17 Things to Do at Half-Term With Kids

Half term is more than just a break from the school routine—it’s a golden opportunity to reconnect, recharge, and make memories together. Across the UK, cities, coastlines, and countryside open up a world of discovery, offering everything from hands-on science adventures to muddy outdoor escapades. Whether your family prefers the buzz of an interactive museum, the calm of a botanical garden, or a meal filled with laughter, there’s something here to spark joy for everyone.

This list brings together 17 fantastic ideas to make your week unforgettable. You’ll find attractions that mix play with learning, creativity with exercise, and excitement with togetherness. And it all starts with one of the most original, energetic, and family-friendly activities in the country—Sixes Cricket.

1. Step Up to the Crease at Sixes Cricket

There’s no better way to start half-term than with something that gets everyone moving, laughing, and maybe a little competitive. Sixes Cricket has turned one of Britain’s favourite sports into a high-energy, social experience that’s perfect for families.

Picture this: you step into a sleek venue where music fills the air and excitement builds. In the batting nets, a virtual bowler appears on screen. You grip the digital bat, take your stance, and swing. The system tracks your shot in real time, projecting your score on a big screen. It’s part game, part sport, and completely addictive.

What makes Sixes truly special is how inclusive it feels. You don’t need to know your wickets from your wides to join in. Young children can hit slower deliveries, teenagers can crank up the pace, and parents can test their reflexes while pretending it’s all just for fun. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive—the goal is laughter, not perfection.

Once the innings are over, everyone gathers for food that’s as satisfying as the game. The menu blends family favourites and quality ingredients: burgers stacked high, hand-cut chips, sharing platters, and indulgent desserts. Adults can unwind with a drink while kids compare scores and celebrate their best shots.

Venues can be found in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leicester, and Southampton, each with its own lively design and friendly staff who know how to make families feel welcome.

Tip: Book ahead—half term is one of the busiest times, and family packages often sell out quickly. Check for early-afternoon deals or meal bundles that make it an even better value.

Sixes Cricket sets the tone for the week—energetic, social, and full of shared fun that goes beyond the screen.

2. Natural History Museum, London

Step into the heart of discovery at one of the most loved museums in Britain. The Natural History Museum is where learning feels like adventure. As soon as you walk through its grand Romanesque arches, you’re greeted by the majestic blue whale skeleton suspended above Hintze Hall.

Inside, kids can marvel at glittering minerals, meet the iconic T. rex, and explore galleries filled with incredible specimens from every corner of the planet. For half term, the museum adds extra activities like themed trails, pop-up science zones, and creative workshops where children can handle real fossils or learn how the Earth’s ecosystems work.

Entry is free (though donations are welcome), and the family facilities are excellent—with buggy access, picnic spaces, and cafes that make refuelling easy. For parents, it’s a stress-free way to fill a day with awe and inspiration while sneaking in a little education too.

3. Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster

If your kids love animals, Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a must. Unlike traditional zoos, it’s built around large open habitats that feel immersive and natural. Here, you can walk through enclosures where lemurs leap overhead, spot lions basking in the sun, and even come face to face with polar bears.

The park focuses on conservation and animal welfare, making it both fun and meaningful. Half-term visitors can enjoy special themed days, feeding sessions, and talks by keepers that bring every species’ story to life.

With playgrounds, food outlets, and shaded picnic areas, it’s a full day’s adventure that blends the thrill of wildlife with the comfort families need. Don’t forget your camera—every corner is a photo opportunity waiting to happen.

4. The Eden Project, Cornwall

Deep in Cornwall’s rolling hills lies one of the UK’s most extraordinary attractions—the Eden Project. Built inside a reclaimed clay pit, its two giant biomes recreate entire global ecosystems under glass. In one, you’ll wander through a lush rainforest complete with waterfalls and banana trees; in the other, the warm air and olive trees transport you to the Mediterranean.

It’s not just about plants. The Eden Project’s mission is to inspire environmental awareness through fun, hands-on learning. Children can take part in science experiments, climb through canopy walkways, and join special half-term workshops that combine creativity with sustainability.

Outside, adventure play areas and zip lines add excitement for older kids, while the garden paths offer peace and beauty for parents. It’s one of those rare destinations where you leave feeling both entertained and enlightened.

5. Science and Industry Museum, Manchester

Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum is where invention comes alive. Located in the heart of the city, this family favourite celebrates innovation through interactive exhibits that get hands—and minds—working.

Children can experiment with forces and motion, test how engines work, or see how the city helped spark the Industrial Revolution. The museum’s “Experiment” gallery is a must for curious minds: touchscreens, puzzles, and physical challenges make learning feel like play.

Half-term holidays often feature special family sessions—think mini coding workshops, engineering challenges, or science shows that fill the room with laughter and discovery. Admission is free, making it one of the best-value days out in the North West.

For parents, the atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive, with on-site cafes, picnic zones, and a shop packed with science kits and quirky gifts.

6. Beamish, The Living Museum of the North (County Durham)

For families who love history, Beamish is pure magic. It’s not a traditional museum—it’s an entire recreated world. Step into a tram, wander down cobbled streets, and meet costumed storytellers who bring past centuries vividly to life.

Children can visit a 1900s sweet shop for old-fashioned treats, ride a horse-drawn cart, or peer into homes from different eras. Each section of Beamish explores a different time: the Georgian farm, the 1900s town, the 1940s pit village.

During half term, Beamish runs themed family activities such as crafts, storytelling, and live demonstrations of blacksmithing or baking. It’s immersive, educational, and enormous fun—the kind of day where learning sneaks in through laughter and curiosity.

Insider tip: bring comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure. Beamish is large, but trams and vintage buses help little legs along the way.

7. Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter (Hertfordshire)

If you’ve got a young wizard or witch in the house, this is the ultimate treat. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour offers an extraordinary behind-the-scenes look at how the Harry Potter films were made—and it never fails to delight both children and adults.

Walk through the Great Hall, peek inside Dumbledore’s office, and wander Diagon Alley as snowflakes fall or owls swoop overhead (depending on the seasonal displays). Props, costumes, and special effects exhibits reveal how cinematic magic is created.

During school holidays, extra interactive features or workshops are often added—from wand choreography to green-screen broomstick flying. Book well in advance; tickets are in high demand year-round.

The on-site café serves Hogwarts-inspired treats (yes, there’s butterbeer), and the gift shop is a wonderland in itself.

8. RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey

For families craving fresh air and calm beauty, Wisley is a delight. One of the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship gardens, it offers wide open spaces, spectacular planting, and plenty for children to explore.

Half-term visitors can join garden trails, attend storytelling sessions, or take part in craft workshops inspired by nature. The sprawling Glasshouse brings a tropical twist, while the dedicated play zones encourage hands-on interaction.

Parents will love the peaceful walks, the colourful displays, and the family-friendly café that makes even the pickiest eaters happy. If you’re looking for a gentle, green day out within easy reach of London, Wisley hits the mark.

9. SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Right in the centre of the capital, SEA LIFE London Aquarium takes you beneath the waves without leaving the city. The walk-through glass tunnel—where sharks and rays glide overhead—is unforgettable for children, and the penguin enclosure never fails to raise smiles.

Beyond the wow factor, SEA LIFE focuses on conservation, with exhibits that teach kids about protecting marine life. Touch pools let them get up close to starfish, while the jellyfish and coral displays are mesmerising for all ages.

Booking online in advance is cheaper, and it’s a good idea to go early in the day to avoid crowds. The location, beside the London Eye and South Bank, makes it easy to pair with other attractions or a riverside picnic.

10. The Lake District National Park, Cumbria

For outdoorsy families, few destinations beat the Lake District. The scenery—shimmering lakes, rolling hills, and quaint villages—invites exploration at every turn.

Families can take a lake cruise, hire bikes, or tackle gentle walking routes such as the Tarn Hows circuit or the Keswick Railway Path. Picnic spots abound, and local cafes serve hearty lunches perfect for refuelling after adventure.

Children will love feeding ducks by Windermere or discovering Beatrix Potter’s world at the author’s Hill Top home. Older kids might enjoy a climbing session, paddleboarding lesson, or even a guided fell walk.

A handy idea: choose one main activity a day and allow unstructured time for spontaneous fun. Sometimes the best half-term moments are the unplanned ones—skimming stones, building dens, or spotting sheep on a hillside.

11. Tate Liverpool

Art meets play at Tate Liverpool, where creativity takes centre stage for all ages. This waterfront gallery combines bold exhibitions with interactive areas that encourage kids to think, draw, and create.

During half term, there are usually drop-in workshops and free family trails designed to make art accessible and enjoyable. Children can explore colours, textures, and ideas while adults appreciate world-class modern art.

Admission is free, and the Albert Dock setting means you’re surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and stunning views of the Mersey. Combine a gallery visit with a walk along the docks or a stop at the nearby Maritime Museum for a full day out.

12. Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Buckinghamshire

Step into the wonderful world of Roald Dahl in Great Missenden, the village where the author lived and wrote many of his famous stories. The museum and story centre is small but full of charm, designed especially for families and young readers.

Children can peer into Dahl’s original writing hut, learn about his creative process, and explore hands-on exhibits that encourage them to write their own stories. There are dressing-up corners, wordplay games, and workshops where imagination takes flight.

During half term, storytelling sessions bring beloved tales like Matilda, The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to life. It’s a place where reading feels like an adventure—perfect for sparking creativity in children who might need a little encouragement to pick up a book.

Tip: Pair your visit with a wander through Great Missenden village, which inspired many of Dahl’s settings, and finish with hot chocolate at the café next door.

13. Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh

For families with a love of science, Dynamic Earth is one of Scotland’s standout attractions. This immersive experience takes visitors on a time-travelling journey through the history of our planet—from the Big Bang to the present day.

Children can walk through a glacial ice cave, witness a volcano erupting, or board a “time machine” that whisks them through Earth’s dramatic evolution. The interactive exhibits make complex science accessible and thrilling, with plenty of moments that make kids gasp in wonder.

Half-term activities often include themed science shows, 3D films in the planetarium, and craft workshops about space or sustainability. It’s educational, yes, but it feels like a cinematic adventure.

Located at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, Dynamic Earth also offers easy access to one of Edinburgh’s most famous viewpoints—ideal for a family walk after your visit.

14. Bristol Aquarium

A visit to Bristol Aquarium offers the perfect mix of discovery and tranquillity, especially on a rainy half-term day. The giant tanks are filled with mesmerising displays of tropical fish, seahorses, rays, and coral reefs.

You can wander through the underwater tunnel where shoals of fish swirl around you, or stop at the touch pool to feel starfish and sea anemones up close. Each area is themed, from the coral seas to native British waters, with information that’s engaging for children and easy to digest for parents.

The aquarium’s conservation focus also helps children understand the importance of protecting the oceans—turning fascination into care for the natural world. Combine your visit with a stroll along Bristol’s harbourside, where street performers and family-friendly cafes create a lively backdrop.

15. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Blenheim Palace offers grandeur, gardens, and history all in one glorious setting. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, it’s steeped in heritage—but don’t worry, it’s far from stuffy.

For families, the palace grounds are the main attraction. Expansive lawns, a maze, and half-term treasure trails keep children entertained while adults soak up the beauty of the architecture and parkland. Seasonal events often include falconry displays, outdoor theatre, or themed family days.

Inside the palace, interactive tours help younger visitors engage with history. The on-site cafés and picnic areas make it easy to spend a leisurely day exploring.

Insider note: The family annual pass is a great value if you plan to return—Blenheim’s seasonal events are excellent year-round.

16. RHS Garden Bridgewater, Manchester

RHS Bridgewater is a relatively new addition to the UK’s great gardens but has quickly become a family favourite. Set in the historic grounds of Worsley New Hall, it’s a beautiful blend of design, ecology, and open space perfect for a half-term stroll.

Children can explore themed gardens, splash through water features, or join half-term workshops that teach planting and wildlife care in fun, accessible ways. The Woodland Play Zone is a highlight, encouraging creative play among the trees.

Parents appreciate the calm atmosphere, excellent facilities, and the sense of escaping the city without travelling far. For budding gardeners, it’s an inspiring way to spend a few hours outdoors.

17. National Space Centre, Leicester

End your half-term with a trip that’s truly out of this world. The National Space Centre in Leicester takes families on a journey through rockets, planets, and astronaut life. Inside its striking Rocket Tower and interactive galleries, science meets spectacle in the best possible way.

Children can try their hand at controlling a Mars rover, walk through a mock space station, or experience a 360-degree planetarium show that’s both thrilling and educational. The hands-on exhibits make space exploration feel personal and exciting.

Half-term events often feature themed missions or meet-and-greet sessions with real scientists, helping kids see that STEM isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about imagination and adventure.

It’s an inspiring finale to the week: bright, bold, and bursting with curiosity.

Make Half Term Count—Start with Sixes Cricket

From cricket to castles, wildlife to wizardry, half-term is your chance to mix play, learning, and exploration across the UK. Each destination on this list offers something unique—whether it’s discovering dinosaurs in London, wandering through tropical gardens in Cornwall, or stargazing in Leicester.

The key to a memorable half-term is balance: a mix of energetic days and quieter moments, a dash of spontaneity alongside a little planning. Start your week with the energy and laughter of Sixes Cricket—it sets the tone perfectly for family connection.

Wherever you go, remember that the best memories often come not just from what you do, but from who you share it with. Britain is brimming with family adventures waiting to be discovered—and this half term is your invitation to dive in.