Children across the area are being urged to do something new this half-term through taking part in activities hosted by North Lincolnshire Council.

Everything from swimming to street sports and gizmos to gadgets has been organised to entertain the area's younger residents during next week's break from school.

Leisure centres across North Lincolnshire are offering their popular Energize programme to not only put a smile on children's faces, but also boost their fitness levels.

Leisure centres in the Brigg area, Barton and Riddings (Scunthorpe) are running non-swimmer crash courses from Monday to Friday, February 13 to 17, for different age groups. 

Ancholme Leisure Centre at Scawby Brook is also putting on a specialised course for disabled children, as part of the Aiming High programme. 

There is also an Aquanut session for eight to 14 year olds on Friday, February 17, from 11am to 12pm. 

Bookings are required at least 48 hours before the start of the session and are now being accepted.

All sessions must be paid for at the time of booking and children are requested to wear suitable clothing for all activities. 

Find dates, times and prices of the swimming programmes by visiting the leisure pages at www.northlincs.gov.uk

Waters' Edge Visitor Centre, in Barton, has an activity running every day of the half-term.

Booking is essential and all children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.  

The first session each day runs from 10.30am to 12.30pm, with another from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Children can make milk bottle elephants in a fun workshop on Monday, February 13, the cost being £3.

On Tuesday, there's a chance to create your own lip balm and bath crystals. This activity costs £3.75 and children are advised to bring along an apron or old T-shirt.

Paper plates will take on a whole new life on Wednesday, when children can create wildlife and seaside scenes, facemasks and letter-holders for just £1.50.

On Thursday, an extra funky fish pottery workshop takes place when the fish will be fired and returned for collection. This costs £4.95.

The final activity of the week is on Friday, where children can make puppets from brown paper bags. This costs £1.50.

Telephone 01652 631500 to make a booking, or drop in at the visitor centre.

North Lincolnshire Museum, in Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, will be running a Victorian Mayhem Week from Monday to Friday, between 10.30am and 3.30pm.  There are free drop in activities including Victorian Awesome Ancestors on Friday, February  17 – 11am to noon, 2pm to 3pm. 

There is also a free Gadget and Gizmos exhibition running from Monday, February 13 through to Saturday, June 30. 

A fun day, including competitions, trails and prizes, takes place on Saturday, February 18, from 10.30am to 3.30pm. You can drop in on the day for £1.  Last entry to the activity will be at 3pm.

On Sunday, February 19 its Artyfact time at the museum between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Suitable for children aged three to 10 years, this is a free session and there is no need to book.

Young people looking to develop their artistic talents should get in to the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, Church Square, Scunthorpe. 

Throughout next week, free drop-in sessions will be provided, suitable for all ages, between 10am and 4pm. 

Under 8s must be accompanied by a participating adult at the following sessions.

• Friday 10 and Saturday 11 February: patterned hearts activity
• Tuesday 14 and Thursday 16 February: finger puppets activity
• Friday 17 and Saturday 18 February: mini monks activity

Call the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre on 01724 297070 for more details or visit the leisure pages at www.northlincs.gov.uk

For older children and teenagers, Street Sports and Friday night activities, including On Target football, are ongoing during February half-term at varying locations across North Lincolnshire.

Parental consent forms must be completed before taking part. These can be collected at the session or by telephoning 01724 297270. 

Times, dates and locations are available on the sports pages of www.northlincs.gov.uk

Deputy Leader Councillor John Briggs, Cabinet Member for Asset and Estate Management, Sport, Leisure and Culture, said: "The council always delivers a fun-packed programme of activities for children and young people during school holidays and this half-term doesn't disappoint. 

"I urge our younger residents to get involved during the holidays and book early as they are always very popular events."