Cotswold Little Explorers

Things to do with your Little Explorers during the February Half term.

The hardest school holidays, am I right?! It’s still winter, but there is none of the excitement and frenzy of Christmas to keep you busy.

It is normally still cold and dark, but with a bit of planning, maybe we CAN have a fun-filled school holidays and make sure that the cabin fever doesn’t set in!

If you’re stuck for things to do, or are looking to mix it up a bit, read on for some of our favourite picks for Feb half term in the Cotswolds.

For general family days out in the Cotswold that open year-round, take a look at our guide to Family Days Out in the Cotswolds. Here you will find all the information for museums, farms, castles parks and more in our local area.

Also, nothing beats the winter blues like going for a family walk! Check out our Family Walking Guides for inspiration.

Events taking place in the Cotswolds this February Half term

However, is it is special events set up for the family to keep the kids happy this half term, look no further.

I’ve listed them here with free activities at the start, then cheaper options, and also some more expensive treat days you might like to add in.

£ Free Activities

Find out what’s on at YOUR local library. There are free activities on offer through-out public libraries in the Cotswolds, including:

• Lego Clubs
• Code Club – fun programming for children including making games, graphics, music and more.
• Willow Crafting
• Makers Club

Click to find out details for library events in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire

Family Walk choose one of our tried and tested walks and get those kids outside! Free, good for your body, mind and soul, burn off some energy with one of our family walks.

Play rangers community days Check out the wonderful Play Rangers who run free creative outdoor play sessions in urban and rural communities. There free community play sessions are taking place in various locations around Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds this half term.

££ Activities between £10 – £20

The Corinium Museum, Cirencester, are running a number of low cost drop in session during half term including;

• Drop in craft sessions (£2.50 pp)
• Valentines Card making (£10 per child)
• Peppa Pig Cinema Party (£5 pp)
• Sword and Sheild workshop (£10 per child)
• Mini Mosaic Making (£12 per child)

Check there website for further details

Westonbirt Arboretum: Visit lovely Westonbirt and take part in there Hidden Westonbirt trail; use microscopes, make potions and craft activities. Woodland walks, café and playground. (Adults £9, children £3, under 5s are free) Also at Westonbirt, the Gruffalo Party trail from 10th Feb.

Snowdrop walks: See our Snowdrop Guide for details of 10 beautiful snowdrop walks in the parks and gardens of the Cotswolds.

£££ Activities over £20 +

‘Mudfest’ at Slimbridge Wetlands Centre ( adult £15.90, child £10.45, under 4s.are free). This looks absolutely brilliant fun, with puddle splashing, mudslinging, mud kitchen, mud painting and more! There are also cool crafting sessions and wild play opportunities.

Lambing at Cotswold Farm Park At the wonderful Cotswold Farm Park you can see Live Lambing and talk to the expert farmers who are on hand to answer all your questions. Our family did this activity last year and I have to say my boys were quite taken aback to see a lamb being born in real life! After they had got over the shock! They loved it and it was a really memorable and educational experience. The farm park has oodles to do with kids, with indoor areas, soft play and animal barns if the weather turns. A full and fun day out.

The Theatre Chipping Norton is running its production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Adult £13.50, children £ 11.50).

Suited for children aged 3 plus, the children’s theatre company’s production is described as inventive and refreshing, with original music, beautiful puppets and captivating performances designed to entertain and enthral.

The National Trust is running a half term Scavenger hunt at Dyhram Park ( Normal admission applies; adult £17, child £8.50, family £42.50. Entrance is free for members) This National Trust is a real beauty and also is the home to one of our favourite walks The Prospect Walk, which is a great walk for little legs and even suitable for pushchairs.

The National Trust, Newark Park (adult £9.50, child £4.75, family £ 23.75 )Is a lovely place for a walk and a coffee stop. It has a nice spacious play area for the kids, stunning views, and trails through the beautiful woodlands. As well as the usual offerings this half term they have dressing up, colouring and activity sheets for the kids.

February Half Term Fun at Blenheim Palace. The spectacular Blenheim Palace has a number of things on offer this half term. There is a miniature train, adventure play and a pop up sheep pen so children can say hello to the animals. There is a maze to explore and a woodland trail on offer to.

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