Days out with the kids at gardens for half term

Days out with the kids don't have to be difficult to plan. Especially when there are a plethora of excellent gardens throughout the country for families. Here we round up a selection of perfect days out for the kids and the bigger kids. Don't forget: many of these activities and events are free, but entry to the garden or house itself is paid for. Always check the website first.

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February half-term activities 2023

The Eden Project

Children under 16 go free to The Eden Project this half term, and there is plenty on to keep them entertained! Join one of their Doodletastic adventures with Tom Gates, the popular book and TV series from author and illustrator Liz Pichon.

The National Trust

The National Trust have a whole range of events on this half term. These include a Knight's quest at Bodiam Castle, a bug trail at East Riddlesden Hall, storytelling and mindful art activities.

Kew's Orchid Festival

Kew Gardens offers a perfect family-friendly day out pretty much whatever the weather, but at the moment there's the Orchid Festival, which will be a perfect day out with the kids. The festival this year celebrates Cameroon and all the biodoversity and wildlife which can be found there. It is bound to inspire the whole family and there is a host of after-hours events on too. Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect.

Snowdrop weekends

Don't forget to check out our long list of where to catch spectacular snowdrop displays, which will be guaranteed to inspire bigger kids. This month in particular is a perfect opportunity to catch Margery Fish's Snowdrop Ditch at East Lambrook Manor in Somerset which can be seen as part of the Festival of Snowdrops.

RHS Gardens

The RHS have loads of half-term activities on as well as the Houseplant Takeover at Wisley. This year, the Houseplant Takeover is deep-sea themed so kids can get immersed in exploring an ocean of plants and shipwreck artefacts. Take a sneak peek here. At RHS Bridgewater, kids can take part in a woodland scavenger hunt or plant up a windowsill seed pot at RHS Hyde Hall.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace has a range of half-term activities on, with farm animals, a wildlife trail and bird bingo. You can also get free children's annual passes until the end of March by purchasing an adult pass.