This February half term, both Derby city and Derbyshire schools breakup on Friday 14th February 2025. Obviously, INSET days vary between schools so check that directly with your child’s school or academy trust, but for most families in Derbyshire, the 2025 February half term runs from Saturday 15th February to Sunday 23rd February.
Just like my What’s On guide, the events listed are carefully curated, with an emphasis on free and low cost, educational activities that the whole family can enjoy (with plenty indoors, in case the weather is typically ‘seasonal’!).
Day by day February half term calendar
Keep scrolling for events that are on for the duration of half term…
The Woodland Lab at Chatsworth
Tuesday 18th, Wednesday 19th and 20th February 2025
Find out about ‘zombie trees’ during these free half term drop-in workshops and walks (normal admission applies). More info.
Make your own Fossil at Derby Museum & Art Gallery
Thursday 20th February 2025
Explore the natural world, linking the animals on display to the bones and fossils that remain. Then design, make and create your own fossil using clay. Drop-in session. More info.
Daily events throughout February half term
Think Human at the Museum of Making, Derby
Daily throughout half term
FREE – Explore how Ergonomics helped Britain win Olympic gold medals, how it helps us navigate railway stations, and how it helps to deliver the latest cancer treatment. Meet the people behind the products and hear how Human Factors might be a career for you.
February half term at Kedleston Hall
Daily throughout February half term
Enjoy ‘Winter adventures at Kedleston’. Embark on a wintery walk through Kedleston’s ‘Short Walk’ enjoying activities along the way. Adventures include welly-wanging, self-led yoga, storytelling and snowball bowling. Free activities, but normal admission charges apply. ***Check Kedleston’s social media – the Short Walk is currently closed for safety reasons****
Farm Academy at Bluebells Dairy, near Derby
Selected dates 15th of February to 23rd of February 2025
Lambing lessons (and if you’re lucky – witness live lambing births!), milking demos and lots of farmer role play activities. We’re big fans of Bluebells – check out our previous review. Or find more info on the 2025 February half term offering.
Half term in Chatsworth Farmyard
Daily throughout half term
Burn off some energy meeting Chatsworth’s friendly animals including pigs, horses, mischievous goats and guinea pigs and then take a ride on a tractor trailer through Stand Wood. Take the secret tunnel to the children’s playground. Fetch water from the stream using the Archimedes screw, and enjoy the huge sand play area (pack wellies and waterproofs!). Read my review of a family day out at Chatsworth.
Half term fun at Matlock Farm Park
Daily throughout February half term
Interactive animal & playtime fun including fluffy chicks to meet and pet, sheep and ferret racing and alpaca meet and greets and Highland cattle. In addition to all the animal fun, there are lots of places to stop and play, including an indoor play barn.
February half term at Hardwick Hall
Daily throughout half term
Explore the exciting Elizabethan themes of St Valentines through outdoor play and crafts inspired by themes of connection, pairs, gratitude and love such as ‘Match the pairs’, Connect Four, create your own sonnet on our storyboard & rustle up a valentine’s feast in our mud kitchen.
Explore our gardens and hall using the St Valentines themed spotter sheet discovering some of the love stories of Hardwick, or share your own favourite love stories or a letter of appreciation to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day of the 17th February. Activities are free but general admission prices apply. (Adults £6, Child £3, 2 adults, 2 children £15.00 or 1 adult, 2 children £9. Read my review of Hardwick Hall or National Trust places throughout Derbyshire.
February half term at Thornbridge, near Bakewell
Daily throughout half term
See the new Love Locker, explore Thornbridge’s lovely gardens with its famous Duck Fountain and inside, The Carriage House is being transformed into a Fun Zone with bouncy castle (3 – 12yrs), soft play area (Under 3s), arts & crafts tables and Film Club – all of which is included in standard garden entry! Adults £3, Child £3 (under 3s free) or
£10 family ticket. Read my review of Thornbridge.
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury
10th – 26th February 2024
There’s lots to see and do – including plenty inside – at the revamped Sudbury Hall. The Museum is really child-friendly and interactive. Meet a dalek, take a lesson in our Victorian Classroom and learn about childhood through the ages. Seasonal and themed crafts. Then explore the historic home of the Vernon family, with beautiful plasterwork, carvings and the Grand Staircase. Read my review of The Children’s Country House at Sudbury.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the 2025 February half term in Derbyshire. I’ll try to add more events as I see them. I’d love it if you shared this blog post with any friends or family who might also be interested – and gave me a follow on your favourite social media platform – see the buttons below.
Please do check out my general What’s On Derbyshire events guide too!
Thank you,
