Half term presents an opportunity to have a lot of fun as a family, but it can feel stressful deciding how to make the most of it. If you are unsure how to make this half term the best one yet, we’ve got plenty of great ideas to inspire you.
Whether you’re planning half term days out, relaxing at home, or planning an epic school break on a budget. Explore some of the best half term activities in the UK with CrossCountry.
Science and Industry Museum, Manchester
The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester is abuzz during half term, with plenty of little minds thinking and learning. Beginning just in time for the February school break, the interactive and entertaining Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition brings the much-loved books and TV show to life. Kids and parents can learn about the sun’s energy, explore the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and even imagine what it’s like to become an astronaut.
This exhibition runs until January 2027, making a splendid half term idea throughout all of 2026. The museum is free to enter, and there’s a treasure trove of galleries, steam engines, and ways to learn about transport, communication, and modern technology. The kids are sure to return to school with lots of impressive fun facts after a visit to this unique Manchester museum.
It’s easy to reach the Science and Industry Museum from Manchester Piccadilly. You can either catch a bus from Spinningfields that will take you straight there or catch a tram to Deansgate-Castlefield and walk six minutes.
Bristol Zoo Project, Bristol
Bristol Zoo Project is an educational haven for budding vets, zoologists, conservationists, and park rangers, offering close encounters with weird and wonderful creatures from all over the world right here in Bristol. You’re sure to discover a new favourite animal, far more incredible than a cat or dog – how about a tiny Philippine mouse deer or a towering giraffe?
As a parent, it can often feel like you’re raising a pack of wild animals - a confusion of wildebeest, a gaggle of geese, a conspiracy of lemurs. A visit to the lemur walkthrough may offer some comfort, however, because at least your youngsters don’t swing from the light fixtures the way the lemurs swing through the trees above your head.
In the tropical house, let your eyes adjust to technicolour birds, reptiles, and exotic plants, or brave the winding walkway through Bear Wood and come steps away from wolverines, lynxes, and wolves. Usually, as you might expect, you would also see the zoo’s huge brown bears, Neo, Nilas, Albie, and Gemini, but they will be in torpor (a light hibernation) throughout the February half-term and into March. Come back in the summer half-term!
To visit Bristol Zoo Project without a car, catch a train from Bristol Temple Meads to Bristol Parkway with CrossCountry, and then there are buses available to transport you to the animals.
Dartmouth Steam Railway, Paignton
No half-term is complete without a trip to the seaside. But if it’s a little wet and windy, there’s a fitting coastal alternative: the Dartmouth Steam Railway in Paignton. The heritage railway journey covers almost seven miles of the dazzling (and, perhaps, a little drizzly) English Riviera. The sound of the engine, the flurries of steam, and the plush vintage carriages will take you and your family back in time to the earlier days of railway history.
You’ll start in Paignton, which is easy to visit with CrossCountry, and the Dartmouth Steam Railway is steps from the mainline Paignton station. Then, aboard a mighty steam engine, you’ll travel to Kingswear, catch a passenger ferry across the River Dart to the charming old town of Dartmouth.
National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is the UK’s largest aquarium and an incredible half term day out, especially for children fascinated by the ocean. There’s a wide variety of marine life on display, including sharks, turtles, rays, and tropical fish, and you’re bound to see something new and intriguing.
One of the highlights is the Atlantic Ocean Zone. It’s the largest tank in the UK, and it curves round into a demi-tunnel, allowing Southern Stingrays, Sand Tiger Sharks, and Green Turtles to swim over your head literally! Additionally, the aquarium runs special events such as snorkelling sessions, zebra shark feedings, turtle feedings, and beach safaris in partnership with the Ocean Conservation Trust - a great way to teach children that it’s both fun and important to care for animals.
The National Marine Aquarium is a half-hour walk from Plymouth station, or there are various bus routes that will take you close to the aquarium.
Round the Twist, Newcastle
Got kids with endless energy? Round the Twist in Newcastle is a dream destination. As the largest indoor soft play centre in the Northeast, it’s got something fun and exciting in store for every little (or big) personality.
Suitable for ages 0-12 (though some areas require adult supervision), the venue includes a huge play frame, sensory spaces, crazy golf, and even a football pitch. While the kids play, parents can relax, have a chat, and supervise from the seating area, making it enjoyable for the whole family.
Round the Twist is also perfect for birthday parties and group outings, with plenty of kid-friendly food options available on site. It’s an ideal half-term choice for rainy days or when you want a fun, energetic indoor experience without worrying about the weather.
You can reach Round the Twist from Newcastle Central station, just catch the Metro to Palmersville, and it’s a twelve-minute walk from there. On the other side of the UK? Explore the best indoor soft play centres in Bristol.
Treetop Golf, Cardiff
For families looking for a fun, interactive activity that everyone can enjoy together, Treetop Golf in Cardiff is a fantastic option. The two 18-hole indoor crazy golf courses transport you to a range of wacky worlds with cool lighting and immersive props.
The courses are designed to be entertaining for both children and adults, making it a great family bonding experience and a chance to practise your skills. After the winner is announced, explore Treetop Golf’s food options, including the Pizza Cabana and Jungle Buzz Café.
Treetop Golf is an eight-minute walk from Cardiff Central, plus they have lots of other locations to choose from, including in Birmingham and Leicester. Alternatively, why not explore more of the best crazy golf courses in the UK?
If you’re planning things to do for half term, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here. Need more half term ideas? Explore more amazing days out for kids in the UK.
Info
At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.
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