Half term is almost upon us, which means itâs a mad dash to find something for the kids to do. But donât worry, weâve got a handy list of fun things to keep the kids occupied over the school break.
Visit a zoo or childrenâs farm
A zoo or wildlife park is a great way for your kids to discover animals from around the world, and even learn more about what they can do in the future to protect some endangered species.
Are your kids animal enthusiasts or budding zookeepers in the making? The Bristol Zoo Project has an exciting new activity for 2026. Zookeeper in Training gives children hands-on experience of what it is to be a Zookeeper! Take on exciting challenges, learn expert skills and follow the trail as you uncover various training stations that will inspire your little ones!
Plus, there are plenty of deals to grab, including ZSL Whipsnade and London Zoo, offering 30% off in February half term 2026. Meanwhile, smaller farms across the country offer the chance to get up close and personal with some friendly farmyard favourites – and best of all, the vast majority are free!
đ Hackney City Farm
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A great day out for the whole family, Hackney City Farm is the perfect place to discover a bit of the countryside in the heart of the capital. This farm is thriving with friendly farmyard animals, including sheep, chickens, goats and donkeys. Plus, Hackney City Farm is also home to pottery classes for all ages. Kids can take part in all kinds of pottery making techniques, including handbuilding, glazing and even pottery wheels, all from ÂŁ5pp.
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đ Millets Farm Centre
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If youâre looking for a half-term hero that doesn’t require a pre-booked ticket or a hefty entry fee, Millets Farm Centre near Abingdon is a real gem. While they have some fantastic paid attractions like the Sprouts Play Barn, the main site is actually free to enter, making it a perfect low-pressure outing for families on a budget. You can wander along the Animal Walkway to say hello to the goats, sheep and alpacas, or let the kids burn off that relentless energy at the outdoor play area and massive sandpit.
For the February half-term in 2026, they are also hosting some lovely activities, including Brush Party sessions and a Sprouts Disco Night.
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đ Isle Of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
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For a day out that is as heartwarming as it is budget-friendly, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary in Wroxall is a must-visit. During the February half-term, the sanctuary is a hive of activity; you can pick up a free activity sheet or donkey-spotting quiz at the gate to keep the kids engaged as you wander through the paddocks.
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Visit a museum and explore the latest exhibitions
The kids may be out of school for the week, but that doesnât mean they canât carry on learning outside of the classroom. A great way to keep little ones engaged is at a museum.
đď¸ Natural History Museum at Tring
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For a world-class exploration that won’t cost a penny, the Natural History Museum at Tring is a treasure for curious minds. This quirky Victorian museum was originally the private collection of Walter Rothschild, and today itâs packed with over 4,900 fascinating specimens, ranging from massive polar bears and gorillas to an extinct giant sloth! Best of all, entry is free, though you should definitely book your timed slot online in advance to beat the half-term crowds.
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đď¸ Science Museum London
For a world-class day full of discovery, the Science Museum in London is a half-term staple. While the museum is totally free to enter, the secret to a stress-free visit during the busy school holidays is to pre-book your free timed entry tickets online well in advance, as they do sell out!
Once inside, you can marvel at the massive rockets in the Exploring Space gallery or head to the basement for The Garden, an amazing free sensory play area designed specifically for toddlers and young children to explore water, light, and sound. If youâre visiting with under 8s, don’t miss the Pattern Pod on the ground floor, another fantastic free interactive space where they can create digital art and follow multisensory trails.
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đď¸ National Museum of Scotland
If youâre heading to the Scottish capital, the National Museum of Scotland is a total lifesaver for a budget-friendly half-term. With free entry for the whole family, you could easily spend an entire day exploring its massive, light-filled galleries without spending a penny.
For the February 2026 half-term, the museum is running a special âGiantsâ theme, where you can drop into the Grand Gallery for free activities like the Giant Geometry Challenge or let the little ones play with the âBig Blocks for Wee People.â
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Enjoy cheap family-friendly movies at Vue
When the half-term weather turns or the kids need some âquiet timeâ that isnât just staring at a tablet, the cinema is a classic go-to. And with Vueâs dedicated family deals, you and your little ones can get that big-screen magic for less than the price of a fancy coffee.
For the older kids (ages 4 to 11), Mighty Mornings is the highlight of the school holidays. These screenings feature family-friendly animations and live-action magic at a fraction of the usual cost. During half-term, these run every single morning, with tickets starting from just ÂŁ2.49 when booked online.
If you have toddlers who aren’t quite ready for a two-hour epic, Vueâs Big Shorts are specifically designed for the preschool crowd (ages 1 to 4). These screenings are short and sweet – usually under an hour – featuring bite-sized adventures from popular TV characters like The Gruffalo or Zog. Tickets for Big Shorts start at ÂŁ3.99 online.
Discover Britainâs National Parks
Thereâs no substitute for getting out there and having some good old-fashioned fun outdoors. While spending a whole day outdoors may seem unappealing in the current climate, there are plenty of beautiful national parks that may well tempt you and the kids out to play and explore. Whatever you and the gang get up to, itâs sure to beat staying at home with nothing to do and get the whole family involved in doing something memorable together.
đ˛ Peak District National Park
For a grand outdoor adventure that costs absolutely nothing but the price of a parking ticket, the Peak District National Park is the ultimate half-term playground. A firm favourite for families is Dovedale, where kids can challenge themselves to cross the famous stepping stones or scramble up Thorpe Cloud for a view that feels like the top of the world.
If you prefer a flatter route thatâs perfect for bikes or buggies, the Monsal Trail offers miles of traffic-free paths through impressive old railway tunnels – completely free to access and a guaranteed hit for little explorers.
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đ˛ Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)
For a grand adventure that feels worlds away without costing a penny, Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) is nature’s ultimate playground. For some fresh air, the Cwm Idwal walk provides a relatively flat, stroller-friendly path through a dramatic âsunkenâ valley that looks like something out of a fantasy movie.
If you’re near Beddgelert, a stroll to Gelertâs Grave is a lovely, short riverside walk that tells the legendary tale of a brave hound. Or if youâre looking to keep the older kids occupied, the Llanberis Path up the famous Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the perfect free bucket-list challenge.
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đ˛ New Forest National Park
If youâre after a half-term adventure that feels like stepping into a storybook, the New Forest National Park is a dream for families on a budget. Spend the whole day âpony spottingâ for free, as the famous resident horses and donkeys roam right through the villages and across the heaths.
For a guaranteed wildlife win, head to Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, where there’s a purpose-built viewing platform overlooking a meadow where wild fallow deer often gather – parking and entry are totally free! If your little ones have plenty of energy to burn, take the short, buggy-friendly stroll to the Knightwood Oak, the âQueen of the Forest,â which is over 500 years old and makes for a great giant-tree-hugging photo op.
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