eParenting is supported by our readers. When you purchase through a link on this page, we may earn commission.
Image Credit: Alberto Casetta
The February Half Term Holiday is nearly here, and how are you going to keep the kids entertained? February can be wet, rainy and cold which can make it really hard to keep the kids busy during the half term holiday.
Fortunately, there are lots of things going on all around the country, from ancient castles to theatres, from parks and museums to libraries. Here is our round up of some of the best activities happening this half term all over the UK, whether they are big tourist attractions or special events the fun starts here!
Get Organised with a free Printable Half Term Holiday Planner
School holiday dates vary depending on where you live.
In Scotland, February half term may be a week earlier, starting 9th February.
Our top tip is to check with your kid's school or the local authority before booking anything!
Private schools may have longer half term holidays and dates may vary.
From immersive experiences to gardens, vikings to theatre, there is something for everyone this February Half Term Holiday.
Image Credit: Benjamin Manley
The National Trust has an extensive programme of half term events at many of its properties in England and Wales. Enjoy some fresh air and go wild in the woods, or get creative indoors and discover intriguing stories from ages past.
You can go splashing in your wellies, build a birdbox and tick off some of your 50 things to do before you're 11 3/4 at properties and open areas all over the UK.
Dark Skies festivals are all about discovering, learning and enjoying the dark and the stars you can see as a result, free of the light pollution found in cities and towns. Dark Skies Festival events are being held during February in the South Downs, Yorkshire, Northumberland and Wales.
There will be special family friendly events for children, along with lectures, astrophotography workshops and night time runs, cycling and canoeing.
Keep up to date with the children's and family movies that are on at the cinema this month with our listings of the latest kids movies, which gives you a rundown all the the current family cinema releases.
There are events that are happening across the UK, then you can find out what is happening where you live.
Family events happening across England during the school February Half Term holidays this year.
One of Manchester's most stunning attractions is the amazing undersea world of SEA LIFE Manchester which can be found in the Trafford Palazzo next to The Trafford Centre.
This year, immerse yourself in a unique universe with Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE centres across the UK. And the very first chance to visit it is in Manchester from 8th Feb – 9th March 2025.
The renowned life simulation game, developed by Nintendo, offers an immersive experience into a world where you can create your own paradise on a deserted island and interact with its residents.
Equipped with a tour guide to lead the way, guests will explore the 'Sea Life Islands', meet Tom Nook and residents like Aurora and Octavian, and discover diverse sea creatures. A fossil dig will reveal the ancestors of the marine life that we love today, whilst explorers will search for Gulliver, who washed up on the beaches of the island.
If you book online in advance you can get big savings at all the SEALIFE's aquariums across the UK including London, Brighton, Cumbria, Birmingham, Manchester, Loch Lomand and Weymouth.
Hanry VII's majestic Hampton Court Palace has a mission for February 2025. Make this half term extraordinary, and escape to a world of mystery at Hampton Court Palace. Step back in time, join a royal quest and undertake a top-secret mission!
Plus you can Explore the ultimate playground in the Magic Garden, reopening for February half term. Discover the secret grotto, conquer a scary dragon and besiege the towers, there's plenty of fun for all.
The annual Imagine Children's Festival takes place at London's South Bank Centre from 18th to 23rd February 2025. Dive into the best of children’s theatre, literature and music, with plenty of workshops and free events for everyone.
Draw, write, read, play, sing, dance and create with us. With over 50% of the programme free and loads to do for ages 0 – 12, you will have your half-term sorted.
Now in its 23rd year, and with no intention of growing up any time soon, the festival is renowned for inspiring and allowing children from 0-11 years to express their creativity, explore their artistic potential and to celebrate their unique talents.
Image Credit: Nick Fewings
If you are in London this half term, take the opportunity to visit the Battersea Power Station Light Festival. If you haven't had a look around the station building - now a huge shopping destination - it is worth visiting just to see it this historic piece of architecture.
However between 23rd January – 23rd February 2025 there will be a free light art trail for all to enjoy. This free interactive art trail features eight must-see light installations by British and international artists, with several making their UK or London debut.
Shining both inside and outside the Power Station from 8am to 11pm daily, many installations go beyond the visual, incorporating soundscapes and interactive elements that respond to movement and more.
Image Credit: Kit Ko
Be an Explorer this February Half Term, by joining one of English Heritage's February Half Term Explorer Quests.
At selected locations across England including such iconic locations as Stonehenge, Osbourne House and Bolsover Castle, you can roam around grounds, gardens and countryside to find games and activities inspired by the history of the site, including knights, soldiers, medieval monks or ancient Olympians.
Plus if you share pictures of your day out on social media, you could win a prize too.
Throughout half-term week (20-23 February), Manchester Museum will be running a series of events all about birds - a week of free, feathery fun, from hands-on craft activities and trails to a full-day of exciting bird-themed dance and performance.
The workshops will be free and suitable for children aged seven or over, along with their parents/carers.
Plus you can take part in a bird-spotting trail and make paper birds in our craft workshops.
Image Credit: Ralph Capri
Visit the annual Orchid Festival 2025 at Kew Gardens this February, which runs from 1st February to 2nd March 2025. This year's exhibition focuses on Peru with a vibrant floral celebration in our Princess of Wales glasshouse.
Celebrate Peru, one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, with its landscapes ranging from beaches and deserts to mountains, valleys and rainforests.
The infamous pirates of Mutiny Bay are taking over the Alton Towers resort in Staffordshire for February half term for The Pirate Takeover! Batten down the hatches for an unforgettable short break!
Join in pirate adventures from 15th to 23rd February 2025, with all the family favourite rides, sea shanties aplenty and so much more.
Image Credit: LEGOLAND® Windsor
Little LEGO fans will be thrilled to discover that from 15th February to 9th March 2025 there are Brick Days at Legoland Windsor and that includes February Half Term.
You will have the chance to meet your favourite LEGOLAND Characters, take part in exclusive LEGO brick building activities or even teaming up in one of the build challenges – there is something for every junior LEGO fan to enjoy during half term!
Plus, try out one of over 30 exciting rides and attractions to including favourites such as Flight of the Sky Lion, LEGO® City Driving School, LEGO® NINJAGO® The Ride, and The Dragon.
Tatton Park in Knutsford, Cheshire is holding their annual Fairytale Scarecrow Festival during half term.
Look out for your favourite fairytale characters around the gardens this February half term. Can you spot Rapunzel, Goldilocks and the Three Bears or Jack and his Beanstalk?
Also meet Aunty Mary and the miller and hear them tell their tales at weekends down at the Farm.
How many will you find?
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon will be open all through February Half term week for a hilariously scary walk through immersive experience with an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages, scenes and a ride in a truly unique experience that you see, hear, touch, smell and feel.
Recommended for ages 10 and over, this is a a humorous attraction with a slightly scary vibe.
Image Credit: ©JORVIK Viking Festival
Europe’s largest Viking Festival returns to York in February.
This world renowned festival features living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment and dramatic combat performances.
With a parade, re-enactments and lots more viking themed events, the JORVIK Viking Festival runs from 17th to 23rd February 2025.
Young V&A is the new name for the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. Completely refurbished and remodelled it is now a bright and welcoming space for kids of all ages.
The Making Egypt exhibition opens on 15th February, just in tome for half term and features a fascinating journey through the ancient past to modern day, exploring ancient Egypt's creativity and how it continues to influence art, design and popular culture today.
It runs until November 2025.
Image Credit: samborambo
Arrows at the ready… get ready to be a part of the action at Warwick Castle as the Festival of Archery takes over the castle’s 64-acre grounds. The castle’s expert archers put their skills to the test in a series of exhilarating performances as bows bend and arrows soar right in front of your eyes.
Featuring live shows, daring challenges, interactive quizzes, have-a-go archery, and a grand finale shoot-off, Festival of Archery is sure to put the family fun into your February Half Term plans. 15th to 23rd February.
Family events happening across Scotland during the school February Half Term holidays this year.
The February half term holiday in Scotland is usually a little earlier than the rest of the UK.
Get into the great outdoors at one of The National Trust for Scotland's 88 properties this February, including some of the most magnificent buildings, collections and habitats in Scotland.
You can visit ancient houses, battlefields, castles, mills, gardens, coastlines, islands, mountain ranges, all cared for by The National Trust for Scotland. Famous locations that they manage include Culzean Castle, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, St Kilda, Culloden and Bannockburn which are just a few.
Family events happening across Wales during the school February Half Term holidays this year.
Since February Half Term is so close to Valentine's Day this year, so if you visit Chepstow Castle you can get creative with their Draw Your Own Lovespoon Craft Activity.
Discover the meanings behind the symbols traditionally used in traditional Welsh lovespoons and add them to your design, or make your own symbols to create a unique lovespoon drawing.
Family events happening across Northern Ireland during the school February Half Term holidays this year.
Discover all about the world that we live in at the fascinating The NI Science Festival from 12th to 23rd February 2025. Events are held all over Northern Ireland.
With over 250 events across 90+ venues, the NI Science Festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Family and child friendly events are held during the day, including the festival offers a range of workshops, tours talks and interactive activities for people of all ages.
Bring your wellies this February to WWT's Castle Espie Wetland Centre. Mudfest 2025. Make it, mix it, mould it and build with it, sling it, paint it and jump in it for muddy activities kids of all ages will love.
Plus you can take part in a whole host of art and illustration activities aimed at all ages and abilities, including making your own binoculars and much more.
33 Places to Visit In Northern Ireland In February Half Term 2025
If you know of any more special February Half Term events anywhere in the UK - let us know so that we can add it to our listings.