February half-term activities for kids in Wales

When half term rolls round once again it comes the challenge of entertaining little ones! Here are some of our picks (you can also check out our other guides on fun things to do in Wales). We recommend you check ahead for all of the below, just in case the organisers change things or you need to book in advance.

We'll add events nearer the time, but here are some ideas to begin with.

Visit one of Wales' seven National Museums. Entry is free and there are plenty of things to see for all ages, no matter what the weather.

Enjoy family garden walks, with the chance to discover incredible tropical plants in the world’s largest glasshouse at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Check out The British Bird of Prey Centre, housing over 20 native birds of prey and offering guests close encounters with hawks, falcons, kestrels, kites, buzzards and a golden eagle. 

Techniquest in Cardiff Bay provides great interactive family fun. As well as the 100+ exhibits on display, there are events to keep children entertained and educated. 

Enjoy a family day out at trip WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre. Visit the birds, including ducks, geese and flamingos.

Alternatively there are lots of nature-inspired activities you can do at home. There's a bunch of fun indoor and outdoor activities for families with a wetland theme - some highlights include making a Bewick's swan hat, creating a fantasy duck and going on a senses scavenger hunt.

If you want to start getting the garden ready for spring time visitors of the animal and bird variety, there are also some great videos showing you how to make things like bird feeders, ponds or bug hotels. 

Enjoy a Dam Open Day in the beautiful Elan Valley. It's an exclusive chance to venture into Pen y Garreg Dam and up the central tower. The rangers are on hand to answer any questions you have. 

Take a trip to one of the National Trust properties in Wales. 

If you don't want to go far you enjoy fun activities at home. Get the children engaged with the natural world by playing sounds of nature bingo and if that whets their appetite, you won't be short of ideas if you check out their 50 things to do in your back garden. 

Go to The Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, South Wales and learn about coin making. Watch coins being made and have a go at making your own. Visit the exhibitions or take a tour. 

Alternatively enjoy a whole host of fun video games that you can play from the comfort of your own home. Join Paddington Bear at the Tower of London, train to be a knight or a spy, or take part in the Lego® shadow puppet theatre workshop.

Find out more about other activities on their Mintlings page - full of ideas to keep the little ones busy!

Award-winning writer Tamar Eluned Williams has created four bespoke story trails across Cardiff parks.

Take a stroll with your mobile device and discover the trails in Bute Park, Forest Farm, Cardiff Bay or Cefn Onn Park. The stories are accessible through QR codes and are available in Welsh and English.

Spending some quality time cooking up a storm in the kitchen is a great way to spend a few hours during half term - and you get to sample some of our finest Welsh delights at the end! You could get ahead of the game for St David's Day celebrations by trying our Welsh cakes or bara brith recipes, or snuggle up to watch a film with a bowl of hot Welsh cawl.

Try these delicious recipes and more.

Young members of the family will enjoy these short walks that start and finish at railway stations, with activities to do along the way. Choose from Burry Port, Llanelli, Pontarddulais and Fishguard & Goodwick. Download a Ramble and Scramble map in Welsh or English.

Accompanied children can now travel free on all Transport for Wales trains, plus there's 2 for 1 entry at Cadw sites when you travel there by train.