🌟 Half Term in Telford 2026: Free and Low Cost Family Activities (23 to 31 May)
- Telford Family Guide
- 18 hours ago
- 5 min read
Half term with a toddler doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here's everything we've found happening in Telford this week, from free outdoor adventures to rainy day soft play, a vintage steam fair, and the best kids eat free deals in town.
🐾 Animal Adventures
🦎Exotic Zoo: Meerkat Mayhem Week
Exotic Zoo's half term theme this year is Meerkat Mayhem, with special talks, feeding demonstrations and hands-on encounters.
📍 Telford
🕙 10am to 5pm daily
💷 Approx £8 to £10 per person
Great value for all ages.
🦕Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World
Part zoo, part dinosaur park, part adventure playground. Hoo Zoo is one of those days out that genuinely has something for every age. From exotic animals and live shows to life-size dinosaurs and outdoor play areas, it's a full day out rather than a quick visit.
This weekend (23 to 25 May) it's Butterfly Awareness Weekend, with special activities and talks celebrating these beautiful creatures. The following weekend (30 to 31 May) is World Parrot Weekend, with parrot themed activities and encounters. Two brilliant reasons to visit during half term.
📍 Telford, TF6 6DJ
🕙 10am to 4pm daily
💷 Approx £12 to £16 per person | Under 2s free
Tip: book online in advance. It's popular during half term and online tickets are often cheaper than on the door.
🎠 Lakin's Steam Fair at Attingham Park
A genuine hidden gem for half term. Lakin's Steam Fair returns to the stunning grounds of Attingham Park for the entire week, with traditional vintage fairground rides and games powered by steam. Historic pieces from a nationally significant collection set against the backdrop of Attingham's Mansion. There is something magical about it.
📍 Attingham Park, Shrewsbury (short drive from Telford)
🕙 10am to 4pm daily, 23 to 31 May
💷 Normal National Trust admission applies | All rides £3 | Dodgems £5 per car |
NT members free entry
Note: booking not required. Individual ride and game costs apply on top of admission.
🌳 Free Outdoor Fun
🌊Telford Town Park Splash Zone
Great news for little ones, the Splash Zone at Telford Town Park has reopened just in time for half term. Completely free to use, it's the perfect way to burn off energy on a warm day without spending a penny. Pack a change of clothes (essential), bring a towel, and let them go absolutely wild..
📍 Telford Town Park
🕙 10am to 5pm (weather dependent)
💷 Free
🌿 Apley Woods Sculpture Trail
A gentle, pushchair-friendly woodland walk with carved sculptures to spot along the way. One of our personal favourites at any time of year, calm, free, and genuinely beautiful whatever the weather. Pack a picnic and a nature bag and you could easily spend a couple of hours here without it costing a penny.
📍 Apley, Wellington, Telford
💷 Free | Parking: Free near Apley Castle
🐕 Dog friendly | 🚼 Pushchair friendly
🤸 Active Adventures
Telford and Wrekin Leisure is running a packed half term activity programme across multiple venues all week. Most sessions are just £2 with a TLC card, making this one of the best value options of the whole holiday.
Note: Monday 25 May is a Bank Holiday and sessions do not run that day. Everything kicks off from Tuesday 26 May.
Fun and Floats Swimming Sessions
Fun and Floats are exactly what they sound like. The pools are filled with giant inflatables, mats, and balls for a relaxed, playful swim session that kids absolutely love. Running across multiple leisure centres throughout the week:
Abraham Darby Sports and Leisure Centre:
Tuesday to Friday, 1pm to 2pm
Newport Swimming and Fitness Centre:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 1pm to 2pm (Sunday 1:30pm to 2:30pm)
Oakengates Leisure Centre:
Tuesday to Friday, 1:15pm to 2pm
Wellington Civic and Leisure Centre:
Tuesday to Friday and Sunday, 1:30pm to 2:30pm
💷 £2 per session with TLC card Note: all children under 8 must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 16 or over.
🎿 Telford Snowboard and Ski Centre: Half Term Sessions
Two options for thrill seekers at the ski centre this half term:
Tobogganing (ages 5 to 10):
Sessions running Tuesday to Friday at 12:30pm to 1pm and 2:30pm to 3pm. Also Sunday at 10:45am and 12:30pm.
Tots Donuts (ages 3 to 5):
Gentler tobogganing sessions for little ones. Tuesday to Friday at 1:15pm to 1:45pm and 3:15pm to 3:45pm. Also Friday morning at 11:15am and Sunday at 11:30am.
💷 Sessions from approx £7.10 Important: arms and legs must be covered. Gloves must be worn. No sandals or flip flops.
Book online at the Telford and Wrekin Leisure website to guarantee your spot. These fill up fast during half term.
🧗Telford Aerial Adventure: The Wall
A brilliant active option for older children and a great way to burn off energy on a rainy day. Kids taster sessions are available and the staff are friendly and encouraging even with complete beginners.
📍Telford Town Park
💷 Kids taster sessions from approx £4.50
Located next to the Visitor Centre and Splash Zone in Telford Town Park, the Bike Hub
has something for every family this half term. From casual bike hire to learning to ride for the first time, it's a brilliant active option right in the heart of the park.
Bike Hire:
Available Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4:30pm (last hire 3pm). Prices from £5. Adaptive cycles available for inclusive cycling.
Group Learn to Ride Sessions:
Perfect for children aged 4 and up. Sessions run Tuesday to Friday at 9:30am, 10:45am, 12 noon and 1:15pm. £12 per session including bike and helmet hire. Book at www.ticketstelford.com
1-to-1 Learn to Ride:
For children aged 4 and up and adults too. Wednesday and Friday at 9:45am, 11am and 1:30pm. £30 per session including bike and helmet hire. Book at www.ticketstelford.com
Dr Bike: Free Bike Checks:
Wednesday only, 10am to 4pm. Free bike checks and minor repairs carried out by Bike Hub mechanics. No booking needed, just turn up.
📍 Next to the Visitor Centre and Water Play, Telford Town Park
Note: open Tuesday to Friday during half term. Closed Bank Holiday Monday.
🍽️ Kids Eat Free or £1 This Half Term
Asda Café: Kids eat for £1
Morrisons Café: Kids eat FREE with adult meal
Tesco Café: Kids eat FREE with Clubcard
Sainsbury's Café: Kids eat for £1
Bella Italia: Kids eat for £1 (Monday to Thursday)
Beefeater and Brewers Fayre: Kids eat FREE breakfast
Dunelm Pausa Café: Kids eat FREE with adult spend
🗺️Looking for more trusted local recommendations?
Check out our Local Favourites for the best businesses and activities in Telford.
💬 Got a favourite we haven't mentioned?
We'd love to hear it. Drop it in the comments below and help other Telford families discover somewhere new. 💜
💜 Could You Be Saving on Your Monthly Bills?
One of the ways we support Telford families beyond guides and deals is through our partnership with Utility Warehouse. If you're spending more than you should on energy, broadband, or mobile, I can help.
A free, no-obligation bill check takes minutes and many local families are already saving £50–£150 every month. No sales pressure. No catch. Just an honest look at whether you could be paying less.
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