Half term is already here – where has the first part of the year gone?. And as with all school holidays, it comes with financial stress. Keeping the kids entertained is particularly hard in winter when the weather is unpredictable, but don’t fret. Here are tons of ideas for cheap and free activities this February half term to keep the kids – and you – entertained. Eating out is a great way to spend time with the family, but it can add huge costs to the half term holiday bill. Even one meal can be over £100 with a family of four – if you’re not savvy about where to go. The good news is there are lots of places where kids eat free or for £1 during school holidays, as restaurants realise the pressure on parents to afford meals with their family.
Many chains have offers, such as Yo! Sushi, The Real Greek, and TGI Friday’s. You’ll also find great deals at Greene King, Brewers Fayre, Sizzling Pubs, and Beefeater venues, like free cooked breakfasts or £1 children’s meals. Check the websites of restaurants near you to find the best two-for-one, kids eat free, or £1 children’s meals. Museums are full of fun during the school holidays, with museum curators keen to bring their passions to children who love learning. But it’s not about stuffy bones and glass cabinets anymore: museums offer an interactive day out that’s great for the brain as well as tiring out the kids.
Science museums are a favourite because they have so many cool things like optical illusions and fun facts. The London Science Museum is a firm favourite for anyone living near the capital, offering a full day of fun – make sure you book a ticket in advance for any exhibitions. The Manchester Science and Industry Museum has its popular POWER UP exhibit during the school holidays – a perfect combination of nostalgia for parents and fun for the kids with a hands-on gaming experience. Tickets are free but it’s recommended to book in advance.
If your youngsters are Marvel enthusiasts, the Royal Armouries in Leeds is hosting an immersive experience for everyone to get involved and whisk themselves away to a fantasy land! The Superhero Week involves lots of meet-and-greets with popular superheros, as well as the superhero academy to put children over five through their paces to become a hero. You can create your own superhero comic strip, or take part in the superhero trail. On top of that, three shows run at a cost of £3 each per show. Choose from a runway of superheros in their armour, a breakdown of favourite cinema fights to show how it’s done, and how to be a hero interactive show. The Royal Armouries also has its regular exhibitions and daily live combat demonstrations. For older children, there is also the crossbow experience at £8 each.
Go old school and play some board games with your children. It’s a perfect way to get some quality time in, have fun together, and also teach your kids social skills like teamwork (or being competitive!). But you don’t need to spend loads of money to do it. Your local library has loads of free things to borrow – and many include board games! If you’re not a board game type of family, you could also borrow computer games, books, or eBooks too.
A popular family festival returns this year: the Imagine Festival takes place on London’s Southbank and is ideal for children aged 0-11 years old, and runs from Tuesday 18th February to Sunday 23rd February. Highlights include theatre, book readings, and even pop-punk juggling. Free events include Afro Dance with Homebros, the Meditation Station, and a giant chalkboard to unleash creativity. Or, get stuck into singing, bring a book to life, or laugh yourselves silly at a children’s comedy show. There are some paid events. For example, you can get creative with the kids at Mini Architects, or let your children burn out their energy at REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground. Older children might enjoy The Colour of Dinosaurs, a fun prehistoric science pop gig, or Poetry Adventures with Kate Wakeling.
Pets At Home is running workshops across its network of stores this half term to help your children learn about what it takes to look after their pets. The My Pet Pals workshops are suitable for children aged 4 and up, and each session lasts around 45 minutes. Workshops cover details about small animals and birds, and the children have the chance to meet some of the pets in store, too. Colouring and puzzles will be on hand as part of the entertainment, as well. Simply visit the Pets At Home website to find an event in your area.
