It’s February, it’s half-term and you’re in need of inspiration to keep your kids busy, happy and entertained. Well, you’re in the right place – we’ve compiled a little list of things to do that we’re certain will go down a treat with all members of the family. 

And that’s not all. If you have a Family & Friends Railcard you can save big on your train travel. Plus, you can also experience these gems for less with National Rail’s Day’s Out Guide - including 2FOR1, 1/3 OFF and many more great deals on entry when you travel by train. Scroll down to discover our pick of amazing things to do over the February half-term. 

Fuel your kids’ imaginations at the London Transport Museum, London 

• Get 2FOR1 entry to London Transport Museum with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

Over 200 years of history and high-tech interactive gadgets await at the London Transport Museum(external link, opens in a new tab) this half term, where your kids can climb aboard vintage buses, drive a tube train simulator and learn about the women who have kept London moving at a special exhibition.

For the under 7s, the All Aboard Playzone’s mini cable car, repair workshop and Lost Property Office is a winner. As for youngsters that like art, point them toward the Global Poster Gallery, which displays 100s of transport advertising posters.

Nearest station: London Charing Cross 

Turtle-y terrific fun at SEA LIFE, nationwide 

• Get 1/3 OFF entry to SEA LIFE aquariums nationwide with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

For kids that love anything to do with the wonders of the aquatic world, it doesn’t get any better than SEA LIFE(external link, opens in a new tab), which this half-term is making things Turtle-y Terrific at locations across Great Britain! Here your little ones can meet and learn all about these fascinating creatures –  as well as how you can help protect them and their ocean home.  

Take part in challenges, find the answers and explore the ocean wonders including glittering scales, waddling feet and razor-sharp teeth.

Nearest stations: Brighton, Great Yarmouth, Kings Lynn, Balloch, London Waterloo, Manchester Piccadilly, Scarborough, Weymouth, Birmingham New Street

Follow in the footsteps of footballing greats with a tour of Tottenham Hotspur stadium

• Get 2FOR1 entry to Tottenham Hotspur FC Stadium Tour with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

Got football fans in the family? Why not kick off this February half-term with a behind-the-scenes tour of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium(external link, opens in a new tab). Highlights of the 90-minute tour include exclusive access to the men’s first team areas and walking through the tunnel into the stadium bowl.  

Walk in the footsteps of your favourite players and learn about the stadium that was designed to create one of the best match day experiences in the world.

Nearest station: White Hart Lane 

Escape to a world of mystery at Hampton Court Palace

• Get 2FOR1 entry to Hampton Court Palace with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

Make this half-term extraordinary and escape to a world of mystery at Hampton Court Palace. Admire the home of Henry VIII and walk in the footsteps of kings and queens through the Great Hall and Tudor kitchens. This February, step back in time, join a royal quest and undertake a top-secret mission.

Explore the ultimate playground in the Magic Garden. Discover the secret grotto, conquer a scary dragon and besiege the towers – there’s plenty of fun for all!

Nearest station: Hampton Court

Locomotive magic at Bluebell Railway

• Get 2FOR1 entry to Bluebell Railway with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

If your little ones are obsessed with trains, we’ve just the thing for you. The Bluebell Railway(external link, opens in a new tab) was the first preserved standard gauge passenger line in the world. Go and meet friendly railway staff in period clothing, visit their excellent museum exhibitions and see original working signal boxes and signals. Get up close to the heat of the footplate, while you watch the driver and fireman prepare the locomotive for travel.

Enjoy the thrilling sights, sounds and smells while you step back in time aboard historic carriages.

Plus, there are plenty of opportunities for the kids ‘let off steam’ at Kingscote’s playground and the Horsted Keynes soft play ‘Elephant Van’. 

Nearest station: East Grinstead

Explore the Tower Bridge Cat trail 

• Get 2FOR1 entry to Tower Bridge with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

Inspired by the award-winning book series, The Tower Bridge Cat, families are invited to complete Tower Bridge(external link, opens in a new tab)’s new interactive trail. Find installations throughout the attraction and meet characters from the book including the Bridge Master and his team – Hannah, the Cook, Poppy, the Painter, Stan, the Stoker, and identical twins Eddie the Engineer and Olly the Oiler. Let the gang help you answer key questions about Tower Bridges history, while having fun completing tasks along the trail. 

Then, make sure to collect and stamp your Apprenticeship Record and become part of Bella’s special Tower Bridge team. 

Nearest station: London Bridge

Be a party animal at Plantasia Tropical Zoo, Swansea 

• Get 20% OFF entry to Plantasia Tropical Zoo with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

Get ready to party at Plantasia Tropical Zoo(external link, opens in a new tab) as from Saturday 22 to Friday 28 February, they're celebrating 35 wild and wonderful years. Take part in a host of conservation-themed events, including a fun jungle trail with a chance to win prizes, all while you uncover their living rainforest full of giant exotic plants and tropical animals.

Create a special zoo-tastic birthday card after meeting the friendly parrots and curious meerkats – watch out for the snap-happy crocodiles! 

Nearest station: Swansea 

Score big with a trip to the National Football Museum, Manchester 

• Get 20% off entry to the National Football Museum with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

Another one for lovers of the beautiful game, the National Football Museum(external link, opens in a new tab) in Manchester has one of the world’s most significant collections of footballing objects and memorabilia. 

Highlights include the Batteries Not Included exhibition, which celebrates the history of football toys and games, and the Score Gallery, which takes you on a fascinating journey from the old-school Victorian period to the tech-driven modern era of football. Add to that mix penalty shootouts against a virtual keeper and the oldest FA Cup trophy, and you have yourselves a certified match winner.  

Nearest station: Manchester Victoria