50 fabulous ideas for days out: February half term

<p> From 16 to 24 February, the <a href="http://www.spinnakertower.co.uk/" target="_blank">Spinnaker Tower</a> in Portsmouth is inviting 'kids of all ages' to check out the breathtaking views from its viewing decks with a special offer for 'big kids'. Adults will pay the same price as younger visitors providing they are accompanied by a child. On a clear day, you can see across 23 miles, from the sandy beaches of Witterings in the east to the New Forest in the west and picturesque Isle of Wight in the south to the rolling hills of Hampshire's South Downs in the north. Now that's a view! Children &pound;6.55.</p>

<p> Until 24 February, the <a href="http://www.seeglasgow.com/what%27s-on/event/54733/goodbye-peter-rabbit.aspx" target="_blank">Scotland Street School Museum</a> in Glasgow is celebrating the 110th anniversary of Peter Rabbit and marking the launch of a new Peter Rabbit series written by actress Emma Thompson with a fascinating exhibition. The beautiful display features original artwork, first editions and rarely-seen material from the Beatrix Potter archive, plus you can see artwork from the new book. Free entry.</p>

<p> From 18 to 24 February, <a href="http://www.visitsealife.com/London/" target="_blank">SEA LIFE London Aquarium</a> is celebrating native UK marine life with the aim to secure its future during Big Brit Fish Week. Families can join in, feed fish, take behind-the-scenes tours and get involved in fun colouring activities at the aquarium. It's also a great opportunity for the children to discover the thousands of marine creatures that live in the aquarium, from rare green turtles to six species of sharks and rays. From &pound;14.28 for adults; &pound;10.50 for children when booked online.</p>

<p> Take the family to York this half-term where they can get hands-on making chocolate lollies and sampling heart-shaped chocolates created by head chocolatier Andrew Thwaite at <a href="http://www.yorkschocolatestory.com/" target="_blank">York's Chocolate Story</a> from 16 to 24 February. The attraction features an interactive tour of York's confectionary heritage and you'll be given plenty of opportunities to sample choccy delights. &pound;28 for a family ticket.</p>

<p> Explore stunning south-west England this half term with <a href="http://www.dgcc.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dartmouth Golf &amp; Country Club</a>'s special five-night package, which includes B&amp;B, a seven-day wristband for the Woodlands Family Theme Park and use of Dartmouth Golf &amp; Country Club's facilities for six people, costing &pound;599. The resort is ideally located for exploring historic Dartmouth and the delights of South Devon.</p>

<p> This half-term, <a href="http://www.woburn.co.uk/abbey/" target="_blank">Woburn Abbey</a> in Bedfordshire is hosting its first Luminaries Woburnensis event, where you can visit the atmospheric gardens after dark by candlelight on Saturday 16 February. There will be stunning ice sculptures, art installations and families can snuggle on beanbags under blankets. For an extra special weekend, book a family room (two adults and two children) at the Inn at Woburn for &pound;236, including breakfast and tickets for Luminaries Woburnensis.</p>

<p> If you're looking for something you can enjoy as much as the kids this half-term, head for <a href="http://www.themagdalenchapter.com/" target="_blank">The Magdalen Chapter</a> in Exeter for a no-stress luxury break with fun activities and entertainment in a city and country setting. Children under 12 can share their parents' room and enjoy breakfast at no extra cost, plus there are baby baths, high-chairs, baby food and milk provided so there's no need to load up the car. Junior guests have in-room iPods and Sky TV, while there are plenty of activities in and around Exeter for when you want to get out and about. From &pound;140 per room, per night.</p>

<p> For theatre-loving teens, the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth promises a unique performance for visitors from 13 to 17 February in the form of a play devised by a group of young people from Plymouth. <a href="http://www.fishheartedbride.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Fish Hearted Bride</a> is a heart-stopping tale of deadly decisions and ice-cold deception with aerial performers and dancers inside a huge tank home to native sharks, lobsters eels and flatfish. &pound;7 for adults; &pound;5 for children.</p>

<p> From 15 to 24 February, <a href="http://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/" target="_blank">Drayton Manor Theme Park</a> near Tamworth, is opening its most popular attractions, including Thomas Land, the 15-acre zoo, the Ben 10: Ultimate Mission roller coaster and the 4D Cinema, which will be showing The Little Prince. Take the kids to spend half term with their favourite characters and meet more than 100 animal species from around the world in the zoo. Tickets from &pound;10.</p>

<p> <a href="http://www.willowsfarmvillage.com/" target="_blank">Willows Farm Village</a> near St Albans, is hosting a fun-filled February Frolics event from 16 to 24 February, with lambs being born each day and the chance to watch and learn about lambing season. Take part in Bo Peep's Lost Sheep Hunt and watch mind-boggling farming-inspired experiments by Mad Science. Children &pound;12.95; adults &pound;11.95.</p>

<p> Tiny aspiring chefs can enjoy special cookery courses at fairytale <a href="http://www.stayinacastle.com/" target="_blank">Augill Castle</a> in Cumbria this February half term. The Little Cooks workshops teach kids staying at the hotel everything that's fun about food, from growing vegetables in the castle's kitchen garden to preparing, cooking and eating it! From &pound;200 for family rooms.</p>

<p> <a href="http://www.cornish-mining.org.uk/areas-places-activities/heartlands" target="_blank">Heartlands</a> is a new (and free) visitor attraction in Cornwall, nestled in the former mining heart of the region, with 19 acres of cultural playground to explore. There are state-of-the-art exhibitions, climb-on sculptures, gardens and a funky cafe in an old carpenter's workshop to enjoy.</p>

<p> While the narrow boats are being spruced up for the boat trips season in March, the <a href="http://www.weyandarun.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wey &amp; Arun Canal</a> has made sure kids can still enjoy being outdoors with two free quiz sheets that make walking along the canal more interesting. The quizzes will give your children the chance to learn about the canal and its surroundings in a fun way. Quiz sheets are available from the Canal Centre beside the Onslow Arms at Loxwood.</p>

<p> We Made It at Birmingham's <a href="http://www.thinktank.ac/page.asp?section=1028&amp;sectionTitle=COMING+SOON+-+We+made+it+-+nuts%2C+bolts%2C+gadgets+and+gizmos" target="_blank">Thinktank Museum </a>is a hands-on gallery unveiling the science behind manufacturing through 20 interactive exhibits, including Nuts and Bolts, Tins and Things and Gadgets. The exhibition is a great way to teach your children about the weird and wonderful materials and processes invented in and around Birmingham. Family ticket &pound;35.</p>

<p> Half-term at <a href="http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/" target="_blank">The Donkey Sanctuary</a> in Devon is set to be extra special for animal lovers as budding donkey grooms can get their hands dirty and spend some one-to-one time with a donkey on Tuesday 19 February at the Donkey Dudes event. Your little one will be introduced to donkey care and will leave with a certificate and badge marking their achievement.</p>

<p> Young visitors to Northumberland's <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens/" target="_blank">Belsay Hall</a> will be taken on a 'curiouser and curiouser' hunt for clues through its Wonderlandesque grounds on the Alice in Wonderland Trail from 15 to 24 February. There are six characters to find and prize for those who complete the trail. Adults &pound;7.70; children &pound;4.60.</p>

<p> If your kids can't decide whether they'd like to go on an outdoor treasure trail, play football, decorate cupcakes or go canoeing, <a href="http://www.centerparcs.co.uk/" target="_blank">Centre Parcs </a>offers a huge range of activities for them to fit as much or as little as they like into their half term break. Nature activities include going on outings with owls and family bird watching, and there's also a spa with a variety of treatments. A weekend stay at <a href="http://www.centerparcs.co.uk/villages/elveden/index.jsp" target="_blank">Elveden Forest</a> in Suffolk from 15 to 18 February for four people costs &pound;579.</p>

<p> Fascinated by swans? At <a href="http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/caerlaverock/" target="_blank">WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre</a> in Dumfriesshire you can watch wild swan feeds from the comfort of a heated observatory this half term. Watch the warden feed hundreds of whooper and mute swans and take a walk to see the wildlife on the reserve. Adults &pound;6.82; children &pound;3.36.</p>

<p> Discover the great outdoors this half-term with a luxury camping trip to the Isle of Wight. <a href="http://www.away-resorts.com/" target="_blank">Away Resorts</a> is opening its holiday park in February for the first time ever this year and you can experience seven nights under the stars in a Canvas Village Bell Tent sleeping four from &pound;238 when you book from 15 or 16 February. Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park offers ample winter walking opportunities along the coast, where you can explore the beautiful landscapes and attractions of the Isle of Wight.</p>

<p> There is a variety of scarecrow-themed activities at <a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall" target="_blank">RHS Garden Hyde Hall</a> throughout half term week, from making your own traditional scarecrow, storytelling and puppet-making. Just take some old clothes and you'll be given a basic scarecrow kit. Adults &pound;7.20; children &pound;3.60, plus fees for making scarecrow and finger puppets.</p>

<p> On 16 February, <a href="http://www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk/" target="_blank">Portsmouth City Museum</a> is opening its doors to budding artists who are inspired by inspects. Bugs and Butterflies is where you can bring the kids to create amazing insects using colourful metal foils and work with artist Melanie Tomlinson to learn new skills. Adults free; children &pound;2.50.</p>

<p> Ok, so this one isn't for the kids per se, but we're sure they won't complain when you stop here for lunch. <a href="http://www.blackswancheshire.com/" target="_blank">The Black Swan</a> in Cheshire is a family-friendly pub, where you can relax and feast on dishes like fish and chips, beef burgers and steak. The cosy pub is decorated in chic interiors and it's dog-friendly too. So when the kids have been to their favourite attractions and it's time for the adults to take a break, head for this cute pub in the Cheshire countryside.</p>

<p> This half term, the Romans will be invading <a href="http://www.winchester.gov.uk/heritage-conservation/museums/" target="_blank">Winchester City Museum</a> in a free event for all the family to enjoy. A legionary soldier in full military dress and a lady in all her finery will teach visitors how the people of Venta Belgarum, the old Roman city of Winchester, lived nearly two thousand years ago. It's the perfect day out for children who are studying the Romans at school.</p>

<p> Let your little one's imagination run wild at the Jackfield Tile Museum in Shropshire this half term at the <a href="http://www.ironbridge.org.uk" target="_blank">Amazing Aliens</a> decorating workshop from 18 to 22 February, where they can design a weird and wonderful creature inspired by outer space and tube line the character on a ceramic tile using a range of colours. The finished tile will then be sent to your home a few days later. Adults &pound;7.95; children &pound;5.25. Tiles cost &pound;5 each.</p>

<p> Visit Carmarthenshire in Wales, the home of <a href="http://www.cwmcrwthfarmcottages.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cwmcrwth Farm</a>, a small rare breed farm nestled in rolling hills, which offers idyllic farm stays for all ages. There are four-star self-catering holiday cottages so you can relax and enjoy the peaceful Welsh countryside and small children will love the hands-on experience of feeding piglets, collecting fresh eggs and visiting the ponies, sheep and goats at the farm. Farm stays from &pound;300 during half term week.</p>

<p> If your teens love stories about England's past, a Jack the Ripper Secret London walking tour is a must. You'll be whisked through London's streets, learning about the most intriguing characters, like Jack the Ripper, Dick Turpin and Samuel Pepys, and even braver explorers can sample some of the capital's jellied eels! &pound;21 from buyagift's <a href="http://www.buyagift.co.uk/Days-Out/Family-Walking-Tour-Jack-the-Ripper-Secret-London-BR-11820945.aspx?cm_sp=Product_List-_-4-_-11820945&amp;cm_re=11820945-_-4-_-Product_List " target="_blank">experience days</a></p>

<p> From 9 February, <a href="http://www.blenheimpalace.com/" target="_blank">Blenheim Palace</a> in Oxfordshire opens its Lights, Camera, Action - Blenheim Palace, Star of TV and Film exhibition, where you can find out what happens when Hollywood descends on the palace. Over the years it has been a location for films, such as Gulliver&rsquo;s Travels, The Young Victoria and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Adults &pound;21; children &pound;11.50.</p>

<p> Go on a true adventure at <a href="http://www.theoceanviews.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Soar Mill Cove Hotel</a> in South Devon, where you can search for bling with the hotel's Bounty Hunter Tracker Metal Detector, perfect for scavenging on the sandy coves for washed-up treasure. There are complimentary flasks of hot chocolate to keep you warm on the beach, you can borrow buckets and spades and take the hotel's crab lines for crab catching challenges. &pound;558 for a family of four during half term, including Devonshire cream tea, dinners and full Devonshire breakfast every day.</p>

<p> Take the kids to <a href="http://www.visitgreenwich.org.uk/" target="_blank">Greenwich</a> where they can discover its maritime history and explore the local attractions too. The Cutty Sark and National Maritime Museum are hosting a number of workshops, including family flag-making, and sailor James Robson tells tales about his life on board the Cutty Sark in an interactive performance on board the Cutty Sark. Don't miss browsing Greenwich Market and check out the stars on various evenings at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.</p>

<p> This half term, the <a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north" target="_blank">Imperial War Museum North</a> in Manchester is inviting budding artists of all ages to let their imagination run wild as they decorate, design and draw at the museum using the incredible collection of wartime art as inspiration. There will be storytelling sessions too and the chance for 10-14 year olds to get creative through the art of animation. Free entry.</p>

<p> Give your car-loving teen the ultimate experience of driving a Lamborghini this half term. Available for 12 to 16 year olds, <a href="http://www.goseedo.com/Product/Attraction/Kids-Lamborghini-Driving-Experience?cameFromSearchResults=True" target="_blank">GoSeeDo</a>'s Kids Lamborghini Driving Experience allows junior drivers to slide behind the wheel of a sleek supercar after an experienced instructor shows them the full driving technique and gives them a safety briefing. After their driving session in Leicestershire, Warwickshire or Yorkshire, your teen will receive a commemorative certificate to take home. From &pound;82 per person.</p>

<p> Fans of LEGO get the chance to build their own model and be judged by a LEGOLAND Resort model maker in Junior Builder Week at the <a href="http://www.legoland.co.uk/hotel/" target="_blank">LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel</a> from 15 to 24 February. LEGO builders will be rewarded with a LEGOLAND Certificate of Model Making Excellence and there are plenty of adventures and unique fun around the hotel, with 150 themed rooms, the Bricks Family restaurant and the LEGO Pirates Splash Pool. Family overnight adventures from &pound;99.</p>

<p> With <a href="http://www.adventuretemples.com/" target="_blank">Adventure Temples</a>, you can experience an activity holiday Cornwall the kids and parents will enjoy. Adults can drop their little ones at a stable cr&egrave;che for half or full day sessions, where they will learn to ride, understand livery techniques and care for horses, while they can try up to 90 experiences from the Adventure Butler Service, including fine art, yoga, food foraging and surfing. A seven-day package for two adults and two children sharing a two-bedroom property with two days' stable cr&egrave;che time costs from &pound;295.</p>

<p> Take the kids to <a href="http://www.kielderobservatory.org/" target="_blank">Kielder Observatory</a> in Northumberland from 22 to 23 February for the special Junior Aurora Night starting at 5pm - perfect for young aurora hunters. Although there's no guarantee you'll spot the aurora, you will be taught how to see them and there will be an interactive talk about the Northern Lights, galaxies and nebulae. Family ticket &pound;27.</p>

<p> <a href="http://www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/" target="_blank">Knowsley Safari Park</a> has had a baby boom and this half term visitors will get the chance to see new baby rhinos and two new lion cubs as they take their first brave steps onto the Safari Drive. After a winter of keeping warm, the youngsters will join the rest of their family in February. Adults &pound;8; children &pound;6.</p>

<p> Visit <a href="http://www.altontowers.com/" target="_blank">Alton Towers</a> this February and meet the Moshi Monsters and go on a selection of rides that will be open for half term. Kids can take part in the Moshi Quest, go on the Ice Age 4D Experience and enjoy the Sharkbait Reef by Sea Life from 16 to 21 February. Online family tickets from &pound;12 per person.</p>

<p> <a href="http://www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk/" target="_blank">Easton Farm Park</a> in Suffolk is reopening for February half-term to give families a fun-filled day out in the countryside. The educational farm site offers visitors the chance to enjoy pony rides, the outdoor adventure play area and meet and feed the animals or even hug a bunny. New additions to the farm include a Suffolk Punch filly foal called Grace, a litter of piglets and a baby donkey. Adults &pound;8.50; children &pound;7.25.</p>

<p> Search for Peter Rabbit in Mr McGregor's garden and explore Jemima Puddle-duck's woodland glade at the <a href="http://www.hop-skip-jump.com/" target="_blank">World of Beatrix Potter</a> in Cumbria, which reopens on 9 February following refurbishment. There's new interactive fun and games for children, plus more exciting archive material about Miss Potter. Adults &pound;6.95; children &pound;3.95.</p>

<p> The Isle of Wight has just been announced as the dinosaur capital of the UK by the Natural History Museum and was once a hotbed of dinosaur activity and fossil finds. Museum Dinosaur Isle is where you can meet life-sized robotic dinosaurs, explore a recreated landscape complete with sights, smells and sounds and even take part in fossil walks (pre-booking necessary). Using a Wightlink Wight World Travel and Attraction ticket, a family of four can travel to the Isle of Wight and spend the day at Dinosaur Isle from just &pound;45.50 this February half-term. The price includes entry to the attraction plus return <a href="http://www.wightlink.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wightlink</a> car ferry travel from Portsmouth or Lymington.</p>

<p> At the 870-acre <a href="http://www.essexwt.org.uk/" target="_blank">Hanningfield Reservoir</a> in Billericay, there are plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities for children of all ages this February half term. Learn about Britain's barmy birdlife, have a go at making a nest, discover slime, mud and bugs, and join the Hatchlings Club. Events from &pound;5 per child.</p>

<p> This half term, <a href="http://butlins.com/" target="_blank">Butlin's</a> opens its newest and hottest live show, Sesame Street. A whole host of characters from the TV show will sing and dance on stage in an interactive show for the whole family. In the show, Abby, Elmo and friends discover instruments they never knew existed - pots, spoons and cookie jars! Performances of Sesame Street are shown at the Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness resorts, and included in the price of stays, which start from &pound;45 per person for a three-night break.</p>

<p> In Hampshire, the <a href="http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/" target="_blank">National Motor Museum</a> is building an 18ft by 12ft eight-lane Scalextric track with Bond-style Aston Martins to race around it this half term. Each day, youngsters aged 16 and under can compete for the fastest track win of the day and go home with great prizes. Family tickets for &pound;52.50 including entrance to the National Motor Museum, BOND IN MOTION, Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear.</p>

<p> For a weather-proof family day out, look no further than the <a href="http://www.visitwales.co.uk/things-to-do-in-wales/welsh-culture-and-heritage/underground-attractions/" target="_blank">underground attractions of Wales</a>, where you can discover the secrets hidden under the surface, explore mines and caves that lurk deep below the rocks and visit wonderful attractions like Sygun Copper Mine, Electric Mountain and King Arthur's Labyrinth.</p>

<p> Star Wars fans won't want to miss a visit to Manchester this half term, as an interactive model display is set to take over the <a href="http://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk/manchester/" target="_blank">LEGOLAND Discovery Centre</a>. The pop-up walk-through LEGO Star Wars MINILAND Model Display will offer built-in games, a display made up of over 250,000 LEGO bricks and 2,000 LEGO Star Wars figures. Online tickets from &pound;8.10 per person.</p>

<p> Steeped in history, <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/framlingham-castle/" target="_blank">Framlingham Castle</a> was built in 1101 and contains artefacts and an entertaining audio recording of its past. This half term, there is the Family Fun Trail, where you find clues around the castle to solve a puzzle and win a tasty prize. Adults &pound;6.50; children &pound;3.90.</p>

<p> Home to the world's first Peppa Pig World, <a href="https://paultonspark.co.uk/" target="_blank">Paulton's Family Theme Park</a> in Hampshire is the ultimate day out for children and boasts 60 rides and attractions included in the entrance fee. This winter it opens for February half term to let youngsters discover Peppa's world in three acres of themed fun. There's more, as thrill-seekers can go on breathtaking ride EDGE and The Stinger rollercoaster and younger children will adore the garden-themed Trekking Tractors ride. Adults &pound;22.50; children under one metre free; family tickets available.</p>

<p> Visit <a href="http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1036" target="_blank">Nottingham Castle</a> this half term and listen to the stories of Nottingham's most famous outlaw told by Robin Hood himself on 19 and 23 February. Nottingham Castle is set in six acres of Victorian-inspired gardens and has its own medieval-style playground, perfect for a family day out. &pound;5 for 6 years and over.</p>

<p> Explore the gross and grisly side of science at Waltham Abbey's <a href="http://www.royalgunpowdermills.com/" target="_blank">Royal Gunpowder Mills</a> this February half term with a week of fun-packed activities. Professor Nitrate will show you repulsive and revolting experiments from the past and you'll meet his lab rats and get involved in all sorts of mess and mayhem in the Mad Lab. From snot making to fart machines, you'll get stuck in with really revolting experiments. Adults &pound;9; children &pound;6.50.</p>

<p> For a fabulous family drive, head for Lanarkshire, where the ancient hunting lodge and grounds of <a href="http://www.visitlanarkshire.com/attractions/child-friendly/Chatelherault-Country-Park/" target="_blank">Chatelherault</a> await you this February. Located a short distance from Edinburgh and Glasgow, the attraction makes for a great day out, whether you want to learn about the past or get active outdoors.</p>