Looking for things to do during February half-term 2026 in West Sussex? Schools across the county break up on Friday 13 February, with half-term week running from Monday 16 to Friday 20 February. That's a full week of "I'm bored" to plan for.
Don't worry. We've rounded up the best family activities, days out and events happening across West Sussex this half-term, from hands-on museum fun to farm adventures, theatre shows and free outdoor options for when the weather plays ball.
1. A Very Victorian Half Term at Weald & Downland Living Museum
This is a brilliant one. The Weald & Downland Living Museum near Chichester is running three days of immersive Victorian-themed activities where kids can find out what childhood was really like in rural Victorian England. Spoiler: it involved a lot more chores.
Expect Punch and Judy puppet shows, Victorian drill sessions on the lawn, hands-on crafts like stitching samplers and making peg dolls, and a brilliantly strict Victorian school lesson (you'll need a Victorian penny from the shop to join in). There's also a gruesome trail where kids can evict bed bugs, sweep chimneys and discover what life was like before flushing loos.
The museum itself is spread across 40 acres of South Downs countryside with over 50 historic buildings to explore, a woodland play area, and farm animals. Plenty to fill a full day.
Location: Weald & Downland Living Museum, Town Lane, Singleton, Chichester, PO18 0EU
When: Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 February, 10am to 4pm (activities until 3pm)
Ages: Best for 4-11 year olds
Top tip: The Victorian Drill sessions run at 11am and 2pm. Arrive early to grab a good spot, and don't be shy about joining in yourself.
2. Amberley Museum: Kids Go FREE
Here's one for the budget-conscious. During February half-term, children get free admission to Amberley Museum with a paying adult. The museum sits in a former quarry in the heart of the South Downs National Park and is often described as "multiple museums in one", with over 20 exhibition areas to explore.
This half-term's theme is Communications, celebrating several 2026 anniversaries linked to communication in all its forms. There's a themed trail around the museum, hands-on craft activities (Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 February, 11am to 2pm) where kids can make their own handheld communication devices, and a pottery studio session with resident potter Nancy Scantlebury-Thompson where you can make clay beetles and bugs to take home (£2.50 per session).
On Thursday 19 February, the West Sussex Woodturners will be there too, offering a chance to try traditional woodturning and take home a small wooden keepsake (£2 per person).
Don't forget the narrow-gauge railway rides and vintage bus rides, both included with admission at no extra cost.
Location: Amberley Museum, New Barn Road, Amberley, Near Arundel, BN18 9LT
When: 14-15 and 18-22 February 2026, 10am to 4.30pm
Cost: Kids go FREE with a paying adult (must pre-book online)
Ages: Best for 3-10 year olds
Food: Limeburners Cafe on-site, plus outdoor picnic areas
Dogs: Welcome on short leads
Top tip: Pre-book online. These events often sell out on busy days, and you'll need to add a complimentary child ticket at checkout to get the free entry.
3. The Koala Who Could at Chichester Festival Theatre
If the weather turns (and let's be honest, it's February), this is a lovely indoor option. Chichester Festival Theatre is bringing The Koala Who Could to the Minerva Theatre for half-term week. Based on the bestselling picture book by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, it follows Kevin the koala on an Australian outback adventure.
It's a Unicorn Theatre production in partnership with Rose Theatre, The Lowry, Northern Stage and MAST Mayflower Studios, so the production values should be high. Perfect for younger children, and a good excuse for a wander around Chichester afterwards.
CFT also has free family spaces with toys, colouring-in, fancy dress and books, handily right next to the Cafe on the Park (open from 9am Monday to Saturday).
Location: Minerva Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP
When: Tuesday 17 to Sunday 22 February
Ages: 3+
Top tip: Under 30? CFT's Prologue scheme offers £5 tickets for 16-30 year olds. Worth checking if you're a young parent on a budget.
4. Fishers Farm Park
A West Sussex family classic. Fishers Farm Park is open every day of half-term (10am to 5pm) and there's enough to fill a solid day, whatever the weather.
Outside, there's the adventure playground, tractor rides, maze, and animal encounters. Inside, the soft play area is huge and perfect for when the rain sets in. The farm is home to a range of animals including pigs, sheep, goats and ponies, and the kids can get properly hands-on during feeding sessions.
It's best suited for ages 0-12, which makes it one of the few places where both toddlers and older kids are genuinely catered for at the same time. That's a win in anyone's book.
Location: Fishers Farm Park, Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green, RH14 0EG
When: Open daily, 10am to 5pm
Parking: Free
Ages: Best for 0-12 year olds
Top tip: The car park is well set up with larger spaces for families. If it's a sunny day, pack a picnic to save on food costs, though there are several food outlets on-site including the Farmers Grill and Lucky Horseshoe Coffee Bar.
5. WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
WWT Arundel is one of those rare places where the whole family ends up happy. Little ones can chase ducks and explore the adventure play areas, older kids can spot wildlife from the hides, and parents can enjoy a coffee overlooking the lake. February is actually a great time to visit, with wintering wildfowl on the water and quieter paths than summer.
The centre has boat safaris, pond dipping, a coastal creek area, and the brilliant Pelican Cove. There are indoor exhibits too, so a bit of rain won't ruin the day.
Location: WWT Arundel, Mill Road, Arundel, BN18 9PB
When: Open daily, 10am to 4.30pm (last admission 3.30pm)
Cost: Adult £13.30 | Child (4-16) £7.15 | Family (2+2) £34.75 | Under 4s free (online advance prices, 10% saving vs on-the-day)
Ages: Best for 2-10 year olds
Dogs: Not permitted (assistance dogs only)
Top tip: Book online at least a day before your visit to save 10%. The otter feeding is a highlight if they're running sessions, so ask at reception when you arrive.
6. RSPB Pulborough Brooks
If your crew are the outdoorsy type, Pulborough Brooks is a lovely free-ish option (RSPB members get free entry, non-members pay a parking charge). The nature reserve sits in the Arun Valley with beautiful views across to the South Downs, and there are family-friendly trails to explore.
February is prime birdwatching season here, with lapwings, snipe, kingfishers and wintering wildfowl all on site. It's a proper nature adventure for kids who like spotting things.
Location: RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, RH20 2EL
When: Open daily
Ages: Best for 5+ (trails can be muddy)
Heads up: The reserve is very flooded at the moment (as of early February 2026). Waterproof boots are essential, and some hides may be inaccessible. Check before you go.
7. Free Options: Beaches and South Downs Walks
Not everything has to cost money. West Sussex has some brilliant free options for half-term, especially if the weather cooperates.
West Wittering Beach is gorgeous even in February, with miles of sand and dunes for kids to explore (parking charges apply). Climping Beach near Littlehampton is less well-known but equally lovely, and usually much quieter.
For walking, the South Downs National Park is right on the doorstep. The trails from Amberley and around Arundel are particularly family-friendly, and you might spot deer, foxes and plenty of birds along the way. The Slindon Estate (National Trust, free to walk) near Arundel has beautiful woodland trails through ancient trees.
Top tip: If Littlehampton beach is packed, try Climping instead. It's just down the road and rarely busy.
Quick Reference: Half-Term at a Glance
| Activity | When | Cost | Best Ages | |----------|------|------|-----------| | Victorian Half Term, Weald & Downland | 17-19 Feb | Admission price | 4-11 | | Amberley Museum | 14-15, 18-22 Feb | Kids FREE | 3-10 | | The Koala Who Could, CFT | 17-22 Feb | Ticket price | 3+ | | Fishers Farm Park | Daily | Admission price | 0-12 | | WWT Arundel | Daily | From £7.15 (child) | 2-10 | | RSPB Pulborough Brooks | Daily | Free/parking charge | 5+ | | Beaches and walks | Any day | Free | All ages |
Worth Knowing
Arundel Castle is closed for the season and doesn't reopen until 1 April 2026, so don't plan a trip there this half-term.
Weather: It's February. Pack waterproofs and spare clothes, even for indoor venues. Kids have a talent for finding puddles wherever they go.
Book ahead: The popular venues (Fishers Farm, Weald & Downland, Amberley) can get very busy during half-term. Pre-booking online is recommended for all of them, and it's often cheaper than paying on the day.
Packed lunches: Most venues allow picnics, and they'll save you a fortune over the week. A family of four eating out at every venue adds up fast.
February half-term 2026 in West Sussex runs from Monday 16 to Friday 20 February. All prices and details were correct at the time of writing (6 February 2026). We recommend checking venue websites before visiting, as details can change.