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By: Jill Brook
As a mother who's navigated countless half terms—one child now at Oxford, the other still needing entertaining—I've learned that the key to surviving the school holidays is planning ahead. Fortunately, Leicestershire has pulled out all the stops this February half term with a fantastic range of events that won't break the bank. Here are six brilliant options running from 13-19 February that cater to all ages and interests.
Free Activities at Leicester's Cultural Quarter
Saturday 14 February, 12pm-4pm
The cultural quarter is hosting free activities for toddlers to 10-year-olds at venues across the area including Curve, Phoenix and the LCB Depot, all with a performing arts theme. As someone who's always championed accessible arts provision, I'm thrilled to see these institutions opening their doors to families without charging admission.
Getting children engaged with theatre, film, and creative arts early shapes how they see culture throughout their lives. Too often, the arts feel exclusive or expensive, particularly for working families already stretched by the cost of living crisis. Events like this break down those barriers and show children that creative spaces are for everyone, not just the privileged few.
The performing arts theme is particularly timely—my youngest has been obsessed with drama at school, and opportunities like this nurture that interest without parents having to shell out for expensive classes or workshops. Park up in town, make an afternoon of it, and let the kids explore what these wonderful venues have to offer.
Haymarket Shopping Centre Dinosaur Day
Monday 16 February, 11am-3pm
The Haymarket is going prehistoric with a dinosaur-themed family day featuring stilt-walking, appearances from Deena the Dino, and crafts. Shopping centres often get a bad rap, but credit where it's due—the Haymarket consistently puts on quality free events for families during school holidays.
My children went through the obligatory dinosaur phase (doesn't everyone's?), and events like this tap into that universal childhood fascination. The stilt-walking performers add spectacle, whilst the crafts give children something creative to do and take home. It's retail entertainment, certainly, but it's also genuinely enjoyable and completely free.
For parents juggling tight budgets—and let's be honest, that's most of us post-Christmas—free events in accessible central locations are worth their weight in gold. Pop in, let the kids enjoy themselves, perhaps grab some lunch, and you've filled several hours without spending a fortune.
Abbey Pumping Station Railway Day
Tuesday 17 February, 11:30am-4pm
The popular Railway Day returns to Abbey Pumping Station, where visitors can enjoy a ride on the narrow-gauge railway, tour the museum and explore the grounds. Train rides cost just 50p per person, with no charge for under-threes.
Abbey Pumping Station is one of Leicester's hidden gems—a proper piece of industrial heritage that tells the story of how this city developed. The narrow-gauge railway delights children (and plenty of adults, if we're honest), whilst the museum offers genuine educational value about Victorian engineering and public health.
At 50p per ride, this is ridiculously good value. My family has visited numerous times over the years, and it never disappoints. There's something wonderfully old-fashioned about it—no screens, no plastic tat, just trains, engines, and the chance to learn something whilst having fun.
From a feminist perspective, I particularly appreciate how places like Abbey Pumping Station present history. The story of public health and sanitation is fundamentally about improving people's lives, particularly women's lives, who bore the brunt of caring for sick family members before proper sewage systems existed. It's social history that matters.
Guildhall's Frosty Fun Day
Wednesday 18 February, 11am-3pm
The Guildhall's annual 'snowball' fight returns with wintry-themed arts and crafts. Tickets are £4 when bought in advance.
Leicester's Guildhall is one of the finest medieval buildings in the country, and I'm delighted they continue making it accessible and relevant to families. A snowball fight in a 700-year-old timber-framed building? That's exactly the kind of creative programming that makes history come alive for children.
At £4 advance booking, this represents excellent value for several hours of supervised activity in a remarkable historic setting. The Guildhall has always done superb work with schools and families, and their half term programming consistently delivers quality experiences that educate whilst entertaining.
There's something particularly satisfying about children playing in spaces that have witnessed centuries of Leicester's history. It connects them to their local heritage in ways that history lessons at school sometimes struggle to achieve.
Lanterns of the Wild at Twycross Zoo
Running 10-22 February
Twycross Zoo's after-dark lantern trail continues throughout half term week. This immersive experience transforms the zoo into an illuminated wonderland celebrating wildlife through spectacular light installations.
My family visited last year's winter lights event at a different venue, and the children were absolutely mesmerized. There's something magical about seeing familiar spaces transformed after dark, particularly when the installations focus on nature and conservation.
Twycross Zoo does important work in animal welfare and conservation education. Events like this generate vital revenue whilst engaging families with conservation messages in creative, memorable ways. It's edutainment at its finest—children leave having had a brilliant evening out whilst absorbing important lessons about protecting wildlife.
The fact it runs throughout half term means families have flexibility to book around other commitments or weather conditions. February evenings are properly cold, so wrap up warm, but the spectacle is worth braving the chill.
Leicester Comedy Festival
Running 4-22 February, nearly 700 shows
The Leicester Comedy Festival continues throughout half term week with nearly 700 shows across the city. This is one of the UK's longest-running comedy festivals, and it's right on our doorstep.[visitleicester]
Now, not all comedy shows are suitable for children—and as a parent, I'm vigilant about age-appropriate content—but the festival includes numerous family-friendly performances specifically designed for younger audiences. Comedy teaches children about timing, wordplay, satire, and the power of laughter to address serious subjects.
As a feminist, I particularly value comedy that challenges stereotypes and encourages critical thinking. The best children's comedy does exactly that—it's funny, yes, but it also makes kids question assumptions and see the world from different perspectives.
With 700 shows across Leicester, there's genuinely something for everyone. Support local venues, expose your children to live performance, and have a laugh together. After the darkness of January and with world news as depressing as ever, we could all use more laughter.
Making the Most of Half Term
What strikes me about this year's half term offerings is the range and accessibility. From completely free events to affordable ticketed experiences, Leicestershire's cultural and heritage venues are clearly committed to ensuring families can participate regardless of budget.
As someone who's passionate about equal access to arts and culture, I'm heartened to see so many institutions recognizing that pricing families out isn't acceptable. Half term shouldn't be something only affluent families can afford to fill with enriching activities.
My advice? Plan ahead, book what needs booking, and don't try to cram everything into one week. Pick two or three events that genuinely appeal to your children's interests, and leave space for spontaneity and rest. Half term is meant to be a break, not an exhausting whirlwind of scheduled activities.
And if all else fails and the children are driving you round the bend by midweek? There's always the library, the park, or an afternoon of baking at home. Sometimes the simplest activities are the ones they remember most fondly.
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