9 Great Things To Do This February Half Term in Oxford
The kids are out of school for a week and there’s nothing more frustrating than having to find endless amounts of things to keep them busy. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do this February Half Term in Oxford, Oxfordshire and beyond so you can spend every day making memories and wearing those little ones out. From exploring creepy castles and impressive museums to getting a bit of fresh air and some animal cuddles, there are plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Oxford Ice Rink
Oxford Ice Rink is a fantastic choice for February half-term activities in Oxford. Located in the heart of the city, the rink is home to the well-known Oxford City Stars ice hockey team and offers plenty of fun for all ages. From public skating sessions and lively disco skates to Skate School and other activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re feeling spontaneous, you can simply pop in, hire your skates, and join a general skate or disco session. The rink opens 15 minutes before each session begins, allowing plenty of time to get ready.
Skate hire and skate aids can be arranged when booking a public skating session. Skate aids are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Take a Tour of a Museum
For a small city, Oxford packs a serious cultural punch with so many museums rivalling those you may find in London. So if you’re looking for things to do this February Half Term in Oxford, make sure you check out one or a few of its museums.
The Story Museum
Step into the magical world of the museum and discover its enchanting Whispering Wood, an Enchanted Library, and Small Worlds, a dedicated area for younger children to explore. The museum also houses a 100-seat theater, a learning studio, and a temporary exhibition space, offering a diverse range of experiences for all ages.
Beyond its captivating galleries, the Story Museum hosts an extensive public program, including skill-building workshops, drop-in activities, and access visits for those seeking a more personalized experience. The museum also engages in community projects, bringing storytelling to targeted groups and enriching the lives of local residents.
Pitts River Museum
The Pitt Rivers Museum is a fascinating and family-friendly museum in Oxford, perfect for a February half-term visit.
Packed with thousands of intriguing objects from around the world, the museum’s displays spark curiosity and encourage children to explore cultures, history, and traditions in a fun, hands-on way. With free entry, interactive trails, and special half-term activities often on offer, it’s an engaging indoor option whatever the weather. Pitts River Museum is a great place for families to learn, discover, and spend a few memorable hours together.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a brilliant destination for families visiting during February half term.
Home to impressive dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and fascinating animal specimens, the museum offers plenty to captivate curious minds of all ages. Its spacious, light-filled galleries make exploring enjoyable, while free entry and family-friendly exhibits make it an ideal indoor activity during the winter break. A must-visit for children who love science, nature, and discovery.
Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean Museum is a staff favourite for exploring in Oxford and a fantastic option for families during February half term.
As the world’s first public museum, it houses an incredible collection of art and archaeology, from ancient Egyptian treasures to modern masterpieces. Families will enjoy its interactive displays, hands-on activities, and family-friendly trails that bring history and culture to life. With free entry and plenty to discover, it’s a memorable and inspiring indoor day out for all ages
See a Play At The Theatre
What better way to spend an afternoon when the weather takes a turn, than with a live music show, play, comedy or performance at the theatre? From live music and well-known comedians to pantomimes and child-friendly movies, there are plenty of places across Oxford and The Cotswolds to keep you entertained.
Here are our top 5 theatres:
- Chipping Norton Theatre
- Pegasus Theatre
- The Mill Arts Centre
- Oxford Playhouse
- Oxford New Theatre
Explore Blenheim Palace
Located in Woodstock, Blenheim Palace always has something going on. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or February half term. This year, hop aboard the miniature train, wind your way through the Marlborough Maze, and explore the incredible state rooms inside the palace.
Families can enjoy Servants’ Tales, a fun and engaging look at life behind the scenes in the palace, or join the Restoration and Conservation Tours to discover how the palace’s treasures and historic rooms are carefully preserved. These unique experiences provide a hands-on, behind-the-scenes insight into the history and upkeep of one of England’s most iconic stately homes.
Get Creative With Some Arts & Crafts
Come rain or shine, a great way to pass the time and keep the little ones and yourself entertained is with some arts and crafts. Whilst you can gather up some paper, paints, and pens at home, why not try something a little more exciting? The Pottery Place and Nuneham Courtenay Pottery allows you to paint your own pottery, participate in workshops, and get creative in the craft studio making personalised gifts and more to share with those you love.
Visit Oxford Castle & Prison
Oxford Castle & Prison is a historic attraction with a rich 1,000‑year past that goes beyond its fascinating guided tours and medieval architecture. This February half term, they’re hosting DIG!, an exciting hands-on archaeological experience where children can dig for real finds from the castle site and learn about the discoveries with expert guidance from a costumed historical character – a great way to bring history to life for young explorers.
It’s a fun, immersive activity that gives families something truly interactive to enjoy during the school break on top of exploring the castle’s famous crypts and old prison areas.
Visit a Petting Zoo or Farm Parks
Who doesn’t love a good bit of animal fun? Treat yourself and your kids to a day out at one of the many petting zoos and farms around Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
A fantastic wildlife park near Burford with everything from giraffes and zebras to penguins and otters. Expect daily talks and animal‑feeding opportunities that are brilliant for all ages.
Fairytale Farm
A family‑friendly farm with animals and themed areas. This February half term hosts the “Once Upon a Dinosaur” event – a prehistoric adventure with life‑size dinosaurs, fossil digging, dinosaur discos, crafts and more alongside the usual animal encounters.
Millets Wildside
Located at Millets Farm Centre near Abingdon, this zoo and wildlife attraction has a great range of animals and indoor/outdoor time, perfect for mixed weather days.
Go For a Walk
This February Half Term spend some time in the great outdoors. Put on those walking boots, grab those warm jackets, hats, and scarves, and head off on a cross-country adventure. Here’s some of our favourite walks in Oxfordshire and beyond.
Port Meadow Circular (Oxford)
The Port Meadow Circular is a five-mile circular walk that follows the Thames Path from Medley to Godstow, then continues along the Oxford Canal towpath from Wolvercote to Jericho.
On Oxford’s northwest side lies Port Meadow, a vast natural floodplain of the River Thames and one of the city’s largest open spaces. The meadow is home to herds of cattle, grazing horses, and a variety of wildfowl, making it a wonderful spot to enjoy both scenic views and local wildlife.
Around Blenheim Estate via Park Perimeter
The Park Perimeter Walk is the perfect place to start your outdoor adventure. This 4.6-mile circular route takes you over some steep slopes, past ancient oaks, and through a vibrant world of wildlife. It’s a walk that’s both invigorating and calming, offering the chance to stretch your legs while enjoying some much-needed time in nature. Whether you’re taking a solo stroll, walking the dog, getting the kids out of the house, or enjoying a morning jog, wandering beneath the woodland canopy is a real feast for the senses.
Enter this walk from Blenheim Footpath Entrance located on The Causeway in Woodstock.
Lower Slaughter to Bourton on the Water
The walk from Lower Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water is an easy, scenic route taking around 2.5 hours. You’ll head south from Lower Slaughter through peaceful fields and pastoral landscapes, crossing the River Eye on your way to Bourton-on-the-Water. The walk can also be extended to include Upper Slaughter for a longer adventure.
Highlights: The quaint villages, historic water mill, and the River Eye in Lower Slaughter
Have Fun in an Escape Room
Escape Hunt Oxford offers an exciting and immersive experience that’s perfect for families looking for something different to do during February half term. Step into one of the venue’s highly themed escape rooms, where you and your team have 60 minutes to find clues, solve puzzles and complete your mission before time runs out – whether you’re treasure hunting for Blackbeard’s gold, exploring the Wild West or taking on a Wonderland adventure.
With games suited to kids from around age 8 and up (when accompanied by adults) and plenty of variety in themes, it makes for a memorable indoor activity – perfect if the winter weather keeps you inside.
Book Your February Half Term Getaway
Looking for last-minute accommodation in Oxford and the surrounding areas? We have an array of holiday rentals just for you. From large townhouses to period cottages, our friendly team are on hand to help in any way they can.
Give us a call on 01993 222 200 or send us a message.
