What’s On in Derby for Kids & Families – February Half Term 2026
Abbie Coleman is a Derbyshire-based mum of two and the founder of MMB Magazine and Ey-Up. She creates easy-to-read guides covering what’s on for families in Derbyshire, sharing local events, free activities and tried-and-tested ideas that make planning days out simpler for busy mums. Contact us to work with Ey-UP as a business or as a new blogger.
Looking for things to do with kids in Derby this February? Whether you’re planning for February half-term 2026, need indoor activities during winter, or want free family days out in Derby, this guide brings together the best options for local families.
From half-term events and indoor attractions to parks, museums and easy day trips, here’s your complete guide to what’s on in Derby for kids in February 2026.
✨ This guide will be updated as more February half-term events in Derby are announced.
Read our full where kids eat free in Derbyshire holiday guide.
Have an event to add? email abbie@ey-up.co.uk
Table of Contents
📅 February Half Term Dates – Derbyshire 2026
Most Derbyshire schools are expected to break up for the February half-term from:
Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February 2026
(Always check your individual school’s term dates, as they can vary)
🎡 February Half Term Funfair – Derby City Centre
📍 Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AH
💷 ££ (pay per ride)
🌐 https://www.derbylive.co.uk
A familiar sight during the school holidays, the Derby city centre funfair usually runs throughout February half term, bringing classic rides, games and fairground treats into the heart of the city.
Best for:
Primary-age children
Older kids and teens
A short, flexible city-centre outing
Top tip: Daytime sessions are usually quieter for younger children.
🛍️ Derbion
📍 Derbion Shopping Centre, Derby, DE1 2PL
🌐 https://www.derbion.com
🧗 Rock Climbing Wall (Age 5+)
📅 16–20 February 2026
💷 £3 per child
📌 Booking recommended
A great city-centre activity for active kids needing to burn off half-term energy.
🏊 Moorways Waterpark – Indoor Family Favourite
📍 Moorways Sports Village, Moor Lane, Derby, DE24 9HY
💷 ££
🌐 https://www.activeplacespower.com/moorways
One of the most popular indoor activities for kids in Derby, Moorways Waterpark is ideal for the February half term when the weather is unpredictable. Expect slides, a wave pool and warm water.
Why families love it:
✔ Indoor, no matter the weather
✔ Suitable for mixed ages
✔ Good facilities and parking
🛼 Rollerworld Derby – Family Skate Sessions
📍 St Thomas Road, Derby, DE23 8RJ
💷 ££
🌐 https://www.rollerworld.co.uk/derby
Rollerworld runs family skate sessions during school holidays, making it a fun alternative for getting out and active with the kids
Best for:
Primary-age children
Older kids and teens
Burnoff winter energy indoors
🧠 Derby Computer Museum – Educational & Budget-Friendly
📍 3 Sadler Gate, Derby, DE1 3NR
💷 £
🌐 https://www.derbycomputermuseum.co.uk
A small but engaging city-centre museum packed with retro computers, gaming history and hands-on exhibits. Ideal for a fun half-term day or pairing with lunch in Derby.
Good to know:
Affordable entry
Central location
Short, manageable visit for younger children
🌲 CONKERS
📍 Rawdon Rd, Moira, DE12 6GA
🌐 https://www.visitconkers.com
- Enchanting Twilight Walk
📅 Weekends until 22 Feb
💷 £7 (over 5s), under 5s free - Roller Skating Rink
📅 Until 22 Feb
💷 £5
🌿 Trent Lock
📍 Trent Lock, Long Eaton, DE72 2BU
Let’s Go Outdoors
📅 18 February
⏰ 10:00am & 11:30am
💷 Free – booking required
🌲 Hicks Lodge
📍 Moira, DE12 6BL
Room on the Broom Trail
📅 Ongoing
💷 Free (trail packs £4, parking from £7.50)
🏛️ Calke Abbey
📍 Ticknall, Derby, DE73 7LE
🌐 https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke
- Wonder World: Earth Book Trail
- Storytelling Sessions (Under 5s & All Ages)
📅 14–22 February 2026
💷 From £5 (plus admission)
🐄 Bluebell Dairy
📍 Locko Rd, Derby, DE21 6SG
🌐 https://www.bluebell-dairy.co.uk
Junior Shepherd Week
📅 14–22 Feb
💷 £10
🌾 National Forest Adventure Farm
📍 Postern Rd, Burton, DE13 7EG
🌐 https://www.adventurefarm.co.uk
New Life on the Farm
📅 14–22 Feb
💷 £12.50 | Under 2s free
🎬 Electric Daisy
📍 Electric Daisy, Derby, DE1 2DS
🌐 https://www.electricdaisy.co.uk
🌟 Family Outdoor Cinema – WICKED
📅 20 February 2026
⏰ 4:00pm–8:00pm (last entry 4:30pm)
💷 £6 | Booking required
🎨 WICKED Messy Play Party
📅 18 February 2026
⏰ 12:00pm–3:00pm
💷 £8.50 | Booking required
🌳 Free & Outdoor Things to Do in Derby
Markeaton Park
📍 Markeaton Lane, Derby, DE22 4AA
💷 £ (park free, attractions extra)
🌐 https://www.markeatonpark.com
One of the best free places to go with kids in Derby, even in winter. Wrap up warm and enjoy the playgrounds, walking routes and café.
Darley Park & Derby Arboretum
📍 Darley Park / Arboretum, Derby
💷 Free
Perfect for riverside walks, bike rides and letting kids burn off energy outdoors — ideal if you’re searching for free February activities in Derby.
📚 Derby Libraries – Free Half-Term Activities
📍 Multiple locations across Derby
💷 Free
🌐 https://www.inderby.org.uk
Libraries across Derby often host free crafts, story sessions and family activities during school holidays, including February half term.
🧵 Derby Museum of Making
📍 Silk Mill Lane, Derby, DE1 3AF
🌐 https://www.derbymuseums.org
Multiple free creative workshops, trails and fashion-repair sessions running throughout half term.
🖼️ Derby Museum & Art Gallery
📍 The Strand, Derby, DE1 1BS
UnEarthed Fossils – 19 Feb | Free (donation suggested)
🏠 Pickford’s House
📍 41 Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 1DA
Embroider Your Clothes Workshop – 17 Feb | Free (donation suggested)
🧱 Erewash Museum
📍 Ilkeston, DE7 5JA
Bricks and Play
📅 19–21 Feb | Free
🏺 Sharpe’s Pottery Museum
📍 Swadlincote, DE11 9DG
Lunar New Year Trail & Clay Play Sessions
📅 Throughout Feb | £1–£5
📅 February Half Term 2026 – Derby Family Planner
Saturday 14 February
Derby city centre funfair | Markeaton Park
Sunday 15 February
Rollerworld Derby | Library visit
Monday 16 February
Moorways Waterpark | Derby Computer Museum
Tuesday 17 February
City-centre activities | Bowling or cinema
Wednesday 18 February
Free library sessions | Park & café
Thursday 19 February
Chatsworth day trip | Peak District caves
Friday 20 February
Final funfair visit | Easy family dinner
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – February Half Term in Derby
When is the February half-term in Derbyshire in 2026?
Most Derbyshire schools are expected to have the February half term from Monday 16 February to Friday 20 February 2026, although dates can vary by school.
What are the best things to do with kids in Derby during the February half-term?
Popular options include Derby city centre funfair, Moorways Waterpark, Rollerworld Derby, Derby Computer Museum, local parks such as Markeaton Park, and free library activities.
Are there free things to do with kids in Derby in February?
Yes. Families can enjoy Derby libraries, Markeaton Park, Darley Park, the Derby Arboretum, and winter walks across the city.
Is the February half-term a busy time for attractions in Derby?
Yes. February half-term is one of the busiest school holiday periods, particularly for indoor attractions. Booking in advance is recommended where possible.
⭐ Top Tips for February Half Term in Derby
Book indoor attractions early — February half term fills fast.
Balance free outdoor days with paid indoor activities.
Save this page — it will be updated as more Derby half-term events are announced.