February Half Term Family Fun

February half term is the perfect excuse to shake off those winter blues and enjoy a well-deserved break with your family and friends.

Come rain or shine there’ll be plenty of family fun to be had during February half term across our county.  From fairy tale adventures and tractor rides to the enchanting Fire and Ice InDurham Festival or forest activity trails, take your pick from Durham’s abundance of child-friendly events, activities and attractions to keep your little ones entertained this February half term.

Be amazed by the Silver Swan at The Bowes Museum

The much loved Silver Swan has been dazzling crowds for over 240 years and over the last century has become the icon of The Bowes Museum. This unique, life-sized musical automation plays every day at 2pm. Do not miss it when visiting!
Plus don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the New Light Prize Exhibition, which shines a light on Northern contemporary art before it ends on 18th February.

Buckets of fun for everyone at Diggerland

Diggerland is one of the UK’s most unique adventure theme parks, where children and adults alike can ride, drive and operate real diggers, dumpers and other full- size construction machinery.
Get to grips with real JCBs and 180/360 excavators, take a head-reeling turn on the Spindizzy, rise to lofty heights on the Skyshuttle, or have a go on the Dodgems and Go-Karts!

Experience a magical fairy tale adventures in an enchanted Medieval Hall

Families are invited to come along and experience an enchanted adventure as magical fairy tale characters step out of the storybooks and visit Crook Hall and Gardens.

Follow the flame lit ice sculpture trail at Fire & Ice InDurham

With ice sculptures and flaming beacons bringing your favourite literary characters to life, you can become part of the story too, with live demos, interactive sculptures and a stunning grand finale spectacular.
Follow the magical fire and ice trail around historic Durham City and enjoy beautiful hand carved ice sculptures and flame beacons. Plus each evening a spectacular finale show featuring music, fire, dancing water and lighting.

Family fun down on the farm

Explore the outdoors and get up close with cretures great and small at Hall Hill Farm, set in the stunning Vale of Durham countryside.
There’s lots to see and do down on the award winning family farm from craft activity workshops and friendly rabbits to handle to tractor rides and saying hello to the newest arrivals, the pygmy goats, chicks, and piglets.

Follow the Highway Rat on a forest adventure

The Highway Rat is the latest Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book to be brought to life on a wonderful forest trail in the beautiful Hamsterley Forest.
Follow the panels and discover the forest as you join the Highway Rat on his forest adventure, completing fun activities and spotting characters from the story as you go along. It’s a great way for the little ones to let off some steam whilst getting active and exploring the great outdoors.

Queens of the Machines, Women at War

Discover the important contributions women made during the First World War. Beamish - The Living Museum of the North will be commemorating the women’s war effort throughout half term with an exciting array of activities including make your own turbines in a recreated factory, hear from local experts and discover the many roles women were required to fill during World War One.

Get outdoors and get active on the Durham Coast

Explore the dramatic views from the Durham Heritage Coast with a walk along the coastal footpath, or head to the beach and go in search of sea glass, just like Anita Rani did during her Stiles, Steeds and Stars Journey. 

Child-friendly Accommodation 

Whether you choose Durham City, the Durham Dales, the Vale of Durham or the Durham Coast as your base, you're certain to find the perfect place to relax and enjoy some quality time together as a family after a day exploring what Durham has to offer.

From friendly B&B's and cosy cottages to quirky yurks and historic castles there's lots of child-friendly places to stay. We even have dog friendly accommodation so even your four legged friends can join in the family break this February.