The ultimate list of fun, low-cost activities this February half-term from Forestry England

Boy on bike

26 January 2026

The ultimate list of fun, low-cost activities this February half-term from Forestry England

Shake off the winter blues this February half-term and head outdoors! The nation’s forests are the perfect place to recharge, explore, and enjoy adventures without spending a fortune. With fresh air, towering trees, and signs of spring just around the corner, it’s the ideal escape from screens and routines.

Hayley Skipper, Head of Recreation at Forestry England, said: 

"There's something truly magical about spending days in the forest. Whether you're meeting beloved storybook characters, trying new activities, or simply enjoying a family walk among the trees, our forests are ready to welcome families this half-term for unforgettable, affordable adventures."

Here's what's happening in Forestry England’s wonderful woodlands this half-term:

Room on the Broom trail

Step into Julia Donaldson’s beloved story and enjoy this enchanting trail. This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating forest facts and plenty of hands-on fun. 

As you explore, young adventurers can help Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand, and collect magical ingredients to complete her spell. Add extra magic with a trail pack for just £4 (while stocks last).

Feel Good Forest trails with WWF

Reconnect with nature on these fun, interactive trails created with WWF for children aged 6-12. Themed panels along the trail are designed to spark curiosity and imagination, complete with fun activities to help children explore the wonders of England's forests and compare them to the Amazon rainforest. 

Along the way, families can enjoy the sounds of the seasons, discover what wildlife get up to during the cold winter months, and be surprised by the hidden wonders awaiting you in the forest. 

Download a free activity pack to keep the fun going at home.

Stargazing

The forest is captivating by day, but after sunset there’s a whole new world to discover. Winter’s longer nights and darker skies make February a brilliant time for stargazing - you could even make it part of a forest sleepover!

Download Forestry England’s free beginner’s guide to seeing the forest at night, written in association with BBC Sky at Night Magazine. Packed with family-friendly activities, it includes constellation spotting, star navigation, night games and more — everything you need to become a Forest Star.

Disc golf

Disc golf is a brilliant way to get your teens and tweens away from screens and into the forest this summer. Players throw frisbee-style discs at fixed targets throughout the woodland course. Just like traditional golf, the player who completes the course with the fewest goes wins! It's cheap, fun, and lets you enjoy the outdoors while playing against friends and family.

  • Cost: Free to play if you bring your own discs. Disc hire is £3.50 per disc or £12 for four. Members pay £3 per disc or £10 for four. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Cycling trails

With over 2,500km of cycling trails and family-friendly off-road routes, the nation’s forests are the perfect destination for a family cycle this half-term. Discover green spaces, dedicated cycling trails, skills areas and beginner mountain bike trails perfect for starting your children on their cycling journey. So, grab your helmet and head out for a beautiful cycle ride.

Pedal and play

Perfect for younger children, Pedal and Play areas combine short, traffic‑free cycling loops with creative play features hidden along the way. Kids can practise riding, improve their balance and build confidence while stopping off to explore sculptures, dens and nature‑inspired play zones.

• Cost: Free. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Play areas and accessible play

Let little ones burn off energy in Forestry England’s play areas, designed to inspire imaginative play using natural materials. Many forests also offer accessible play areas, with wider paths, inclusive equipment and sensory play features to help ensure everyone can join in the fun.

• Cost: Free. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Gruffalo sculptures

Venture into the deep dark wood and discover the Gruffalo and other characters from the story. Each hand-carved sculpture is waiting to be found—can you spot them all?

Cost: Free. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Family walks

The nation’s forests have some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, and with everyone living within an hour’s drive it, it’s easy to pop on your boots, pack a picnic and head out on a family walk. 

From stunning viewpoints, sculpture trails and wildlife hides, to quiet riverside strolls and leg-stretching hikes, our woods and forests have walks to suit children of all ages.

Plan your perfect day out

With adventurous play areas, safe off-road family cycling, activity trails and beautiful picnic areas, the nation’s forests offer a fantastic family day out. Visit www.forestryengland.uk for further information.

Notes to Editor

Images are available here. Please credit Forestry England/Crown copyright.

  1. Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests, with over 313 million visits in 2024/25. We use our scale and expertise to grow and care for the nation’s forests for this generation and the next. We are continuing the work we have already started to make the nation’s forests resilient to climate change and by 2026 we will:   
  • create at least 6,000 more hectares where we integrate wilding activities in our productive forests.
  • increase the diversity of visitors to the nation’s forests and have one million hours of high-quality volunteer time given to the nation’s forests.
  • plant at least 2,000 hectares of new, high-quality woodlands.

For more information visit forestryengland.uk. Forestry England is an agency of the Forestry Commission.

Media contact

 Becky Ulewicz, Media Relations Manager | media@forestryengland.uk