With February half term on the horizon, use our guide to some of the most creative and engaging half term activities for kids. Fill your children’s day with adventures, new friends and fun.
From story telling to a science festival, there’s an activity to suit all the family this half term, come rain or shine.
Tate’s ART Big and Small Day
Budding artists will love the Tate’s Big and Small Early Years and Family Programme of events and projects where you learn through play. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, all events are free and led by artists who use the Tate collection as a source of inspiration.
When: Friday 21st February
Where: Tate Britain, London, SW1P 4RG
Imagination Children’s Festival
After the success of last year this event returns to the Southbank. Curated entirely by children, for children it brings together storytellers, poets, puppets and dancers for a series of shows and events. Get the fancy dress box out and check the schedule for the themed dress up days.
When: Monday 10th February – Sunday 23rd February
Where: Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX
Nature Detectives with the Woodland Trust
Have a winter adventure and become a nature detective for the day. Join the Woodland’s Trust Nature Detective Club and you can access a range of imaginative activities to get your kids outside and enjoying nature. If you join as a family you can even take part in tree planting safeguarding woods near you for your children.
When: All seasons
Where: A wood near you
Shakespeare Story Telling Day
The Globe is hosting two storytelling days for families with children aged 6 and above. Dynamic retelling of the classics will bring the storms of the Tempest and the Dangers of Venice to life. Enchanting and beguiling storytelling at its very best.
When: Saturday 15th and Saturday 22nd February.
Where: The Globe Theatre, London, SE1 9DT
Crafty Chefs Creative Cooking
Crafty Chefs genuinely believe sharing is caring and being creative is part of the process. So find a class near you and watch your little ones cook up a storm of delicious and wholesome food. If you’re lucky, there’ll be some left over to take home.
When: Ongoing across half term
Where: Classes offered in East Cambridge, Hampshire, Harrogate, Kent, London, West Sussex and Surrey.
National Trust Half Term Activities
Have a go at a terrible Tudors Quiz at Winchester City Mill, give geo-caching a go at Stonehenge and even dare a zip wire over Corfe Castle. With a huge range of activities across the UK there’s something for all ages.
When: Ongoing throughout half term
Where: National Trust sites across the UK
Cracking Codes on the HMS Belfast
Drop in to this iconic ship and learn to decipher secret messages, intercept communications or even write your own code. Learn about the dangers of the wars on the seas before navigating back and stepping ashore for some well-deserved Victory cake.
When: 15 – 22 February at 11am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 4pm daily
Where: HMS Belfast, London, SE1 2JH
Castles and History with English Heritage
This half term, take the family to climb a tower and conquer a castle. If you’re lucky you may even run into a medieval soldier or two or be swept up in a live re-enactment. Whatever the weather you can become a time traveller at one of the 90 castles run by English Heritage.
Where: Castles across the UK
When: Ongoing throughout half term
Brighton Science Festival
Ignite their imagination with a series of weird and wonderful events held over the week as part of the Brighton Science Festival. Kick off the week with the Bright Sparks weekend, build a robot, wonder at the Flavour Sensation display or crack Who Dunnit with the forensic team.
Where: Various venues across Brighton.
When: Saturday 15th February – Saturday 22nd February
Our Dynamic Earth, Science and Nature Dome in Edinburgh
Our Dynamic earth is a purpose built, environmentally friendly nature dome like no other. Embark on a journey through the planets past, present and future with 3D and 4D interactive displays. Encounter an extinct dinosaur, fly over glaciers or explore the depths of a tropical jungle and learn about the evolution of our planet in a truly unique and fun filled environment. With activities running throughout the half term period, it truly is sensational learning.
Where: Our Dynamic Earth Centre, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS
When: Ongoing throughout half term
