Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Museums, Monuments and More: Learning on the Go
Discover how a half-term day out can bring history, science and stories to life for your family!
The February half term is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore – and the good news is that many of the UK’s most fascinating places to visit also happen to be wonderfully educational. From museums packed with hands-on exhibits to historic landmarks that transport you back in time, learning doesn’t have to stop when school’s out. In fact, it might just get a lot more exciting!
History You Can Touch
Children often learn best when they can see, hear and experience things for themselves, instead of reading about the Romans, why not walk where they once marched? Across the UK, you’ll find countless castles, ancient forts and heritage sites that bring the past vividly to life. Whether it’s exploring the towering walls of a medieval fortress, climbing into a World War II shelter, or wandering cobbled streets of a preserved Victorian town, these experiences ignite children’s imagination far more powerfully than any textbook.
Many heritage sites also host special family activities during half term, from guided tours designed for kids to creative workshops where they can make their own artefacts or dress up as historical characters. These days out are not only fun but help children build a real sense of connection to the past and to the stories that shaped the world around them.
Science in Action
If your child loves to ask “why?” and “how?”, a science or discovery museum is the perfect place to spend a day. Interactive science centres across the country invite children to experiment, explore and discover – from launching rockets and controlling robots to learning about the human body or exploring space.
What makes these places so special is that they encourage curiosity and hands-on learning. Kids can touch, press, build and test things for themselves – turning questions into discoveries and theories into excitement. Plus, many venues run themed half-term events, so you might find yourself joining a planetarium show, a slime workshop, or a “mad scientist” demonstration!
Art, Culture and Imagination
For children who love to draw, build or perform, art galleries and cultural centres offer just as much inspiration. Many have free creative stations, storytelling sessions or craft workshops designed for families. Encouraging children to respond to what they see – by sketching, writing or recreating a piece at home – helps develop observation, creativity and confidence.
Some theatres and concert halls also run behind-the-scenes tours or “family days”, giving young minds a peek into the magic of performance, lighting and stage design. It’s a brilliant way to show how creativity and teamwork bring art to life.
Learning Without Realising It
The beauty of these kinds of days out is that children rarely notice how much they’re learning – they’re too busy exploring, touching, playing and asking questions. Whether they’re discovering fossils, decoding hieroglyphs, or standing beneath a dinosaur skeleton, they’re building problem-solving skills, critical thinking and a sense of wonder about the world.
For parents, these outings can be surprisingly affordable too. Many museums and galleries across the UK are free to enter, and lots of heritage sites offer family passes or discounted entry during school holidays. Taking a picnic, travelling off-peak, or using public transport can make a day out educational and budget-friendly.
A Journey of Discovery
Half term is about breaking routines, creating memories, and nurturing curiosity. Learning doesn’t have to mean sitting still – it can mean climbing, building, exploring and imagining. Whether you spend the week visiting a local museum, exploring a historic site, or attending a hands-on workshop, you’re giving your child something far more valuable than just a day out: you’re feeding their natural curiosity and helping them see that the world itself is the greatest classroom of all.
So, this February, grab your coats, pack a snack, and go exploring — because the best lessons happen when you’re learning on the go.