Anita Merritt discovers what’s on offer to keep the children active and stave off boredom during the forthcoming half-term week.

Theatres/Shows:

Holiday on Ice returns to Wespoint with Tropicana – The Passion Tour, created by skating legend Robin Cousins, and performed by more than 40 world class skaters. Running from Tuesday, February 14, until Sunday, February 19. Adult tickets from £25 with groups, seniors and children discounts. Call 0844 499 9955 or visit www.holidayonice.co.uk

The Crowstarver , an action packed show with animal puppets and live music from Theatre Alibi is being staged at Exeter Northcott from Tuesday, February 14 until Saturday, February 25. Tickets £12.50 to £20.50 adults, under 16s £7.50 to £10, Saturday matinees £12.50 all seats. Call 01392 493493 or visit www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

Theo the Mouse in Magical Mayhem, from the writer of TV favourites Sooty and The Basil Brush Show, at Exmouth Pavilion on Monday, February 13, at 2pm. Packed with magic, laughter and music. Tickets cost £8.50. Call 01395 222477 or visit www.ledtickets.co.uk

The Exe Factor 2012 – heat one at Exmouth Pavilion on Friday, February 17. Exmouth Festival's showcase for young bands and musicians, at 8pm. Tickets £4.50. Call 01395 222477 or visit www.ledtickets.co.uk

Horse and Bamboo present Red Riding Hood at the Barnfield Theatre, Exeter, on Sunday, February 19, at 1.30pm and 4.30pm. Tickets £8. Call 01392 270891 or visit www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk

Events:

Animated Exeter , the leading animation festival in the South West, is back from Saturday, February 11, until Sunday, February 19, screening the best local, national and international animation for adults and children. The annual event offers a host of workshops, exhibitions, events and talks at various venues. Call 01392 667080 or visit www.animatedexeter.co.uk

Wild Drogo Trail at Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, from Saturday, February 11, until Sunday, February 19, 11am to 4pm. Normal admission charges plus £1.50 per child, including prize.

Lambing Special at Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, during half-term. Open daily between 10am and 5pm. Call 01364 642023 or visit www.pennywellfarm.co.uk

Open Garden for NGS at Killerton, Broadclyst, Devon, on Sunday, February 12. Visit 20 acres of spectacular hillside gardens from 10.30am to dusk. Adults £6.80, children £3.40. Call 01392 881345. or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Love week at The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, from Saturday, February 11, until Friday, February 17. Make a Valentine's card for your favourite donkey and post it for the daily delivery, take part in the Valentine's holiday hunt or make a love bug in the creative craft zone. Some activities ask for a donation to cover costs. On Tuesday, February 14 it is Make Your Own Love Nest day - the last chance to get nest boxes up in your garden in time for birds to use this spring or to use in the sanctuary wild woodlands. Suggested donation £7 per box kit. Call 01395 573156 or visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Join the monthly Teign Valley Wild Tribe at Fingle Bridge Meadows with the National Trust Dartmoor rangers on Sunday, February 19, 10am to 3pm. For children five to 18 years with activities from fire lighting to tracking. Adults £2, children £4. Pre-book by calling 01647 433356.

Bird Box Making Days at Escot Park, Ottery St Mary, from Tuesday, February 14, to Wednesday, February 15. £5 per box. Call 01404 822188 or visit www.escot-devon.co.uk. Normal garden entry applies.

Free entry for children at Escot Park, Ottery St Mary, on Thursday, February 16, to celebrate its new Red Squirrel Encounter.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum: Free activities, Queen Street, Exeter, 01392 265858, www.rammuseum.org.uk

Butter Making: Bring along a pint of fresh double cream and make butter the Elizabethan way at St Nicholas Priory from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Animated RAMM: Meet animator Jessica Marcell, see how she develops her impressions of the newly refurbished museum into an animated film and find out what's it's like to be an animator at RAMM from 10am to 4pm.

Animation Days: Join in a collective animation bringing characters in impressionist artworks to life at the RAMM from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Painting: Fur and face and far away. Paint or make a collage portrait or bring along a photograph to transform into a work of art at RAMM from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Painting: Impressionist Techniques: Try out the painting techniques of the impressionist painters who experimented and strove to capture the moment in light and colour at RAMM from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Painting: Stripes and metals. Painting activity inspired by the work of Maria Lalic at RAMM from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Victorian photographer: Meet Victorian photographers who know all about early cameras and have your photograph taken in Victorian costume at RAMM from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Art:

Free family 'drop-in and quilt' day at Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey, from 10am to 4pm. All ages. Call 01626 832223 or visit www.crafts.org.uk

Secret Sweetheart at Spacex gallery, Exeter, on Saturday, February 11, drop-in from 2pm to 4pm. Create a very unusual Valentines card, all ages. Free. Call 01392 431786.

Talking to Blue at Spacex gallery, Exeter, on Thursday, February 16, until Friday, February 17, drop-in from 11am to 3pm. Take part in creative challenges including animation and visit a secret location. All ages, free. Call 01392 431786.

Sport:

Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre in Exeter is running a variety of adventurous outdoor activities for eight to 16-year-olds throughout half-term. One day and week long courses available. Call 01392 434668 or visit www.haven-banks.co.uk

Exeter City FC's soccer roadshows from Monday, February 13, to Friday, February 17, 10am to 3pm, in Exeter and local surrounding areas for five to 14-year-olds. There will also be a special goalkeepers and strikers day at Middlemoor Police headquarters on Friday, February 17. Roadshows cost £15 for one day or £27 for a two day course. To pre-book call 01392 255611 or visit www.exetercityfitctrust.org.uk

Exeter Chiefs two-day rugby camps will take place at Sandy Park on Monday, February 13, and Tuesday, February 14, 10am to 3pm. The cost is £60. To book call 01392 890914 or visit www.rugbycamps.co.uk/exeter.