10 fun activities for an unforgettable February half term in 2025

Tuesday 21st January 2025

Whether you're looking for a fun day trip or a family-friendly getaway for a few nights, there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy across the North and Scotland.

Fancy heading outdoors to enjoy the fresh pre-spring weather? Or how about making the most of the UK’s top museums in one of the fabulous cities along our network? To give you a hand choosing, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite things to do this February half term with children of all ages.

And, not to worry, they’re all brilliantly budget-friendly!

  1. Craft your own delicious treats in York

  2. When it comes to looking at places to visit for a February half-term escape, York is high up on the list. The picturesque city is delightfully compact yet brimming with attractions for all ages. Famed for its chocolatiers, a trip to York Cocoa House is a must-do if you’re in the city. This charming chocolate shop offers affordable workshops for both kids and adults. Enjoy a chocolate lollipop-making workshop for just a fiver per person and indulge in the enticing discounts on edible souvenirs from the shop.

    Location: 10 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RG
    Opening times: Daily: 9am-5.30pm
    Cost: £5 per person for the chocolate lollipop-making workshop

  3. Make the most of the North’s fabulous free museums

  4. For February half-term activities that are equally fun and educational, consider a museum day out. There are so many UK cities that are jam-packed with world-class, free-entry museums – and many of them are a train ride away from home.

    Scotland’s major cities offer a wealth of family-friendly museums. In Edinburgh, you can visit the interactive Dynamic Earth Science Centre, where the volcano exhibit is unmissable, and the National Museum of Scotland, home to life-size models of dinosaurs. Glasgow also has plenty to offer, with the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum showcasing everything from fearsome wildlife models to a suspended Spitfire from WWII. An unforgettable day out for the whole family.

  5. Cruise down the River Mersey in Liverpool

  6. If the little ones are a bit young to wander around Liverpool’s museums, why not enjoy an adventure on the River Mersey instead?

    The Mersey Ferry River Explorer cruise is 50 minutes long (just enough time to keep the kids entertained) and is led by a knowledgeable local guide who will have plenty of fun facts to share about Liverpool. You can choose to disembark across the river in Seacombe to tick off some of the Wirral’s attractions, like the Eureka! Science + Discovery Centre, or head straight back to Liverpool to stroll around the iconic Royal Albert Dock.

    Location: Pier Head, Georges Parade, Liverpool, L3 1DP
    Opening times: Daily: 10am-5pm (depending on the season)
    Cost: £36 for a family ticket (2 adults and up to 2 children, free for under 5s)

  7. Be at one with nature

  8. If the weather is fine, why not spend the February half term in the great outdoors? The North is blessed with no shortage of gorgeous green spaces, from breathtaking National Parks like the Lake District to stunning public places like Glasgow Green.

    Hop on the train to Carlisle, Penrith or Oxenholme for easy access to some of the best walking and biking trails in Cumbria. Prefer to stay local? Lush green fields and fun play areas await in city locales like Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park, Liverpool’s St James Mount and Gardens and Sheffield Botanical Gardens.

  9. See the amazing marine life at SEA LIFE Centre Scarborough

  10. If you travel to Scarborough on the East Coast, you’ll find a bounty of kid-friendly things to do this February half term. As well as meeting the swans and geese in pretty Peasholm Park or playing some old-fashioned penny-drop games at the arcades along South Bay, you could pop into the SEA LIFE Scarborough. Situated at the top of North Bay Beach and featuring epic sea vistas, it’s home to some truly magnificent marine life.

    There’s always a range of promotional offers to enjoy too. Look out for free tickets in selected packets of Kellogg’s cereal, use your Tesco Clubcard points to pay for entry, or take advantage of the Parent + Toddler ticket for £16 online.

    Location: Scalby Mills Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 6RP
    Opening times: Times vary by day and season
    Cost: Advance adult ticket from £16, kids (2-14 years) from £14, free for under 2s


  11. Take a trip to the beach

  12. There’s nothing like a blustery day out at the beach with the family in February half term. Yes, you might not be stretching out on the sand and enjoying the sun’s rays, but you’ll get out in nature and see some stunning views at the same time.

    You could journey to Scarborough for breezy yet beautiful walks along the coastal path. Why not head to Formby to see the dunes and try to spot red squirrels? Or visit St. Anne’s Beach for wide stretches of sand ideal for family walks. Blackpool Beach is perfect for a beach walk to see the sights too. And as Blackpool Pleasure Beach isn’t open until the start of March, it’s a quieter time to visit this seaside town.



  13. Let out your wild side at Knowsley Safari Park

  14. Get up close and personal with extraordinary wildlife at Knowsley Safari Park where you can take part in a Foot Safari along the Tiger Trail (if you dare!) or explore their incredible nature walks, rides and animal displays.

    Just 30 minutes from Liverpool or 45 minutes from Manchester, be sure not to miss their latest edition, the Bear Country Foot Safari, where there's the opportunity to watch South American Andean Bears enjoying their climbing platforms or having a bite to eat as they lounge together in their new home.

    Location: Knowsley Safari, Prescot, L34 4AN
    Opening times: Fri-Sat: 10:30am-4pm (last safari admission: 2:30pm, last entry to safari drive: 3pm
    Cost: Varies by peak/off-peak times. Adults from £15, kids (3-15 years) from £15, toddlers £2 and babies (under 1) go free. (Rides cost extra).

  15. Hang out at Go Ape

  16. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush this February half-term, an adventure at one of several Northern Go Ape destinations is a fantastic choice for all ages. Head to Scunthorpe and visit Normaby Hall Go Ape for Treetop Adventures fit for young children and Treetop Challenges for ages 10 and up. It’s a thrilling experience for everyone!

    Prefer staying firmly on the ground? Don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do that don’t require any monkey business. Stroll around the 300-acre country park estate, walk through the deer park, or sit and relax at the stable yard café.

    Location: Normanby Hall Country Park, Normanby Park, Normanby, Scunthorpe, DN15 9HU
    Opening times: Times vary by day and season. Head to their website to check availability
    Cost: Treetop Challenge from £34, Treetop Adventure from £20

  17. Paint the town at one of Manchester’s art galleries

  18. Looking for February half-term ideas to bring out your creative side? The North is brimming with art galleries where you can take part in activities, workshops, or simply admire the art.

    Manchester is well-known for its bubbling art scene. Manchester Art Gallery has loads of workshops and events taking place throughout February, like the Creative Families Holiday Programme Workshops. The Lion’s Den (Clore Art Studio) at Manchester Art Gallery is a vibrant space in the city centre, where families can create and connect. With talented artists hosting creative sessions using various materials and techniques, each session offers something new. No booking needed – just go along and join in!

    If you have even younger children, the gallery also holds sensory play sessions at their Baby Social. Running on the first and third Wednesday of each month, this is a great way for parents to meet and relax.

    Location: Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3JL
    Opening times: Tues-Sun: 10am-5pm
    Cost: Free!

  19. Check out what’s on at the theatre

  20. There’s no business like show business!

    A great way to keep the kids entertained through the February half term is a trip to the theatre with the family. Head to any of the North’s magnificent cities to catch a live show, including Sheffield where the Lyceum Theatre has a loaded calendar of shows for all ages and interests.

    Catch the brand-new production of beloved family favourite, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, over the February half-term period – which is flying into Sheffield with a star-studded cast. Enjoy accessible showings with audio description, captioning and sign language interpretation too.

    Location: 55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA
    Opening times: Running from Tues 18th Feb-Sat 1st Mar 2025
    Cost: Tickets start at £15

With so many activities and locations to choose from across our network, it will be hard to choose how to fill your February half term in 2025! Book your train now to any of our destinations to avoid disappointment.

For more inspiration on what to do in specific locations, check out the best things to do in Manchester or the best day trips from Leeds.

Stay in the loop

Subscribe to our emails to get access to special offers, exclusive competitions, and the best travel tips directly to your inbox.

TransPennine Express Privacy Policy