Half-term holidays come around three times during the school year, in February, late May, and October, each lasting roughly a week. For parents, they represent a blend of opportunity and challenge: a chance to spend quality time with the children, alongside the practical question of how to keep everyone entertained. The good news is that venues, attractions, and event organisers across the UK programme specifically for half-term weeks, meaning there is always plenty to do.
February half-term
February half-term falls in the middle of winter, so having a mix of indoor and outdoor plans is sensible. The weather can range from crisp blue skies to persistent rain, so flexibility is key.
Indoor activities
- Museums -- The UK's major museums pull out all the stops for February half-term. The Science Museum, Natural History Museum, and V&A in London all run family workshops, interactive exhibits, and special holiday programmes. Regional museums including the National Railway Museum in York, the National Space Centre in Leicester, and the Great North Museum in Newcastle offer similar programmes. Entry to permanent collections is free at most national museums.
- Theatre and pantomime -- While the main pantomime season ends in January, some theatres run half-term shows specifically for families. Children's theatre companies tour to local venues, and many regional theatres programme family-friendly productions during the break.
- Indoor play centres and trampolining -- Soft play centres for younger children and trampoline parks like Gravity, Flip Out, and Oxygen for older ones offer reliable half-term entertainment. Booking in advance for specific sessions is increasingly common.
- Swimming and leisure centres -- Many local authority leisure centres run activity programmes during half-term, including swimming sessions, sports camps, and arts and crafts workshops. These are often among the most affordable options available.
Outdoor activities
If the weather cooperates, February can be a lovely time for outdoor family activities. Woodland walks, visits to country parks, and trips to the coast are all enhanced by the quiet of the off-season. Many National Trust and English Heritage properties run half-term trails and activities. The Forestry England sites, including Gruffalo trails at various forests, are popular with young children year-round.
May half-term
Late May half-term is usually the most pleasant weather-wise, falling at the end of May when days are long and temperatures are often warm. It coincides with the late May bank holiday, extending the break to a nine-day window for many families.
Outdoor events and attractions
- Theme parks -- Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, LEGOLAND Windsor, Chessington, and Drayton Manor are all in full swing by late May. Booking online in advance typically saves money and guarantees entry on busy days.
- Zoos and wildlife parks -- Chester Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, London Zoo, and Marwell Zoo all run special half-term activities and animal encounters. The warmer weather means outdoor animals are more active and visible.
- Farms -- Farm parks including Cotswold Farm Park, Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire, and Farmer Palmer's in Dorset offer hands-on experiences with animals alongside play areas and seasonal activities.
- Beaches -- If the weather is good, a trip to the coast can be the simplest and most enjoyable half-term day out. The beaches of Cornwall, Devon, Pembrokeshire, Norfolk, and Northumberland are all beautiful in late May, and the sea is (just about) warm enough for paddling.
Festivals and events
Several family-friendly events align with the May half-term. The Hay Festival runs a dedicated children's programme called Hay Fever, with readings, workshops, and performances for young people. Country shows and agricultural fairs begin their season around this time, offering a mix of livestock, entertainment, and food. For more May bank holiday ideas, see our dedicated guide to May bank holiday events.
October half-term
October half-term coincides with the run-up to Halloween, and many events take advantage of the spooky season to offer themed activities.
Halloween-themed events
- Theme park Halloween events -- Alton Towers Scarefest, Thorpe Park Fright Nights, and Chessington Howl'o'ween all run during October half-term. Chessington and LEGOLAND cater specifically to younger children with age-appropriate spooky fun, while Alton Towers and Thorpe Park offer more intense scare experiences for older children and adults.
- Pumpkin patches -- Pick-your-own pumpkin farms have become a half-term staple. Many add activities like maize mazes, tractor rides, and craft workshops. Arriving early in the day is advisable as popular patches get very busy.
- Halloween trails -- National Trust properties, Forestry England sites, and local parks run Halloween-themed walking trails with activities along the route. These are typically suitable for all ages and affordable, often costing just a few pounds per child.
Autumn outdoor activities
October is a beautiful month for outdoor activities in the UK. The autumn colours in woodlands and parks are at their peak, and the weather, while cooling, is often dry and bright. Conker collecting, den building, leaf printing, and nature walks are all free and enjoyable for children. The National Trust's "50 things to do before you're 11 and three-quarters" list provides inspiration for outdoor activities.
Activities that work for any half-term
Some activities are reliable crowd-pleasers regardless of the season:
- Escape rooms -- Family-friendly escape rooms are available in most UK cities and towns. They encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Most offer rooms suitable for children aged 8 and above. Prices typically range from £15 to £30 per person.
- Bowling and mini golf -- Indoor bowling alleys and mini golf centres offer reliable all-weather entertainment. Hollywood Bowl, Tenpin, and numerous independent venues run special half-term pricing and offers.
- Craft workshops -- Pottery painting, candle making, jewellery making, and other craft activities are available at studios and community centres across the UK. They produce a tangible souvenir of the day out.
- Cinema -- Film studios tend to release family films around half-term weeks. Many cinemas offer discounted morning screenings for families during school holidays.
Budget-friendly half-term ideas
Half-term does not need to be expensive. Many of the best activities cost little or nothing:
- Libraries -- Local libraries run free half-term activities including story time, craft sessions, and reading challenges.
- Free museums -- National museums in London, plus many regional museums, offer free entry. Even with travel costs, a museum visit can be one of the most affordable and enriching days out.
- Parks and playgrounds -- A picnic in the park combined with a trip to a good playground is free, healthy, and genuinely enjoyable for young children.
- Community events -- Check local council websites, community Facebook groups, and parish noticeboards for free or low-cost half-term events in your area.
For event organisers running half-term activities, setting up online ticketing helps manage demand during these busy periods. Timed entry slots work particularly well for popular attractions, ensuring a good experience for every family while controlling capacity.
Half-term weeks are a chance to make memories with your children away from the school routine. With a mix of planned outings and spontaneous adventures, they can be some of the best weeks of the year. Browse family events on Tickts for ideas, and remember that sometimes the simplest activities, a walk in the woods, baking together, or building a den, are the ones children remember most fondly.
