Published on Friday 13 February 2026
From watching spectacular shows to discovering local wildlife and scenic routes, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area truly offers something for everyone.
Families across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can look forward to an exciting and varied programme of activities this February half-term, with attractions, theatre shows and free outdoor events running from the weekend before 16 February and throughout the school break.
Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, said: “Half‑term brings a welcome burst of colour and excitement to what can often feel like the gloomiest stretch of the year. It’s the perfect time for families to get outside, shake off the winter blues and enjoy the beauty of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
“We are fortunate to have such stunning coastlines and green spaces, which offer a wide range of activities, providing families and visitors with great opportunities to make memories, discover new experiences, and support our local businesses whilst making the most out of the beautiful area we live in.”
Creative Kids Centre are bringing colour and creativity to half‑term with their hands‑on arts sessions, giving children the chance to get messy, imaginative and inspired at the free event in Springbourne Library on 17 February.
At the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth, families can celebrate Chinese New Year with trails in the historic house and garden, as well as Craft Activities on Tuesday 17, Wednesday 18 and Thursday 18 February. Trails take place between Saturday 14 and Sunday 22 February.
Highcliffe Castle is celebrating half‑term with its uplifting ‘The Things We Love’ indoor trail, running Sunday 15-Sunday 22 February. Families can explore beautiful rooms, enjoy themed activities, and take part in creative crafts on selected days - all set within the stunning backdrop of this historic clifftop castle.
Poole Museum is launching two brand new free exhibitions from Saturday 14 February; Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration, a major touring exhibition from the V&A, and the Power of Poole which brings together newly acquired treasures and rarely seen gems to tell the story of Poole Power Station. Alongside these exhibitions, visitors can enjoy a lively programme of events and activities for all ages, including pirate workshops, hippo-themed creations, a playful storytelling session, and a wellbeing series for adults in partnership with Slomo. Find out more and book tickets at: What's On | Poole Museum
Upton Country Park is also offering a brilliant programme of free, nature‑themed activities throughout half‑term. The week begins on Monday 16 February with a Winter Wildlife Adventure Day at Upton House, featuring pond‑dipping, guided bird walks, crafts and more, while writer‑in‑residence Sebastian Lewis hosts a series of free kids’ creative nature writing workshops across the week and an adult session with a spoken‑word open mic on Friday 20 February. All bookable sessions are available at: https://uptoncountrypark.com/events/. Families can also enjoy the return of Mad4Animals in the Walled Garden on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 February, a fun-packed show of exotic animals, tickets at https://tinyurl.com/2339b2dy. The Bird and Recreation Initiative (BARI) is running bookable guided birdwatching sessions, including Beginner Bird Watching on 19 February. All BARI event listings are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/bird-and-recreation-initiative-39457330343
Families can also enjoy a visit to Queen’s Park, where the newly refurbished playground offers plenty of space for children of all ages to climb, explore and play. After some time outdoors, the on‑site café provides a welcoming spot to recharge, and a short wander leads to the park’s picturesque pond - perfect for feeding ducks or spotting local wildlife.
Enjoy a day out by the sea with a round at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, where BCP residents can take advantage of a 25% discount throughout February when booking in person. It’s the perfect addition to a relaxed stroll along our award‑winning seafront, with plenty of places to stop for a treat at BCP’s beachfront cafés and kiosks - including the much‑loved Prom Diner, a favourite for warming drinks and seaside snacks.
Our BCP leisure centres are offering a busy half-term programme, featuring bounce sessions, climbing, swimming, soft play and a wide range of family-friendly sports and fitness opportunities. Poole Dolphin Leisure Centre is now home to Shipwreck, a brand‑new wet‑and‑wild pool inflatable available to book for public sessions every day throughout the school break. Over at Ashdown Leisure Centre, families can enjoy the New Bounce Party - a mega mix of indoor inflatables that’s perfect for high‑energy play or hosting a party. 2 Riversmeet Leisure Centre is running its popular Sports Stars Holiday Club, giving young people plenty of space to play and burn off energy. More information can be found at www.bcpleisure.co.uk.
Families can also take the plunge at Stokewood Leisure Centre, where Rumble Run, a brand‑new giant pool inflatable is launching on Tuesday 17 February 2026. Rumble Run invites children and adults to take on swinging demolition balls, test their balance on an inflatable bridge and race down an exhilarating slide. Families can book through the BH Live Active app or at www.bhliveactive.org.uk, where party packages and pay-as-you-go places are also available.
The council’s free Bikeability courses have limited spaces available across Level 1 & 2 and Level 3 this half-term. Held at Kings Park Cycle Centre and Slades Park, these fun, confidence-building sessions help children and young people boost their cycling skills in a safe, supportive setting. To find out more or book a place, simply email bikeability@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
The Cool Coast Ice Rink at the BIC is open until 22 February, offering a fun indoor winter activity for families and skaters of all ages and abilities. More details and booking information are available at www.coolcoasticerink.co.uk.
The Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre is bringing plenty of excitement to half‑term with a family‑friendly programme of live entertainment. Cirque Enchantment delivers a magical mix of circus and storytelling, while Super Slam Wrestling returns with high‑energy action and discounted tickets for under‑12s and over‑65s. Local company Swish will also present an amateur production of We Will Rock You, with matinee and evening shows throughout the week - an ideal introduction to live theatre for young audiences.
Find additional inspiration for fun days out and getting some fresh air across the area exploring some of our most beautiful routes, with a fantastic mix of coastal paths, woodland wanders and interactive discovery trails featured on the Explore BCP website.
The BCP Family Information Directory lists a wide range of activities, many of which are free. Use the search filters to find events by age, location, and cost and explore the directory.
With such a rich mix of indoor and outdoor entertainment, free and ticketed activities, performances, sport and nature experiences, there is no shortage of ways for families to enjoy time together this February half-term.