26 Things To Do With The Kids This February Half Term
It feels like we’ve blinked and it’s already the school holidays again… If you’re looking for things to do this February half term, read on for our edit of the very best activities going on in and around London, from day trips to city farms to captivating theatre for the whole family.
Imagine Children’s Festival
Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival returns for another year. The largest of its kind in the UK, the bumper event is backed with the highest-quality international children’s theatre, music performances, literature activities, comedy shows, workshops, parties and just about everything else in between.
There’s something for everyone here, even the grown-ups can look forward to getting stuck into the 100+ events. And the best part? Over 50% of the festival is completely free.
When: 18.02.2025 – 23.02.2025
Where: SOUTHBANK CENTRE, BELVEDERE ROAD, SE1 8XX
Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Play Saturdays: Pattern
The V&A offers free drop-in sessions for families to enjoy, better known as “Play Saturdays”. To celebrate the opening of the Making Egypt exhibition, they are offering a unique Play Saturdays edition specialising in patterns. Families can design patterns inspired by Egyptian and Arab architecture with the Young V&A’s Play Champions team.
WHEN: until 15.02.2025
WHERE: V&A SOUTH KENSINGTON, CROMWELL ROAD, SW7 2RL
WEBSITE: WWW.VAM.AC.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
London’s Petting Zoos
There’s no denying London is short of a field or two, but you can still get your farming fix at one of the city’s many petting zoos. Pop on your wellies and get stroking a few sheep, patting a couple of pigs and cuddling your fluffy favourites.
Cutty Sark
It wouldn’t be a half term guide without a mention to our favourite little 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 February half term, they’ve got activities going on too, from the giant tea race board game to enthralling stories told by the characters from the ship’s past.
When: Half term activities from 15.02.2025 – 23.02.2025
WHERE: KING WILLIAM WALK, GREENWICH, SE10 9HT
WEBSITE: WWW.RMG.CO.UK
Weird & Wonderful Museums
There’s no denying London is abrim with museums galore, whether you’re running around the Natural History Museum escaping the dinosaurs to discovering the latest science discoveries at the Science Museum. But, if you’re looking a little weirder, we’ve rounded up a few of the lesser-known beauties for you to explore this half term.
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.
When: Half term activities from 15.02.2025 – 23.02.2025
Where: Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE
Website: www.kew.org
Family Film Club at the Barbican Centre
You might not know but the Barbican Centre hosts a weekly family-friendly film club. Every Saturday, your little ones can be swept off into the world of imagination as they sit through some of the greatest animated films of the moment.
Where: Every Saturday
WHERE: BARBICAN CENTRE, SILK STREET, EC2Y 8DS
WEBSITE: www.barbican.org.uk
Battersea Power Station Light Show
Add some colour to dreary February and head over to Battersea Power Station to soak up their annual free festival.
Running until the 23rd of February, this year’s festival features its most extensive collection of installations to date – no ticket required. Expect bursts of colour, rainbow illuminations and masterpieces curated in partnership with the Light Art Collection on display both outdoors and inside the Grade II* lighted Power Station.
Read more about what to expect at Battersea Power Station’s Light Festival here.
WHEN: UNTIL 23.02.2025
WHERE: BATTERSEA POWER STATION
WEBSITE: WWW.BATTERSEAPOWERSTATION.CO.UK
Cirque Du Soleil Corteo
The circus is always the perfect activity for your children and this year is no different. The touring Cirque Du Soleil Coreto will be in the fabulous Royal Albert Hall until March 2nd.
Watch the story of emotional clown named Mauro who dreams about his funeral and reminisces on past experiences. Experience both silly and tragic moments, all reflecting the realities of humanity.
where: Royal albert hall
when: 09.01.2025 – 02.03.2025
Half Term at Hampton Court Palace
Get in a little history lesson this half term and head back to the 16th century with a visit to Hampton Court Palace.
Rediscover Henry VIII’s famous palace, wandering through the Tudor Kitchens, the grand Great Halls and the Haunted Gallery in the State Apartments. Legend has it that the ghost of Catherine Howards, Henry VIII’s fifth wife still haunts these rooms…
Once you’ve done roaming, let the kids run wild in the Magic Garden where mythical beasts roam and battles await.
When: 15.02.2025 – 23.02.2025
Where: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey, KT8 9AU
Website: www.hrp.org.uk
Tiny Tea at Bluebird
There’s nothing quite like an afternoon indulging in sandwiches, cakes and pastries. Well, look no further because Tiny Tea is returning to Bluebird, eek! The little ones will even be able to decorate their own cupcakes, indulge in Nutella stuffed doughnuts and sip mini milkshakes pretending it’s tea.
Where: 350 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UU
Website:www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Add a little magic to the half term with a trip to Warner Bros. Studio and watch the Harry Potter stories unfold before your very eyes.
This winter-spring, the studio will reveal the filmmaking trickery behind the film sets, shining a light on the pranks and mishaps in their new feature, Magical Mischief.
Great for all ages, don’t miss your chance to uncover the secrets of the greatest magic story ever told.
WHERE: STUDIO TOUR DRIVE, LEAVESDEN, WD25 7LR
WEBSITE: WWW.WBSTUDIOTOUR.CO.UK
The Robot Zoo
Horniman’s latest exhibition is sure to impress all ages this half term. The Robot Zoo has recreated “larger-than-life animals” with robot parts in order to demonstrate to kids how they function.
The exhibit features many interactive activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained, from jet-propelled squid racing to shooting a chameleon’s ‘tongue-gun’.
When: Until 14.02.2025 – 02.11.2025
Where: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
Website: www.horniman.ac.uk
Powered by Nature: Wild Fangs
Not a robot fan? Another brilliant one for the little ones, Horniman Museum & Gardens, will be bringing crawly critters to you this year with their epic exhibition titled Powered by Nature: Wild Fangs.
Guests are able to have hands-on experiences with the creatures, learning how they survive and adapt in their natural environments.
when: 18.02.2025, 20.02.2025 and 21.02.2025
where: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
website: www.horniman.ac.uk
Matilda The Musical
If you haven’t tried to throw a newt at your least favourite tutor with your eyes, have you even lived?
Watch the magic unfold with your children in the vivid reimagining of Matilda. It’s irresistibly good fun that’ll have you laughing, crying and singing your way from start to finish. The production will leave you rooting for Matilda and dreading Miss Trunchbull.
WHERE: CAMBRIDGE THEATRE, EARLHAM STREET, WC2H 9HU
WEBSITE: www.theatreticketsdirect.co.uk
Biscuiteers
Put your artistic skills through their paces as you learn the ins and outs at the School of Icing. From recreating your very own Paddington Bear to trying your hand at icing your best friend, Biscuiteers provides a whole lotta fun budding artists, or just fans of delightful biscuits.
WHERE: NOTTING HILL & Battersea
WEBSITE: WWW.BISCUITEERS.COM
Six The Musical
A history lesson and a musical all rolled into one? Go on then! Behold Six the Musical, a hilarious retelling of Henry VIII’s six wives. Expect the historical elements to be intertwined with a flash of 21st-century girl power.
WHERE: Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, London, WC2R 0NH
WEBSITE: www.theatreticketsdirect.co.uk
The Crystal Maze
The Crystal Maze live experience is 75 minutes of fun for anyone above the age of 9. Jump into the 90s game show through many team building and interactive activities. Work as a team to earn as many points as possible and gain vitory over the crystal dome.
The maze includes four unique zones: Industrial, Futuristic, Medieval, and Aztec. Tickets start at £55 and are guaranteed to make the entire family happy.
WHERE: 22 – 32 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7EU
wesbite: www.the-crystal-maze.com/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 all of their antics, from puppet shows to dance performances, storytelling to meet-and-greets with the Hamley’s 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
Paradox Museum
Located across from Harrod’s, the Paradox Museum is “the most paradoxical experience in the world”. This unique experience will get your creative juices flowing and is sure to give you the best photo opportunities.
Adults and children can enjoy a vast of different areas including the reversed room, paradox tunnel, infinity well, zero gravity room, paradox sofa and much more.
Where: 90 Brompton Rd, London SW3 1JJ
WEBSITE: WWW.paradoxmuseumlondon.com/
The Lion King
It’s the story we grew up with, the tale that can lift you up and bring you down within a heartbeat and it’s an integral part of our lives in some way or another, so where better to spend the half term than with a trip to see The Lion King on the big stage.
WHERE: LYCEUM THEATRE, 21 WELLINGTON STREET, COVENT GARDEN, WC2E 7RQ
WEBSITE: www.theatreticketsdirect.co.uk
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
Cadbury World, Bournville
Cadbury World, Bournville, have announced the return of Freddo’s Magic show. The famous frog will be taking to the stage from Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd February for a choc-tastic magic show like no other…
Enter a world of chocolatey enchantment and prepare to be astounded by the magical maestro Freddo the frog. With eight performances every day over this period, get ready to shout abracadabra as Freddo makes things disappear into thin air and even magically brings something to life! Guests can experience Freddo’s Magic Show free of charge with a standard Cadbury World entry ticket.
where: 69 Linden Rd, Birmingham B30 1JR
when: 15.02.2025 – 23.02.2025
Warwick Castle
At Warwick Castle the Festival of Archery returns this February half term. From Saturday 15th February until Sunday 23rd February, guests will receive exclusive access to Warwick Castle’s resident archers and learn everything about the medieval sport from bullseyes to targets and arrow flexes.
Festival of Archery tickets are available from £22pp, and include an exhilarating archery tournament, live demonstrations, meet-and-greet sessions with the expert archers, and access to the grand finale shoot-off where professional archers compete head-to-heads. Guests looking for a more immersive experience can also sign up for Have-a-go-Archery* to put their skills to the test.
where: Warwick CV34 6AU
when: 15.02.2025 – 23.02.2025
Babylon Park
This free-entry, no reservation required spectacle is definitely worth hitting during half term break. Kids can choose from a vast range of entertainment such as bumper cars, convoy, a drop tower, rollercoaster, kiddie wheel, tagada, alien ride, and more. You will leave the park ground feeling out of this world.
Where: 8 Castlehaven Rd, London NW1 8QU
Website: www.babylonpark.com/
