Fun Things To Do With The Kids This May Half Term
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.
Play a game of Ping-Pong
Have fun with the whole family at Bounce, the ultimate Ping-Pong experience. The lively, dynamic venue is the perfect spot to host a child’s birthday party, available to book online.
where: across London
website: www.bouncepingpong.com
Play indoor cricket
Sixes Social Cricket reimagines the game of cricket and adds some high-class technology into the mix. The perfect spot to take the family, kids eat free all week, with one free kids’ meal with every adult main.
Plus, you can enjoy 20% off batting with the code HANDBOOK20, available Sunday to Friday.
where: Sixes social cricket, Unit 1026 Ariel Way, London W12 7GA
Website: www.sixescricket.com
Hop aboard Cutty Sark
It wouldn’t be a half-term guide without a mention of our favourite ship: Cutty Sark. 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
Where: King William Walk, Greenwich, se10 9ht
Website: www.rmg.co.uk
Enjoy a safari holiday
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, where you can actually spend the night.
From lodges with leopards and lions to out-of-hours zoo experiences, there are plenty of options dotted around the country. Read our guide on the best ones to choose from.
Book tickets for the LEGO Festival
Running every weekend until 8th June and daily throughout the Spring half term, the LEGO® Festival is perfect for families. There are five interactive zones, with each zone featuring a distinct theme.
At the Gaming Zone, kids can make their own LEGO creations or at the Music Zone, there’ll be a LEGO Battle of the Bands show. Plus, kids can kick back and relax in a secret LEGO garden full of vibrant flower walls.
where: Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4AY
website: www.legoland.co.uk
Have an adventurous stay at Goodwood Estate
Set within the South Downs National Park, the Goodwood Estate is an idyllic countryside escape for families this May half term. With 11,000 acres of rolling hills and woodlands, the estate has curated experiences for teenagers, tweens and toddlers alike.
Activities include tree climbing, golf camps, clay shooting, race simulator sessions, plus the chance to step inside one of the estate’s aircraft at the Goodwood Aerodrome, with tours offering an up-close look at the cockpit.
Where: Goodwood, West Sussex, Goodwood PO18 0PX
Website: www.goodwood.com
Attend a musical
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express is now playing at the specially designed Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
Expect plenty of song and storytelling with an incredible cast of 40 who will be performing some of musical theatre’s most beloved songs, including AC/DC, Make Up My Heart, Light at the End of the Tunnel and the iconic Starlight Express.
Where: Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, 3 Fulton Road, Wembley Park, HA9 0SP
Website: www.lwtheatres.co.uk
Visit a family-friendly restaurant
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 one, there are plenty of options.
Here are the best family-friendly restaurants in London
Go behind the scenes of the Triwizard Tournament
If you have a little one who loves Harry Potter, this is a must-visit. This summer, the Warner Bros studio will be uncovering how filmmakers brought the action-packed scenes from the Triwizard Tournament to life.
Held until 8th September, guests can discover new behind-the-scenes secrets as part of the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Where: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
Website: www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
Discover this children’s garden
The Children’s Garden at Kew is specially designed for children aged 2 to 12 years old. With over 100 mature trees spread over this beautiful landscape, there are hidden treasures and adventures around every corner, including a 4m high canopy walk wrapped around a 200-year-old oak.
Where: Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE
Website: www.kew.org
Catch an outdoor film
Take in the fresh air with an outdoor cinema at the private riverside garden. Sit back with the family to enjoy film screenings of beloved movies, including Grease and Little Miss Sunshine.
Headphones, deck chair and blanket are included with ticket purchase. A meal and popcorn are also provided.
Where: Coppa club, across london
website: www.coppaclub.co.uk
Watch a magic show
Step into a world of magic with mind-bending illusions and audience interaction. Perfect for all ages, this family-friendly magic show offers an immersive escape. Catch the weekly show, recognised as the best parlour magic show in London.
where: Sheraton Grand London Park, Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX
website: www.marriott.com
Book an overnight stay at Treehouse
Enjoy a fun-filled overnight stay with family-friendly amenities, like a children’s tepee, milk and cookies, colouring books and games. There is also a selection of toys from Le Toy Van available.
Family-friendly attractions, including the ZSL London Zoo and the British Museum, are within close distance from Treehouse, as well.
where: Treehouse hotel london, 14-15 Langham Pl, London W1B 2QS
website: www.treehousehotels.com/london
Enjoy a free kids’ meal
All day everyday, children eat free at Heddon Street. Children can enjoy a menu selection of bangers and mash, burgers and chips and more.
For adults, don’t miss the Beef Wellington Experience, complete with starters, a welcome drink, Beef Wellington for two and a dessert platter. The experience costs £95 per person.
where: Heddon Street Kitchen restaurant, 3-9 Heddon St, London W1B 4Be
website: www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com
For more family-friendly activities, check out our things to do with kids section
