Finding things to do for your half term holidays can be a tough task, but don’t let poor weather and some grumpy kids stop you from having a fantastic day out. From trampoline parks to help manage the energy levels, to workshops that’ll give them appreciation for the crafts, we’ve assembled a list of our top things to do in during half term. Travel with Northern to make getting there easy and save up to 60% off your train fare with an advance ticket or save on groups of up to six with our family ticket.
All of these suggestions are accessible by train, meaning you can leave the stress of driving behind and focus on enjoying the journey with the family.
1. 
Jump Inc. Liverpool
Nearest station: Hunts Cross
Get bouncing at Jump Inc. and enjoy their range of trampolines and activities at this 40,000-square-foot complex, complete with their very own cafe, you can spend your whole day jumping and bouncing. This is the perfect option for those afraid of the chilly weather this half term but still want to get active and try something new and unique. Better yet, it's only a 6-minute walk from Hunts Cross train station.
Head on over with ease on a Northern train and jump to your heart's content with our family tickets.
2. Eureka! The National Children’s Museum
Nearest station: Halifax
Located right in the heart of Halifax in West Yorkshire, Eureka! is one of the UK’s leading hands-on museums designed specifically for children aged 0–11.
The museum is divided into six unique zones with over 400 interactive exhibits. One of our favourites is the 'Living & Working Together' exhibition, a mini-town where children can work, withdraw currency from the bank and become a mechanic for the day!
3. City of Caves
Nearest station: Nottingham
Step beneath the pavement of a modern shopping area and you’ll find the City of Caves, a hidden labyrinth of over 500 sandstone caves dating back to the Dark Ages.
You can explore the caves at your own pace, or join one of the actor-led tours, which are a big hit with younger children. Throughout your journey, you'll learn how the caves were used as World War II raid shelters and acted as Victorian slums.
This is the perfect indoor activity during half term when the weather isn't playing ball!
4. MathsCity
Nearest station: Leeds
MathsCity is the UK's first mathematics discovery centre, located very close to the back entrance of Leeds train station.
This amazing interactive, hands-on discovery centre, where kids can explore over 30 exhibits like giant bubbles, laser strings and geometric puzzles. Perfect for children between the ages of 5 and 15, but toddlers and older children can definitely get a lot out of the centre. You can spend a good couple of hours here, so it's a great option if the weather isn't favourable.
5. Skipton Castle woods walk
Nearest station: Skipton
If you want to brave the weather, then a walk through the woods in Skipton could be the place for you. Home to a collection of different plants, trees, and wildlife; the woods’ most famous inhabitants are the noctule, one of Britain's largest bat species, which hunt for bugs at night.
Only a short walk from the station, you can immerse yourself in nature within 15 minutes. Head on over with an off-peak ticket if you want walk through some tranquil woods.
6. 
National Railway Museum Wonderlab
Nearest station: York
If you're worried your kids will switch off their brains over the break then experience the extraordinary at the Wonderlab located in the National Railway Museum. Then head on over to the Wonderlab and experience 18 interactive challenges along with live experiments. Feed their curiosity!
Get booked into the Wonderlab early and let us handle your travel with an anytime ticket.
7. Life Science Centre
Nearest station: Newcastle
Life Science Centre, also known as the Centre for Life, puts on workshops featuring interactive exhibitions and live experiments throughout the half term break. If you’ve got a budding scientist within your home or simply a little one with a thirst for knowledge, then get yourselves booked into one of the many opportunities this half term. The centre is located right next door to the station.
From exploring the universe and what it has to offer us to looking through our skin and finding out how we work, the Life Science Centre has it all. Get booked in nice and early with an advance ticket from Northern.
8. 
Seven Stories
Nearest station: Manors
An awesome choice for the young ones, you can explore the world of children’s books through the many exhibitions and talks hosted at this venue. A national charity, you'll be delving into 100 years of children's fiction within their digital archive.
Discover more about your family’s favourite children’s authors, and take a peek at their astounding collection of books within the store! Plan an impromptu visit with us and grab a cheaper ticket up to 15 minutes before departure with a same-day ticket from Northern.
9. York Chocolate Story
Nearest station: York
Learn a new skill this half term at one of York Chocolate Story’s chocolate workshops. Become a master chocolatier or roll your own pastry and truffles in any of the unique classes the shop has. And of course, there’s something for the adults if you fancy their chocolate and gin tour.
Give in to your kids' sweet tooth this half term and let them create their very own sweet treat.
10. Danby Village
Nearest station: Danby
Although the half term break doesn’t fall perfectly within the Dark Skies Festival, the skies over Danby will still be plenty dark for a nighttime view of our galaxy. Rated as a great location for observing our night sky, Danby is easily accessible by train and has plenty of accommodations, from glamping to B&Bs to hotels. Stoke your little one’s curiosity with a trip to Danby this half term.
Grab a Rangers ticket or a Rovers ticket to make the most of Yorkshire this year.
With plenty on during this half term, there's sure to be plenty of action-packed events and activities for both you and the kids. Head to any of the destinations with ease this break on a Northern train and get up to 60% off when you plan ahead and book an advance tickets today.
Save with our family ticket
Our Northern family ticket gives you the chance to travel with your whole family, up to six people, for one great value price. Making the train a great option when travelling with the family.
Buy a family train ticketNorthern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.