Keeping children entertained without breaking the bank can sometimes be a challenge. In Bracknell Forest there are many free or low-cost options to keep our younger residents amused as well as support available for families.
Half term fun at The Lexicon
This February half term, The Lexicon will host a series of Beano themed activities, including:
- create your own cartoon workshops
- a gnawsome trail
- interactive fart-filled joke boxes featuring characters from the iconic Beano comic
Running from Saturday, 10 February to Sunday, 18 February, visitors can win prize bundles by completing the Gnasher Trail.
Families can follow the trail to find Gnasher and complete the comic-strip themed trail sheet by finding the punchlines to classic Beano jokes hidden around the town.
Everyone that hands in a completed trail sheet to the team at Craft Coop, in Princess Square, will be given a free Beano comic, while stocks last.
From Monday, 12 February, to Friday, 16 February, you can create your own comic character at a brand new ‘Create with Beano’ workshop in Princess Square.
The 30-minute interactive workshops, suitable for children aged six to 12 years old, will be filled with whoopee cushion laughs.
Places are free but you must book in advance.
There will also be an array of Beano themed interactive joke boxes for kids to enjoy and daily activity sheets which can be taken away and completed at home.
Fun at the library
Bracknell Library: junk box engineering – 10 to 17 February, 10am to 2pm
Following the success of the junk box engineering sessions over the Christmas holidays, they will return for half-term. Materials will be provided so children just need to bring their inspiration and enthusiasm. 50p per child.
Crowthorne Library: children’s crafts – Tuesday, 13 February, 2pm to 3pm and half-term scavenger hunt
For ages three to 10 years, £2 per child and booking is essential. Includes a scavenger hunt for all ages from Saturday, 10 February to Saturday, 17 February.
Sandhurst Library: children’s crafts – Thursday, 15 February, 2pm to 3pm and half term scavenger hunt
For children aged three to 10, £2 (booking essential). Includes a scavenger hunt for all ages between Saturday, 10 February to Saturday, 17 February.
Details of more events for half term coming soon. Check for events on the library website for the latest information.
New family chess club and tournament
Bracknell Chess Club is offering a new family and children chess course. Sign up to learn the rules, basic moves and techniques, as well as the tactics of chess.
Thursdays between 22 February and 25 April (excluding Easter), from 6.15pm to 7.15pm. Hanworth Community Centre, Hanworth Road, Bracknell, RG12 7WX. £15 per family (for eight-week course). Hosted by English Chess Federation (ECF) accredited chess coach.
Bracknell Chess Club is running a junior chess tournament for all aspiring junior chess players (year 6 and below). On Saturday, 2 March, 10am to 1pm at St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School, Pembroke, Hanworth, RG12 7RD. £5 per entry.
For more information and to register for the course or tournament, email Bracknell Chess Club: infobracknellchessclub@
Free groups to support young families
Home-Start Bracknell Forest offers two groups to support young families. Both groups are held weekly during term time and registration is required.
More than words communication group
- for children aged two to four years
- suitable for families who are looking for support with their children’s communication and language development
- held at The Willows and Maples family hub
Play and learn group
- for children aged 16 months to three and a half years
- opportunity for children to socialise in a friendly, fun and educational environment
- Wednesdays, 9.45am to 11.15am
To register for either group and for more details, please email Home-Start Bracknell Forest: office@hsbf.org.uk or call 01344 860025.
Funded childcare for working parents
Eligible working parents of two-year olds can now apply for 15 hours funded childcare starting from April 2024.
To find out more and apply before 31 March, visit: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
If you are already claiming tax free childcare, you will be able to apply for the expanded childcare when reconfirming. If your reconfirmation window opens on or after 15 February, HMRC will send you a letter with a temporary code before this date.
Cllr Roy Bailey, executive member for children, young people and learning, said:
“We are very lucky that throughout the borough there are some great, affordable activities for families to enjoy. We also have some beautiful forests and green spaces that families can explore for free, right on our doorsteps. We also offer support to families during school holidays and those who are eligible will be contacted by their child’s school.”
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