Fun things to do at May half term in Surrey 2025

Looking for the best things to do during the May half term in Surrey?  You’re in the right place!  Surrey is packed with fantastic activities for kids at May half term, from outdoor adventures and animal encounters to exciting shows, museums, and creative workshops.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the very best events, attractions, and days out happening across Surrey this May half term 2025.  Whether you’re planning action-packed family days out or looking for rainy-day activities, there’s something for everyone, whatever the weather.

Get ready to discover brilliant places to go, top events, and fun-filled activities to make this May half term one to remember.  Let’s dive into all the amazing things happening for families in Surrey this May half term!

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This year the May half term holiday in Surrey runs from Monday 26^th until Friday 30^th May 2025, including a Bank Holiday on Monday 26^th May.

When the sun’s shining, one of the best things to do in Surrey is to head outside and enjoy a fun-filled day in the great outdoors.  Luckily, Surrey is packed with beautiful parks, nature reserves, and outdoor attractions that are perfect for kids.  Not only does this offer a fantastic way to keep the little ones entertained, but it also provides a budget-friendly option for your May half term adventures.

Here’s our pick of the top outdoor activities in Surrey that are sure to keep the whole family active and happy this half term:

If you’re looking for free things to do in Surrey this May half term, Lightwater Country Park is an excellent choice.

This spacious park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, from scenic walking trails to a large playing field, perfect for letting the kids burn off some energy. You’ll also find ponds, a playground, and even a mini-golf course, making it a fantastic spot for a full day of outdoor fun without breaking the bank.

Birdworld in Farnham is a must-visit for nature-loving kids this May half term.  Home to over 1,200 animals, including many endangered and rare species, Birdworld offers a fantastic opportunity for children to learn about wildlife conservation in an engaging way.

In addition to the diverse range of birds, there’s a fantastic children’s play area to enjoy, as well as an exciting Dinosaur Discovery Trail, where kids can explore and learn about these prehistoric creatures.  Don’t miss the interactive dinosaur shows, which take place every morning!

This year, Birdworld is also set to open a brand-new outdoor adventure play area and an indoor play barn in 2025, making it an even more exciting destination for families to explore.

Virginia Water Lake is the perfect place to meet up with friends and enjoy the great outdoors this May half term.  With plenty of open space, it’s ideal for walking, scootering, and playing.  Families can stroll around the picturesque lake, visit the cascade, or hide in the trees for a fun adventure.

For younger children, there’s a small, free adventure playground located by Obelisk Lawn.  However, if you’re looking for the ultimate adventure play area, head to the new playground by the entrance to Savill Garden.  There is an admission charge for this play area and you’ll need to book your session in advance.

Set within 247 acres of breathtaking forest, Alice Holt Forest is one of the best free places to visit in Surrey during the school holidays.  It’s the perfect spot for outdoor family fun this May half term, with a variety of exciting activities for all ages.

Children can follow the Gruffalo Trail, climb the animal sculptures, balance on the trim trail, or let off steam in the adventure playground.  If the weather’s nice, bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery, or head to the on-site café for a bite to eat.

Thrill-seeking kids could also take to the trees on one of the Go Ape courses.  Choose from the Treetop Challenge, Treetop Adventure, or Tree Adventure Plus, so something for everyone from younger kids to teens.  Plus from 2025, Alice Holt now features Nets Adventure, a giant bouncy playground suspended high in the trees!  We tried the one at Black Park Country Park and the kids loved it!

For something a little different, head to Guildford this May half term for a puzzle trail across the site at Watts Gallery.  The trail will take your family around the galleries, around the woodlands and through George and Mary Watts’s studios and house, where you’ll crack codes, figure out riddles, use your imagination and think creatively.

Click here for details of the scavenger hunt at Watts Gallery.

Listen to the story of Julia Donaldson’s Gruffalo with a craft activity, before setting off to explore a trail across the garden and complete some more crafts in the cabin.

Click here to book:  Gatton Park

Let your little nature explorers embark on a Woodland Animal Trail around Painshill this May half term.  As you explore Painshill, keep an eye out for stunning images of British wildlife and learn some fascinating facts about these creatures.  The animal trail is included with general admission.

After exploring the grounds of this spectacular 18^th century landscape garden, children can visit the Crystal Grotto, an enchanting cave with over 10,000 crystals embedded in the walls.

Read more:  A visit to Painshill Park, Surrey

One of the best family-friendly farms to visit in Surrey this May half term is Bocketts Farm, located near Fetcham. This year, kids can join in the fun at Dino and Princess Week, with plenty of exciting activities for the whole family.

Half term highlights include meeting popular characters like Ariel, Elsa, and the dinosaurs, alongside a lively Bubble Disco.  Of course, families can also enjoy all the farm’s regular attractions, including pony rides, an adventure playground, and the famous pig races!

Bocketts Farm is the perfect place for a fun-filled, action-packed day out with kids this May half term.

One of the best ways to entertain younger children is at a farm.  Luckily, in Surrey, there’s a good choice of adventure farms to explore, including Godstone Farm near Reigate.

During May half term, kids can immersive themselves in natural crafts, enjoy barefoot walks, and unleash their creativity whilst painting with nature.  This is on top of all the usual farmyard fun, plus an indoor and outdoor play barn.

Click here for prices, admission times, and tickets to Godstone Farm.

Head to Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking at May half term for a ride on the Dinosaur Train.  Tickets include:

• Vineyard Train Ride
• Children’s dinosaur activity
• 10% off in the Wine & Gift Shop
• Free tea or filter coffee in the Conservatory Restaurant when presenting confirmation of your tickets

If you’re looking for an unmissable day out this May half term, Hampton Court Palace has you covered with the exciting Big Bahooey event during the Bank Holiday weekend. This lively extravaganza is jam-packed with fun workshops, entertainment, and activities for the whole family.  Kids can try their hand at juggling, plate spinning, and wire walking in the circus workshops, or get creative in the cardboard craft workshop.

Your ticket grants you free access to the Hampton Court Palace and its stunning 60-acre gardens. After exploring the palace, children can have fun getting lost in the famous maze or enjoying the Magic Garden adventure playground, where they can run, climb, and jump to their heart’s content.

Surrey is home to some of the best theme parks in the UK, offering fantastic days out for families of all ages.  Whether you’re chasing adrenaline-pumping rides to thrill your teens or planning a more family-friendly day out with younger kids, there’s a perfect theme park in Surrey waiting for you.

From rollercoasters and water rides to gentle attractions for little ones, visiting a theme park is one of the top things to do with kids this May half term.  Get ready for a fun-filled adventure everyone will remember!

One of the best all-round family theme parks in Surrey, Chessington World of Adventures offers an action-packed day out for all ages.  Conveniently located just two miles from the M25 and A3, it’s easy to reach for a May half term adventure.  With over 40 rides and attractions, there’s something for everyone — from adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters for thrill-seeking teens to gentle, family-friendly rides like the much-loved Gruffalo River Ride Adventure.

But the fun doesn’t stop with the rides!  Chessington also features a fantastic Sea Life Aquarium and a zoo home to over 1,000 animals, making it one of the top family attractions in Surrey for a full day of excitement and discovery.

Click here for prices, times and tickets for Chessington.

If you’ve got teenagers, you’ll know that one of the best things to do during May half term in Surrey is a day out at Thorpe Park.  Regularly voted one of the UK’s top theme parks, Thorpe Park is the ultimate destination for adrenaline lovers and thrill-seekers.  With over 30 exhilarating rides and attractions, it’s a must-visit for older children and teens looking for a half term adventure.

And 2025 is set to be even bigger and better!  From 24th May, Thorpe Park will unveil Hyperia — the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster. Are you brave enough to take it on?

Conveniently located just off the M25 near Chertsey, Thorpe Park is a top choice for an unforgettable May half term activity for older children and teenagers in Surrey.

Click here for prices, times and tickets to Thorpe Park.

If you’re searching for a theme park that’s perfect for younger children this May half term, LEGOLAND® Windsor is a fantastic choice.  Located just across the Surrey border, LEGOLAND® offers over 55 interactive rides, shows, and attractions designed especially for children aged 2 to 12 years.

Little adventurers can soar through the treetops to escape dragons, ride the rapids on a Viking fleet, or put their Ninja skills to the test.  There’s even the chance to earn their very first driving licence at the LEGOLAND® Driving School!

Legoland® is an awesome family day out and a top attraction for Surrey families with little children this May half term.

Click here for prices, times and tickets for Legoland®.

Hobbledown near Epsom is one of our favourite family days out in Surrey.  It is a great all-weather attraction, with a range of indoor and outdoor activities.  Children can choose from outdoor play areas, an indoor play barn, The Thinkery and zoo and farm enclosures.

Click here for tickets to Hobbledown.

Chobham Adventure Farm is another fantastic place to visit during May half term with younger kids.

Set in the beautiful Surrey countryside, this farm features a variety of animals, from friendly farmyard favourites to more exotic creatures.  Kids can enjoy pony rides, visit the petting farm, and explore the adventure playgrounds designed for all ages.

For a bit of extra excitement, there’s a giant inflatable obstacle course and a new adventure play area perfect for climbing, sliding, and exploring.

If you’re a National Trust member, visiting one of their stunning properties is always a great option for a school holiday day out.  With beautiful outdoor spaces for kids to run, play, and explore nature, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Many of the local National Trust sites also offer special holiday activities during the school breaks, from seasonal trails to hands-on workshops, making them an even more exciting place to visit with kids this May half term.

Hatchlands Park is always a fantastic choice for families looking to get some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors.  With expansive parkland to explore, it’s the perfect spot for younger kids to run around, stretch their legs, and let off some steam.  After a scenic walk through the park, head over to the natural play area, where children can play on balance beams, stepping stones, and in the tree house.

One of the best National Trust properties in Surrey for families is Polesden Lacey in Bookham.

This May half term, families can enjoy a fun and interactive family trail in the grounds, where children can help Grizwald the Griffin find a new home.  It’s the perfect way to keep little ones entertained while discovering the beauty of the estate.  With plenty of open space to run around, picnic spots, and beautiful views, Polesden Lacey is an ideal destination for a relaxing yet adventurous day out.

Looking for a day of outdoor fun this May half term?  Box Hill, one of Surrey’s most famous landmarks, is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.

Pack up a picnic and head to this stunning hill, where the whole family can explore one of the way-marked trails or take on the exciting Box Hill natural play trail.  With breathtaking views, fresh air, and plenty of space to run and play, Box Hill offers an ideal mix of adventure and relaxation for families looking to make the most of the school holidays.

Of course, living in the UK means we can’t always count on sunshine in May, so it’s always a good idea to have a few indoor activities up your sleeve for the half term!

Whether it’s rainy or just a bit too chilly for outdoor fun, Surrey has a fantastic selection of indoor activities that will keep the kids entertained.  Here’s our pick of the best indoor activities for families to enjoy this May half term in Surrey.

Kids of all ages will love burning off some half term energy at the Air Hop Trampoline Park in Guildford.

Click here for tickets to Air Hop.

Alternatively, you could head to Jump In, the trampoline park in Camberley.

Keep the little ones busy this May half term with the Create & Grow activities at Squires Garden Centre from Tuesday 28 – Friday 31 May.  Plant a tasty veg pot, with three vegetable plants.

Various locations (except Chertsey)

Click here for create and grown events at Squires

Step back in time to the early days of aviation at the Brooklands Museum in Weybridge.  This is one of Surrey’s top museums and is ideal for a multi-generational day out.  Explore planes, buses and racing cars or take a walk through Concorde.

Brooklands is also home to the London Bus Museum and young visitors will love a vintage bus ride around the local area.

Find our more about a day out at Brooklands Museum.

There’s more opportunities for children to get creative at the Lightbox Gallery in Woking.  Choose from the art cart, Tinkerbell trail, make and play or Woking’s story.

Click here for May half term family activities at The Lightbox.

• Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking (3-7 June)
• Nicky Trix Live:  Magic and Mayhemat G-Live, Guildford
• Nick Cope I’ve lost my Bobble Hat at Epsom Playhouse
• The Elmer Adventure at The Rose Theatre, Kingston
• Horrible Histories live on stage at Hampton Court Palace

• Cape-Tastic (drama workshops for 5-7 years) at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford  (tbc)
• Creative make-up (7-11 years) at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
• Magic & Illusion for beginners (12-16 years) at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

London is always a brilliant place to visit with kids in the school holidays.  Most of the museums are free and there’s so many brilliant places to visit.  If you fancy a visit to London, what about these fun ideas?

• 20+ fun things to do with teenagers in London
• Shrek’s Adventure
• A visit inside the magnificent Tower Bridge, London
• London Dungeons
• A weekend in London with kids: a 2-day itinerary
• Sea Life London
• The Imperial War Museum

If you fancy going further afield at May half term, you could head to the coast for a day out in Brighton or a few days on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.  If you like history, Hever Castle is always popular with kids or you could take a drive down to the New Forest.

Please comment in the box below if you are going to try any of these half term activities in Surrey.  Or add your own ideas.

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