Half Term is almost upon us again and, with it, the task of trying to find some entertaining things to do with the family. February Half Term this year takes place from Monday, February 17, to Friday, February 21 – and fortunately there is a calendar filled with things you can visit, explore, and get stuck into.
From interactive trails to days out at popular nearby landmarks, dog walks with Wallace and Gromit, building robots and meeting mermaids – there’s even a dance party, a pooping dinosaur, and an abundance of films and musicals to enjoy.
We’ve compiled a list of events taking place in Bristol across the February Half Term this year, so now all you need to worry about is which one you visit first…
Zoo Detectives at Bristol Zoo Project
When: February 15 – March 2
This February Half Term, you can join the eco guards on a secret mission at Bristol Zoo Project to collect your case notes and begin piecing together clues on this interactive trail. You can send commands through a walkie-talkie and navigate with a compass, study animal tracks and camera traps.
The Zoo Detectives family fun trail is aimed at children between two to 12 years old, with additional detective challenges for any older children in your group. Book your visit to Bristol Zoo Project here.
Robot Explorers at Aerospace Bristol
When: February 15 – 23
Promising an ‘action-packed week of futuristic fun’, Robot Explorers will give visitors the chance to interact with a whole host of activities. Among others, you’ll be able to drive a rover across a simulated Martian surface using iPad controls.
You’ll also be able to complete a Mars mission by designing and building a Mars Rover capable of collecting and returning ore to the base. The challenge is to create lightweight, agile designs suitable for Martian terrain.
What’s more, visitors will be able to interact with a Mekamon robot and watch it wave, move and follow simple commands. You’ll even be able to build your own robot.
Find out more and book your tickets here.
All Aboard Watersports Half Term Holiday Club
All Aboard Watersports Half Term Holiday Club is back with its ever popular sailing and multisport full day clubs, and this year half days have been added to give you flexibility. There is also a new Power Boat Level 1 course on offer.
Spaces are limited to each event and pre booking is essential to secure a space. Prices start from £30. All half term activities are ideal for those aged 8 – 16 and a great way to learn something new by a trained, professional and friendly team, all the while supporting a local charity. Book your space here.
Frozen & The Greatest Showman Sing-a-long screenings at The Redgrave Theatre
When: February 17 at 10am (Frozen) & February 18 at 10am (The Greatest Showman)
The Redgrave Theatre in Bristol is hosting sing-a-long screenings of some fan favourite films this Half Term. First is Disney hit Frozen, where fancy dress is encouraged and tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for children.
Then, the following day, The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman, will be gracing the stage. Again, fancy dress is encouraged, and tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for children.
Half Term at Wookey Hole
If you fancy venturing a little further afield, Wookey Hole is packing its February Half Term fun full of the marvels of the Wookey Hole Circus, the legendary caves, a magical 4D cinema, Dinosaur Valley, Adventure Golf, giant soft play, and the history-filled Wookey Hole Museum.
Day tickets range from £19 (child) to £22 (senior) and £24 (adult). Find out more and buy yours here.
Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit at Westonbirt Arboretum
If you’re looking to get out and about on a nice woodland walk with the family (four-legged friends included) then Forestry England has launched an ‘ultimate forest walkies’ event with none other than iconic Bristol duo, Wallace and Gromit. This interactive dog-focused trail features a variety of games and challenges for you and your happy hound to complete.
Follow the route using the OS Maps app to find a series of panels. Each one has a fun challenge for you and your dog to take on and a crossword clue for you to solve. The Forest Walkies trail at Westonbirt Arboretum follows an off-path route through Silk Wood, which may be muddy and is not fully accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
It offers a great chance to explore beyond the main paths with your dog. Get your Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit pack for just £5 from the Welcome Building or the Westonbirt shop. It includes a gift for your dog, a gift for you and everything you need for the ‘best dog walk ever’.
Bounce: Spring Family Dance Party at Bristol Beacon
When: Monday, February 17 (two dance parties at 10-11am, and 11.30am-12.30pm respectively)
This family event at Bristol Beacon will see DJ Quest and Lotte Norgaard lead guests through a high energy session of music, dance and movement games, with props, lights and plenty of family fun. Aimed at children between 3-8 years, though with plenty to keep the whole family entertained, this indoor event costs £8.72 a ticket with proceeds going towards supporting Bristol Beacon‘s Community Music Programme.
Book your party slot and find out more, here.
Fantasea! at Bristol Aquarium
When: February 15 – March 2
This February Half Term, Bristol Aquarium will be delving into storybooks and myths all about life under the sea. According to the event description: “The unicorn tang of the Indo-Pacific ocean is known for its horn protruding from the top of its head, from which it gets its namesake. But did you know that another oceanic creature, the narwhal, is thought to be the origin of the unicorn myth?
“The iconic spiralling tusks of these animals were treasured by churches and royals all across Europe during the middle ages, and were highly sought after for their supposed healing properties. From the 15th February – 2nd March we will be delving in to stories like these, to explore how our understanding of the natural world has changed throughout history.”
You’ll be able to meet a magical mermaid in a mystical grotto, and make some mushrooms and jellyfish creations at the craft workshop – all included in your ticket. Buy yours here.
Half Term at SS Great Britain
This February Half Term sees the SS Great Britain celebrate ‘Mr Brunel’s Big Day Out’. You’ll be able to step into the shoes of one of the greatest engineers of all time for a day packed with adventure. This includes tackling hands-on challenges as Brunel’s apprentice, uncovering his achievements in the Being Brunel museum, or meeting the man himself for an interactive talk on board the ship.
You’ll also be able to create your own masterpiece, and take a curiosity quest. All activities are free with admission. Book your tickets here.
The Dinosaur That Pooped at The Bristol Hippodrome
When: Tuesday, February 18
Adapted from the number one best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter of McFly, this musical adventure is coming to the Bristol Hippodrome this half term.
Book your tickets here.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
When: Until April 27, 2025
This world-renowned exhibition, now in its 60th year, features 100 stunning photographs showcasing Earth’s extraordinary diversity and is on loan from the Natural History Museum in London. Images taken from all over the world capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species, and more.
Full price tickets cost £6.60 for weekdays, and £8 for weekends. Under 16s go free. Find out more and book yours here.
Hairspray at The Hippodrome
When: Monday, February 24 to Saturday, March 1
West End and Broadway hit musical, Hairspray, is coming to the Bristol Hippodrome this month. Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Joanne Clifton as Velma von Tussle, and with Hairspray royalty Brenda Edwards making her directorial debut, this production features some of musical theatre’s biggest and best hit songs.
“This fun-filled, feel-good show is bursting with show-stopping numbers and dizzying dance routines that you can’t help not to shimmy too!”, it said. Book your tickets here.
Bristol Film Festival
When: Throughout February, March, April and May at various venues across the city
Bristol Film Festival is back and bringing with it a number of special screenings of some family favourite movies, in some stunning and quirky venues. From Wall-E at the Planetarium on February 14, to The Hunchback of Notre Dame at The Mount Without, and many more, there’s something for everyone – including the odd pasta and wine evenings for the grown ups.
Find out more and book your tickets, here.