16 FREE things to do with the kids this half term

Footie-fanatics will go crazy for the world's biggest and best football museum. Meet legendary players in the Hall of Fame, get your hands on a trophy, and test out your ball skills at this fun-packed celebration of the nation's favourite sport.

Got a family full of sweet-tooths? Spend a day discovering the journey of our favourite chocolates - from cocoa bean to bar, download an interactive app, and if you don't mind spending a few quid you can attend practical workshops to make your own treats, which are well worth it!

Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in at this Jacobean estate, where you can enter the servant's quarters and try your hand at butter churning, or play dress up and transform into a 17th-century prince or princess. Make sure you check out the whopping 273 acres of land, too!

Celebrate the brand new Year of the Dog by watching colourful dragons and revellers in dazzling costumes weave through Central London on Sunday 18 February.

Join artist Richard DeDomenici at Imagine Children's Festivalas he introduces his short, Frontier in Space: Redux – a film recreating scenes from an early 1970s Dr Who episode starring young people aged between 8 and 12. Kids will love seeing actors their own age star on the big screen! Catch it in the Royal Festival Hall on 13 February at 2.30pm.

Grab a map from the visitor centre and wander through ancient woodlands as you search for the Gruffalo and other characters. Discover hand-crafted carvings of beloved Julia Donaldson creations for a truly magical day out.

Whatever your family's interests, you'll find something to delight you here. It's a one-stop shop for nature lovers with tons of animals on site, plus heaps of museum artefacts for those who love to learn, and 16 acres of stunning gardens of you just want to get some fresh air.

Head down to the home of Winnie the Pooh and friends as you explore the 100 Aker Wood, play Pooh Sticks, and even catch a glimpse of your favourite characters!

Meet fearsome pirates and 17th-century merchants at this London favourite. Mini-mariners will want to spend hours at the interactive Mudlarks Gallery, plus attend the Hear our Voices sessions on 17 and 18 February to be inspired by stories from people who fought for change in the city.

If you fancy a day of wildlife-spotting, look no further than Morden Hall Park. Watch ducks and other water-fowl on the river bed, see fish splashing in the streams, and pick up a dipping net at the garden centre so you can search for tadpoles, newts, and other creatures lurking in the pond.

A day out at the RAF Museum is bound to be a hit. Collect a backpack filled with equipment to help you discover the heroes and history of the British air force. There are also workshops throughout the year with exciting educational activities for kids, and an interactive play area.

With so many incredible immersive exhibitions, workshops, and activities, it's almost hard to believe that the Science Museum is free - but it is! There's so much to explore here that you'll want to keep coming back again and again.

Dress up in a Roman toga or a Victorian top hat, climb into Mossman Carriages, and learn about prehistoric artefacts, then clamber about in the playground and run around the beautiful gardens.

Arty-pants children will love the vibrant colours, shapes, and galleries' open spaces of the Tate Liverpool. With tons of free exhibits, and free kids' backpacks full of arty activities to pick up at the foyer, as well as a family playroom with workshops, there's something for everyone here.

Tour collections of sculptures by artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore at this free open-air gallery. The curious shapes and large grounds are perfect for families to play and discover.

Get energised for this farm jam-packed with activities. Visit the animals, feed the ducks, discover the fantastic climbing frame, and take a ride on a tractor. If little ones still aren't tired, take them to the indoor soft play for more fun and games.