Looking for something to do with the kids this half-term? here's our guide to just some of the events taking place across Dorset. 

Have an event to tell us about? email digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk

Monkey World is offering children entry to the park for just £1 when they each bring a present for the primates and are accompanied by a full paying adult. The offer runs from February 13 until February 21 at the ape rescue centre, Longthorns, near Wool. See monkeyworld.org/Kid-For-A-Quid-2016 for details.

The Lighthouse in Poole opens its doors once more to its popular biennial Puppet Festival between February 13 and 20, offering the chance for families to enjoy some half term fun as well as some evening puppet entertainment which is strictly for the grown-ups. Read more about what's happening and when here 

Join one of the free 'Welly Walks' at Arne Nature Reserve during February half term. The walks give families the chance to explore the habitats Arne Nature Reserve has to offer. Children can learn how to track down wildlife and have fun outdoots. Walks take place daily, February 15-19, from 11am-12.30pm.

A free entry family show is taking place at Blandford's Corn Exchange on Monday, February 15. Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey the Dragon will be performing some magic and entertainment at the venue in Market Place at 11am for 45-minutes. For more information, call the Blandford Forum Town Council on 01258 454500.

A free family-friendly festival is taking place at the Jellicoe Theatre, on North Road, on Saturday, February 13. There will be a host of entertainment available including face painting, glitter tattoos, woodcraft, refreshments and more, from 11.30am to 7pm, which is suitable for ages four and over. For more information, email Jellicoefestival@gmail.com or call The College on 01202 205205.

A free one-off event comes to Bournemouth's Lower Gardens on Saturday, February 13. The event, called Gardens of Curiosity, takes place between 4pm and 9pm is a free walk featuring immersive installations from both current students and the AUB alumni. 

The RSPB and AUB join forces on Tuesday for an unusual event which promises to "bring the excitement of the River Stour to HALO nightclub". Titled SYNAESTHESIA, the one-day event will entertain and educate children through art and live performance with a "real life human skull" also featuring. Admission is free and the event takes place between 1 and 4pm. 

A bushcraft survival activity session is being held at Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Activity Centre on Sunday. It runs from 10am to 1pm and will teach families how to build their own shelter to protect them from the elements, how to get a fire started and other survival skills. It costs £5 per person. For details go to avontyrrell.org.uk or call 01425 672347.

Free storytelling sessions will be running at Corfe Castle from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, February 13. The event aims to help to launch Purbeck LitFest 2016 while kicking off the school half-term holidays. For more information, go to Purbeckliteraryfestival.info or call 01929 481294.

A family activity trail to look for the first signs of spring takes place at Studland Bay from February 13 to 21. It runs from 10am to 3pm each day, costing £2 per person plus standard admission charges, for which places do not need to be booked in advance. For more information, call the Studland property office on 01929 450500.

A free pop-up indoor fete takes place at the Life Centre on Wimborne Road, Winton, on Thursday. There will be live music, games, stalls and face painting between 11am and 4pm and the event is organised by students at AUB to raise money for the YMCA Chatterboxes. 

A Craft Barn will be running at Upton House and Country Park from February 15 to 21. There will be daily arts and crafts for children from £2.95 per activity. See www.uptoncountrypark.com/events for more details.

There will be half term fun at Swanage Railway from February 15 to February 19. Children will be able to join in with traditional games, facepainting and storytelling between 10.30am and 3.30pm. Admission is free but does not include train travel.

Join in with the Winter Woodland Craft Day at Delph Woods this half term. Children under 11 can attend the event from 10am to 1pm on Feb 16 to play Forest School woodland games and make crafts to take home. Booking is essential and costs £5 per child. To book email jbedford@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or call 01202 692033

RSPB owl themed bird feeder making takes place at Upton House and Country Park during half term. Pay just £3 to turn a juice carton into an owl from 10.30am to 12pm or 1pm to 2.30pm. Bring a tall juice carton and wear something you can get messy in. Booking is essential, please call 01929 556651.

Free entry to Tall Tales and Takeaways at Poole Museum on February 17 from 11am to 3pm  in the Family Learning Area. Children will be able to engage in story telling and crafts to take home. There will also be a trail with a sticker prize at the end. 

Poole libraries are running a Shakespeare Week over the half term in anniversary of William Shakespeare's death. Libraries will be hosting a range of events across the week including a banquet and making music. More information can be found at www.poole.gov.uk/libraries

Head to the Sovereign Centre, Boscombe for a free interactive family arts event for 5 to 10 year olds on February 20. From 10am to 4pm in the Creative Kids Unit you can make puppets, watch a puppet show and do some creative writing amongst other surprises.