February half term holidays are a great time to get away – February sun holidays can give everyone a real boost after a long winter and February ski holidays a chance to embrace the white stuff properly. With a week off for most people a February half term holiday needs to provide a good break in a short space of time. February holidays really can be great though and provide much needed respite before spring starts to hit.
All of our recommendations for Feb half term holidays have either been personally visited by one of our Family Hotel Expert team or thoroughly researched so you don’t need to. We are completely independent and our recommended February school holidays are always places we would stay with our own children (and wherever possible we have).
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February half term holiday ideas – short haul – Europe & beyond
February can be a great time to get away for a short haul break. There are plenty of ski deals around to get the kids out on the slopes and also winter city breaks to really indulge in the season.
If you’ve had too much of winter though there are some great sunshine options too.
Lanzarote
February is a great time to be in Lanzarote, for some winter sun and feel good vibes.
Stay at the really fun Galeon Playa Apartments & Aquapark in Costa Teguise for fantastic February half term holidays.
This hotel is set right on the the seafront and there’s lots going on with a children’s playground and indoor soft play area alongside a kids club for up to 12 year olds.
The star here though is the water park the hotel has with activities for all ages.
Read more: The best family holidays to Lanzarote
Tenerife
Tenerife in February is wonderful.
It’s warm, has bright skies and has that feel-good Spanish vibe of family holidays you normally get in the summer.
When you’re looking for February half term holiday ideas you can’t go wrong with Tenerife. There’s lots to do on this Canary Island, from visiting the beautiful beaches to taking a whale watching boat trip.
Stay at Hotel Gala in between Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje in the south of Tenerife.
Situated on the beach there’s a children’s splash park for warm days. You can stay on a bed and breakfast basis right up to fully inclusive.
Children under 11 also stay for free. A great, well priced holiday in the sun.
Read more: The best family hotels in Tenerife
Oslo
Oslo is a fantastic city break and as the Norwegians are particularly good at embracing winter it can be a happy place to go.
Get warm inside the brilliant Viking Ship Museum or hang out in a family friendly sauna at Salt. Enjoy the amazing interactive Viking experience at The Viking Planet or get up close with the creatures at the Reptilpark.
Oslo can easily be combined with a skiing trip to somewhere like Beitostolen or Kvitfjell if you feel like mixing a city break with a ski trip.
When in Oslo stay in the Clarion Hotel The Hub which is really well located, next to Centraal Station.
There’s a heated pool here and they have family rooms too. It’s perfect for February school half term holidays.
Read more: The best Norway family holidays
French Alps
If you fancy heading off on a ski trip you can’t do much better than the French Alps.
They are easily accessible and there are so many great resorts here to choose from and there are some great February half term ski deals.
Les Arcs is perfect for beginners or families of mixed ability.
1950 is the nicest of the resort towns here with a real chocolate box feel. Those travelling with kids will love that it’s car free and it’s easy to get to other areas to try out the big swimming pool and the tobogganing run amongst many other activities.
Stay at Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium Arc 1950 Le Village which has great family accommodation in little apartments with kitchenettes.
There are also swimming pools to enjoy and it’s ski in – ski out making it an easy stay with kids.
Skiing is one of those great Feb half term breaks that all the family can enjoy no matter what their ages.
For really cheap ski holidays for February half term book last minute.
Read more: The best ski resorts in Europe for families
Tangier, Morocco
Tangier is wonderful in February. Bright and warm and with a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for February half term holidays.
Sit in the numerous cafes and sip refreshing drinks or barter in the souk for fun souvenirs. Kids will love the opportunity to take part in a cookery class and you can take a beginner’s horse riding trip.
Stay at the Movenpick Hotel & Casino Malabata Tanger which is a gorgeous resort just 10 minutes drive outside of the city.
Relax here in the pool and the grounds which includes a small playground. Family rooms or suites will accommodate all the family perfectly and the huge breakfast buffet will keep even the pickiest of eaters happy.
Read more: The best Morocco family holiday
Feb half term holidays – Long haul
Thailand
Thailand is perfect for some winter sun. There’s plenty to keep kids of all ages occupied too.
Stay at a fantastic resort like the TUI BLUE Mai Khao Lak which is in a fantastic location.
They have swimming pools – with swimming lessons available – and a great kids’ club. Children will also love the pirate themed playground.
Stay here on a bed & breakfast, half board or all inclusive basis. You can also have your own villa.
Close to a gorgeous beach and with a free transfer to the local shops and restaurants this is a great stay. Perfect for February half term holidays.
Read more: The best family holidays to Thailand
Aruba
Aruba is a great destination for a family holiday at any time of year but in February it is a great time to be there. With sunshine, warm sea water and plenty of beautiful beaches it’s the perfect tonic in the middle of winter.
Enjoy excursions out to the cactus filled national park in the middle of the island or take a submarine to see shoals of tropical fish.
It’s ideal for a blast of sunshine.
Stay at the Playa Linda Beach Resort which is on the beach and has great two bedroom apartments for families.
With tennis courts, a swimming pool and a kids club there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied and happy.
Read more: The best family resorts Aruba
February half term holidays UK
It can be cold and rainy in February in the UK so while this may limit some of the places you visit it can also make it the perfect time for cosy February half term breaks.
The UK beaches can feel deserted but also invigorating. You can pick up some really good deals on cottages and winter stays.
Read more: The best family holidays in the UK
London
London really is great in every season and every weather. There is always something to do and there are plenty of indoor activities if you’re considering London for UK holidays in February half term.
Both the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum are fantastic for visits with kids. And there won’t be the queues that some of the warmer months (and visitors from abroad) can bring.
Kids will love the London Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and the fun Kidzania and there are some great opportunities for Afternoon Tea.
If you’re looking to stay in the UK for February half term then London could provide the perfect break.
Stay in the heart of the city at the Crowne Plaza London Kensington. This has great family rooms across two floors and is just a walk to the museums mentioned above.
Read more: The best London hotels for families
Oxford
Oxford is another great city break for February half term UK style.
There’s plenty here to do inside if the weather isn’t great, from the amazing Pitt Rivers Museum to Oxford Castle.
The nearby Blenheim Castle is also a great indoor activity but the grounds are wonderful if the weather is looking bright.
There are also some of the great Harry Potter filming sites dotted through the city.
Stay at the Jurys Inn Oxford which is really close to the city centre, has family rooms and also comes with a heated indoor pool which the kids will love.
Read more: The best family hotels in Oxford
Cornwall
Don’t save trips to the seaside for the summer. Winter can be a wonderful time to be in Cornwall.
Bracing seaside walks with the salty spray of the sea blowing are so invigorating. There will be no crowds in Cornwall in February but it’s a great time to go rockpooling, eat hot pasties and fish and chips by the sea.
Stay at Fowey Hall Hotel with its indoor pool and fun kids club to keep the children entertained on rainy days. It’s perfect for February half term holidays.
Read more: The best family hotels in Cornwall
Frequently asked questions about trips in February
When is February half term?
February half term can vary and it’s always best to double check with your child’s school. You can also check the government website here. Once you’ve got your dates use our list of holiday ideas for Feburary half term.
Where is hot in February half term?
Places like Aruba and the Canary Islands can be great for hot weather in February half term. We hope all of our ideas here give you lots of inspiration to plan a happy winter trip.
Your February half term holidays check list
- ✈️ – Find great flights with Opodo
- 🏥 – Get the travel insurance we use at CoverForYou
- 🅿️ – Book your airport parking at a fantastic rate here with Holiday Extras
- 💳 – Get a Currensea Card to easily pay for purchases abroad
We hope you’ve enjoyed our roundup of the best February half term holidays. Why not sign up for our newsletter to hear more of our holiday suggestions and great hotel deals from around the world.
See our suggestions for top Christmas family breaks to plan ahead for your next holiday.