It may only feel like yesterday since the kids went back to school, but with the February half-term on the horizon you may want to plan a family day out. So why not pack the car and head to West Yorkshire, where you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to fun-filled educational activities. Start in the metropolitan city of Leeds, which with its great transport links and wide selection of hotels, restaurants and shops is the perfect base for any visit. From there we have a number of pick up locations in Leeds to help you venture out to experience our top picks for a half-term in West Yorkshire.
Eureka! - Halifax
A treasure trove of interactive educational exhibits, Eureka! National Children's Museum in Halifax is one of the best family days out. Aimed at children aged 0-11, the fun interactive displays have received a boost with the addition of All About Me, an area where children can get up close and personal with the human body, with a giant set of teeth to clean and even a massive nose to climb into - watch out when it sneezes!
February half-term is 'Reach for the Stars' week, with a special focus on all things astronomical for budding spacemen and spacewomen.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm
National Media Museum - Bradford
As well as being home to the country's first IMAX screen, Bradford is the world's first UNESCO City of Film and the headquarters of the UK's one and only National Media Museum.
Laid out over seven massive floors, the National Media Museum hosts a wide range of exhibits detailing the history of film and television production, including some fun interactive elements where visitors can help produce TV segments behind the camera and in the edit suite.
Open every day, 10am-6pm
Xscape - Castleford
Best known for its indoor ski slope, Xscape attracts thousands of people each year - with the Snozone perhaps the biggest and best attraction. Pull on your thermals this half term and hit the slopes to perfect your parallel turns, snowboard tricks or even beat your personal best on a toboggan. Xscape also boasts a bowling alley, cinema and skatepark, along with many popular restaurants and high street shops.
Open every day, opening times vary.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park - Wakefield
Billed as an open-air gallery, YSP presents famous works by notable artists including Moore and Hepworth on the expansive Bretton Hall estate. With nature trails, themed sculpture walks and two indoor exhibits at either end of the complex, Yorkshire Sculpture Park brilliantly combines the cerebral and emotional experience of viewing art with the bracing elements and fresh air of a countryside visit - as such, it's a fine way to keep the whole family entertained.
Grounds open 10am-5pm, indoor galleries closed for winter