Looking for unforgettable February half-term ideas that will keep the whole family smiling? From roaring dinosaurs and playful farm animals to hands-on museums, woodland adventures and laugh-out-loud theatre, the Cotswolds and surrounding areas are bursting with brilliant things to do this February. Whether your little ones love getting creative, exploring history, or burning off energy outdoors, there’s something here to turn the school holidays into a real adventure.
February Half Term at Cotswold Farm Park
The award-winning Cotswold Farm Park reopens for the 2026 season on Friday 13 February, welcoming visitors back with one of its most popular events – Lambing and Kidding. Running from 13th to 22nd February, families can meet newborn lambs and kids, enjoy daily talks in the Lambing Barn, take part in chick handling and rabbit petting in the Discovery Barn, and make the most of indoor and outdoor play areas.
As a special welcome-back treat, the first 100 visitors through the gates on opening day will receive a complimentary bag of animal snacks for the Rare Breed Walkway. A fantastic half-term day out whatever the weather.
NT Dyrham Park
Winter parkland bingo sheets will be up for grabs from visitor reception. Youngsters can tick off things in nature to spot, smell, hear or touch, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the seasonal landscape of the parkland.
Historical fancy dress clothes will be provided in the Tasting Kitchen, so that visitors can gain an insight into what it would feel like to be a lady or gentleman in the 17th century.
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
This February half term, head outdoors to Westonbirt Arboretum for an unforgettable and affordable family day out among the trees. With fresh air, early signs of spring and miles of beautiful trails, it’s the perfect place to escape screens and routines. Families can enjoy the enchanting Room on the Broom trail, spot the Gruffalo sculptures hidden in the woods, explore inclusive natural play areas, and join hands-on half-term activities celebrating the beauty of bark. All activities are included with admission, making it an easy and magical addition to your Cotswolds half-term break.
Once Upon a Dinosaur at Fairytale Farm, Oxfordshire
Fairytale Farm brings dinosaurs back to Oxfordshire this February half-term with the return of its hugely popular event, Once Upon a Dinosaur, running from Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February 2026. Families can step back in time and come face-to-face with life-sized dinosaurs, enjoy dancing dinos, meet adorable dino hatchlings and juvenile puppets, and take part in themed trails, crafts and interactive experiences throughout the park.
New for 2026 is the Prehistoric Sprint theme, inviting visitors to discover which dinosaur might win a race. Follow the Dinosaur Timeline, solve Dino Trivia puzzles and complete challenges along the Jurassic Trail while learning fascinating facts. Children can meet the Dino Trainer Ranger and his cheeky raptor hatchling, say hello to Trixi the baby Triceratops (new for 2026), dig for fossils in the Dino Dig, and get crafty with Creation Station’s Dino Crafts. Don’t miss the Dino Disco, where families can dance with Darcey the T-Rex and learn the Dino Stomp. Dino fancy dress is encouraged, with a sweet treat for children who dress up. No special tickets are required – just book standard admission online.
Wolford Wood
Escape to the beautifully wild Wolford Wood this February half-term – a magical place where families can reconnect with nature and make lasting memories. Wander through ancient SSSI woodland and open meadows, meet pigs, geese, chickens and horses, build dens among the trees and enjoy the freedom of outdoor exploration.
Bring a picnic, join a guided walk or hire a private woodland space to cook up a feast on the BBQ. Make your stay even more special by camping in the peaceful meadow or staying in one of the rustic cabins, complete with fire pits, outdoor kitchens and countryside views. Wolford Wood is perfect for families looking to slow down, explore and enjoy quality time together.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) – The Theatre Chipping Norton
For families with older children, enjoy a fast-paced and hilarious introduction to Shakespeare at The Theatre Chipping Norton from 18th to 28th February. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) is rebooted and reimagined for 2026 by The Theatre Chipping Norton and Selladoor Worldwide.
This laugh-out-loud production races through all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in one irreverent, high-energy show. After nine years in the West End and performances across the globe, Reduced Shakespeare Company return with a version designed to delight a whole new generation.
Wild Things Play & Craft at Roots + Seeds Café, Cirencester
Roots + Seeds Café & Kitchen in Cirencester is hosting a Wild Things free play and craft event on Wednesday 18 February, from 10am to 2pm. Perfect for younger children, this relaxed session combines creativity and play in a welcoming café environment – ideal for a gentle half-term activity.
Afterwards why not refuel with a visit to Cattivo Pizza, open all week and offering a great-value kids’ menu at £8.75. Children can enjoy three courses, plus kids eat free between 3.30pm and 5.30pm – making it an easy and affordable family meal out during the holidays.
Techtastic Half-Term Fun at the British Motor Museum
From 14 to 22 February, the British Motor Museum invites families to explore car design and technology with Craft, Code, Create: Techtastic Half-Term Fun. All activities are included with admission, making it excellent value for a full day out.
Weekdays feature free 30-minute coding taster sessions with FUZE using Nintendo Switch®. Between 17 and 20 February, enjoy the Design Techsplosion Science Show with Professor Pickle and Doctor Pumpkin. The Big Build returns daily, with families creating brick model cars for community pantries. Visitors can also enjoy Techie Family Tours or follow a ‘Driven by Your Senses’ Family Trail through the museum.
Half-Term Alpaca Fun
Cotswold Alpacas offers alpaca walks and meet and greet alpaca experiences with their lovely walking herd. Set in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, the walks are fantastic for couples, friends and families, Birthday parties and celebrations as well as corporate days for work colleagues, to have a great outdoor experience and get to know about everything alpaca.
Huffkins
Families exploring the Cotswolds this February half term can enjoy a delicious treat at Huffkins, with a special half-price Teddy Bears’ Picnic for little ones. Usually £9.95, the picnic is available for 50% off when you download the Huffkins app, and the offer can be used multiple times throughout half term. Available across all Huffkins tearooms in the Cotswolds, it’s the perfect pit stop for refuelling between adventures, with a dedicated children’s menu also available.
Workshops at Corinium Museum
On Wednesday 18 February from 10.30am to 12pm, children can join the Mighty Mammoth Model Workshop at Corinium Museum in Cirencester. Create a model mammoth skeleton and design a colourful collage background showing where your mammoth might have lived – a hands-on, creative way to explore prehistory.
Also on Wednesday 18 February, from 11am to 12.15pm, join a guided Roman Cirencester Town Walk starting at Corinium Museum. Learn about the Roman archaeology beneath your feet and discover how Cirencester became one of the wealthiest towns in Roman Britain. Comfortable shoes and a raincoat are recommended.
Stories of the Cathedral at Gloucester Cathedral
Gloucester Cathedral hosts Stories of the Cathedral on Tuesday 17 and Thursday 19 February, from 11am to 3pm. Families can explore storytelling through acting, finger puppetry, stained glass design and a mini LEGO® cathedral workshop. Storytelling sessions take place in the Medieval Library, sharing tales of saints, monkeys and dragons.
All activities are drop-in, donations are welcome, and LEGO® workshops can be booked on the day. A wonderful mix of history, creativity and imagination in a stunning setting.
Lace Making Workshops at Athelstan Museum, Malmesbury
Discover a traditional craft at Athelstan Museum on Thursday 19 February, with lace-making workshops running from 10.30am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–3.30pm. Lace has been made in Malmesbury for over 300 years, and this drop-in workshop welcomes all ages from 5 to 95 (under 16s must be accompanied). No ticket is required, with a £5 donation suggested.
Looking for even more things to see and do in the Cotswolds? From seasonal events and festivals to workshops, family activities and one-off experiences, our What’s On page is packed with inspiration all year round. Take a look to plan your next visit, fill your diary, or discover something new happening during your stay in the Cotswolds.