Half-term holidays are a welcome break for both children and parents from the regular routine of school runs, homework and after-school clubs. However, the February half-term can sometimes feel like a challenging week to fill as the weather is still cold and not many attractions have opened up yet. We have put together a list of children's activities to inspire you and your family so you can make the most of the half-term break.

Go to a Museum

Museums are always a great choice, no matter the weather, your local museum is a great place to explore. Many museums have interactive displays, museum trails, dressing up, or arts and crafts children's activities and they often have special event days for half term. Also, it's a great way to educate the kids on history or local events in a fun and accessible way. Many museums are free to enter and most also have a cafe or tea room for lunch or a cake and a drink. 

Go to the Swimming Pool

Swimming is a great activity for a cold or rainy day and it is also an excellent way to get some exercise and have fun. The February half-term week is also a good time for your kids to take some intensive swimming lessons or brush up on their water skills. Check out your local swimming pool and see if they have any special sessions with inflatables, floats, or water games. Swimming pools often have a cafe as well, meaning you can enjoy a cup of tea & cake after the children have been swimming. 

Take a Train or Bus to Explore a New Town or City

Make a day out shopping, exploring a new place, or going on an adventure by taking a bus or train to get there! Kids love buses and trains, there's so much to see looking out of the window and it's always exciting to visit somewhere they have never been before. This is also a great opportunity to teach your children some life skills. You can set an example of how you should act on the train/bus and this will come in handy in the future. 

Play Some Indoor Games

For a quiet day indoors, most kids do love to chill out and spend some time on their gaming consoles. We stock a great range of gaming beds that come with desks & are perfect for the child who loves gaming

Beds complete with desks are also great for drawing, painting or craft activities; there are plenty of drawing tutorials available online or your child might like to design their own cartoons or comics. Of course, if there's any half-term homework that needs completing, a bed with a desk is also a quiet space to sit and concentrate.

There are also many games you can play if you want to get your kids off the screen. Monopoly, Cluedo, or Snakes & Ladders are classic games that always kill a few hours. However, more recent games like Buckaroo & Hungry Hippo always leave the kids happy.

Head to the Park

If we do get some sunshine this February half term, wrap up warm and take a trip to the park! It is a great way to burn off some energy and get some exercise. Try taking a walk in a park you haven't been to before, as new equipment is always fun to explore. Or, bring along a football for a kickabout or a bike or scooter to mess around on. Make the trip even more exciting by inviting friends to come along too, the kids can play together and the parents can have a catch-up.

Go out for a walk

Put your wellies on, wrap up warm, and take a walk in the countryside. You can download some nature trail sheets before you go and spot any animals, insects, or plants you see on your walk. This time of year, it's also a nice activity to spot the signs of spring appearing, as you might see snowdrops or daffodils popping up on paths and hedgerows. Another great place for a wintery walk is the beach. Keep those wellies and waterproofs on and have a splash in the waves or find pebbles and shells to collect and take home and decorate. When you need to warm up at the end of the day, have a hot chocolate or a plate of fish and chips in a cosy cafe.

Do Some Baking 

If the weather is bad this February half term then get your aprons on and do some baking. Baking is a great way to have fun with the children and keep them stimulated away from a computer screen. If it's your child's first time baking then you can pick up a baking pack that has instructions & all the ingredients that you will need. If your child has done baking before then get more creative with it, why not attempt to make a character from your children’s favourite TV program?

Go to the Library

The library is always a great place to visit during half term to choose some new books. Some libraries also offer arts and crafts activities, computer clubs, or storytime sessions for younger children. When you get home at the end of a busy day, one of our comfortable mid sleeper playhouse beds is the perfect place for children to curl up with their new book and have a great night's sleep, ready for another day of half-term fun and adventure.

No matter what activity you choose to do with your children this February half term, it is important that your child has a comfortable bed to get a good night's sleep after a tiring day.