20+ things to do in York and beyond this February half term
It’s almost time for February half term!
A whole week when the kids are off school, the number one question you might be asking is – what is there to do?
Well, YorkMix have got you covered. We’ve put together a guide of things to do during the February half term.
The return of the Jorvik Viking Festival, family fun at the National Railway Museum and York Art Gallery, and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, are just some of what’s on offer. Keep scrolling to find out more!
Are we missing an event? Let us know by leaving a comment below or dropping us a line at [email protected]
Don’t miss
Jorvik Viking Festival
It’s the return of the Jorvik Viking Festival! The vikings will once again be pitching their tents in York and creating lots of fun for all the family. Take a look at our guide to some of the unmissable events for this year’s festival.
- York city centre
- 11-19 Feb
- Various times
- More info
Colour and Light
‘Colour and Light’ is an immersive projection experience for the whole family, illuminating York Minster during the dark evenings of winter.
Brought to the city by the York BID, the unique show has been created by Doubletake Projections using projection mapping to re-imagine the facade of the iconic South Transept of York Minster. The show will be on an eight minute loop, and viewers are invited to stay for as many showings as they wish.
- South Piazza, York Minster, York YO1 7HH
- 10-23 Feb
- 6-9pm
- More info
February half term at Beningbrough
Have you met Mildred and George yet? They used to live on the estate years, and years ago. In some ways the gardens would be very different to how you see it today, but in others, they had similar experiences. Pick up the family trail, part of Comings and Goings, and let them lead you around the garden. Uncover stories of change, of people from the past and try a few ideas and activities along the way. Along your adventure, drop into the wilderness play area for slides, swings, climbing and den building.
- Beningbrough, York, YO30 1DD
- 11-19 Feb
- 10am – 3:30pm
- More info
Half term at Flamingo Land
Visit the award-winning zoo this winter at Flamingo Land! There’s lots to do, including visiting the award-winning zoo as well as enjoying the playgrounds, several rides for younger children, keeper talks and much more. Visit our Muddy Duck Cafe for a selection of cakes, traybakes, sandwiches, toasties & hot and cold beverages.
- Flamingo Land, Kirby Misperton, Malton, YO17 6UX
- 11-19 Feb
- From 10am
- More info
Half term with City Cruises
Join City Cruises on-board their sightseeing cruise and discover fascinating facts from your seat on the top deck or wrapped up warm in the enclosed saloon. Wherever you sit you will have a great view to uncover the history of this ancient city and the immense impact the River Ouse has had on its development.
- King’s Staith, York YO1 9SN
- 11-19 Feb
- Various times
- More info
Trending
Family fun
Marvellous and Mischievous: Literature’s Young Rebels
An exciting exhibition spotlighting famous rebels in children’s literature – with perennial favourites such as Pippi Longstocking, Jane Eyre, Matilda and Dirty Bertie. Showcasing around 40 books, manuscripts and original artwork, the family-friendly exhibition will include a diverse range of rebels, outsiders and spirited survivors from children’s literature spanning more than 300 years, inviting visitors to rediscover their favourite characters, as well as meeting new ones.
- York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EW
- 10 Feb – 4 Jun
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
Half term at the National Railway Museum
Join us for fun hands-on activities as we investigate the theme of decarbonisation, alternative fuels and sustainability alongside new objects on display in Innovation Platform. There’s lego challenges, interactive storytelling, and more.
- National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
- 11-19 Feb
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Half term Vikings at the Yorkshire Museum
Learn about all things Viking at the Yorkshire Museum through a range of free family friendly activities this half term! From Viking bracelet making and saga-telling to becoming a poo detective(!), there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens, York YO1 7FR
- 11-19 Feb
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
Half term Toys and Games at the Castle Museum
From fun crafts and toy trails to your favourite board games, visit York Castle Museum this half term and enjoy free activities perfect for the whole family!
- York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York YO1 9RY
- 11-19 Feb
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
York Winter Comic Con
York’s winter comic con is back! There’s lots of geeky fun to be had, including meeting the stars of Red Dwarf, a huge geeky market selling merchandise and collectables from all of your favourite franchises, great attractions and much more.
- York Racecourse, Knavesmire, York, YO23 1EX
- 12 Feb
- 11am – 5pm
- More info
February half term at The Web Adventure Park
Spend your February Half Term with us. A full day of fun, whatever the age, whatever the weather! The indoor play is the biggest in the York area, offering play zones to suit all ages and stages, with a delicious cafe serving freshly made food and amazing hot drinks.
Wander outside and have unlimited goes on our 12 rides, all included in one ticket! Rides include the Helterskelter, Double Carousel, Apple Coaster, Miami, Balloons, Cups and Saucers, Ferris Wheel, Pony Express, Formula, Sizzler, Broncho Bulls and Dinosaur Miniature Golf!
- The Web Adventure Park, Wigginton Rd, York YO32 2RH
- 11-19 Feb
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
February half term at York Minster
Discover York Minster this half term with an exciting series of half-term activities for children. There’s a treasure trail, family tours, and more.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- 11-19 Feb
- 9:30am – 3:30pm
- More info
February Frolics at Piglets Adventure Farm
We’re back with a baaa-ang for an amazing half term day out! There’s live lambing, lamb bottle feeding, a brand new pantomime show, indoor and outdoor play – and much more!
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- 11-19 Feb
- 9:30am – 5:30pm
- More info
Half term at Yorkshire Air Museum
Les Française son arrivee (the French are here, kind of). To reflect the Museum’s French connections, there will be a special quiz trail around the site. This will include not just the period in which RAF Elvington was home to French Squadrons, but also the aircraft in our collection – like the stunning Mirage IV – with French heritage.
- Yorkshire Air Museum, Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU
- 11-19 Feb
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
February half term at Murton Park
Come to Murton Park this February half term for a Viking-inspired week of fun…braid a Viking friendship bracelet in the Viking village, decorate a Valentine’s cookie, make a Viking coin and decorate a Viking boat magnet, and much more!
- Murton Park, Murton, York, YO19 5UF
- 13-17 Feb
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
Shows and screenings
Once Upon A Fairytale
Goldilocks is missing and we need your help to find her! Fairytales have been around for centuries. Passing from generation to generation taking on different twists and turns. There are usually lessons to be learnt and characters to love . . . as well as those to watch out for. In this show we travel through a whole host of some favourite fairytales and meet some familiar faces along the way: Little Red Riding Hood, The Gingerbread Man and some hungry Bears to name a few!
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- 16-17 Feb
- 10:30am and 1pm
- More info
Spark Cinema Club: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Come join SPARK* Cinema Club for a unique film experience in York. Relax as we dim the lights on the big screen, raise an invisible curtain, and bring you a heart-warming science-fiction adventure, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Full of iconic moments, this timeless family-friendly classic guarantees laughter, tears, thrills, and everything in between. Kids will love the adorable little alien while grown-ups will teleport into the world of childhood once more.
- SPARK:York CIC 17-21 Piccadilly York YO1 9PB
- 16 Feb
- 5:30pm
- More info
Roll up, roll up! Story Craft Theatre
Come to the Circus! Join us this half term for a spectacular, family friendly production brought to you by Story Craft Theatre, an award winning children’s theatre company run by professional actors and theatre-makers Janet Bruce and Cassie Vallance.
Packed with games, music, and puppets, this show is fun and engaging for both younger audiences and their accompanying adults! An adventure not to be missed!
- SPARK:York CIC 17-21 Piccadilly York YO1 9PB
- 19 Feb
- 2:30pm and 4pm
- More info
Outdoor and creative fun
Dark Skies Festival
We’re delighted to be showcasing an eighth Dark Skies Festival – full of activities and opportunities to appreciate the wonders of the night sky. There’s stay and gaze packages to spend a night under the stars, all manners of night walks, stargazing aplenty, daytime adventures and craft activities, bat-box making, mindful experiences and much more.
- Various locations
- 10-26 Feb
- Various times
- More info
Nature Adventurers Holiday Special
Join us for some wonderful seasonal activities at St Nicks nature reserve. Learn new skills and meet new people. We’ll be based in the woodland, den building, fire lighting, using tools, making crafts, playing games, campfire cooking, learning about nature and plenty more. A campfire lunch made on the fire will be provided as well as snacks.
- St Nicks, Rawdon Ave, York YO10 3FW
- 14 Feb
- 10:30am – 1:30pm
- More info
Smeds And Smoos Half-Term Special
Come and join us for some arts, crafts and messy play with the Smeds and the Smoos! We will be making some of our favourite Smeds and Smoos characters, creating unique starscapes and building our very own rockets! Expect lots of the usual ARTventurers goodness – painting, crafting and lots of glitter!
- Haxby Wigginton Methodist Church, The Village, Haxby, York, YO32 2JJ
- 16 Feb
- 10:30-11:30am
- More info
Half term at York Cocoa Works
School’s out! If you’re looking to enjoy a family friendly activity with your little ones this February Half Term, come and join us at York Cocoa Works. We have lots of fun, chocolate-filled experiences to keep your family entertained while the schools are closed. Make your own chocolate bar, chocolate lollipop and explore the chocolate making process!
- York Cocoa Works, 10 Castlegate, York YO1 9RG
- 11-19 Feb
- Various times
- More info
February half term: World on your windowsill
Discover a world on your windowsill with exciting plants to grow in the smallest of spaces at RHS Garden Harlow Carr this February half term. From planting workshops to wellbeing yoga sessions and hilarious tales by the Garden Detectives, there’s something for the whole family.
- RHS Garden Harlow Carr, HG3 1QB
- 11-19 Feb
- 10am – 4pm
- More info