Activities for February Half Term

Another February Half Term is upon us and so, like many of you, we are faced with the task of keeping the kids entertained and balance out that screen time! When you google ‘activities for February Half Term’, lots of days out and activities come up. The majority of these involve spending (lots of) money, which in the current climate can be hard and with Christmas having just been, many parents are thinking about saving those pennies. Or are you not going on your usual February Half Term ski trip and need some new activities?

It can be a good idea to have a look at the weather and make a plan for the week. This will help you spend less money on unplanned things. Having fun doesn’t mean spending lots of money, however, so have a look at some of our ideas for activities for the February Half Term for ways to have fun both inside and outside, without breaking the bank plus balancing the screen time!

#1 Make a bird cake

Give the birds in your garden a winter treat by making them some bird cake to eat. Warning: Bird seed often has nuts included so avoid this activity if you have a nut allergy.

What you’ll need

• Fat – use suet or lard (85g)
• Good quality wild birdseed
• A handful of raisins
• A handful of peanuts
• Some grated cheese
• Bowls and wooden spoons
• Apron
• Yoghurt pots with holes in the bottom threaded with string

What to do

1. Put the fat in a bowl and leave in a warm place to soften, such as a radiator.
2. Place all the other ingredients into a big bowl.
3. Chop up the fat into small pieces and add to the other ingredients in the bowl. You can mix them together using a wooden spoon or your fingers.
4. Ask a grown up to make a hole in the bottom of a clean yoghurt pot. Double the string, tie a knot at the end and thread through the hole so that the knot is on the inside and the loop is outside the pot.
5. Put the mixture into the yoghurt pot or make into balls. Put the bird cake into the fridge to set. And then put it in your garden for the birds to enjoy!

#2 Go on a scavenger hunt

Well maybe not for bears but a scavenger hunt is a great way to add some excitement to their daily walk and get them up close to nature!

These magnetic waterproof boards are perfect for a outdoor scavenger hunt, whatever the weather! From plants, to mini beasts, whatever they like to look out for – pick up your set here!

Running out of inspiration for walk activities to stop any whinging from the children? Check out these 10 ways to make your family walk more fun or download our FREE Family Walking Ideas Calendar!

Our top tip to get them outdoors: if your children are not keen on the cold and wet, make sure they are layered up with warm, waterproof clothing.

#3 Do some Yoga

The positive benefits of mindfulness, breathing and stretching are boundless.

We love the FREE family yoga sessions by Cosmic Kids on YouTube. Why not take a walk on the wild side and go on a safari adventure or head down under the sea? Everyone can get involved!

#4 Have a mini Spa Day

It may have been a while since you’ve had the chance of a massage and sauna, so why not teach your little active people a little spa etiquette?!

Why not crack open the nail polishes, learn some massage techniques and snuggle up after a scented warm bath with a delicious herbal tea.

Our hooded towels make the perfect mini spa day treat, click here for a range of patterns in both regular and jumbo sizes!

#5 Make an ice mobile

Hang your icy mobile outside in your garden on a tree or near the window and watch as it gradually begins to melt. Once you’ve mastered the technique, try using different shapes and patterns to make a longer icy mobile!

What you’ll need

• Saucers, lids or plastic bowls
• A tray
• String
• Shaped biscuit cutters
• Natural materials collected from your garden or on a walk (leaves, seed heads, berries, small twigs)

What to do

Make your icy mobile on a really frosty night to make sure it freezes! You can always use the freezer if it’s not cold enough outside instead.

1. Choose a few of your favourite natural materials which you collected to use in your icy mobile.
2.  Place 3 or 4 jam jar lids, little trays or pastry cutter shapes on a tray.
3. Arrange the shapes into a row on the tray, leaving small gaps in between.
4. Place your chosen natural items in the middle of each shape.
5. Take a piece of string and lay it over the shapes to link them together, making sure that the string goes right into the shapes allowing the string to freeze into each one.
6. Carefully fill each shape with water.
7. If it’s below freezing outside, put the tray on a flat surface outdoors and leave overnight if possible (remember you can use the freezer if it’s not chilly enough!).
8. Once your icy mobile has frozen, gently remove the ice from the shapes (you may need to use a little bit of warm water to ease them out – ask an adult to help you as this might be a little tricky!).

#6 Make a den

Hours of fun can be had making a den whether it’s in or outdoors! Whether they’re a budding explorer, love a bit of role play or just want a space to hide away by themselves, they will be occupied for hours and will remember the fun memories when they’re old!

Click here to check out our popular range of dens with lots of accessories!

#7 Protect the environment

Whether it’s going on a litter pick on your daily walk, creating a wildlife friendly environment or making a bird feeder – send in your letters, pictures and makes that are about the environment, conservation or nature to Blue Peter to get your Green Badge!

#8 Afternoon tea

Children will love making these sweet and savoury treats almost as much as they’ll enjoy eating them! Get them to either make (or help you) some sandwiches, biscuits, cakes and scones. For an extra activity, get them to create some bunting and set the table.

If you love a afternoon tea but the thought of baking fills you with dread, check out some of our baking kits which come with everything you need to make some delicious treats!

#9 Movie Day

If your children don’t have much screen time, then a movie day will be extra special and a great family bonding activity! So for a day of no fighting, just cuddling, loving and laughing together, check out these top tips!

• Come up with a list of movies 
• Why not have a PJs and duvet day or dress to a theme?
• Bring out the pizza, popcorn and ice cream!

#10 Family creative at dinnertime

Not just for the kids, like mindfulness, colouring can help reduce blood pressure, anxiety, tension and improve fine motor skills and sleep. And what better way than all sat down together, having a colour and a natter about the day?

Check out these colour in and wash out table cloths to do again and again!

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