With the school half term holidays fast approaching, families across the borough will find no shortage of budget friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. 

Whether you want to head outdoors, visit a museum, or enjoy free family activities, you can find it all on your doorstep. 

Explore nature in Greenford 

If you enjoy being outdoors, you can join the Ealing Beaver Project for a free guided walk at Paradise Fields on Friday 20 February. You can learn how beavers have shaped the wetlands since their release in 2023, and look for signs of their dams and feeding. Children can also take part in a short wildlife etching activity using natural textures from the site. You need to book a place.  

Make the most of your local library 

Libraries across the borough run free weekly sessions for families. These include storytime, bounce and rhyme, craft activities and chess clubs. Visit the library events pages on Ealing Council’s website for dates, times and locations. 

You can borrow a book too while you’re there, as well get free internet access, use the study spaces or find information about other services. 

Walk this way 

Walking is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to enjoy time outdoors as a family. You can discover a number of mapped walking routes across the borough on the council’s website, such as riverside loops and park-to-park trails. 

Last year’s residents voted for the borough’s favourite walk and chose Brent Meadow to Top Lock as the winner. This canalside path follows the River Brent and the Grand Union Canal. It is suitable for most families. Watch the video in our digital magazine.  

Northala Fields in Northolt is a popular place to visit too. You can climb its man-made hills for 360 degree views, visit the wildlife ponds and playgrounds – or even try your hand at a spot of fishing. Tickets cost £15 per person and you can book your place by emailing hello@ghof.org.uk.

The half-term sessions will take place on:

• Wednesday 18 February
• Thursday 19 February
• Friday 20 February
• Saturday 21 February
• Sunday 22 February

Session times:

• 10am to 11am
• 11.30am to 12.30pm
• 1pm to 2pm
• 2.30pm to 3.30pm

And, if you enjoy local history, the Ealing Civic Society publishes free self-guided heritage walks across the borough’s 7 towns. 

Step inside a Georgian masterpiece 

In Walpole Park you will find Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery. It was the country home of Sir John Soane, a leading Georgian architect known for his inventive use of space and light. You can explore the restored historic rooms and see the contemporary art gallery next door. The manor also recently played host to celebrity comedian Alan Carr as part of his new programme Secret Genius.

Local residents can visit for free on Sundays from 10am to midday, and on the first Thursday of every month from 5pm to 8pm. It is recommended that you pre-book your visit. 

Gunnersbury Park and Museum 

There are other indoor options too, ideal for a rainy afternoon. Gunnersbury Park and Museum is free to visit. It has family friendly displays with hundreds of objects on display representing a range of themes in 9 exhibition galleries over 3 floors.  

Say hello to the animals at Hanwell Zoo 

A trip to Hanwell Zoo offers a great, low-cost day out with entrance fees costing £5 for adults and £4 for children. Under-3s go free. There are lots of animals to see, including meerkats, porcupines, capybaras, flamingos and exotic birds. There’s a maze close to the entrance too, near the playground, which is totally free to explore.  

Pick up free school uniform at Greenford Library 

The Hub at Greenford Library now offers free school uniform to support families with the cost of living. The library is currently open on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with plans to expand its opening hours. You can check the library’s website for updates. 

Eat out without overspending 

Some supermarket cafés have low-cost offers for families: 

• Asda Café: Kids eat for £1 all day and all year. There is no adult minimum spend 

• Morrisons Café: One child eats free when an adult buys a meal costing £5.50 or more 

 ‘Enjoy the best of the borough’ 

Councillor Kamaljit Kaur Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “February half term is a great chance for you to enjoy the best of the borough without spending much. From guided nature walks and free museum visits to our libraries, parks and low‑cost family activities, there is something for everyone.  

“We know this time of year can be tough on household budgets, so it is important that families have plenty of free and good value options close to home. I hope you get the chance to explore our 7 towns, try something new and make the most of what is on your doorstep this half term.”