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Earth-inspired adventures at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, glittering jewellery workshops at Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and spectacular LGBTQ+ celebrations at Aston Hall, are just a few of the exciting ways to enjoy the February half-term holiday with Birmingham Museums.

Get ready to step into a world of wonder at Thinktank open seven days from 10am – 5pm throughout the half-term week. Inspired by artist Luke Jerram’s mesmerising Gaia installation, which will be on display at Millennium Point outside Thinktank’s entrance, the mesmerising sculpture shows Earth as it appears from the moon, and is the perfect way to begin your visit before you head into the museum.

Every weekday during half term at Thinktank, you can learn all about satellites and see some out of this world experiments in the Destination Space Family Show. Drop into the Space Busking sessions happening throughout the day to find out about space travel and even smell the moon! Children will be inspired by meeting real-life scientists and researchers in the Meet the Expert sessions with the chance to find out all about their latest discoveries.

All this, plus so much to see and do, including the Our Changing Planet gallery which looks at how humans have transformed the world at a time when climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the planet. The popular interactive digger is also returning to Thinktank in a new location on the third floor. Surrounding the digger will be images of Birmingham painted by local artist Arthur Lockwood. These images show how the city has been constantly transformed by developments, such as the Bullring. One of the metal discs from the outside of the Selfridges building can also be seen.

There’s also MiniBrum, an interactive mini city for under 8s to explore, the Planetarium, the outdoor science garden, which will be back open for half-term, and over 200 hands-on exhibits to enjoy, along with the chance to stop off at the Signal Box Café and shop for a well-earned treat.

On Wednesday 23 February celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month and see Aston Hall as you’ve never seen it before with the PALAVER Party Takeover. Fun for all the family, join host Fatt Butcher and a spectacular line-up of drag and cabaret performers as they throw a fabulous party for kids. PALAVER Party is a space where everyone is free to be whoever they want to be! There will be music, stories, performances, DIY costume-making, party games, and a fabulous rainbow disco in the iconic Long Gallery. There are multiple sessions running on the day, including a relaxed session for neurodivergent children and those with physical access needs.

Encourage little ones to learn a new skill this half-term at Museum of the Jewellery Quarter with the Kids Jewellery Workshop on Tuesday 22 February. With the chance to design and create a bracelet or a pendant by using real jeweller’s techniques, this is a great way for children to channel their creative energy in the surroundings of a historic Birmingham jewellery factory.

On Sunday 20 February explore Blakesley Hall in a timed tour which will reveal lots of interesting facts about one of Birmingham’s oldest buildings.

From Wednesday 23 – Sunday 27 February, take a trip to Sarehole Mill and enjoy pizza in one of the special outdoor pizza pods, perfect whatever the weather! Freshly baked in the bakehouse, there’s a range of pizzas to pick from, including vegetarian and vegan options.

For further information visit: www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/category/half-term