The February half-term (16 - 20 February) is nearly here and we know keeping the kids entertained during a winter break can often feel like a challenge.
To help out, we’ve rounded up some of the best free and low-cost activities happening across the Midlands for the whole family to enjoy!
Free days out
- RAF Museum Midlands (Cosford): Admission is free! This half-term it’s STEM Week (16 - 20 Feb). General entry is free, and you can join lots of free sessions like Lego Dragsters. Book here: RAF Museum Midlands STEM Week.
- The Lapworth Museum of Geology (Birmingham): The museum is hosting the free Family Fun Day: Feeding Without Jaws event on Wednesday 18 February, 10 am – 4 pm. No need to book, just show up! Find out more here: Lapworth Museum Events.
- Resorts World (Birmingham): The Magic & Mayhem event taking place on 16 & 17 February, 11am – 4pm, is a fun, free family day out with a silent disco for the kids and circus performances for everyone to enjoy. Find out more here: Magic & Mayhem | Resorts World Birmingham.
- Sheldon Country Park: Visit the Old Rectory Farm for free. It’s right next to the airport fence so the whole family can enjoy some plane watching! Find out more here: Sheldon Country Park | Birmingham City Council.
Low-cost & community activities
- Smethwick Puppetry Festival: A local festival, taking place from 14 – 22 February, with most events running on a pay-what-you-can basis. There are also a limited number of free tickets available for those who need them. See the festival line-up and book here: Black Country Touring - Puppetry Festival
- National Memorial Arboretum (Staffordshire): Enjoy free drop-in crafts sessions, and the popular Shadow Puppetry Workshops (16–20 Feb), which you’ll need to book in advance. The Arbie Eye-Spy Trail is just £2.50. Find out more and book here: NMA February Half Term
- Free Swimming (Sandwell residents): Children aged 18 and under who live in Sandwell can swim for free during school holidays. Find out more and register here: Free Swimming in Sandwell | Register Here | Kore Sandwell
Staying on budget this half-term
- Get your Go CV card: If you’re a Coventry resident, the Go CV card is a free scheme that gets you huge discounts on local events, activities and attractions such as The Wave waterpark and local museums. You can sign up for a GO Cv card here: Go CV – Enjoy the great times in Coventry
- Pack a picnic and save the £££s: Most of the museums listed above (especially the RAF Museum and the Arboretum) offer indoor areas where you can eat your own packed lunch, helping you stay on budget while enjoying a great day out.
- Head to a local library in your area: Local libraries often run magic shows or arts & crafts events for all ages. Check your local library’s social media pages or website for more information on what’s on during the half term holidays.
