How to Keep the Kids Happy this Half Term in the Country & in Town

If you’re on the look out for child-friendly activities to keep the kids happy this February half term school holiday, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up the best special events and nationwide diary dates to keep the little ones in good spirits for the week-long break. With kids’ afternoon tea activities and outdoors winter pursuits, there’s something for everyone… 

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What to Do This February Half Term

Half Term Events in London

Children’s Afternoon Tea with Daunt Books at The Langham

Want to kick-start the February half term in style? How does tea at The Langham sound? The little literati will be flocking to The Langham for their Children’s Afternoon Tea with Daunt Books. And visiters on the 18 February can take tea in the company of celebrated children’s author and illustrator, David Litchfield. David will be doing a reading and signing of some of his famous titles including The Bear and The Piano and Grandad’s Secret Giant. The hotel’s resident pianist, John Watson, will be accompanying the reading on the grand piano. (There’s tea and cake in it for you, too.) The author reading takes place on 18 February 2019 at 12 noon, and requires advance booking.  Children’s Afternoon Tea with Daunt Books is available every day from 12 noon until 5.30pm and costs £29.50 per child, while adults afternoon tea costs £55 per person. www.langhamhotels.co.uk | 020 7636 1000. 

Children’s Workshops at the Royal Academy of Arts

Let them explore their artistic side in one of the capital’s most prestigious art addresses, with half term activities at the Royal Academy of Arts. How about an expressive painting workshop inspired by the work of RA school alumna, Sarah Pickstone? Slightly better than finger painting at home. Expressive Painting takes place in The Clore Learning Centre on 21 February from 10.00am – 12.15pm and 1pm – 3.15pm and costs £20 per adult and £10 per child. It’s suitable for ages 7+, children must be accompanied by an adult. royalacademy.org.uk

Kids’ Sci-Fi Tea at the Ampersand

Winner of the best themed afternoon tea at the Afternoon Tea Awards, The Drawing Rooms has expanded its offering to include a new kids’ Sci-Fi Tea in line with its science tea offering. This makes for the perfect pit stop after a morning exploring the neighbouring Natural History and Science Museums. Served on brightly coloured rocket stands, the kids’ Sci-Fi Tea offers a special selection of children’s favourites, including mini hot dogs, rocket cheese straws and brioche and jam sandwiches. There are even experimental build-your-own science puddings to top everything off. The menu is available 12:30-9pm, Monday – Saturday and 12:30-6pm on Sundays for £29.50 per person. www.ampersandhotel.com.

The Tiger Who Came To Afternoon Tea at The Savoy

One not to miss – The Savoy’s very first children’s afternoon tea is sure to be spectacular. As part of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of Judith Kerr’s treasured classic, the iconic picture book will be the inspiration for a feast of teatime treats such as those that Sophie and her mummy shared with the visiting Tiger. The Tiger Who Came to Tea at The Savoy will be priced from £40 per child aged from five to 12 years old and will comprise sandwiches, tiger striped scones and pastries and more. fairmont.com/savoy-london

Half Term Events in the Country

Meet the Gruffalo at the Children’s Book Festival at Dreamland, Margate

Dreamland in Margate is launching its first ever Children’s Book Festival this February Half Term on the 16 February. Little ones will enjoy a very special appearance from The Gruffalo, plus screenings of film adaptations of Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler classics by Magic Light Pictures, including Room On The Broom, Stick Man, The Highway Rat, The Gruffalo and Zog. There wil also be illustration and creative workshops, readings and author talks from Emily Rand (The Lost Property Office), Julia Jarman (Big Red Bath and Class Two At The Zoo) and John Dougherty (There’s A Pig Up My Nose). 16 February, 10am to 4pm, dreamland.co.uk

UK Beach Break at Chalet Saunton, Devon

Fancy escaping for a mini beach break this February half term? Head down to north Devon and check in to Chalet Saunton where you can get five nights for the price of three. Choose from one of six three-bedroom apartments, all overlooking the picturesque Saunton Sands beach and Braunton Burrows. Want to take a four-legged friend? With direct beach access, the two ground-floor apartments are perfect bringing the dog and enjoying long walks on the beach. Surfers willing to brave the February sea will also enjoy the gentle spilling breakers of Saunton and steeper waves and low tide barrels at Croyde.

Book it: Stay five nights for the price of three this February half term, Sunday 17th to Friday 22nd February. The three-bedroom apartments start from £400 per night on a self-catering basis, including a hamper of local deli produce on arrival. For more information and to book please visit: chaletsaunton.com or call 01271 890514.

Wildlife Trails at The Grove

Head down to The Grove this half term where children can enjoy the kids activity guide including a range of arts and crafts, bracelet making, rounders and junior golf lessons. The Grove also offers Segway tours through the woodland with the support of a fully-qualified instructor. And while the kids are exploring, you can relax in the spa or relax in the grounds.

Book it: Book in for the February Half Term Package, with a choice of three nights for the price of two, or 50% off your second night. thegrove.co.uk

The Eden Project Weather Maker

How do you prepare for the weather in Britain? Make your own, of course! The Weather Maker is part of the Rainforest Canopy Walkway at the Eden Project in Cornwall, enabling everyone to explore the world’s largest indoor rainforest from the treetops. Tropical rainstorms and a wobbly rope bridge in the cloudy treetops; sounds like a welcome break from the UK autumn climate… edenproject.com

What’s on in the country? The Culture Diary will tell you… | Looking for more to do in London? The London Diary is your ticket.