With Gloucestershire children off school from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February 2024, there's plenty to keep families busy during February half term.
February half term events in Cheltenham
February half term activities at The Brewery Quarter
When and where?
With so much to keep kids entertained, from soft play for little ones to escape rooms for bigger ones, head to The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham for February half term fun.
What's happening?
Take little tykes to Cheltenham's biggest soft play centre, The Play Farm, with a paw-ty featuring some very special Pup Patrol guests taking place on Wednesday 14 February 2024. They can clamber over all sorts of obstacles, dance away at the disco and meet their favourite characters all for £10 per child and £3.50 for adults — including a tea, coffee or soft drink.
Movie-loving little ones can enjoy their favourite films for just £2.50 with Movies for Juniors at Cineworld every day during half term, plus screenings of Peppa Pig's new movie, Peppa's Cinema Party, too.
Hollywood Bowl is offering 50 per cent off games before 11am during half term when you book online; while Mr Mulligans hits a hole in one for family fun, with two 18-hole adventure golf courses, taking intrepid adventurers through Canopy Creek and into the depths of Neptune's Mist.
Ideal for older kids, Mr Mulligans also offers shuffleboard, electro darts, pool and a brand-new karaoke room; while Escape Hunt offers a range of mind-bending puzzles for brainy families to try and solve together, with Alice in Wonderland, Doctor Who, Aladdin and GCHQ-inspired rooms.
SoGlos loves
With something to keep almost everyone in the family happy, The Brewery Quarter is brimming with delicious dining options from fragrant Vietnamese pho and spicy curries, juicy burgers and steaks, Piri Piri chicken, cheesy pizzas to super sweet desserts and ice creams, with dedicated kids' menus at many venues — and plenty that welcome four-legged family members, too. Plus, kids eat free at Hub Box from 12pm to 5pm, Monday 12 to Friday 16 February 2024.
The important bits
Activities and restaurant tables can all be booked online in advance.
How to book
For more information, visit thebreweryquarter.com.
February half term events in the Cotswolds
The Gruffalo Party Trail at Westonbirt Arboretum
When and where?
Embark on a woodland adventure at Westonbirt Arboretum, celebrating 25 years of The Gruffalo with a brand-new Gruffalo Party Trail — launching on Saturday 10 February 2024, just in time for February half term.
What's happening?
The scariest creature in the wood is celebrating his big birthday and needs your help to find items for his party!
Follow the interactive Gruffalo Party Trail through the Old Arboretum, with games, activities and opportunities for kids to learn about the forest and the animals that live in it — even the ones that don't have knobbly knees, turned out toes and purple prickles all over their backs! — along the way.
The important bits
Westonbirt Arboretum is open daily from 9am to 4.30pm, with last entry at 4pm.
Admission to the arboretum costs £9 for adults, £3 for children aged five to 18 and is free for children under three.
The Gruffalo Party Trail is free to complete, but activity packs are available from the Westonbirt shop for £4. The trail is approximately one mile long — Westonbirt recommends allowing an hour and a half to complete the trail, giving little ones plenty of chance to stop and play.
How to book
Tickets to Westonbirt Arboretum are available to book via the Forestry England website.
February half term exploring at Chedworth Roman Villa
When and where?
Reopening for the season just in time for February half term, Chedworth Roman Villa near Northleach is celebrating 100 years with the National Trust this year with new activities perfect for mini explorers.
What's happening?
In celebration of its special centenary year, the 2,000-year-old villa launches a thrilling new trail though its ancient grounds, taking in the iconic mosaics, water shrine and hypocaust systems. Budding archeologists can search for new clues on the villa's Roman origins, with historical characters and guides popping up throughout half term week to assist adventurers on their quests.
Not just for half term, the anniversary celebrations will continue throughout 2024, with a jam-packed programme of events running through the year.
The important bits
Chedworth Roman Villa is open daily, from 10am to 4pm.
Admission is free for National Trust members, with tickets for non-members priced at £13 for adults and £6.50 for children, and family tickets available for £32.50.
The villa and its grounds are accessible for people with disabilities, with ramped access and wheelchairs available for use.
How to book
For more information, see the Chedworth Roman Villa section on the National Trust website.
February half term events in Forest of Dean
February half term at Perrygrove Railway Adventure
When and where?
It's full steam ahead at Perrygrove Railway Adventure this February half term, as the charming miniature railway in the Forest of Dean welcomes explorers every day.
What's happening?
Passengers will be transported through stunning woodland scenery on one of Perrygrove's miniature trains. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy unlimited rides on the steam or diesel trains. With four stops along the way, each with an exciting play area or woodland walk, it's sure to provide a full day of outdoor fun. Dogs are welcome, so the whole family can enjoy a day out.
The important bits
The railway is open every day of half term, from 10am to 3pm on weekdays, with closing time on weekends being between 4pm and 5pm, depending on weather.
Tickets cost £10 for adults; £8 for children; and £1 for dogs. Under twos get in for free.
How to book
Tickets can be booked via Perrygrove's website.
February half term events in Gloucester
February half term fun at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester
When and where?
Little ones and young-at-heart grown ups can take on a fun challenge at one of the county's most adrenaline-pumping activity centres this February half term 2024, becoming a ninja for the day at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester.
What's happening?
Inspired by the hit ITV show Ninja Warrior UK, children and families can take part in a variety of challenges on a visit to Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester this February half term, racing against their friends and developing some impressive ninja skills along the way.
The venue offers obstacles galore for little ones to go wild on, all with varying levels of difficulty, including climbing, balancing, swinging, jumping — and even a wicked warped wall!
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After a session of thrilling fun, tired out ninjas can refuel at the venue's on-site cafe, which serves hot and cold food and drinks.
The important bits
Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester is open every day during February half term, welcoming ninjas from 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 9am until 6.30pm on Sunday.
Tickets cost from £13 for children aged five and up.
How to book
Tickets can be booked online in advance via ninjawarrior.co.uk/gloucester.
February half term folk fun at National Waterways Museum Gloucester
When and where?
Visit the National Waterways Museum Gloucester at Gloucester Docks on Saturday 17 February 2024 to hear music from four different folk sets, with fun, folk-inspired family craft activities taking place throughout half term from Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 February 2024, too.
What's happening?
Soak up some lively sounds at The National Waterways Museum Gloucester as it hosts a selection of Gloucester Folk Trail artists, with Mice in a Matchbox at midday, Discovery at 1pm, The Vogwells at 2pm and The Rusty Tubs at 3pm, along with some folk-style crafts for youngsters to enjoy.
Alongside folk activities throughout half term, there is also something educational for under-fives. On Thursday 15 and Saturday 17 February 2024, the Canal River Trust explorers team will host drop-in toddler water safety activities for little explorers in the museum, too. From 10.30am to 1.30pm, every half an hour, little ones can listen to a story, take part in crafty activities and learn a water safety song. There's also a free water safety book to take home with you.
Plus if you're interested in local history, the museum galleries will take you on a journey charting the 200-year history of the Docks and the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal through folk art, engineering and social history.
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After your visit, take a wander around the city to soak up the delights of Gloucester Folk Trail with folk musicians, artists and poets from around Gloucestershire popping up in venues around the city, paying homage to traditional forms of folk music, performance, entertainment, arts and crafts.
The important bits
The National Waterways Museum is open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.
As folk music performances are beside the cafe, there's no need to pay for museum entry.
For anyone wanting to visit the museum too, tickets are changing in 2024 with a new online ticketing system soon to be launched and a more varied pricing structure giving the option to to pay for an annual ticket or just a day ticket.
The drop-in water safety session is free with annual passes to the museum.
How to book
There's no need to book in advance, just turn up.
For up-to-date prices, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/gloucester.
February half term events in Stroud
Mudfest at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
When and where?
Get mucky at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, for a week of mud-themed activities this February half term — with Mudfest taking place from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February 2024.
What's happening?
Mudfest is all about having fun with nature, getting stuck in with daily self-led activities — from crafting and sculpting with mud, to whipping up questionable culinary creations in the mud kitchen, and even trying mudslinging!
Splash through muddy puddles, hunt for minibeasts in the soil and leaves or challenge friends to a game of stuck in the mud! With so much more to discover around this sprawling nature reserve, too.
SoGlos loves
For creative kids who prefer not to get as dirty, there's drop-in, festival-themed crafts at Slimbridge's Art Hub. Make a festival banner or your own artwork using rice glitter; or take part in daily air-dry clay sculpting sessions, taking place from 2pm to 3.30pm.
The important bits
Slimbridge Wetland Centre is open from 9.30am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.
Mudfest activities are included in the price of admission, which costs from £15.90 for adults and £10.45 for children aged four to 17. Tickets are free for children under four.
How to book
Mudfest activities are drop-in sessions and self-led, but to book tickets to Slimbridge Wetland Centre in advance, visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge/mudfest.
For more information about the event, see Mudfest at Slimbridge Wetland Centre.
February half term at Stroud's Museum in the Park
When and where?
Stroud's Museum in the Park is offering a range of fun family trails throughout February half term.
What's happening?
Learn about the area's rich history with the museum's new explorer trails, designed for families with kids of all ages. The museum has thousands of exhibits, with everything from timeless paintings to taxidermy available to view.
The important bits
Entry to the museum is free, with an optional donation. Ask for an explorer trail at reception when you arrive.
The museum is open from 10am to 4.30pm from Tuesday to Friday and 11am to 4.30pm on weekends.
How to book
There's no need to book — just turn up on the day. Call (01453) 763394 for more information.
February half term events beyond the border
February half term fun at Blenheim Palace
When and where?
Just over the border in Oxfordshire, Britain's 'greatest palace' is open every day this February half term, with a host of special events and offers for visiting families.
What's happening?
With over 300 years of history and 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland to explore at Blenheim Palace, take the mini train down to the Walled Garden and Adventure Play area for daily dance sessions, pebble painting workshops and meet-and-greets with Blenheim's loveable sheep in their pop-up pen.
There's also an animal-themed family trail and kids eat free after a day of adventure, with the Walled Garden Pizzeria offering a free margherita pizza and cup of squash with the purchase of an adult meal.
The important bits
Blenheim Palace is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with the Walled Garden closing at 3.30pm and the Adventure Play area closing at 3.15pm.
Tickets to the Park and Gardens cost £28 for adults and £13.50 for children aged three to 16, while tickets to the Palace, Park and Gardens cost £38 for adults and £22 for children aged three to 16. Children under three visit for free.
Access to the Adventure Play area costs an additional £7 per child.
How to book
Visit the Blenheim Palace website.
