11 ideas for some family fun this February half term

It may feel like it’s not been that long since the children went back to school but before you know it it’ll be half term! If you are stuck for ideas on what to see and do with the children this February half term we’ve put together a handy guide to some of family-friendly activities you can do in and around Wiltshire:

1. Take on the Gingerbread Race at Roves Farm

See Roves Farm, near Swindon, bring this classic tale to life over the February half term. January is a busy lambing time at the farm as well so spot many of the newly born arrivals on your visit here too.

2. Get creative at The Salisbury Museum

Join The Salisbury Museum for a drop-in day of creativity on 14 February as you help them to create a life-size version of John Constable’s painting of Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows in Lego!

3. Spot butterflies at Studley Grange

See how many species of butterfly you can spot on a visit to Studley Grange, near Wroughton. The centre will also be running various events for half term and for smaller children there’s the enticing soft play area – perfect for warming up on a cold February day!

4. Get hands-on with some aircraft

Get up close to a variety of aircraft and practice your make-believe flying abilities on a trip to Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, near Salisbury. Children young and old will enjoy being able to handle a lot of the exhibits and hear from the volunteer guides about the fascinating history of some of these aircraft.

5. Climb a tree

A short hop from the Wiltshire border and you will be at The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. On Monday 20 February (which is in the Hampshire half term) there’s the opportunity to climb a tree using ropes, knots and karabiners.

6. Discover your inner palaeontologist in Devizes

Love fossils? Then check out Wiltshire Museum’s Fascinating Fossils exhibition and learn about some of the dinosaurs found in Wiltshire. You can even take part in the 'Design Your Own Dinosaur' competition to be in with a chance of winning a very cute woolly mammoth! In addition to this exhibition, you'll find interactive areas including dressing up boxes and other children's activities.



7. Go off-road cycling around the Cotswold Water Park

Enjoy some traffic-free (and generally flat) cycling routes around the Cotswold Water Park. Pick up a cycling map from the Gateway Centre at the Park or download it in advance from the website.

8. Hire a canoe and explore the Kennet & Avon Canal

For a couple of hours explore the tranquil waterways of the Kennet & Avon Canal by Canadian canoe with hire from Devizes Marina Village (have a read of Florence’s blog here). After working up an appetite, warm up over a pot of tea and a homemade cake at the Marina Café.

9. Let off some steam

Let off some steam at STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway. This museum details the fascinating history of Brunel and his impacts on Swindon. Climb aboard locomotives, ‘drive’ a steam train and get hands-on with a variety of activities. What’s more, the museum is all indoors so is a great option for a rainy day.

10. Embark on a spy mission in Lacock

Take the family on a mission around the pretty village of Lacock with a Spy Mission Treasure Trail. See if you can solve all of the clues on the self-guided mission. The trail takes approximately 90 minutes and afterwards why not enjoy a spot of cake in one of the village’s tea rooms or pubs?

11. Hone your golfing skills

Whether a beginner or improver at golf, head to Cumberwell Park Golf Club on Tuesday 14 February for a Junior Fun Day where you can enjoy an all day coaching session.

We hope we’ve given you some ideas for just some of the things you can see and do in the area. Don’t forget to keep an eye on our what’s on pages as well for other events that are taking place and discover more about family-friendly things to do. If you are looking for places to stay, check out our accommodation pages for some family accommodation.