15 places kids go FREE this February half term
Charlie Bond
Netmums contributorIf you're looking for free fun with the kids this February half term, you're in luck – here's where to go for a day out where entry for kids costs nothing
Taking the family out for the day during February half term doesn't have to cost the earth. Here's 15 places offering FREE entry for kids during half term, so you can enjoy zoo trips, train rides and workshops for a lot less.
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1. Take a walk on the wild side at Howletts
Where: Howletts Wild Animal Park, Kent
When: Children aged 0-15 years will be admitted free throughout half term, 10-18 February 2024, when tickets are purchased online
Howletts, Kent’s original wildlife park, houses some of the world’s most endangered and rare animals. And this half term, kids go free!
With each paying adult, up to three kids can join in the fun, learning all about how the wildlife park near Canterbury, Kent is protecting endangered animals and helping to return them to the wild.
See the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, plus the only giant anteaters in Kent, and the adorable lion cubs, Zemo and Zala!
2. Get experimenting at The Eden Project
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Where: The Eden Project, Cornwall
When: Children aged 0-16 go free with a paying adult between 10-18 February
Join in with The Eden Project's science spectacular this half term, and kids under 16 go free, too!
From February 10-18, head to The Eden Project because February half term promises to be a jam-packed week of explosive science experiments and weird and wonderful technology.
They're joined by UK’s favourite science show, Ministry of Science, and popular YouTube channel, Kids Invent Stuff to bring a whole load of science fun and discovery to The Eden Project.
3. Unleash your superpowers in Leeds
Where: The Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
When: February 10-18, with different activities taking place each day during half term
Let your imagination fly at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds this half term. From 10-18 February enrol at Superhero Academy where you'll learn superhero skills, see acrobats and combat, and even learn parkour.
Every day there's a number of activities to discover, so although entry to the museum is usually free, half term is set to be very exciting with the extra calendar of activities for kids.
4. Have a roarsome time at Knowsley
Where: Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot
When: Free tickets for under 16s are currently available until the end of February with one free child with every paying adult.
You might know Knowsley from Channel 4's Secret Life of the Safari Park, but this half term you can go behind the scenes for yourself, with kids going absolutely free.
With lions, tigers, giraffes, wolves and more to see, the whole family will be in for a treat at this park. For all of winter (but handily including half term week, too) Knowsley is offering kids under 16 free entry, so the whole family can get the safari experience for a fraction of the price.
You can also experience the UK's longest safari drive, take a stroll via the foot safari, or even hop aboard the baboon bus!
5. Explore Wales by rail
Where: Across Wales and to some areas of England too
When: Travel during off-peak times
If you're a firm believer in the saying 'it's not about the destination, it's about the journey', then you'll want to make the most of travelling with your family this half term.
And, thankfully Transport for Wales has you covered with its 'kids go free' offer, which sees children aged under 16 able to travel for free on their trains during off-peak times, when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
All children under 11 are also able to travel for free, so it's time to gather the gang and get exploring Wales' most special and scenic spots.
You can also take a trip outside of the country for free – these tickets can be used to visit the likes of Birmingham, Cheltenham and Manchester, too.
6. Discover gardens galore at Hestercombe
Where: Hestercombe, Taunton, Somerset
When: Free entry for kids throughout February
If you're thinking about exploring nature, having fun outdoors and enjoying some gardens with the family this February, then when visiting Hestercombe this February, children go free.
For the whole month of February (including half term), children 15 and under can visit the stunning house, gardens and art gallery in Somerset with no charge.
During half term week (10-18 February) there's also a 'family tree trail' taking place, where kids can get involved trying to spot all seven family members hidden in Hestercombe's gardens.
7. Welcome in the Year of The Dragon in Birmingham
Where: Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham
When: Sunday 11 February from 12-16pm
Free for the whole family, on Sunday February 11th, Birmingham's Hippodrome theatre is hosting a spectacular Lunar New Year day of celebrations, including a family panto, craft market, fireworks, dance workshops and more.
Kids will be entertained by performances, workshops and fairground rides, while parents will be captivated by the festival stage and the big fireworks finale.
There's no better way to welcome the Year of The Dragon than with a day of fun, free activities for the whole family.
8. Go wild at BeWILDerwood in Norfolk
Where: BeWILDerwood, Norfolk
When: 17-25 February
Reopening just in time for February half term, BeWILDerwood Norfolk is offering 'buy one get on free' on tickets between 17-25 February.
The 20-acre outdoor adventure park, based on the BeWILDerwood books by Tom Blofeld, is home to giant wooden treehouses, huge play structures, muddled mazes, den building, slippery slides and wobbly zip wires.
It’s a full day out for the whole family to enjoy, and there's crafts, shows and other activities to enjoy too. Plus, everything is included in the ticket price.
Tickets start at £14.50 and kids over 92cm are usually £20.50-£22.50 each, so take advantage of this offer while you can enjoy a half price family day out during half term.
9. Have a colossal time at the BIG Dippy Birthday Bash in Coventry
When: Wednesday 14 February
Where: Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry
To celebrate a whole year of Dippy, one of the nation's favourite dinosaurs being at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry, the museum is holding a birthday bash for him, and everyone's invited.
On Wednesday 14 February from 10am - 3.30pm, there'll be a whole host of roarsome activities taking place. This includes fossil handling, curator talks, craft activities and exciting performances. Oh, and in case that wasn't enough, there'll be cake too!
It's free to join in the fun but booking is essential.
10. All aboard the teddy bear express at Bure Valley Railway
Where: Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham, Norfolk
When: 17-25 February
Who needs a teddy bear's picnic when there's a teddy bear steam train journey instead? This half term, Bure Valley Railway in Norwich is offering free kids' tickets with a paying adult.
Climb aboard a teddy bear express train, and take part in a themed activity while you enjoy your journey. Don't forget to bring your own bears too so they can get involved!
A return ticket for a child under 15 would usually cost £11 so there's some great savings to be had, and a fun family day out, too.
11. Bring your imagination to life at The Southbank Centre, London
Where: The Southbank Centre, London
When: 7-17 February
For 2024, London's Southbank Centre's annual festival for children and their grown-ups is back, with more than 100 events to choose from – and loads of them are free!
Taking place from 7-17 February, every day there's something new to see and explore.
Kids aged 0-11 can take part in a fun-filled, live and interactive poetry gig, take on an interactive art journey, get involved with illustration and storytelling and lots more.
Feeling tired from all the fun? Then join one of the wellbeing wind down events – a free mindfulness session designed to help the whole family relax.
12. Ride the waves with Wightlink Ferries
Where: Wightlink Ferries between the Isle of Wight and Hampshire
When: 10-18 February
Live in the south of England and fancy exploring somewhere different for the day? Then during February half term you can hop on a Wightlink ferry and visit the Isle of Wight for the day, with kids going for free.
Take up to two children aged 5-15 for free with every adult or senior foot passenger day return ticket and explore the island's many scenic spots and charming towns.
Or, if you live on the Isle of Wight but fancy popping to the mainland for the day, you can also take advantage of this offer and travel at a fraction of the regular price.
13. Enjoy a sweet day out at Castleford Museum, Yorkshire
Where: Castleford Museum, Wakefield
When: 12, 13, 15 and 16 February
Although entry to Castleford Museum in West Yorkshire is free, this half term they've added extra activities to their offering, including their 'sweet treats' event, which runs on select days during the half term week.
Learn about the local chocolate factory which made a billion After Eights each year, marvel at Castleford Museum‘s glass canes filled with real sweets and explore the many confectionary connections their displays.
Then, use the tasty inspiration to design your own chocolate box and mini glass cane.
14. Earn your stripes at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park
Where: Lincolnshire Wildlife Park
When: Kids go free in February ( free child entry when purchasing at least one full priced adult or concession ticket)
At Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, kids go free for the whole month of February including during half term.
As well as lions, tigers, lemurs and more to visit, kids can take part in the park trail sheet to win a prize, see animal talks and even get involved with feeding the birds and meerkats. Plus, on Sunday 11 and Tuesday 13 February there'll be a special jewellery making workshop where you can make a cute Valentine's treat for a loved one.
15. A migration celebration at Museum of London Docklands
Where: Museum of London Docklands
When: February 12th-18th with different events each day
During February half term, Museum of London Docklands is hosting a migration celebration with a whole host of free events taking place from February 12th-18th.
Choose from tasty cookery lessons taught by a French/Tunisian chef, storytelling with a Caribbean theme, music and folktales inspired by Eastern Europe, energetic toddler parties with music from around the world, and craft activities celebrating London’s diverse cultures and languages.
There's no booking required, so you can just turn up and join in the fun!
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