What's On: February Half Term 2026
- Boom Blog
- Feb 7
- 11 min read
Updated: Feb 16
Here's everything you need to know to keep your little ones busy during half term! Let's keep everything crossed for some blue skies!
THE BIG ATTRACTIONS
Bluebells Dairy
Junior Shepherd Week
Sat 15 to Sun 23 Feb
Watch lambs take their first steps and let little ones experience life on the farm through farming role play activities.
Book here
Bolsover Castle
Margaret Cavendish’s Mind Lab
Sat 14 - Sun 22 Feb – 11am to 3pm
Step into the mind of Margaret Cavendish this half-term with our interactive family friendly activities. Every day from the 14th of February until the 22nd, 11am – 3pm, the exhibition will be converted into a science lab, where you can have a go at real experiments that relate to Cavendish’s philosophy and ideas. Expect curiosity cabinets, magnet magic and mind-blowing marshmallows!
Save 15% off if you book in advance - Book here
Cromford Mills FREE
Winter Wildlife Adventures
Sat 15 to Sun 23 Feb – 11am to 3pm
activities inspired by how animals survive the winter months. Perfect for curious minds and outdoor explorers of all ages. Find out more here
Derby Market Place
St Valentine’s Fair
Thur 12 - Sun 22 Feb
This vibrant fair brings classic funfair thrills to the heart of the city, with rides and attractions for all ages - from heart-pounding spins to gentle children’s favourites.
Heights of Abraham
The Victorians are back!
Sat14 to Fri 20 Feb
Meet them at the summit. Take an overland tour with Mr Bryan and discover all the local gossip with a conversation with Mrs Brassington.
Alongside Victorian antics, they have toasting marshmallows available and special hot chocolates too, perfect for keeping warm in February!
Book here
Midland Railway, Butterley
Winter Warmer Steam Trains
Various dates from Sat 14 Feb - Mon 23 Feb
Whether you’re introducing little ones to steam for the first time or reliving fond railway memories, it’s a great half-term adventure for all generations.
Book here
Peak Wildlife Park
Put your detective skills to the test
Sat 14 & Sun 22 Feb
Can you crack the Capybara Code? Follow the trail around the park and uncover fascinating capybara facts along the way… then collect the missing letters from each sign, solve the anagram, and reveal the secret word!
Included in General Admission (we think!)
Book here
Hardwick Hall
February Half Term
Normal admission charges apply
Sat 14 Feb
Half term has never been more ‘love’ly! Explore the exciting Elizabethan themes of St Valentines through outdoor play and crafts.
More info about the above & more here
Calke Abbey
Storytelling: under 5's session at Calke Abbey
Fri 20 Feb - 10am to 11:30am
Come along for a hands-on storytelling session for little explorers, with crafts to enjoy together or take home.
More info about all the above & more here
Clumber Park
‘Hop into the wild’ family trail, inspired by Disney and Pixar's "Hoppers"
Sat 14 Feb
Hop into this self-guided outdoors adventure – with storytelling and play. Fun for all the family.
More info about the above & more here
Thornbridge Estate FREE
Feb Half Term
Fri 14 to Sun 16 Feb – 10am to 4pm
Wrap up and head outdoors! Explore 10 acres of gardens as spring starts to peek through. Follow our nature trails, Explore the HobbleGobble Woods, Get creative with arts & crafts in the Carriage House, Chill out at film club, Kids craft workshops with Sombrero Printmaking (18th & 19th Feb) Extra charges apply🦆 And yes… the Rubber Duck Fountain will be BACK
Perfect for curious minds and fresh-air adventures. See you there!
All accessible with standard garden entry
More info here
Twycross Zoo
Adventure by Day, Wonder by Night
Sat 14 to Sun 22 Feb
Adventure by Day
Expedition of the Wild Zoo Crew Map and set off on an interactive journey through the Zoo. Follow the trail to discovery points where you’ll uncover hidden nests, study rainforest handprints, examine ape skulls, and dive into ocean-themed activities. Complete every challenge to earn your exclusive Zoo Crew pop badge - a badge of honor for true explorers!
Wonder by Night
As the sun sets, the exploration continues as you step into glowing animal worlds, explore vibrant habitats, and spark your family’s sense of wonder as you discover over a mile of epic scale lanterns at Lanterns of the Wild.*
Two extraordinary experiences. One unforgettable half term.
*Lanterns of the Wild requires a separate ticket or a combi ticket
Book here
White Post Farm
'Mini Vets' Week
Mon 16 to Fri 22 Feb
Children can take on the role of ‘WPF Vet’ at our WPF Animal Hospital!
Children can learn how to health-check our farm and exotic ‘animals’ with a WPF Keeper by carrying out vital checks, including heart rate, breathing, x-rays, and learn about their adaptations.
The interactive experience is included in the price of your farm admission. Participants will get an activity sheet to fill out throughout the experience, and will receive a sticker for taking part. We will run various ‘Mini Vet’ sessions throughout the day.
Book here
Carsington Waters FREE
Matt's Minibeasts
Sat 14 Feb - 11am - 2pm
Join us for an afternoon of minibeasts, lizard & snake holding!
KIDS’ ACTIVITIES
Denby Pottery
Paint a Denby Plate
£15.95 per plate
Hand paint or stencil a design onto a medium 9-inch Denby plate using our colourful Denby glazes. Items will be left with us to be kiln fired and collected once ready to use or gift.
Play with Clay.
£7 per child. Use our local Derbyshire clay along with 3D modelling guides and crafting tools to create their own designs. Creations will air dry naturally at home over a few days and can then be painted or varnished.
Paint a Fun Pottery Shape.
Prices from £8.50 per item. Choose from a range of pottery shapes and paint your own design using water-based paints. Items are taken home on the same day and are not kiln fired.
Kids Fun Trail
There’s also the option to book an additional ticket for our kid’s fun trail around Denby Pottery Village. Follow the hidden pictures and answer the themed questions to collect a treat at the end. £3 per child. Trail tickets must be purchased alongside a Craft Studio activity.
More info here
Electric Daisy Derby
WICKED Messy Play
Wed 18 Feb - 12pm to 3pm
Bring your little ones for a fun-filled afternoon this half term with pink and green WICKED themed messy play and crafting!
Book here
Family Outdoor Cinema - WICKED
Fri 20 Feb - 4pm to 8pm (4:30pm last entry)
Glinda & Elphie fans, join us for a half term outdoor cinema showing of WICKED - for all the family in the Electric Daisy garden with pizza & popcorn.
Book here
Derby Museum FREE
Unearthed Fossils
Thu 19 Feb – 10.30am to 12.30pm & 1.30 to 3.30pm
As our new UnEarthed Galleries take shape, join our facilitators to explore the new spaces and collections. You can then design & make and your own fossil using clay. Suitable for families, all children must be supervised and accompanied by an adult. Suggested donation of £3
More info here
Erewash Museum
Ey Up Mums FREE
Every Friday, 11am - 1.30pm
Dalby House Café, inside Erewaash museum
Are you a new mum looking to make new friends and get to the bottom of a cuppa? Ey Up Mums is a new group aimed at bringing together first time mums with babies under 12 months. This is a group for YOU! Come and share your experiences, have a chat, come with or without baby and just enjoy taking some time out with our friendly and relaxed group.
Brick and Play: Half-Term Hang Out FREE
WedS 25 – Sat 28 Feb
February Half Term Fun at Erewash Museum – Free Family Activities in Derbyshire
Looking for free family days out in Derbyshire this February Half Term? Erewash Museum in Ilkeston has something for everyone:
• Explore our Free Play Zone with bricks and puzzles – perfect for creative minds.
• Art activities to spark imagination.
• Grab a Puzzle Pack for just £2 – become a spy, solve the clues, and win a prize!
• Plus, enjoy a FREE trail around the site.
Heanor Library FREE
Half-Term Crafty Activity
Fri 20 Feb - 12am to 1pm
Drop in Session for all ages, get ready for World Book Day in March and make your own Elmer and Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Belper Library FREE
Meet and Make Children’s Craft Workshop
Tues 17 Feb, 2pm - 3pm
Make and dress-up dolls in this crafty workshop led by artist Rita Kappia.
This session is delivered by Fleet Arts and is suitable for children age 5 and over.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Ring the library on 01629 533192 to book your place.
Woolly’s Song Storytime and Craft Session
Sat 21 Feb - 11am to 12:30pm
Enjoy a Woolly’s Song storytime with local author, Janet Brady, followed by a themed craft activity and book signing.
Suitable for children age 5 and over.
Copies of Woolly’s Song will be available to buy on the day.
Ring 01629 533192 to book your place.
Little Moos Play Barn
Bluey Special
Wed 18 Feb - 12pm - 2pm
Bluey is Coming to the Play Barn!
Get ready for a fun-filled day as everyone's favorite blue heeler, Bluey, joins us at the Play Barn!
Book here
Half Term Messy Play!
Thurs 19 Feb 9:30am - 11:30am
Get ready to dive into a world of creativity and fun at our Messy Play event! This hands-on experience is perfect for little ones (and grown-ups!) who love to get their hands dirty. From paint and jelly to sand and water, we’ve got a variety of sensory stations designed to spark imagination and encourage exploration.
Book here
Normal playtime and sensory room the rest of the week
Titchy Town
Chellaston, Derby
Interactive role play centre designed for children up to 6 years.
Book here
Woodlands Church, Allestree
Roll up, Roll up! Circus Holiday Club
Wed 18 – Fri 20 Feb – 9am to 12pm
Drop-off sessions full of games, challenges, team exercises, Bible stories, crafts, snacks, drinks, songs and more. Parents are invited to stay for a family picnic (food provided) on Friday (12:15 - 1pm). Suitable for anyone in reception to year 6. £10 per child, or £5 for each extra sibling. Payment transfer details will be sent out closer to the time, or cash is fine.
And join us as families for a picnic lunch (food provided) on the Friday, 20th Feb, 12.15pm-1pm!!
Book at place here
Derbion
Rock Climbing Wall
Mon 16 to Fri 20 Feb- 10am to 4pm
This exciting activity is perfect for children who love to climb, challenge themselves, and have fun, all while supporting a fantastic cause.
Book here
Paradise Island
Use code DBYFEB26 for 20% off throughout half term
Hollywood Bowl
Use code FEBFUN50 for 50% off throughout half term
K-POP Demon Hunter Impersonators FREE
Thu 19 Feb - 11am to 3pm
Get ready for high-energy fun as our K-POP Demon Hunter impersonators bring the magic of the hit film to life with singing, dancing and exciting photo opportunities!
Derby Market Hall FREE
Family Pirate & Princess Weekend
Thu 19 - Sat 21 Feb
Step into a world of swashbuckling adventure and fairy-tale magic at Derby Market Hall’s Pirate & Princess Takeover!
More info here
Sostrene Grene FREE
Craft Events
Holding free craft events all week in store!
Derby Theatre FREE
CANVAS
Sat 21 Feb - 11am - 2pm
Join Canvas for their family fun day at Derby Theatre featuring local artists leading hands-on-dance sessions, storytelling, crafts, and other fun-filled activities.
Recommended for ages 0-7, however older children will love getting involved as well. Free snacks will be available.
KIDS EAT FREE THIS HALF TERM
With a Full Paying Adult
The Dragon at Willington
Binary Mickleover
The Hart at Uttoxetor
Harpurs at Melbourne
OUTDOORS
Calke Abbey
‘Wonder World: Earth' book trail at Calke Abbey
Sat 14 Feb
Discover the busy world beneath your feet this February half term. Follow a self-led trail inspired by 'Wonder World: Earth', hunt for minibeasts and uncover fascinating facts about worms and underground life.
Carsington Reservoir FREE
Quacky Quest
Sat 14 to Sun 22 Feb
This February half-term, we need you to join our quack team to help track down Sally and Martin’s (not-so) feathery friends and safely return them. Once you find one, take it to the Visitor Centre and collect your prize for your great duck-detective skills! Keep your eyes peeled for our mallard duck cut-outs.
Chatsworth FREE
Half Term in the Farmyeard
Sat 14 to Sun 22 Feb - 10:30am to 4:30pm
With so many things to do for kids young and old, Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground makes for a fun day out for all the family.
In the farmyard, you'll meet our friendly animals, from piglets and horses to our mischievous lambs, goats and guinea pigs. We're also delighted to be home to several rare breeds, including Suffolk Punch horses, Albion cattle, Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, Golden Guernsey goats and marsh daisy chickens.
Take a ride on our tractor-trailer through Stand Wood (a small fee applies), everyone is welcome.
From the farmyard, take the secret tunnel to the children's playground to climb our woodland towers, and tackle our zip line and racing slides. Fetch water from the stream using the Archimedes screw, and enjoy the huge sand play area (remember to pack wellies and waterproofs.
More info & Book here
*Hardwick Hall
St Valentine Themed Activities
Sat 14 to Sun 22 Feb – 9.30am to 4pm
play activities in the Stableyard for February Half Term, inspired by themes of connection, pairs, gratitude and love such as ‘Match the pairs’, Connect Four, create your own sonnet in our blackboard den & rustle up a valentine’s feast in our mud kitchen.
Explore our gardens and hall using the St Valentines themed spotter sheet discovering some of the love stories of Hardwick or share a letter of appreciation to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day of the 17 February.
More info here
Ilam Park
Ilam Park: Bird Ringing Demonstration FREE
Ilam Park
Sat 14 Feb - 7:30am
Get up early and get up close with some of our feathered friends. Learn about bird ringing and the native birds of Ilam Park.
Kedleston Hall
Bird Box Making
Wed 18 Feb – 10am to 12pm
Join us for this bird box making experience and learn how to construct a nesting box to encourage wildlife at home.
More info here
National Memorial Arboretum
Stickman Trail
Free arts and crafts sessions to make a range of animals and purple poppies. Complete the outdoor trail (£2.50). Pay to park. Interactive storytelling workshops about Arbie and the Magical Lights throughout the day. There’s also the permanent and free Stick Man trail.
More info here
Arbie Eye-Spy Winter Trail
Sat 14 - Sun 22 Feb
Join Arbie as he explores the Arboretum's wintry woodland landscape, searching for frosty wonders, bare branches, and signs that spring is just around the corner, in this brand-new outdoor trail. Discover hidden wildlife, spot evergreen trees, and enjoy the crisp beauty of the Arboretum in winter.
More info here
Shadow Puppetry FREE
Mon 16 - Fre 20 Feb - 11am, 12pm, 1:30pm & 2:30pm
Step into a world of storytelling and creativity with our Shadow Puppetry Sessions!
Perfect for families, these hands-on workshops invite you to explore the magic of light and shadow, sparking your imagination whilst you develop new skills. Come and let the shadows tell your story! - Advance booking is required for these shadow puppetry sessions.
More info here
Rosliston Forestry Centre
Space Trail
Sat 14 to Sun 22 Feb – 10am to 4pm
£3 per child.
More info here
National Forest Adventure Park
New Life on the Farm
Sat 14 to Sun 22 Feb – 10am to 4pm
More info here
Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football
New Life on the Farm
Sat 14 to Sun 22 Feb – 10am to 4pm
More info here
THEATRE & FILM
The Ritz, Belper
Dog Man
Fri 13 - Sun 1 Mar
The studio behind Spider-ManTM: Across the Spider-Verse and the artists that made KPop Demon Hunters, comes GOAT, an original action comedy set in an all-animal world. The story follows Will, a small goat with big dreams who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roar all - a high intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world, Will’s new teammates aren’t thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that “smalls can ball!”
Book here
Derby Theatre
Sat 21 - Sun 22 Feb – 1 & 3pm
It’s the eve of the mayoral election, and the kids of Hamelin aren’t happy. The mayor and owner of the local pie factory has imposed a music ban, and to make matters worse, there’s a serious rat problem. But, there have been whispers of a mysterious rat catcher in town… sometimes he plays a pipe…sometimes a microphone. Can this curious stranger help Hamelin to find its voice once more?
Book here
Buxton Cinema
Chinese New Year Extravaganza
Thu 19 Feb
Jinlong is back with the Chinese New Year Extravaganza, an unforgettable show filled with vibrant colours, awe-inspiring performances, and endless fun!
Book here
Pop Princesses
Thu 19 Feb
A magical show where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars. They just love to sing! It’s the perfect mix!
Book here
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