What to do with the kids this February half term

February Half Term can feel like a bit of a trickier time to entertain the kids in the UK when the weather is colder and the days are shorter. But you know what they say - there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes.

So rather than being cooped up at home, we like to embrace the elements and get our little people out and about exploring. Just remember to wear good shoes, pack your waterproofs and take a flask of Small & Wild tea!

flask of small & wild tea

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of some fab attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy whilst the school holidays are in full swing. From dinosaur shows to detective trails and waterfalls to rainforest biomes, there is something for all tastes and ages. A lot of these are outdoors as we think you can’t beat a bit of nature, but we’ve included a couple of indoor highlights too. 

Enjoy & let us know what you think! 

Aire Force Waterfalls

Near Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JS

If you’re lucky enough to be in the beautiful Lake District, make the most of the wet weather with a walk to Aire Force waterfalls. Pass through woodland with lush green ferns and evergreen specimen conifers that tower over open glades. Then, for stronger legs, emerge from the confines of the gorge to enjoy expansive views over Ullswater from the summit of Gowbarrow. You can find the full National Trust trail route here. Our top tip is to top the day off with a rewarding pizza at the Glasshouse at Another Place.

family up on gowbarrow in rain adn windboy on aire force waterfall trail


Bedgebury Pinetum

Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ

Fancy soaking up some wholesome outdoors time with your little crew? Head to Bedgebury where you can discover a world-renowned tree collection with over 12000 specimen trees. There’s a 2km natural children’s play trail, where you can climb, swing and slide around 12 different play areas, Go Ape high ropes courses and many miles of family cycling. You can also challenge yourselves to find the seven large wooden Gruffalo sculptures hiding amongst the 128 hectares.

Go Ape tree course at Bedgebury

 

Bristol Zoo Project

Blackhorse Hill, Bristol BS10 7TP

The relatively newly-opened Bristol Zoo Project is an excellent day out and this coming half term, they are asking for families to join them as Zoo Detectives on a secret mission to learn how to become eco guards! When we visited last year, we all loved the brilliantly landscaped Bear Wood enclosure with treetop viewing walkway giving us great views of bears and wolves.  The little people enjoyed getting a bit mucky on the barefoot trail too! 

giraffes at Bristol Zoo Project

Eden Project

Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG

The Eden Project used to be a barren landscape, now it is transformed into a lush garden - both indoor giant rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes as well as extensive outdoor gardens. This half term Paddington will be at Eden to celebrate the home release of Paddington in Peru! You'll get the chance to meet the marmalade-loving bear himself, journey through the jungle to uncover hidden treasures and enjoy live Peruvian folk music.

Eden Project biomes and playground

Hever Castle

Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG

We love a family trip to Hever Castle and this February half term, their Eco Week is returning from 15-23 February. This is a brilliant chance to explore sustainability and environmental care with the kids in tow. As well as the Earth Photo Exhibition, there will be daily workshops making eco slime, beeswax wraps and seed planting.

Nature activities at Hever Castle


Southbank Centre

Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

Get stuck in at the Southbank Centre’s Imagine Festival, running from 18-23 February. There is a huge programme of events and free fun, aimed at children from 0-11 years. Dancing, crafts, storytelling and more. We love the look of ‘The Colour of Dinosaurs’ show, described as a ‘prehistoric science pop gig for curious humans of all ages.’ See the full programme here

Imagine festival Southbank Centre


Upside Down House, Liverpool

Liverpool ONE, Wall Street L1 8JQ

There are a few Upside Down houses dotted around the country, but we’ve got our eye on the Liverpool attraction this year, located at Liverpool ONE. This interactive photo attraction welcomes a diverse audience of all ages and is designed to turn that frown upside down! The quirky interior design has been designed by the Upside Down House Creative Design Team with areas that have never been designed previously. Only at Upside Down House Liverpool, visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to immerse themselves in the clouds of Candy Land and to play a retro Pac-Man arcade game, upside down!

Upside Down House LIverpool


Warwick Castle

Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AH

This February half term, the team at Warwick Castle are putting on an unforgettable Festival of Archery. Watch their expert archers take centre stage with live shows, daring challenges, interactive quizzes, hands-on archery sessions, and a spectacular grand finale shoot-off.  Plus, explore the Zog Playland, the Horrible Histories Maze, the Winter Birds of Prey, The Princess Tower, and the castle’s fascinating history in the Great Hall and State Rooms. It’s a day action-packed with adventure, history, and family fun.

Archery festival Warwick Castle