7 fun-filled family activities to do this February half-term

The kids haven’t been back at school long following the Christmas break, but you can bet your bottom dollar they’re already looking forward to February half-term. The question is, are you ready for the upcoming week off? Unless you want your little ones to spend the whole time glued to their gadgets, you’re going to need to find some things for them to do.

If you’re currently shaking your head with despair at the thought of having to plan a fun-packed itinerary, don’t worry as we have you covered. On this page, we’ve compiled a list of activities that’ll keep children occupied and entertained over that seven-day period. Seeing as this is the first holiday since the festive season, there’s a good chance that you’re watching the pennies right now – and for that reason, we’ve added in some brilliant discounts that you can access with your Boundless membership, helping you to keep costs down.

Already a Boundless member? Simply log in to gain full access to all the offers and benefits included in your membership.

Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. As well as getting access to exclusive events, Boundless members enjoy unlimited or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, plus year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.

Get closer to nature

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With the winter frost starting to thaw, now is a great time to get outside and re-acquaint yourself with nature. Kids will love spotting the new blossoms coming through – snowdrops, crocuses and primroses are just some of the flowers that start to show up at this time of year – as well as looking out for any wildlife that may be coming out of hibernation.

Save 50% on entry to Gilbert White’s House & Gardens and attend its annual Snowdrop Weekend taking place 14-15 February with the National Art Pass.

You can also take in early spring blooms at a number of other locations. Among the best places to enjoy nature at any time of the year are the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, its sister attraction at Wakehurst, and the sites managed by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) – as well as unlimited access, you can bring a guest for half price, and benefit from a 10% discount in cafes and shops on site.

Boundless offer:

Members of Boundless Plus can enjoy National Art Pass, gaining free entry to a number of galleries, museums, and gardens, as well as 50% off exhibitions. Get year-round access to Kew Gardens and Wakehurst, along with all nine sites managed by the WWT.  

Watch a movie on the big screen

With it still being winter, there’s a pretty good chance that half-term week is going to see bad weather. That needn’t scupper your plans, though – if it’s cold or raining outside, head indoors for a cosy trip to the cinema. Among the family movies being released on the big screen in February are the animated sports comedy GOAT, and new Looney Tunes action adventure The Day the Earth Blew Up – both of which promise big-screen thrills galore.

With your Boundless membership, you can make some great savings on cinema visits (see below). Some cinema chains also run their own family-friendly initiatives – Cineworld, for example, offer family tickets and special screenings for younger kids.

Boundless offer:

Buy your tickets and snacks through The Cinema Society and you can save up to 37% on the price.

Stir their creativity

Encouraging your kids to paint, draw or make something is a fantastic pastime as it not only gets them off their consoles for an hour or two, but it also enables them to exercise their imaginations and develop new skills.

If they need some inspiration, have a look back at some of the online craft workshops we’ve shown exclusively to Boundless members in the past. Or you could even take them to a gallery such as the brilliant Young V&A, where they can explore the collection and work on their own masterpiece. If you’re carrying a National Art Pass – included in a  Boundless Plus membership – you can also visit exhibitions there for half price.

Boundless offers:

• Members can get money off shopping cards at places like Argos and John Lewis, as well as major supermarket chains, enabling you to pick up art supplies on the cheap.
• Boundless Plus members get free access to the National Art Pass, which gives you free entry at over 250 cultural venues and 50% off major exhibitions

Treat them to pancakes

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Shrove Tuesday always seems to come around sooner than anticipated, but we’re not complaining as it means we don’t have to wait as long to eat pancakes! This year, it falls on 17 February – right in the middle of half-term week – so you’ll definitely want to factor that into your holiday plans.

Instead of making your own and having to clean the kitchen afterwards, why not go out for some? You shouldn’t have to go far to find a restaurant that’s serving them – and, thanks to the tastecard subscription you get free with your Boundless membership, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to save money on your bill.

Boundless offer:

Members get free access to tastecard including Coffee Club, which enables you to get 2-for-1 dining or 25% off your food and drinks bill at selected food chains and thousands of independent restaurants.

Enjoy an excuse to get muddy

Credit: WWT

Pull on those wellies and zip up your waterproofs. Mudfest is taking place at WWT Slimbridge throughout February half-term, giving your little ones the opportunity to get messy with abandon.

From muddy puddles, to whipping up a storm in the mud kitchen (mud cake, anyone?), there will also be a mudslinging contest and the opportunity to craft your own wetland bird using clay and other natural materials.

Boundless offer:

You can embrace the mess, you and up to five children can enjoy unlimited access to all nine WWT centres with your Boundless membership, as well as getting 50% off for one additional adult guest.

Go trampolining

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If it’s too muddy for them to run around in the park or garden, another way to burn off some energy this half-term is by heading to a trampoline park.

From Airhop to Gravity Active, you can hop, spring, and flip through February half-term, enjoying everything from regular trampolines to basketball and assault courses.

Wherever you live in the UK, you shouldn’t be far away from a trampolining park – and, if you’re a Boundless member, you can save some money using the Kids Pass membership you get for free.

Boundless offer:

Members get free access to Kids Pass, which enables you to unlock thousands of discounts at bowling centres, aquariums, theme parks and many more UK attractions.

Enjoy a family holiday

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Of course, with the kids getting a whole week off school, you could always pack your bags and head off on a short break – providing you’re able to take the time off yourself. Whether you fancy a few days in a coastal caravan, glamping it up at a woodland retreat or setting off on a European adventure, a half-term holiday is a great way to recharge your batteries and bring the family together. And it needn’t cost a fortune, as you can save money using your Boundless membership.

Boundless offers:

• Members can access some great discounts on UK breaks, including up to 20% off bookings at Boundless-owned properties Whitemead Forest Park and Cotswold Cottages, on top of any limited-time offers; 20% off selected breaks at Haven; 8% off bookings with Hotels.com, and 5% off at both Hoseasons and Cottages.com
• They can also make great savings on European breaks, including up to 35% off bookings with both Eurocamp and Brittany Ferries Holidays

Do more with Boundless

If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.

With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits, including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by Britannia Rescue.