9 Amazing Things to Do This February Half-Term
Football stadiums, pretty gardens, art galleries and more – our guide to fun things to do over the February half-term has you covered
It’s February, it’s half-term and you’re in need of inspiration to keep your kids busy, happy and entertained. Well, you’re in the right place – we’ve compiled a little list of things to do that we’re certain will go down a treat with all members of the family.
And that’s not all. If you have a Family & Friends Railcard you can save big on your train travel. Plus, you can also experience these gems for less with National Rail’s Day’s Out Guide. Scroll down to discover our pick of amazing things to do over the February half-term.
Fuel your kids’ imaginations at the London Transport Museum, London
200 years of history and high-tech interactive gadgets await at the London Transport Museum(external link, opens in a new tab) this half term, where your kids can climb aboard vintage buses, drive a tube train simulator and learn about the women who have kept London moving at a special exhibition.
For the under 7s, the All Aboard Playzone’s mini cable car, repair workshop and Lost Property Office is a winner. As for youngsters that like art, point them toward the Global Poster Gallery, which displays 100s of transport advertising posters.
Nearest station: London Charing Cross
Check into the Seahorse Hotel at SEA LIFE, nationwide
For kids that love anything to do with the wonders of the aquatic world, it doesn’t get any better than SEA LIFE, which this half-term is opening up its Seahorse Hotel. Here your brood can meet and learn all about these fascinating creatures – including how some species are endangered (as well as how you can help protect them).
There are challenges and quizzes to solve, an interactive trail and, if you’re lucky, you might even get to see some baby seahorses. If you’ve got time, there are plenty of other sea life to explore on your trip.
Nearest stations: Brighton, Great Yarmouth, Kings Lynn, Balloch, London Waterloo, Manchester Piccadilly, Scarborough, Weymouth
Follow in the footsteps of footballing greats with a Tottenham Hotspur stadium tour, London
Got football fans in the family? Why not kick off this February half-term with a behind-the-scenes tour of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium(external link, opens in a new tab). Highlights of the 90-minute tour include exclusive access to the men’s first team areas and walking through the tunnel into the stadium bowl.
Plus, this half-term, kids can shake hands with the team mascot, get their faces painted and enter a colouring competition with Spurs-themed prizes as part of their stadium tour.
Nearest station: White Hart Lane
Be enchanted by beautiful orchids at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Escape bleak winter days by entering the colourful wonderland that is Kew Gardens (external link, opens in a new tab)this February half-term, where you can experience the annual Orchid Festival inside the Princess of Wales Conservatory. This theme for this year is inspired by the “beauty and biodiversity” of Madagascar.
Here, you can see the rare Malagasy orchids, look for unusual giraffe weevils munching on leaves and spot ring-tailed lemurs clinging onto trees high above you. Outside, you can walk among the pretty snowdrops and discover the high canopy walk in the Children’s Garden.
Nearest station: Kew Bridge
Discover your artistic flair on Family Day at Hastings Contemporary, Hastings
For budding artists in the family, head to Hastings Contemporary Gallery(external link, opens in a new tab) on Family Day during the half-term holidays, which will be held this year on Thursday 15 February. Entry is free for children under 18, so your kids can get creative in the gallery studio – hosted by a local artist – learn more about the current exhibition, Roland Hicks: The Fourth Wall, and use found materials and objects to make their own works of out.
Nearest station: Hastings
Let mini-fashionistas loose inside the Lee Miller: Dressed exhibition at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Brighton
If your youngsters are more interested in fashion, photography or both, the Lee Miller: Dressed Exhibition at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery(external link, opens in a new tab) is a sure-fire bet. The show offers a sartorial take on Miller’s life and work, from her glamorous clothing from 1930s Paris and New York and her military uniform from WWII to her maternity wear from her time in rural Sussex.
Access to the exhibition is free with your ticket, which opens you up to other treasures at the museum and art gallery, including the World Stories and Images of Brighton galleries.
Nearest station: Brighton
Be a party animal at Plantasia Tropical Zoo, Swansea
Shake off the winter chills with a trip to Plantasia Tropical Zoo during the half-term holidays – the zoo is celebrating its 34th birthday with a host of conservation-themed events, including animal talks, a fun jungle trail with prizes and a celebration of the endangered Egyptian tortoise.
It’s all included in your admission ticket, which takes you and your kids into a high-tech hothouse of rainforest plants and exotic animal encounters. Meet friendly parrots and curious meerkats, and watch out for the snap-happy crocodiles!
Nearest station: Swansea
Score big with a trip to the National Football Museum, Manchester
Another one for lovers of the beautiful game, the National Football Museum in Manchester has one of the world’s most significant collections of footballing objects and memorabilia.
Highlights include the Batteries Not Included exhibition, which celebrates the history of football toys and games, and the Score Gallery, which takes you on a fascinating journey from the old-school Victorian period to the tech-driven modern era of football. Add to that mix penalty shootouts against a virtual keeper and the oldest FA Cup trophy, and you have yourselves a certified match winner.
Nearest station: Manchester Victoria
Conquer challenges and enjoy thrills at The Bear Grylls Adventure, Birmingham
Gear up for a thrill-packed day out this February half-term at The Bear Grylls Adventure(external link, opens in a new tab) at Birmingham NEC, where the tallest high ropes in Europe and the adrenalin-fuelled iFLY indoor skydiving tunnel await.
Compete against your family at axe throwing, archery and shooting, then work together to solve puzzles against the clock in an escape room. Every ticket also includes the chance to complete the assault course challenge – an impressive 1 minute 3 seconds set by Bear Grylls himself!
Nearest station: Birmingham International
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Availability and price of Days Out Guide attractions are correct at time of publication but subject to change.
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