THERE is no better time to start planning half-term activities in Bradford, as a number of venues have announced their line-up for the school holiday.

Schools in Bradford will break up for the week-long holiday in three weeks time on Friday, February 9, and attractions across the district have already started planning for half-term.

At the National Science and Media Museum children can step back in time to live like cavemen and women in a special interactive exhibition, meanwhile over in Keighley one of Britain’s best-loved and most recognisable children’s characters will be welcoming people onto the Keighley and Worth Valley.

At the National Science and Media Museum, the museum is partnering with Aardman Animations and STUDIOCANAL for its Early Man half-term event.

Throughout the week there will be film screenings, activities, displays of original film props and behind-the-scenes tips and tricks for budding animators and film-makers.

Early Man is the latest film from Oscar winning director Nick Park and Aardman, the creators of Shaun the Sheep and Wallace and Gromit.

In cinemas from Friday, January 26, it is set in the prehistoric era and tells the story of courageous a caveman’s battle to unite his tribe against enemies.

It stars a host of British talent, including Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, and Maisie Williams.

As part of the half-term event, the museum will be regularly screening the film alongside other events.

These include meeting Aardman animators, seeing displays of Early Man sets, artwork and props, the chance to take part in mass-participation activities including a giant Early Man flipbook, animation workshops, creating characters out of clay, and designing prehistoric catapults.

John Darnbrough, learning programmes developer at the museum, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Aardman again and we know how much our visitors love the characters and stories they create.

“Early Man looks like it will be another classic and we can’t wait to show audiences how some of the magic is created as part of our unique fun-filled family half term.

“We’ll have original sets from the film on display and behind-the-scenes footage, as well as our own hands-on animation activities.”

At Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Paddington Bear will be greeting passengers at the Oxenhope Exhibition Shed on Wednesday, February 14, and Thursday 15.

As well as meeting the famous bear from Darkest Peru, there will also be other children’s activities including face painting and arts and crafts.

At East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley, a range of nature-themed events are taking place throughout the week.

There will be willow tree planting, gingerbread making, seasonal crafts and a new family trail at the National Trust site.

You can also create your own willow bird feeder to take home. Normal admission fees to the Hall apply.

Children will also be able to meet mill worker Mary Ryan at Bradford Industrial Museum in Eccleshill on Wednesday, February 14, where she will share her tales of working in the mills. Children will also be able to make their own handmade woollen sample which can be taken home.

Becycling are hosting half-term BalanceAbility sessions in Bradford.

Aimed at children aged two to six who haven’t yet learned to ride a bike, the sessions run from 11am until noon; noon until 1pm; 1pm until 2pm and from 2pm until 3pm on February 14, 15 and 17 at Capital of Cycling, Hall Ings. Limited places are available. For more information call 07960 734965 or email info@becycling.co.uk

Bradford City is running its usual children’s holiday camps around the district throughout the week for budding Charlie Wykes and Adam Chicksens to improve their skills.

A three-day camp, costing £45, is taking place at Ben Rhydding Sports Club in Ilkley, and a three-day camp costing £60 will take place at Woodhouse Grove School in Apperley Bridge, home of Bradford City’s training ground.

Two two-day camps are also taking place at Marley Stadium in Keighley and Thornton Recreation Centre in Thornton, costing £30. Camps can be booked at bradfordcityfitc.org.uk/camps.