It’s time to start planning, February half term is just around the corner! Here in Hampshire, half term will run from Monday 13 – Friday 17 February so it won’t be long until it’s time to get exploring the beautiful New Forest.
Stuck for ideas on what to do with your family? Let us inspire you with some of the family friendly days out, activities and short breaks you can get involved with.
Book an action-packed adventure
Need to burn off some of that excess energy? Or looking for something that excites the children and at the same time gets them out and about in the great outdoors? Then there are some great options to book over half term.
Insight Activities will be open for family bookings throughout the half term (and extended until 29 February to encompass other areas’ half terms). They can offer archery for ages 6+ or children age 12+ can also engage their inner warriors with their unique axe throwing and crossbow shooting activities! Plus, as an added bonus, if you have a four-legged friend in your family, Insight Activities is very dog friendly so your pooch is welcome to attend.
Image - Insight Activities
Continuing the adventure theme, Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre will be running their ‘Family Go Adventure Activities’ on various dates throughout February. For just £14 per person, you can take part in 90 minutes of activity of exploring and experiencing the great outdoors from climbing to kayaking.
Foxlease Activity Centre have their fantastic Half Term Holiday Club taking place from Monday 13 – Friday 17 February! Children aged 8-16 have the change to get outdoors and be adventurous with lots of fun activities, such as zipwire, archery and climbing!
Image - Foxlease Activity Centre
Ever wanted to give climbing a try? Or perhaps zooming down a ski slope in an inflatable ring? These are just some of the adventures you could have at Calshot Activities Centre. Here, you’ll also find water activities, a velodrome as well as beach walks.
Discover the New Forest on two wheels
A great way of exploring our amazing National Park is by bicycle. There are plenty of off-road routes to choose from. Bring your own bike with you or hire one from one of our cycle hire shops.
Why not visit Lyndhurst and hire a bike from The Woods Cyclery? Take yourself onto the trails for a day and experience the wonderful beauty the New Forest has to offer. Once you’ve finished your ride stop in at The Woods Bikes and Brews, their inhouse cafe, for some sweet treats and coffee. What’s more? There’s 10% off for every hire customer.
Image - The Woods Cyclery
Or if you aren’t so savvy with maps but would love a cycling adventure, why not book onto a guided cycle with New Forest Cycling Tours? They’ll take you off the beaten track to explore some wonderful parts of the National Park.
Explore your curiosity at Beaulieu
Get hands-on with curious gadgets at Beaulieu with the chance to discover amazing inventions and clever devices! Plus, kids go free at Beaulieu this February half term – find out more online and get your voucher codes before you book…
Pop down to Jack Tucker’s Garage in the National Motor Museum, where legendary Jack loves a chat! Pull on some overalls, don your flat cap and learn about life as a country mechanic in the 1930s.
Image - National Motor Museum
Take an even bigger step back in time at Palace House, the historic home of the Montagu family. See fascinating 19th Century gadgets in action, still used by the Victorian house staff. Spot the marmalade shredder, the carpet sweeper and the tongue press… and learn all about these unusual artefacts.
Little Beaulieu – the outdoor play area is also full of crazy contraptions! Clamber across the epic climbing wall, share secrets down the fun funnel speaker, and release your inner Mozart on the xylophone chimes!
Beaulieu’s half term activities will run from 11-19 February.
Take a nature walk through Lepe Country Park
Enrich your senses with a day exploring Lepe Country Park. For just £1.50, wander around the nature reserve and entertain your children with a trail of brass rubbings, quizzes, fun facts and more. After a busy time exploring, make time to stop by at The Lookout (for some fabulous views across the Solent) but also a spot of tea and cake!
Image - Lepe Country Park
Check out our family friendly events
Throughout half term you’ll find a number of events taking place which are geared up for families. Go Potty for Snowdrops at Furzey Gardens this half term – with creative plant pot decorating before filling with soil and planting their very own snowdrops to take home!
On Tuesday 15 February, St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery are holding their Rock, Paper, Scissors event, which has been inspired by their Polish Paper Cuts exhibition, which you and your family can explore while you’re there too – or on any other day during February half term. Plus, they have their Denizens of Discworld exhibition on all half term too. Activities throughout the exhibitions include trying on a magical hat, taking part in a paper cutting challenge, creating your own folk art and learning some Polish along the way – the perfect rainy-day activity.
Image - St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery
Other events include boat trips, crafting workshops, a bug show and holiday clubs. Take a look at our events listings for more details of what’s coming up.
Plan a last-minute getaway
It’s not too late to book a family break over half term. Browse our accommodation today to find something to suit you, whether it’s a cosy cottage with the comforts of home or a welcoming B&B where you can start your day with a hearty New Forest breakfast.
Image - Balmer Lawn Hotel
Balmer Lawn Hotel is just one of the places to stay which is running a special offer for February half term. Stay with them between 10-19 February and your children dine free! Facilities onsite include an indoor playroom and an indoor heated pool. Added to this, the hotel has a dedicated children’s menu and children will receive a gift in their room.
So, what’s stopping you? Come along and find out just how amazing the New Forest is for families this February half term!