School holidays always present a bit of a dilemma for many parents. What can you do to help keep children active and occupied? How can you get them out of the house and have a break from the games console or television? How about going one better! Get them inspired and go stargazing!
There are a surprising number of stargazing events taking place during half term across the whole of the UK and it’s therefore likely you’ll find one reasonably close to you. What’s more the vast majority of events are free of charge or inexpensive meaning you and your family can get out and about for little more than the cost of petrol.
Children just love astronomy! You might think they are not that interested however you’ll be surprised at just how much they know! It’s great fun to get out under starry skies and there’s no shortage of friendly astronomers who are more than happy to share the excitement of looking at a distant galaxy hundreds of millions of light years away through a telescope. Take a thermos of hot chocolate and wrap up warm!
Half term dates vary across the regions of the UK — the below maps show stargazing events taking place during the two weeks from 10th February through to 26th February. We hope you find an event taking place near you and will keep our fingers crossed for clear skies!
Stargazing events from 10th February to 16th February 2017
{"height":"400px","scope":"2017-02-10,2017-02-16","ajax":true,"format":"","em_ajax":true,"query":"GlobalMapData","width":"100%","id":709603608}
Stargazing events from 17th February to 26th February 2017
{"height":"400px","scope":"2017-02-17,2017-02-26","ajax":true,"format":"","em_ajax":true,"query":"GlobalMapData","width":"100%","id":1453070838}
For more events see our event map or event calendar. You can also register to receive details of stargazing events close to you.
Where to see the Geminid meteor shower in 2023
How to see the Milky Way in the UK
Where and when to see the Perseid meteor shower in 2023
Jupiter and Venus conjunction - March 2023
Stargazing event notifications