Ten fabulous February half-term days out

Unless you’ve booked to go away somewhere amazing next week you’ll need to sort some activities for the kids – and fast. Crafts, walks, trips to the library and cinema are all brilliant of course, but sometimes you want something that's been planned for you.

So here are some of my top suggestions for making the most of half-term.

For creepy crawler fans and history detectives

At fabulous Chartwell, Kent (the former home of Winston Churchill, of course), from 19-20 and 23-27 February your kids can go on the trail of Marvellous Minibeasts, (Normal admission charges apply).

For kids obsessed with everything pre-historic, Jurassic Park Dinosaur Isle on the Isle of Wight is holding daily fossil walks.

At Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey from 19-27 February 10am – 4pm, kids can make a scavenger sack, hunt for finds around the trees and then make cool crafts and natural sculptures to take home. Normal admission charges apply.

The whole family can go on a quest around Corfe Castle in Dorset (19-27 February 10am – 3pm). Look out for shields to find out the facts and then claim a special badge. Normal admission charges apply, plus suggested donation of £1 per person.

Be inspired by some famous faces

At the Southbank Centre in London the Imagine-Children festival  continues, including appearances by well-known names including Charlie Higson and Arlene Phillips, and a wonderful exhibition by the children of charity Kids Company.

Erddig in Wrexham will be holding half term trails all week from 11am to 4pm, inviting children to spot the first signs of spring.  
 
Your kids can enjoy Victorian games at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire from 21-23 February (12pm – 4.30pm). There are also daily snowdrop walks at 1pm. (Normal admission charges apply).

Peveril Castle in Derbyshire is holding a Norman Knights Trail – kids can search the castle ruins to find the knights (children £2.50, Adults £4.20, Family ticket £10.50).

Gibside, Tyne & Wear is offering half term fun daily from 11am to 3pm, including free family activities and outdoor escapades.  (Normal admission charges apply, there are no additional event charges.) 

Ashby de la Zouch Castle in Leicestershire is holding a Tudor Family Fun Trail from 19 Feb to 27 Feb, 10am to 4pm (children £3.60, adults £4.20, family ticket £10.50).

And if you know of any brilliant half-term days out for kids, please share them below.

Find more great suggestions from Liz for free days out with your family.

Photo courtesy of NTPL, Ian Shaw.