How to do February half term on a budget (free and cheap family activities)
If the thought of February half term is already making your bank balance nervous, you’re not alone. After Christmas, January’s bills, and the general cost of everything, half term can feel like yet another expense we could all do without.
The good news is, you really dont need to spend a fortune to keep the kids entertained. There are loads of free activities, cheap days out and holiday deals around February so here’s how to do half term on a budget.
Half-price bowling at Hollywood Bowl
Bowling is always a winner with kids and during half term you can get half price games at Hollywood Bowl using the code FEBFUN50
Top tip - you need to book before 11am, but I think this is actually a great way to dodge busy periods and peak-time pricing!
Free activities at IKEA
IKEA is a brilliant day out during half term as they have so many free activities running including build a buddy, face-painting, colour trails, friendship bracelet making and much more! There’s even options for older kids too with a 16+ paint and sip!
Top tip - once you’re done, the kids can eat in the restaurant for just 95p
Free pet pals workshops
Pets at Home is running their popular Pet Pals workshops this half term which are completely free! These are 45 minute sessions where kids can learn about pet play, care, and animal behaviour. They’re fun but are also really educational and definitely ideal if you’ve got animal lovers at home.
Note that spaces are limited so it’s worth booking ahead.
Free family traveller live event
If you have O2 Priority you can get free tickets to the Family Traveller Live event at the Allianz Stadium. This is meant to be a great day out full of family-focused activities so it’s perfect if you’re wanting something a bit different that won’t cost you anything!
Free Jurassic event
If you have a dinosaur lover in the house, or are looking to fill an hour without spending money, you have to check if you’re local Smyths toy shop is running a Jurassic-themed event during half term (19th-23rd February). It’s completely free, but only selected stores are taking part so check before you go.
Free Lego event
Lego stores are running a Build a Heart activity on 13th and 14th February and you get to take it home with you afterwards. It’s a free, hands-on workshop kids can take part in. And the bonus is they get to keep what they make!
Where kids eat cheap (or free) this half term
Food costs can easily make days out expensive so these deals are well worth knowing about.
Asda Cafe lets kids eat for £1 with no minimum spend on hot food or cold! The great thing about their cold deal is it’s pick and mix so if you’re heading out for the day, grab the cold meal and you’ve got a £1 picnic sorted!
Other great food deals such as free Pizza Hut for kids after 3pm and MANY more deals can be found on this blog.
Bigger days out (but lower prices)
If you’re looking for a treat, Alton Towers Pirate Takeover tickets are still available from just £18! This is ideal if you pay full prices for tickets when you end up in CBeebies Land the whole time anyway!
You can also get short overnight breaks at the Alton Towers resort from £269 which include theme park tickets, a hotel stay, waterpark access, and golf!
Parkdean resorts
Parkdean is running their Feb Fest and the prices are surprisingly affordable! You can get 4-night breaks from £131 for a family of 4 and 3 night breaks from £118!
Some breaks include Paw Patrol meet and greets too! So if you want a little break away without flying abroad or spending hundreds this is a great option!
Overall half term doesn’t have to cost the earth. By mixing free events into at home fun you can keep the kids happy without putting yourself under financial pressure
