Have you got children under 5 and wondering where to take them on a day out over half-term? Even if you don’t have any children at school, you will still be aware it’s half-term by the number of children around! But you can also take advantage of the many activities and ‘half-term’ specials on for children. So read on for our pick of the best days out for under 5s over half-term.
Indoor Picks – Half-Term Days Out For Under 5s
1. Get Active At A Trampoline Park
Whatever the weather this half-term, your under five can burn off tons of energy at your local trampoline centre. Trampoline parks often have toddler and parent sessions, usually earlier in the morning, so you can avoid the crowds. Be prepared though that most centres will ask parents to accompany younger children on the trampolines. So get your bouncing socks ready! Click here for Gravity play centres nationwide.
2. Snuggle Up With A Book At Your Local Book Shop Or Library
What could be better than snuggling up on a beanbag or chair at your local library or book shop? With so many independent book shops out there now (some catering exclusively for children), you’re sure of a warm welcome and great book recommendations. Remember many local libraries also offer regular rhyme time sessions for under 5s.
3. Learn Lots At Your Local Museum
Your local museum is usually on the pulse when it comes to attracting younger visitors. Some may offer half-term activities for children too (e.g. crafts like making a valentine’s card). If you want a larger place, try out somewhere like The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford (free, but book ahead) or the basement of the Science museum which has a play area (The Garden) specially designed for younger children.
4. Relax Into Your Regular Toddler Class With A Half-Term Twist
Some classes for under fives will continue running over the half-term holidays, while others might offer a separate, bookable half-term one-off session. Check here for what’s on near you. Remember that the routine and space these sessions offer for you as a parent and child can be especially valuable during the holidays!
5. Soak Up The Soft Play
Every town has a soft play centre, usually in an old industrial unit or out-of-town leisure park (think high ceilings to absorb noise and high-up play areas). The beauty of soft play centres is that you know what to expect come rain or shine. Totally geared to your little one (with suitable seating and refreshments for parents), spend an hour or three while your under five releases all that end of term energy. Again, opt for quieter sessions if possible like early bird/early morning slots.
Indoor/Outdoor Picks – Half-Term Days Out For Under 5s
1. Love The Brick Building At Legoland
Wrap up warm for Legoland. It’s sure to be less busy than during the popular summer months, particularly if you go for a toddler/parent off-peak ticket or pass. Legoland is running Brick Days this February half-term, which includes brick building challenges. Find out more here.
2. Explore Your Local Heritage Site – Half-Term Days Out For Under 5s
From mills to railways and model villages, there are lots of open-air (and indoor) attractions up and down the country which love welcoming under fives at all times of year. Try Beamish Open Air Museum (open for extended weekends Friday-Sunday) in North East England for the story of 1820s to 1950s daily life. Or check out the Ironbridge Valley Of Invention in Shropshire with its multitude of science and engineering-related museums and Victorian town. Places like Jordan’s Mill have lots of outdoor muddy and wooded areas, perfect for burning off energy – often with extra activities on during school holidays. Also check out play areas and adventure playgrounds made of wood and natural materials.
Outdoor Picks – Half-Term Days Out For Under 5s
1. Scoot Around At Your Local Skatepark
With investment in local play areas and skateboarding parks, there are loads of skate slopes up and down the country. You’ll often find older children prefer to hang out here later on in the day – leaving the area pretty free for younger children in the morning! Here at Happity we’ve spent a good few hours (even in winter months) practising scooter skills with our under 5s on the gentler slopes. Perfect for building up confidence. Just remember your gloves!
2. Run Around And Wassail At A National Trust Garden
Many National Trust properties have closed up their house for the winter, but the gardens and park will still be open. Lots of properties have February half-term activities on too. So why not go for a brisk play and explore of the grounds before heading inside to the café? Some places have Wassail events to celebrate and encourage a good harvest for the year ahead. Expect lots of pot-banging and noise making that your under five can join in with!
3. Go Snowdrop Hunting
Whether it’s a walled garden or local area of woodland, now’s the time to look out for snowdrops. You’ll find some local places open their doors just for January and February, with many walled gardens doing an under 5s go free offer. Read more here about the benefits of being outside for children in all weathers. Try a spot of den building if you’re in a wood.
4. Spot A Plane At Your Local Transport Or Air Museum
Is your under five into planes, buses and cars? We thought so. The beauty of local transport or air museums is that they often open all year round for the real enthusiasts. So wrap up warm and watch those amateur pilots take off and land – hours of fun. If the museum has hangers, head inside for a bit. Or there’s usually a café of course. Did you know that the UK has over 40 aviation museums plus local collections like Shuttleworth? So there’s bound to be something near you.
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
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