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Thirty things to do this February half term in the Stroud district

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Looking for ways to keep the kids busy, get outdoors, or try something new this February half term? Here’s a round-up of brilliant activities, workshops and adventures happening across the Stroud district, most of which are free or low cost!

  1. Get Creative at the Museum in the Park

The Museum in the Park has a week full of hands-on fun. On 14 February, drop in between 2pm and 4pm to make your own Valentine’s card after admiring the museum’s collection of vintage love tokens. From 17–20 February, families can enjoy a bumper half term workshop inspired by artist Robert Race – think traditional toys, playful art and games from days gone by. What's On Calendar — Museum in the Park

  1. Celebrate Stroud Wassail at the Museum

On Saturday 21 February, the popular Stroud Wassail returns with Morris dancing, music, singing and a lively Beast Dance for dressed‑up young wassailers. Expect joyful midwinter tradition and community spirit from 11.30am–3pm. Free entry, food and drinks available. Stroud Wassail at The Museum in the Park — Museum in the Park

  1. Drop-In Crafts at Kids Stuff Stroud

Kids Stuff is hosting a week of themed craft tables from 17–21 February, with activities ranging from clay candle holders to fluffy rock pets. There’s also a big pop‑out sale, a costume corner to prep for World Book Day, and plenty of pre-loved goodies in their circular economy shop. All crafts are pay-as-you can, making it accessible for everyone. Stroud District Kids Stuff

  1. Family Fun at Brimscombe Mill

Brimscombe Mill is the place to be this half term with crafternoons, a Silly Science show, scavenger hunts, pancake-making with The Long Table, a Pokémon swap and more. The Long Table will also be serving pay‑as‑you‑can jacket potatoes for kids each lunchtime. Brimscombe Mill | Explore & Connect Today

  1. Join the Dursley Pancake Race

Grab a frying pan and join the much-loved Dursley Pancake Race on 17 February at 12pm on Parsonage Street. Fancy dress is encouraged, and there are medals, trophies and lots of laughs. Completely free to take part! News | Dursley Town Council

  1. Explore Stratford Park

Stratford Park’s 56 acres of woodland, lawns, lakes and gardens are perfect for a family walk or a run-around. Download a Go Outside scavenger hunt, try one of the park’s marked trails or simply enjoy a late winter stroll through one of the district’s most beautiful open spaces. Stratford Park

  1. Go Wildlife Spotting Along the Canal

The Stroudwater Canal and the Thames & Severn Canal offer miles of flat, accessible towpaths. Look out for birdlife, artwork and – if you’re lucky – the resident otters. Make a day of it by walking between Stroud and Stonehouse and catching the train back. Download a free canal activity booklet here:  Small version CCC Family Activity Trail Booklet 5.3mb.pdf

  1. Fly a Kite on a Common

The districts common’s wide-open views make them fantastic places for windy-day kite flying or a bracing winter walk. If you take your dog, please make sure you pick up after it. The National Trust looks after Rodborough, Minchinhampton and Harefield commons and SDC cares for Selsley Common Commons in the Stroud district

  1. Active Lifestyles Activities

Active Lifestyles Stroud and Dursley are running dance workshops, inflatable fun pool sessions, superhero training camps, junior gym sessions, football camps and more throughout the week. There are activities suited to children from 4 to 15 years old. February 26 Half Term Activities - Active Lifestyles Stroud District

  1. Wander Through Woodchester Park

Follow the woodland play trail past lakes and wildlife at Woodchester Park. With balance beams, bridges and plenty of nature to spot, it’s ideal for an active family morning. Parking charges apply, but National Trust members park for free. Woodchester Park | Gloucestershire | National Trust

  1. Walk From Wotton to the Tyndale Monument

Wotton-under-Edge is a brilliant base for exploring the Cotswold Way. Climb the Tyndale Monument for striking views across the Severn or pick a circular route from the town’s selection of waymarked walks. Download a guide from The Town | Wotton-under-Edge

  1. Climb the Tyndale Monument

For families who love a challenge, the Monument’s spiral staircase is open daily. Once you reach the top, the views stretch across the Berkeley Vale towards the Black Mountains. Donations help support the upkeep of this local landmark. Tyndale Monument

  1. Visit Your Local Library

Libraries across the district have a huge range of free books, audiobooks and eBooks for children. Gloucestershire branches are also hosting World Book Day costume swaps - perfect for finding a new outfit without buying new. Gloucestershire Libraries

  1. Dursley Sculpture and Play Trail

Twinberrow Woods is home to a fun 1km trail dotted with sculptures created by local groups. Children can run, explore, climb and discover something new around every corner. Dursley Sculpture & Play Trail at Twinberrow Woods | Dursley Town Council

  1. Try a Go Outside Trail

Explore the district with child-friendly Go Outside maps in Berkeley, Chalford, Ebley, Frampton, Painswick, Stonehouse, Dursley, Wotton and Stratford Park. Each trail is packed with facts, puzzles and hidden surprises. Go Outside UK

  1. Rainy Day Cinema Trips

Wotton Electric Picture House and Stroud’s Cineworld are showing a mix of family films throughout the week, including Looney Tunes: The Day the World Blew Up, The Scarecrow’s Wedding, Zootropolis 2, The Smeds and The Smoos, and more. A perfect half term treat on a drizzly afternoon.

  1. The Door Youth Project Pancake Sessions

Young people aged 11–17 can enjoy free pancake-making sessions at The Door’s youth clubs throughout the week. A fun and relaxed drop-in option for teens. February Half Term Timetable

  1. Playtime at Gloucestershire Play Rangers

Play Rangers run free outdoor sessions packed with den building, fires, crafts and games. This half term they’ll be in Wotton-under-Edge on 16 February with a Dursley session later in the week. Home - Play Gloucestershire

  1. Take the Bus to Somewhere New

Hop on a scenic bus route and explore a village, market town or common you haven’t visited before. It’s a simple adventure that kids love, especially when paired with a café stop.

  1. Take a Train Trip

Turn a short journey into an outing by walking to Stonehouse or Stroud along the canal towpath and catching the train home. Trains to Gloucester run hourly and Gloucester Cathedral’s Stories of the Cathedral event on 17 & 19 February offers free drop-in storytelling, craft activities and even a LEGO® workshop. Stories of the Cathedral: February Half Term | Gloucester Cathedral

  1. Circus Extravaganza at the Sub Rooms

On 18 February, the Sub Rooms hosts a joyful circus show packed with tricks, silliness and audience participation. With three performance times throughout the day, it’s perfect for all ages. Circus Extravaganza | What's On | The Sub Rooms | The Sub Rooms

  1. Browse Half Term Markets

Local markets run throughout the week with crafts, food, artisan gifts and fresh local produce. Look out for markets in Stroud, Nailsworth, Berkeley and Stonehouse.

  1. Burning Off Energy at Stroud Bowl

Stroud Bowl is open daily and ideal for wet-weather fun. There’s even a great-value £5 bowling deal every Tuesday. Stroud Bowl | The home of bowling in the UK

  1. Meet the Lambs at Cattle Country

Lambing season is in full swing at Cattle Country. Visit the newborns in the Animal Barn, then explore the play barns, jumping pillows and outdoor activities. Cattle Country Farm Park

  1. Mudfest at Slimbridge

If you don’t mind getting mucky, Slimbridge Wetland Centre’s Mudfest runs from 14–22 February, celebrating messy outdoor play and wetland wildlife. Mudfest 2026 at WWT Slimbridge | WWT

  1. Snowdrops at Painswick Rococo Garden

The famous Rococo Garden snowdrops are in bloom until 1 March, with millions of delicate flowers carpeting the landscape. It’s one of the UK’s most magical winter sights. Rococo Garden, Painswick Glos | Cotswold & Gloucestershire Family Days Out & Events Venue

  1. New Beginnings Trail at Newark Park

Follow Newark Park’s Garden Trail to spot signs of spring, meet resident artists and enjoy storytelling in the house from 17–20 February. Events at Newark Park

  1. Dursley Escape Room

For families who love puzzles, Dursley’s escape rooms – Witch Way Out and The Pharaoh’s Curse – offer 60 minutes of immersive, family-friendly challenge for groups of up to six. The Engine

  1. Stroud Brewery Half Term Sessions

Stroud Brewery has a packed programme of family-friendly events including LEGO club, cookery, crafting and pay-as-you-can pancake making. Events - Stroud Brewery

  1. Discover Stroud Trails App

The free Discover Stroud Trails app features local stories, treasure hunts and brand-new February trails for Stratford Park and Wotton. A brilliant way to explore somewhere familiar with fresh eyes.

For activities and events in the Stroud district, see the VisitStroud website.