What’s on at Harewood this February Half Term: Your Ultimate Family Activity Guide

Let's be honest, finding a brilliant family day out for the February half term can be a bit of a challenge. It needs to be something that gets the kids away from their screens and burns off some energy, but also has something for the adults to enjoy. Well, it turns out there's a spot just a short drive from Leeds, Harrogate, and York that’s planning a week packed with free family fun. From Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February, Harewood House is hosting a massive Family Takeover, transforming the magnificent historic house and its grounds into a giant playground for all ages.

A half term takeover for the whole family

Picture this: a grand, historic house, usually known for its quiet state rooms and priceless art, turned into an amazing interactive play space. That's exactly what's happening at Harewood this half term. The Family Takeover invites families to experience Harewood House like never before. Forget 'don't touch' signs, this is all about getting stuck in. Friendly characters from Harewood's past and present will be dotted around, guiding everyone through stories and imaginative play. Whether the kids are into building epic constructions, creating masterpieces, or diving into some role-play, there’s space for their imaginations to go completely wild. It's a fantastic way to explore history without it feeling like a lesson.

Getting hands-on with nature and… mould?

For those who fancy a bit of fresh air, the Harewood landscape offers plenty to do. Families can grab their wellies and stomp along the North Park Walk, keeping their eyes peeled for majestic Red Kites circling overhead. To help with the exploring, people can borrow a Nature Safari bag. These are packed with everything a budding explorer needs – binoculars, a compass, a torch, and a magnifying glass. The Nature Safari is a great way to discover the mini-beasts hiding under leaves and really look closely at the world. And for something a bit different, on Monday 16 February, there's a drop-in session all about the 'Secret Life of Mould'. It might sound a bit odd, but it’s a hands-on session for curious minds and young scientists to explore the weird and wonderful world of fungi through interactive stations and creative crafts.

Adventures in the great outdoors

If the kids still have energy to burn, and they always do, the grounds of Harewood are the perfect place. The huge Adventure Playground is designed for climbing, swinging, and sliding until they’re exhausted. It's more than just a few swings; it's a proper Adventure Playscape where they can challenge themselves and have a brilliant time. There are also magical willow mazes in the Woodland Wonderland to get lost in, and the Sylvascope Treehouse to conquer. The best part is that all of this outdoor fun is included in the admission price, making it a great value family day out.

A bit of culture for the grown-ups (and kids too)

It’s not all just for the little ones. Inside Harewood House, an exhibition by British artist Charlotte Verity, called The Season Following, will be running. It’s a beautiful journey through the seasons, with five of the magnificent state rooms displaying her meticulously observed paintings of plants and flowers. Visitors can move from winter through to autumn, seeing how nature changes throughout the year. Even better, there's a special Charlotte Verity-inspired family activity to pick up, so everyone can get involved. This focus on art is a key part of what the Harewood House Trust does. The current Earl and Countess of Harewood have long championed collaborations with contemporary artists. This has led to the Harewood Biennial and the powerful 'Missing Portraits' series, ensuring this incredible historic house, originally designed by architect John Carr with a landscape by the legendary Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, remains relevant today. This amazing garden and landscape continues to evolve, with future plans involving award-winning garden designer Matthew Wilson.

Special sessions and holiday clubs

The Harewood House Trust is also making sure the February half term events are accessible to everyone. On Monday 16 February and Sunday 22 February, there will be special Relaxed Sessions designed for SEND families. These are quieter times where the House becomes an inviting space to explore at a more gentle pace, with activities designed to spark curiosity without being overwhelming. For parents looking for childcare during the break, the Harewood Holiday Club runs from Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 February for 7-11 year olds. Each day is a new adventure, with kids getting to explore history, get creative with art, and discover the wonders of nature in the stunning Harewood grounds.

Planning your visit

All the February half term action at Harewood House takes place from Saturday 14 February to Sunday 22 February 2026. Booking tickets online beforehand is the best way to save a bit of money. A whole world of indoor and outdoor adventures is waiting, offering the perfect solution for a memorable family day out this school holiday.