As the weather remains cold and wet, it can be tricky to find February half term things to do, especially with your little ones in tow. 

So whether your little ones love being close to nature, cuddling up to cute animals, conducting scientific experiments, or reading a good book, here are our favourite February half term things to do!

Best February half term things to do: 

1. Imagine Festival - Southbank, London

From Tuesday 18th to Sunday 23rd February, Southbank in London welcomes Imagine Festival once again. With world-class performances, arts and crafts, and lots of free fun especially designed for 0-11yr olds, we think this will be a fun half term event!

Featuring performances from juggler Wes Peden, masterclasses in dance, drawing, and singing, as well as a giant chalkboard for children of all ages to get creative, this promises to be a fun day out. 

With plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from at Southbank, you will be spoilt for choice when in need of a little sit-down and bite to eat.

2. Science Museum Afternoon Tea - London

A new exhibit has landed at the Science Museum in London and we think it is one of our most exciting February half term things to do this year.

With “blood” syringe cupcakes, test tubes of fizzy sweets, and edible soil, this afternoon tea will capture the imagination of your mini scientists, and hopefully be yummy too! There is also an opportunity for little ones to create their own fizzy drink using a scientific experiment (obviously!). 

This afternoon tea is only available on Wednesdays to Sundays from 12noon to 3pm so we would recommend booking to avoid disappointment. 

3.  Half Term History Makers - English Heritage sites nationwide

For all your avid adventurers who love to play outdoors, we had to include some outdoor adventures as part of our February half term things to do. 

There are lots of different Half Term History Maker events across the UK as part of the English Heritage. From attending Butler School at Audley End to joining an interactive show as a medieval king! There are lots of fun and games to be had at an English Heritage site near you. 

Our favourite activity is becoming an archaeologist for the day with a team of Time Capsule performers at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire. Grab your spade and get ready to dig up some buried artefacts! 

4. The Slime Show - Winchester Science Centre

For an entertaining day spent indoors, head to the Science Centre in Winchester for their Slime Show running at weekends and in school holidays from 1st Feb to 23rd March. In this live, interactive Science show, your little ones can watch daring demos and be part of exciting experiments as they discover the scientific principles of slime. 

There’s lots to explore at the Science Museum in Winchester, including a Planetarium, Space Explorer experience, nature challenges, theatre shows, and of course live, explosive, “don’t try this at home” science experiments!

Recommended for children between the ages of 3yrs and 12yrs old with their families, the Science Centre in Winchester is great for interactive family adventures. We think it is one of our most fun indoor February half term things to do. 

5. York’s Chocolate Story - Yorkshire

The North of England’s answer to Cadbury World, York’s Chocolate Story celebrates all things chocolatey and is definitely one of our favourite February half term things to do on a wet day! 

On 18th, 19th and 20th February, York’s Chocolate Story opens it’s doors to families for a half term family masterclass with lots of hands-on chocolate experiences.

Handcraft ganache-filled mini truffles, decorate your own chocolate lolly, and make a mini chocolate tiffin. You will also learn how to package your chocolate creations beautifully to take home with you (if they survive that long!). 

Finish the session with an indulgent cup of hot chocolate. Now that sounds like the perfect rainy day treat to us! This masterclass is recommended for families with children over the age of 4 years old. 

Also, check out their Chocolate and Gin tours every Friday for an adults-only treat of your own…

6. Orchid Festival - Kew Gardens, London 

For an outdoor adventure, filled with bright colours and beautiful flowers, Kew Gardens is one of our more tranquil February half term things to do. During half term, they have an Orchid Festival, inspired by the beauty of Peru.

You will be transported to Peru, with its 3000 species of orchids, all from the comfort of Kew Gardens’ conservatory. Spot flamingos and alpacas amidst the beautiful blooms to get a sense of life in Peru. Learn about the environmental work being done by Kew to help protect the sacred rainforests and access medicinal plants.

This exhibit is included in the price of admission to Kew Gardens but will need to be booked before visiting. 

7. The Littlest Yak - Chichester

From Monday 17th to Saturday 22nd February, Chichester Festival Theatre are showing their musical production of The Littlest Yak. 

Based on the book by Lu Fraser, and written and directed for the stage by Barra Collins, this sweet tale is all about self-acceptance. With catchy songs and beautiful puppets, this show is sure to cheer up a grey February day, and leave the whole family uplifted!

Nominated for 4 Off West End Awards, this show promises to be one for all the family. 

8. Deer Feeding - New Forest Wildlife Park

Calling all animal and nature lovers! This is one of our cutest February half term things to do, and perfect for your little ones who love to be up close to their furry friends. 

From 10th to 23rd February, families can hand feed the friendly deer at New Forest Wildlife Park with guidance from the keepers. This experience is suitable for children aged 5yrs and above and isn’t included in the admission fee. 

After feeding the deer, your little explorers will enjoy meeting all the animals at New Forest Wildlife Park and playing in the adventure playparks. 

9. Seven Stories - Newcastle

A bookworm’s paradise, Seven Stories in Newcastle upon Tyne is a visitor centre and museum dedicated to preserving, collecting, and celebrating the world of children’s literature. This is a must-visit for any avid readers and one of our favourite February half term things to do.

There is lots to do over half term including Jungle Jamboree Storytime, arts and crafts activities, performances, and even afternoon tea on Friday 28th February!

After all those activities, spend the afternoon relaxing in their coffee shop with lots on offer to keep hungry bellies satisfied. We especially like the sound of the literary-themed milkshakes such as “George’s Marvelous Medicine” and “The Gruffalo’s Shake”. 

10. Silent Disco - Portsmouth

We’ve saved one of our best February half term things to do until last, Silent Disco at Groundlings Theatre! 

Designed for kids, this half term event will be the quietest 60 minutes of the holiday! Dance away with state-of-the-art headphones in the auditorium and choose from 3 different children’s music channels to bop along to. We have been assured that there are some favourite tunes for you too.

Soft drinks and snacks are also available at the party so your little ones won’t go hungry. To complete the disco vibe, the auditorium will be decorated with glitterballs, disco lights, and glow sticks! 

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We hope you have found something fun to do this February half term with our February half term things to do. Thanks to Time Out, Muddy Stilettos, and Visit Hampshire for providing information on all of these events. 

Make sure to tag us in all your Dotty outings, we love seeing your unique stylings of our dungarees and dresses! Tag us @dottydungarees on Instagram for a chance to appear on our Grid or on our Stories. 

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