It’s not long now until February half term! This year, Hampshire’s half term falls from Saturday 10 February-Sunday 18 February and there are some amazing things to do with the kids in the New Forest.
From outdoor adventures to indoor fun, take a look at some of the top February half term events here in the New Forest…
Paultons Park re-opens for February half term
Paultons Park will be open for February half term from Saturday 10th February! Explore five incredible themed lands including Tornado Springs and Peppa Pig World. Plus, new for 2024- say hello to a cheeky group of ring-tailed lemurs! Be sure to visit them in their new home in the garden during your visit. Pre-booking is strongly recommended.
Image - Paultons Park
Outdoor adventures for all the family
There are loads of ways to burn off steam in the New Forest. From activity centres to cycle rides. Get some of that much needed vitamin D on a New Forest day out.
Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre has a lot on this February half-term for you and your family to enjoy. With their 90-minute Go Adventure sessions, you can choose the activity you want to do and experience the adventure together - from as little as £15 per person. Activities include climbing, archery, canoeing and paddle boarding. Various dates throughout February are in place.
New Forest Activities have some fantastic winter offers across February… beat the winter blues with 20% off winter activities! Embrace the beauty of winter and see some fantastic wildlife (with a courtesy hot chocolate to keep you warm) on their Winter Paddling and Winter Archery sessions. Use code WINTER20 when booking to get the discount. New Forest locals (if you are based within the New Forest District Council area) can choose to benefit from 50% off activities. Just pre-complete a form on their website.
Image - New Forest Activities
Channel your inner Robin Hood with Archery, Axe-throwing and Crossbows at Insight Activities. Nestled in a beautiful private woodland, Insight Activities offers a unique blend of medieval target activities, perfect for families of all ages and interests.
Make this February half term unforgettable with family cycling adventures from Cyclexperience in Brockenhurst. Explore scenic cycling trails together and create lasting memories. Plus, add a touch of romance with our Valentine's special – enjoy 20% off bike hire for a unique and love-filled cycling experience.
Indoor fun for all
If the weather is a little too cold for your liking, don’t let that stop you planning some family fun here in the New Forest. We’ve plenty to do indoors as well!
Visit Beaulieu this half-term for a variety of family fun for all ages, from hands-on activities to exciting exhibitions, there is so much to see and do.
Learn about life as a country mechanic outside Jack Tucker’s garage in the National Motor Museum, then dress up as your favourite Doctor and capture great pictures in front of the Doctor Who exhibition. Discover curious inventions as you step back in time inside Palace House, and try your hand as a stone mason as you test your skills and rebuild your very own arch in Beaulieu Abbey. There are problems to solve in the Secret Army Exhibition and have a great time playing at Little Beaulieu, the adventure playground.
Image - National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
Continuing with a motoring theme, join in the fun at the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum this half term. Your mini metal heads can enjoy seeing over 500 of the rarest and most exotic motorcycles in the world and we also have a fantastic teddy bear hunt and quiz for them to take part in. The museum’s alpacas, goats and chickens are also very much looking forward to making some new friends! Half term activities here will be running from Wednesday 14-Sunday 18 February, 10am-3.30pm.
Be a budding artist at St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery on Wednesday 14 February. These free, drop-in sessions will include flower bookmarks and paper crafts inspired by the museum’s Planting Ideas exhibition.
Amazing days out
Enjoy some fantastic days out across the New Forest’s attractions. Go in search of some exotic and native creatures at the New Forest Wildlife Park, hand-feed kid goats and other animals at Longdown Activity Farm.
Image - Longdown Activity Farm
For a dose of fresh air, visit Furzey Gardens as they reopen seven days a week. Enjoy the sights and sounds of early spring where snowdrops and crocus adorn lawns, whilst camellia and witch hazel provide some welcome bursts of colour. Kids can join their ‘Potastic-Art’ activity get creative decorating a plant pot with chalk pens, then planting some sweet pea seeds in it.
Equally, why not wrap up warm and grab your bucket and spade and head to the sandy beach at Lepe Country Park to make a sandcastle or too before warming up with a hot chocolate in the Lookout café?
Make a break of it
Treat the whole family to a few days away to the magical New Forest this February half term. The New Forest has an endless list of incredible family-friendly places to stay, from boutique hotels and self-catering cottages, to holiday parks and glamping. Book your break now and make the most of visiting the New Forest.
Image - Chewton Glen Hotel
Take a look at other family-friendly days out in the New Forest
As always, do also keep an eye on our event listings for more events taking place during February half term and look out for last-minute offers on family breaks.