Fun, Free and Cheap Family Activities in Yorkshire this February Half Term
With the cost of what seems like everything going up, we’ve all had to look for ways to cut back on spending, but that doesn’t need to come at the expense of spending time as a family
National Science and Media Museum
11th–19th February
Free
Have an out-of-this-world half term at the National Science and Media Museum. With a special event all about space you can join the Astronaut Training Centre and learn about astronauts and space travel, or have a go at making a badge inspired by past and current space missions.
Little Horton Lane, Bradford BD1 1NQ
0330 058 0058
York Art Gallery
£6 entry, then all activities free
10th February–4th June
York Art Gallery’s special exhibition, Marvellous and Mischievous: Literature’s Young Rebels, kicks off this half term and it will spotlight famous rebels in children’s literature. Alongside the exhibition there is an exciting range of events and workshops tailored to all ages, giving families the chance to unleash their creativity through.
Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EW
01904 687687
Beverley Library
11th February
Free
Dive into the ocean at Beverley Library’s Half Term Storytime. Discover the creatures of the sea in the Bounce and Rhyme session and get set to go on an adventure with The Snail and The Whale, celebrating 20 years of the popular book. This free event is perfect for entertaining little ones and there’s no need to book – just drop in.
Champney Road, Beverley HU17 8HE
01482 392750
Kirkstall Abbey
11–19th February
£2.50 under 18s, free for under fives and free for Leeds residents
Head to Kirkstall Abbey this half term for a week of bird-based family fun. As part of Love Birds Week, search for feathered friends among the ruins and see if you can spot the hidden British birds. On Tuesday 14th February, Wise Owl Birds of Prey Rescue will be in the cloisters with some of their amazing animals which you will be able to handle.
Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH
0113 378 4079
Wakefield Rhubarb Festival
17–19th February
Free
Rhubarb lovers rejoice, Wakefield’s celebration of its most famous vegetable returns this half term including the all-important food and drink market with more than 60 chalets selling local and regional treats. Families will love the array of workshops and children activities available throughout the weekend – expect face painting, craft activities, storytelling and performing arts sessions.
Wakefield City Centre
Hornsea Hub Swimming Pool
11th–19th February
£3.70 or less, £14.50 for families
Not sure how to entertain the kids this half term? Going swimming is a great activity whatever the weather and from the public swim to aqua babies, a rafts and toys session, as well as a huge pool inflatable, there are so many swimming activities for families at Hornsea Hub.
Hornsea HU18 1RU
01482 393939
Railway Museum
11th–19th February
Free
How will we power the railways of the future? Head to the Railway Museum this half term and take part in fun hands-on activities as they investigate the theme of decarbonisation, alternative fuels and sustainability, alongside new objects on display in the Innovation Platform exhibition. While the museum is free, make sure to book your tickets online before you go.
Leaman Road, York YO26 4XJ
0330 058 0058
Spilmans
11th–19th February
£6.50
See what lambing time is like on the farm at Spilmans. With 74 expectant ewes, this half term you can see lambs born every day, as well as enjoying photo opportunities and arts and crafts for all the family. Farmer Joss Spilman will also be giving live talks everyday with Bob the shepherd so it’s a great opportunity to learn lots of fun and interesting facts about the sheep.
Church Farm, Sessay, Thirsk YO7 3NB
07754 857284
Jorvik Viking Festival
11th–19th February
Both free and paid for events
Jorvik Viking Festival is a city-wide celebration of York’s rich Norse heritage and it will be back for for nine days of activities this half term. Put your whiskers to the test in the Best Beard Competition or explore exquisite Viking goods at the 10th century Traders Stalls. The Vikings will also return to muster their fearsome armies with a march to Coppergate through the city centre.
Yorkwide
01904 615505
The Tetley
15th–18th February
Free
This February half term join The Tetley for a kids big-build make and play project. Children aged five to 11 can get active and collaborate with The Tetley team using junk materials to create a large scale art installation over four days. For younger kids there is the Tiny Tetley Studio which is the Tetley’s dedicated under fives space.
Hunslet Road, Leeds LS10 1JQ
0113 320 2323
