Fun & Affordable February Half-Term Ideas in North Devon with Teens & Tweens

Keeping active, outdoorsy and (mostly!) off screens — without spending a fortune

February half-term in North Devon often begins the same way: grey skies, drizzle on repeat, cold winds… and a full week stretching ahead with teens and tweens who are suddenly very attached to their screens.

With two boys (14 and 11) and girls in the mix (13 and 16), I know the challenge well — finding activities that:

• Keep them moving

• Encourage fresh air

• Don’t involve travelling miles

• Don’t cost a small fortune

• And still feel “cool enough” for teenagers

So here are some budget-conscious, energy-burning ideas around Barnstaple, Ilfracombe and Bideford that build movement, resilience and connection — even in winter.

Indoor Energy Burners (When It’s Too Wet to Wander)

Stoppers Skate Rink – Barnstaple

Stoppers Skate Rink is a brilliant half-term fallback when the rain won’t stop.

Skating is:

• High-energy cardio (without feeling like exercise)

• Great for coordination and balance

• Social but active

• Budget-friendly compared to many organised activities

Teens love the music and atmosphere. Tweens love the challenge. And everyone sleeps better afterwards. Win-win.

Wrap up with a hot chocolate and it becomes a proper half-term memory.

Rock & Rapid – Barnstaple

Rock and Rapid is another excellent option — especially if your kids enjoy a challenge.

Indoor bouldering and climbing:

• Builds strength and confidence

• Develops problem-solving skills

• Improves grip strength and core stability

• Feels adventurous and grown-up

Bouldering is particularly great for teens because they can tackle routes independently, encouraging resilience and perseverance. Sessions can be affordable, especially if you opt for single visits rather than structured courses.

It’s active, warm, and completely screen-free.

Get Outside (Even If It’s Cold)

There’s no such thing as bad weather — only insufficient layers.

The Tarka Trail

Tarka Trail offers flat cycling and walking routes perfect for all abilities. Even a brisk 45-minute walk can transform moods.

Make it competitive:

• Step-count challenge

• Fastest mile

• “Spot the wildlife” bingo

Morte Point

Morte Point is dramatic and windswept — but that’s part of the magic. Teens love the rugged scenery and it feels adventurous without being far from home.

Saunton Sands

Saunton Sands in winter is a giant playground. Think:

• Beach football

• Kite flying

• Sprint races

• Pebble stacking competitions

• Sea Glass/stone or shell collecting

  
  

Bring a thermos and suddenly the cold becomes part of the fun.

Braunton Skate Track

If skate boarding is their thing, head there.

Water-Based Adventures (Age-Appropriate & Local)

Even in February, water can feature safely:

• Rock pooling at low tide in Ilfracombe or Croyde

• Riverside walks near Bideford

• Short winter surf or paddleboard time (weather dependent)

• Swimming - not in the sea but at one of the many local pools, we will definitely be swimming a few times within the week.

Water exposure — even just sea air — boosts mood and builds resilience. And teenagers often respond better to “adventure” than “exercise.”

Budget-Friendly At-Home Activities

Not every day needs an outing.

Try:

• Cook-together evenings using local produce

• DIY indoor fitness circuits - indoors or outside (dependent on room available)

• A “no phone until 4pm” challenge with reward incentives

• A family bake-off

Giving teens responsibility in the kitchen or planning the week empowers them — and reduces screen negotiation battles.

The Wellbeing Angle

Half-term isn’t about packing every minute with activity. It’s about:

Movement, Fresh air, Social connection, Confidence, and definitely trying to get that screen time balance.

A mix of skating, climbing, coastal walks and simple home routines can transform a grey and possibly wet week into one that feels energising rather than exhausting.

And the best part? You don’t need to travel far or overspend to make it happen. North Devon really does have everything on the doorstep.

Final Thought

This February half-term, aim for variety over extravagance. A skate session at Stoppers, a climb at Rock & Rapid, a windswept beach walk and a shared family meal might be all you need.

What are your go-to North Devon half-term favourites? Share below — I’m always looking for new ideas!