Half-term is here, and keeping the kids entertained doesn’t have to be expensive. You don’t need a holiday abroad or costly attractions—nature is full of free, exciting activities that spark curiosity and adventure. Whether it’s exploring the woods, hunting for hidden treasures, or simply looking up at the stars, there’s plenty to do right on your doorstep.
Here are some creative ways to make the most of the February break with your kids, along with apps to enhance the experience.
Turn Your Walk into an Exploration Game
Spending time outside is great for kids’ mental and physical health. A study from Cambridge University found that nature reduces stress and improves behavior in young children.
You don’t need a forest—your local park or even a walk around the block can be an adventure.
Give kids challenges: count different bird species, find the biggest tree, or collect colorful leaves.
Try a scavenger hunt by making a list of things to spot, like a feather, a squirrel, or a heart-shaped rock.
Try This App: Seek by iNaturalist lets kids take photos of plants and animals, then instantly identifies them. They can earn badges for discovering different species.
Pricing: The Seek app, developed by iNaturalist, is designed to be accessible to everyone and is offered without any subscription fees or in-app purchases.
Discover the Stars
A chilly February evening is the perfect time for stargazing. With early sunsets, kids don’t have to stay up too late to enjoy the night sky.
Find a quiet spot in the garden or a park, away from bright lights.
Bring blankets and hot chocolate for extra coziness.
Try spotting constellations, planets, or even shooting stars.
Try This App: Star Walk 2 overlays information on your phone screen to help identify stars and constellations in real time
Pricing: has a free version with ads and a paid version (Star Walk 2 Pro) that removes ads and includes additional features. You can also purchase in-app add-ons.
Get Creative with Outdoor Art
Nature can be the best art supply store! Encourage kids to use their surroundings to create something unique.
Collect leaves, sticks, and pebbles to make nature collages.
Use mud or crushed berries to “paint” on rocks or tree bark.
Try shadow drawing: place objects on paper and trace their shadows.
Extra Fun: Take pictures of their creations and start a mini outdoor art gallery.
Explore the Woods and Learn About Trees
The UK has thousands of square kilometers of woodland to explore. A simple trip to the woods can turn into an exciting learning experience.
Let kids climb trees, build dens, or play hide-and-seek.
Try identifying trees by their leaves, bark, or shape.
Bring a magnifying glass to inspect tree rings, bugs, and moss up close.
Try This App: British Tree Identification from the Woodland Trust helps kids recognize different trees with an easy-to-use guide.
Pricing: Free to use
Try Mudlarking for Hidden Treasures
Mudlarking—searching riverbanks at low tide—can be a thrilling way to uncover hidden objects from the past.
Check tide times carefully before heading out.
Look for interesting objects like old pottery, coins, or shells.
Make sure to follow local rules—some areas require permission to take items.
Inspiration: Watch mudlarking videos on TikTok to see some amazing finds.
Bring Nature into Your Garden
Even if it’s still cold, the garden can be a fun place to play and explore. Studies show that exposure to natural greenery can strengthen kids’ immune systems.
Let kids dig in the dirt, rake leaves, or plant early spring flowers.
Make a simple bird feeder using a pinecone, peanut butter, and birdseed.
Build a bug hotel with sticks, leaves, and old wood.
Try This Resource: The RSPB’s Nature on Your Doorstep website has fun projects to help attract birds and wildlife.
Explore the Wildlife Around You
Kids can have a great time learning about wildlife during half-term. Encourage them to observe and document animals they spot during outdoor adventures.
- Try This App: Wildlife Explorers is an app designed for kids that helps them identify local animals and insects. It includes fun facts and quizzes to keep them engaged as they learn about different species in their local environment.
- Pricing: Free with no in-app purchases.
Become a Wildlife Detective
February is a great time for spotting animal tracks and signs. Even in parks or gardens, kids can look for clues that animals have been nearby.
Search for footprints in mud or frost and guess which animal made them.
Look for feathers, nibbled leaves, or burrow entrances.
Keep a nature journal to record discoveries.
Try This App: iTrack Wildlife Lite helps kids identify animal tracks with images and descriptions, turning a simple walk into an exciting detective game.
Pricing: Free version available; a paid version unlocks more species and features.
Go on a Birdwatching Adventure
Winter is a great time for birdwatching, as trees have fewer leaves and some migratory birds are around.
Set up a simple bird feeder to attract local birds.
Use binoculars to spot birds in the garden or park.
Try identifying birds by their colors, size, and calls.
Try This App: Merlin Bird ID is designed for all ages and lets kids identify birds by taking a photo or describing their features.
Pricing: Free with no in-app purchases.
Conclusion
This February half-term, there’s no need for expensive outings when nature offers endless opportunities for adventure. Whether your kids are identifying animal tracks, spotting birds, or completing fun nature missions, these activities help them connect with the outdoors while learning and exploring. With the right apps, even a simple walk can become an exciting educational experience. So bundle up, step outside, and let curiosity lead the way!
