February Half Term in North Yorkshire

Blog posted:

1 February 2024

If you are looking for lots of fun things to do this February half term to keep the children entertained, you will find lots of exciting activities, events and days out in North Yorkshire.
Whether you are planning to enjoy some fresh air and exercise in the great outdoors or looking to visit one of the many tourist attractions in the county, you will find the perfect combination to keep all the family happy.

Discover North Yorkshire’s Dark Skies

At the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, enjoy the Dark Skies Festival where you can celebrate the jewels of the night sky.

From 9 – 25 February discover activities at night to heighten the senses such as night runs, canoeing and night navigation, astrophotography workshops, stargazing safaris, children’s daytime trails, art workshops and mindful experiences.

NorthYorkshire's incredible Dark Skies
Helmsley Castle in the WInter

The eight acres of formal gardens, including the beautiful two-acre walled garden, at Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens are perfect to explore for some family fun adventure. This half term explore the wilderness play area which is perfect for children to let off some steam; popular activities include building a den, swinging high on the cantilever swing, balancing on the clamberstack or let your imagination loose in the Wendy House. Take yourself on an adventure and tick off some of the ’50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4′ playlist.

Helmsley Castle in the WInter

The focus is on mindfulness and well-being this half term at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden with events for all the family.

Families can get crafty this half term in their winter craft workshop where you can have a go at creating a lavender pouch to take home. You can tuck it in a drawer to make your clothes smell nice or take it out and about with you. This is a FREE family craft workshop available everyday from 11am-2pm during February half-term.

Helmsley Castle in the WInter

Scarborough Pancake Races, 13 February

Scarborough’s annual flippin’ fantastic Pancake Day Race is held in the town centre followed by local schools heading to South Bay to take part in the traditional skipping spectacular.

In line with tradition in Scarborough, Pancake day kicks off with the Town Crier introducing the Mayor who then rings the Pancake bell on North Street at 12 noon.

Helmsley Castle in the WInter

For a completely different adventure head to Stump Cross Caverns. Situated just outside of Pateley Bridge and surrounded by remote moorland, this spectacular subterranean world of caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites will captivate and amaze children and adults alike. This half term join in a fossil and gem dig with Stump Cross Caverns’ very own cavewoman. Close by is Grimwith Reservoir, a 4.5 mile walk around the water’s edge guaranteed to burn off some energy.

Helmsley Castle in the WInter

Unleash the adventurer in you at North Yorkshire Waterpark, where thrilling experiences and serene landscapes converge for an unforgettable day out. Nestled amidst the picturesque beauty near Scarborough, North Yorkshire Water Park offers a diverse range of activities for individuals, families, and corporate groups.

Take to the water with paddleboarding, master the art of wakeboarding, paddle away in our kayaks or conquer our Inflatable AquaParks—a splash of fun for water enthusiasts of all levels.

Helmsley Castle in the WInter

Discover Buckets of Fun hiding in the grounds of Kiplin Hall this February Half Term. Play games, explore trails, learn, and laugh as a family in the fresh air.

Kiplin’s Buckets of Fun will be placed in the grounds and gardens for you to find. They are filled with games and resources on themes like bird watching, music and more. The contents have been designed to encourage children and adults to talk, play and work together.

Richmond