current exhibition is all about Charles Darwin, and his childhood and upbringing in the town.