FEBRUARY seems to be flying past already, with both Valentine’s Day and the start of the school half-term holidays this week meaning lots of themed and kid-friendly events.
Whether you are in a couple or solo, you can head off to a number for Valentine’s Day-related events.
And as the kids get excited for time off school, there are activities you can take them to for free.
Together Through Art, London
From February 10 to 14, Mall Galleries in London will be hosting Together Through Art.
The exhibition aims to show work that helps keep families together when they need it the most.
Over 100 artists are part of the exhibition, including illustrator Emma Bridgewater.
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The art at the exhibition can also be purchased with any money raised going to Homes from Home, which helps families with critically ill children to stay together.
Fylde Ice Festival in Lytham, Lancashire
This Valentine’s Day, you could head to the Fylde Ice Festival.
Found in Clifton Square, the festival features ice sculptures to marvel at and visitors can test out their own ice-carving skills on the ice carving wall.
There will also be live ice carving demonstrations.
Half-term at The Harris in Preston, Lancashire
This weekend marks the first weekend of half-term for many schools across the UK.
And The Harris in Preston will be hosting a number of activities for free.
There will be chemistry sessions, Lego workshops and visits to Planetariums.
There will also be a museum and gallery trail for children over nine-years-old, which is a “creative mission designed to help them chat and look at artwork in fun new ways”.
Chain of Hope, London
Also in London, at the Saatchi Gallery from February 11 to 15, you can visit the Chain of Hope – Share your Heart exhibition.
The exhibition focuses on the connection between art, humanity and compassion.
In total, the exhibition features over 70-heart-themed artworks that have been donated to support children born with congenital heart disease.
The art is also available for purchase, with pieces by famous figures including Olivia Colman, Alison Hammond, Mel B and Shaggy.
Enchanted Realms Week at Affinity Lancashire, Fleetwood, Lancashire
From Valentine’s Day, visitors can step into an enchanted world to meet the K-pop Demon Hunters with unicorns, a Mystic Hunters Trail and opportunity to create a heart-shaped biscuit at a Cupid’s Cookie Workshop.
You can park at Affinity Lancashire – which has 40 shops and outlets – for free and dogs are welcome too.
There’s also a free indoor soft play centre for the under five-year-olds.
London Card Show
From February 13 to 15, the London Card Show – Europe‘s biggest card event – will be at Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher.
The event will have 1,000 tables with around two million cards including sports cards, retro gaming, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh and more.
There will be live interviews too, unboxings, raffles and kids’ activities.
Linlithgow Family Adventure, West Lothian, Scotland
This Wednesday, February 11, between 10am and 12pm visitors can attend a hands-on outdoor session for children five-year-old and over.
During the session, you will explore Linlithgow Loch and Peel as well as learn about the area’s wildlife and history.
Valentines Mingle at Dogs Trust Loughborough
Over in Loughborough, from 10am to 12pm on February 13, you can meet some of the dogs from Dogs Trust Loughborough.
The event will be full of fellow dog lovers too so a great chance to make friends with the same interest.
There will also be tea, cake and a raffle.
You can also head to a coffee morning at Dogs Trust Snetterton in Norwich on the same day between 10am to 12:30pm.
Vintage Valentine’s Day Card Making, Norwich
From 4:30pm to 6pm, on February 14, you can head to the American Library Archive in Norwich to create a 1940s inspired Valentine’s Day card.
Think love letters and vintage-style drawings.
All supplies are included and the activity is for those aged 10 and over.
Hong Kong Lunar New Year Market 2026, Manchester
This Saturday and Sunday, you can head to Manchester’s Hong Kong Lunar New Year Market 2026 which celebrates Hong Kong culture.
The family-friendly event has over 130 stalls and 20 live performances, with handmade decorations and games, short-film screenings and guided tours.
Birmingham Light Festival
From February 12 to 15, you can visit Birmingham Light Festival with different illuminated artworks and a number of special events.
This year marks the second year the festival has run and it will take over streets, squares and a number of public spaces in the city.
Live events include fire performances, music performed by a metal band and a silent disco.
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