If what you want is fun day trips and visits rather than jetting off to somewhere exotic then here's some family-friendly activities to turn a good half term into a great one:
Parenting on Female First
Segway Rally Experience
Learn how to ride the very latest - and coolest – mode of transport on this unique adventure that everyone can enjoy. This experience starts with a welcome, instruction and safety briefing to ensure everyone is completely comfortable. Once the basics have been mastered - moving forwards and backwards, speed control, mounting/dismounting and negotiating corners/turns – new-found skills can be tested on the extreme off-road track.
Prices start from £49 per person (minimum age is 12 years of age).
The Medieval Banquet London
This fun and lively medieval-themed show is played out amidst the banqueting tables so you can enjoy the entertainment put on by King Henry VIII and his entourage whilst indulging in a sumptuous feast.
Tickets start from £48 per adult and £27 per child.
Shrek The Musical
Based on the much-loved characters and story from the Oscar-winning movie, Shrek the Musical brings to life the unlikely green swamp-dwelling hero Shrek, his loyal steed Donkey and the ‘slightly temperamental’ Princess Fiona in an all-singing, all-dancing musical comedy extravaganza. During half term there will be an extra matinee performance at 3pm on Monday 29th October.
Located at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane, prices start from £30 per person.
Sea Life Centres (across the UK)
From London to Weymouth, Yarmouth to Blackpool, journey beneath the ocean deep and learn about thousands of marine creatures including crabs, stingrays and starfish.
Tickets start from £18 per adult and £14 per child (Weymouth Sea Life Centre).
Warner Bros. Studios Tour incl Transport
The Warner Bros. Studios Tour immerses guests in the world of film making and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how successful movies are created, in particular, Harry Potter. Fans can enjoy privileged behind-the-scenes views of breathtakingly detailed sets, spectacular costumes and the animatronics that went into making the most successful film series of all time.
Prices start from £55 per adult and £50 per child.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not – London
A visit to Ripley's Believe It or Not! offers a fascinating blend of entertainment, fun and education that the whole family will enjoy. Unbelievable, original and bizarre exhibits include an albino alligator, shrunken heads and even a copy of The Last Supper painted on a grain of rice.
Prices start from £21 per adult and £16 per child.
Legoland Windsor
Treat the whole family to a day of high-energy fun and excitement at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, jam-packed with over 55 thrilling rides, awesome attractions and amazing larger-than-life models fashioned with millions of world-famous LEGO® bricks.
Prices start from £59 per adult and £47 per child.
Kids Can Cook
Teach young friends or relatives that learning to cook can be fun. Treat them to a cookery class during which youngsters from nine-years-old prepare and cook a variety of tasty, healthy dishes under the guidance of a friendly professional chef.
Tickets start from £40.