When is half term?
There are three half terms: February, May, and October. Dates vary by school. Our Half term hub shows events for the current period. Check your school's website for exact dates. February half term is often cold; indoor venues and warm layers help. May and October can suit parks and outdoor options.
Museums and heritage
STEAM Museum
Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon SN2 2EY
Museum of the Great Western Railway. STEAM runs half term activities such as workshops, trails, and "Meet the Railway Workers" sessions. February half term often includes STEM workshops and special installations. Easter and other holidays have different programmes. Book tickets online. Check their website for the current half term programme and prices.
Tel: 01793 466646. Opening times and tickets.
Parks (free to visit)
Lydiard Park
Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon SN5 3PA
Parkland, lake, and historic house. Free to walk the grounds. Lydiard House Museum runs activities in some half terms; check their events page. The Forest Cafe and Coach House Tea Rooms are open for refreshments. Parking charges apply. Good for a run-around and picnic when the weather allows.
Coate Water Country Park
Marlborough Road, Swindon SN3 6AA
Lakeside paths and green space. Free to visit. Good for walks, feeding ducks, and letting off steam. Check the council website for parking and facilities.
Indoor soft play
Jungle Kingdom
North Swindon
Indoor soft play for ages 0 to 10. Three-level play frame, toddler area, and sports arena. Timed sessions; advance booking is recommended. Cafe on site. Useful for February half term when the weather is poor.
Tel: 01793 728963. Book and check prices.
Jolly Roger Adventure
Greenbridge Road, Swindon
Large indoor soft play with slides, climbing, and bouncy castle. Sessions and parties available. Good for wet-weather half term.
Tel: 01793 522044. Website and booking.
Studley Grange
Calne Road, Lyneham (near Swindon)
Soft play for up to age 8. Pay per 30 minutes. Open seven days a week. Also has butterfly farm and other attractions. Check their website for current opening and pricing.
Tel: 01793 855600. Soft play and opening.
Shopping and family facilities
Swindon Designer Outlet Village
Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2DY
Over 100 shops, cafes, and family facilities including the Hooter Express train and play area. Sometimes runs half term events. Free parking for the first 15 minutes; then charges apply. Good for a combined shopping and play trip.
Theatre and activities
Wyvern Theatre
Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN
Plays, pantomime, and family shows. Half term often has matinees suitable for children. Check their programme and book in advance.
Boom Battle Bar
Regent Circus, Swindon
Axe throwing, shuffleboard, electric darts, mini golf, and other games. Good for older children and teens. They run date night and group deals; check for family or half term offers.
Eastcott Studios
Eastcott Hill, Swindon
Pottery painting and throwing sessions. Children can paint a piece to take home. Book in advance. Check their website for half term sessions and pricing.
Hollywood Bowl
Greenbridge Retail & Leisure Park, Swindon
Ten-pin bowling. Book lanes in advance at busy times. Food and drinks on site. Straightforward option for all ages.
Farms (May and October half term)
Lotmead Farm
Stratton Road, Wanborough, Swindon SN4 0SN
Farm park with animals, play area, cafe, and shop. Pick-your-own in season (strawberries, pumpkins, etc.). Often runs trails and activities in school holidays. Check their website for half term opening and farm park admission. Good for May and October when the weather is milder.
Tel: 01793 790137. Farm park and tickets.
Tips for half term
- Book STEAM, soft play, and theatre in advance. Half term gets busy.
- Check venue websites for the current half term programme. Activities change each time.
- February: focus on indoor options. May and October: parks and farms work well if the weather is dry.
- For free ideas, see our free half term activities guide.
Back to the Half term hub. For events in the period, see Half term events and What's On.