Another half-term is around the corner and if you’re scrambling for ways to fill your week, fear not. We’ve clubbed together the ultimate itinerary of things to do in half term, from family-friendly exhibitions to out-of-this-world space adventures, and wizardry workshops to must-see musicals.
Top Things To Do This Half-Term
Mish Mash Family Trail, Southbank Centre
Created by the Heart n Soul Feel Good Designers, The Mish Mash Family Trail guides you to explore the interactive art installations that are designed to install happiness
Gather the family together and prepare for an interactive and colourful art journey across the Southbank Centre.
When: 29.05.2024 – 02.06.2024
Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
WebsitE: www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Ted’s Space Adventure
Little astronomers at the ready… Ted’s Space Adventure is the Royal Observatory’s planetarium show aimed to inspire younger audiences.
With shows daily during the school holidays, your little ones can explore the Solar System with a bear named Ted and his companion Plant, learning about space and the things you find there.
When: Daily during school holidays + Weekends during term time
Where: Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, SE10 8XJ
Website: www.rmg.co.uk
Dinosaur rEvolution
Horniman Museum & Gardens will be bringing the dinosaurs back to life this year with their epic exhibition Dinosaur rEvolution.
This family-friendly exhibition explores the relationship between dinosaurs and birds including five large animatronic models, many accurate cast fossil skeletons and skulls.
when: until 03.11.2023
where: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
website: www.horniman.ac.uk
Japan: Myths to Manga, V&A
Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle – nothing quite captures the nostalgia of childhood like Japanese Anime and Manga.
Take an exciting and atmospheric trip through Japan – and explore how landscape and folklore have influenced Japanese art, technology and design.
WHEN: until 08.09.2024
WHERE: V&A SOUTH KENSINGTON, CROMWELL ROAD, SW7 2RL
WEBSITE: WWW.VAM.AC.UK
London Zoo
What could be a better day out than the zoo? Adults and children alike can always expect a great day out spotting everything from lions and tigers to penguins and meerkats.
They always have a host of great events to check out, and new ones include a celebration of the brand new exhibit The Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians, featuring the brand new reptile room.
Where: Regent’s park
Website: londonzoo.co.uk
Tennis
Challengers, The French Open, Wimbledon is coming – it’s the season of tennis. It’s also a great way to be active, and a great activity to play with kids no matter the level.
All across London there are public courts ready to be booked, check out the LTA website to see where your local court is.
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Wicked
Taking inspiration from L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Wicked reimagines the backstory and possibilities of these colourful characters.
Having won over 100 major international awards, brilliant set design and exciting characters, this is the West End show everyone in the family will love.
Where: Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 wilton road, SW1V 1LG
Website: www.theatreticketsdirect.co.uk
Cutty Sark
It wouldn’t be a half-term guide without a mention of our favourite ship: Cutty Sark. Now around 200 years old, kiddies can uncover all about the history of the Cutty Sark, the fastest clipper, discover its weird and wonderful characters, and explore the incredible naval college buildings.
This May half term, head over to try your hand at moving cargo, head on a Cutty Sark trail and meet some of the character actors.
When: throughout half term 27.05.2023 – 04.06.2023
Where: King william walk, greenwich, se10 9ht
Website: www.rmg.co.uk
Safari Stays
Always dreamt of sleeping under the stars with wildlife surrounding you? Make your dreams come true with a visit to one of the UK’s top zoo and wilderness reserves you can actually spend the night in.
From lodges with leopards and lions to out-of-hours zoo experiences, there are plenty of options dotted around the country. Read our guide of the best ones to choose from.
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Puttshack
Put your putting skills to the test and let the kids’ competitive streak come out to play with a round of mini golf at Puttshack.
Home to four locations across the city, Puttshack raises the stakes of mini golf thanks to its tech-infused games meaning you don’t have to keep scores yourself and can spot when anyone tries to cheat.
WherE: Bank, Lakeside, Watford & White City
Website: www.puttshack.com
Barbican Family Film Club
A favourite all around, Barbican’s Family Film Club is a must-visit for little ones. Hosted every Saturday, the team will pick out a classic movie that the whole family will enjoy.
This half-term’s pick is a classic, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, featuring an iconic turn by Gene Wilder.
When: 01.06.2024
Where: Barbican Cinema, Beech Street, EC1Y 8AA
Website: www.barbican.org.uk
Frozen The Musical
Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or the umpteenth time, Frozen the Musical brings Disney’s most loved princesses to life on the big stage. Now on stage at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, let your imagination run wild as you see Elsa and Anna’s story unfold through beautiful costumes, special effects and stunning scenery.
Before you go onto the adventure, why not stop by The Grand Saloon at The Lane to try Lily Vanilli’s picture-perfect afternoon tea.
Where: The Lane, Catherine Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5JF
Website: www.thelane.co.uk
Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Natural History Museum
Explore the natural world in all its fragility and diversity at the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, where 100 powerful photographs tell the story of a planet under pressure.
Featuring shots of a Bison in the snow, baby hippos, frog parties and much more, this is a great informative and interactive exhibit.
WHEN: until 30.06.2024
WHERE: NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, CROMWELL ROAD, SOUTH KENSINGTON, SW7 5BD
WEBSITE: WWW.NHM.AC.UK
Harry Potter Themed Tours
Have a little one who LOVES Harry Potter? Let their imagination run wild and visit one of London’s many Potter-themed attractions.
From cauldron-brewing cocktails to a wizardry escape room, Warner Bros. Studio Tour to magical spots around the city, we’ve rounded up the very best wizardry wonders.
Sixes Social Cricket
For something a little different, Sixes Social Cricket reimagines the humble game and adds in high-class technology into the mix. Grab a bat and get swinging your perfect shot – all scores are recorded on the global leaderboard.
Feeling peckish? Stay a while and order from their BBQ-inspired menu, from loaded fries and pizzas to burgers and sharing plates.
WherE: Various locations
Website: www.sixescricket.com
Family-friendly Restaurants
Feeling peckish but don’t know where is best with a screaming toddler and sulky teenager? Say goodbye to the tantrums at your next family lunch out with our top picks for London’s best family-friendly restaurants. From crowd pleasing pizza joints to restaurants that feel grown-up but know how to charm your little ones…
Here are the best family-friendly restaurants in London
Hamleys
London’s largest toy shop is putting on quite the performance this half term. Head down to the seven-floor landmark and let the kids discover all of their antics, from puppet shows to dance performances, storytelling to meet-and-greets with the Hamleys bear.
Even when it’s not half term the toy emporium will keep the kids entertained for hours on end.
WHERE: 188-196 REGENT STREET, SOHO, W1B 5BT
WEBSITE: WWW.HAMLEYS.COM
Kew’s Interactive Children’s Garden
Let the kids run wild at Kew Gardens’ Interactive Children’s Garden, a place specially designed for two to 12-year-olds to explore and play.
There’s plenty of space to let loose as the garden is the size of 40 tennis courts and is filled with over 100 trees, hidden treasures, adventures and a canopy walk wrapped around a 200-year-old oak tree.
Where: Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE
Website: www.kew.org
For more family-friendly activities, check out our things to do with kids section
