February Half Term in Dorset

There might still be a chill in the air but that’s no reason to give Dorset the cold shoulder during 2026's February half term holidays. We’ve got wonderful events, fabulous food and lots of the very best visitor attractions to keep your family entertained during the school break.

Half Term events in Dorset

The February half term holidays signals the start of the Dorset events calendar. From family-friendly to nature and wildlife events, it’s a great time of year for a short break in Dorset.

See the Blue Pool in a whole new light at Illuminate. You'll get to enjoy this wonderful nature reserve after dark, enjoy some tasty refreshments at the tea room and even toast marshmallows on the terrace.

Catch the last week of the Cool Coast Ice Rink - the south coast's largest indoor ice skating rink. Little ones can ease onto the ice on the mini rink or you can book a penguin skate mate to help them glide around the ice. After your skate session (or if you're just watching), stop at the Alpine Terrace cafe where there'll be festive drinks, hot food, winter warmers and sweet treats.

There are a number of free or budget-friendly events taking place during half term. At Durlston Country Park, drop into the Learning Centre on Wild Wednesday for free painting and activities, or take part in the Pirates of Purbeck Children's Trail for £3.50 per trail pack.

Ever wanted to chase a dinosaur? Well now is your chance. Head down to Weymouth this February half where everything is going a bit Jurassic! There's loads of events taking place for all the family, even a fancy dress race on the beach!

Scroll down this page to find family friendly events taking place during half term.

Dorset's fantastic family attractions

Dorset is jam packed with visitor attractions everyone can enjoy, from family fun to enthusiast days out, you’ll find it here in Dorset.

You'll have a fluming good time at Splashdown Waterpark on their twisting and turning indoor slides. Zoom down the Zambezi Drop, rides inflatable tyres on the Mississippi Drifter or dare to enter the Dragon's Lair!

There’s tonnes of fun to be had at the Tank Museum. There'll be trails, crafts, games and of course Tanks! Children under 4 years old get in for free, and if you book tickets in advance, you get 15% off the price.

Find more Dorset visitor attractions within our things to do guide.

Low cost days out in February half term

Get out and about this half term and explore Dorset for free. Our county has mile upon mile of fantastic walking and cycling routes waiting to be explored. Take in the sights and sounds of our glorious rural landscape and jaw dropping coastline, not to mention some of the freshest air around!

Kids go free with a paying adult on a Harbour and Islands Cruise with Coastal Cruises Poole. Use promo code KidsFeb26 when booking to claim the free child ticket.

The North Dorset Trailway is a great family-friendly walking or cycling route. Read our cycling blogs for some inspiration on days out in Dorset that won't break the bank.

Why not take in one of our Top 10 Dorset Vie ws? Visit one of the special spots on our list and share it with us on social media, it’s always great to hear tales of your adventures.

Don't forget to take a look at our top ten free days out and low cost holidays blogs. From castles and giants to nature reserves and deserted villages, there's lots to keep all ages entertained this half term holiday.

Offering great value for a family day out, check out our blog to find 30 days out costing less than £30 for families. There's also over 50 attractions offering free tickets for children, which means your money stretches that little bit further.

Make sure you check out our Ideas and Inspiration guide for a huge range of ideas to make your break in Dorset extraordinary.

Eat your heart out

With so much to see and do during February half term we’re sure you will have worked up an appetite. Well if you love your food, you’ve come to the right place!

Dorset is renowned for the very best in local produce which means you’ll get to sample some of the most amazing culinary delights.

What could be better than a day out exploring followed by a hearty pub lunch by a roaring fire? Don't forget to wash it all down with a glass of locally produced wine, cider, ale or Dorset ginger.

Find wonderful places to eat within our Dorset food and drink guide.