February Half Term Holiday Guide 2019

 

 
Half term is here. But never fear, you will not run out of ideas for entertainment. Our February Half Term holiday guide is bursting with things to do in London with kids: from the magic of Harry Potter, to the Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre.

Enter an immersive Tiger Who Came to Tea exhibition, see structures made from half a million LEGO bricks at Horniman Museum, go out for fantastic family theatre, art shows, workshops and loads more. Have a wonderful break!

What’s Hot in London with Kids this February Half Term

 

BABES CHOICE

 

 
Harry Potter Studio Tour: Introducing the Art Department at WB Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
Head to Hogwarts (aka Harry Potter Studio Tour) to peel back the curtains on some of the real magic that goes into this global smash series. Discover the talents that bring the story to life on screen, from making props to concept art and live wand-craft demonstrations. This is an unmissable trip for any Harry Potter fan. All ages welcome. 9am-10am first tours, last tour 4-6.30pm (closing time 3 hours after last tour); adult from £43/child from £35/family £140/ages 0-4 FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (Feb 9-25)

Imagine Children’s Festival (top picture), Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Don’t miss this action-packed family festival that takes place at Southbank Centre every February Half Term. Highlights from the more than 180 events: live comedy for parents with babies in Screaming with Laughter, a free hip-hop block party in Clore Ballroom with Fun DMC, Peppa Pig: My First Concert, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Live, orchestral joy with Chineke! Juniors, meet and greet authors, model city building, giant chalkboard, outdoor games, Bedtime Stories on a giant bed, Oily Cart’s Hippity Hop for under fives, Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids, workshops, street food and more. Loads to do, plus fabulous vibes and views in one of our favourite London locations! All ages (some restrictions apply for activities). Multiple dates/times/prices from around 9am daily, lots absolutely FREE (Feb 13-24)

Let’s Play Festival at King’s Cross (pictured), around Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Head to the Canopy Market on Valentine’s Day for lovely things to eat and sample, pop-up poetry and street circus and cheese love songs from a brass band. Then throughout February half term, join in the fun in and around the fabulous new shopping mecca Coal Drops Yard. There will be artsy crafty workshops, family film screenings, circus tricks, slime-making, Mrs H and her Sing-a-Long band, baby bootcamp, puppet-making, BubbleInc bubbles and more. Happy Face pizza has a brand new menu, KERB Kings X are around on Wed-Fri and the Lighterman has kids half-price offers for their Sunday roast. Perfick. 10am-5pm, mostly FREE (some activities ticketed) (Feb 16-24)

Discover Children’s Centre: The Tiger Who Came to Tea and the Adventures of Mog, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
Step inside this immersive exhibition dedicated to the wonderful world of Judith Kerr’s imagination. Meet familiar creatures like that tea-loving tiger, and the forgetful cat Mog, along with Katinka with the magical tail, the Crocodile under the bed and more. Crawl through Mog’s cat flap or settle down for a cuppa with the Tiger, and hear about his adventures with Sophie and her mama. You’ll spend about 40 minutes exploring and hearing stories as part of the experience. For ages 0-8 (older ones welcome). 10am-5pm daily; adult £6.50/child £6.50/family £22/1 year old £2/under 1s FREE (Feb 16-Sep 2019)

Horniman Museum: Brick Wonders, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Discover the wonders of the ancient and modern world, rebuilt from half a million LEGO bricks! There are more than 50 models to explore, including an Egyptian pyramid, Old London Bridge, a coral reef and an international space station. Plus interactive play areas like a graffiti wall, big bricks for little hands, and a mini-cinema showing LEGO animation shorts. Pick up a combo ticket and you can also check out the museum’s popular Butterfly House and Aquarium. All ages welcome. 10am-5.30pm; adult £8/child from £4.50/family 2 adults & 2 kids £18/child under 3 FREE (Feb 16-Oct 27)

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 
Sense of Home Festival at Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore St, W1U 2BP (Bond St/Oxford Circus tube)
Sense of Home Festival is Wigmore Hall’s two-week interactive learning festival celebrating music, culture and community. Highlights include: an interactive family concert for ages 5+ with violinist Nicola Benedetti (Feb 16), a Learning Gala Concert for slightly older kids (Feb 18), a multi-sensory art and sound installation (Feb 18), Family Sounds interactive workshop for ages 0 to 5 (Feb 20), and a relaxed concert for all ages with soprano Soraya Mafi (Feb 21). Various times and prices, booking ahead recommended (Feb 12-26)

VidCon ExCel London, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL (Custom House DLR)
Love it or feel a bit baffled about it, you can’t deny the power of YouTube, especially on our kids. Blow their minds and take them to see some of their favourite YouTubers in person, at this sprawling conference for consumers and creators. They can attend panels and Q&As, learn tips and tricks for online videos, play games and win prizes, and more. There’s a whole section for parents and chaperones if you’re accompanying a child under 13. 8am-8.30pm; community tickets from £35 (Feb 14-17)

Epping Ongar Railway Half Term: Kids for a Quid, Epping-Ongar Railway, North Weald, CM16 6BT and Ongar, CM5 9AB (vintage bus ride via Epping tube to North Weald station)
Travel back in time (via Epping) on a heritage steam or diesel train. It’s such a peaceful and enchanting journey, chugging along through Epping Forest. Why not pack a winter picnic, or pop into the shop at Ongar for a slice of cake. As always, the February Half Term Special is giving children the fantastic deal of all-day travel for just £1 (up to 4 kids per 1 fee paying adult)! All ages welcome. From 9.30am; adult £14/child £1 (Feb 16-17 & 20, 22, 23, 24)

Giant Playground at Hamleys, 188-196 Regent Street, W1B 5BT (Piccadilly Circus/Oxford Circus tube)
The flagship Regent Store is getting a makeover this February half term as it becomes a gigantic playground for families. Meet and greet some of your favourite characters from How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World and The LEGO Movie 2, try Quidditch training and a Sorting Hat ceremony, try Scalextric time trial racing, and roam 7 floors for live entertainment, workshops, toys and prizes. Every day, one family will get to ring the world-famous Hamleys bell to open the store! Keep an eye on their Facebook page for daily activities. All ages. From 10am daily, FREE (Feb 16-Mar 3)

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Bricks in the Sky & Ultimate Aqua Splash (pictured), Stratford, E20 2ST (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
There’s more LEGO fun at the ArcelorMittal Orbit over February half term as Bricks in the Sky returns. See the London skyline and landmarks like Houses of Parliament, 10 Downing Street door, Abbey Road and the Crown Jewels, all constructed from LEGO bricks. Enjoy fantastic views of the city, and play with bricks to make your own creations. Then of course anyone aged 8+ can ride the worlds tallest slide all the way down! Over at the London Aquatics Centre, things get extra wet and wild with the Ultimate Aqua Splash for competent swimmers ages 8+ (Feb 18-22, 10.30am-3.15pm – booking ahead advised). ArcelorMittal Orbit opens from 11am-5pm (Mon-Fri/last entry 4.30pm) & 10am-6pm (weekends and school holidays/last entry 5.30pm); from £5.50 (Feb 18-24)

We also like
There’s an unmissable day of free arts and culture + performances at Barbican Open Fest: Art 50 at Barbican Centre (Feb 23); explore the pressing question ‘Who Am I?’ at a Royal Institution Family Fun Day (Feb 23); take your kids for a spin at the Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House in Camden (Feb 16); or bop along to indie and classic soul at How Does It Feel to Be Loved children’s disco at The Phoenix, W1 (Feb 24)

 

 

 

FAMILY THEATRE & WORKSHOPS

 

 
WOLF at Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX (Leicester Square tube)
The tale of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf gets a rejig, in this fierce and funky production. Four talented kids interpret the story through hip hop dance, rap and physical theatre, expressing social issues of hope, loss and stereotyping. Why not pop into Chinatown afterwards to celebrate the Year of the Pig at a local restaurant? 1pm (Fri), 2pm (Sat), 11am & 2pm (Sun); from £11.50 (Feb 15-17)

The Animals and Children Took to the Streets at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
They’ve called it a ‘graphic novel burst into life’ and it certainly sounds like one to watch. Set in the Bayou in 1927, it follows Agnes Eaves and her daughter, newcomers to this dangerous part of town. On their arrival, things happen that could turn out to be cool, or creepy. The critics love this piece for older kids, that blends storytelling with animation and live music. Ages 10+ and grown-ups. Various shows at 7pm (Fri), 7.30pm (Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri), 1.30pm & 7.30pm (Wed), 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Sat) — dates and times subject to change, confirm at booking; £10-£42/February Half Term offer: get a half-price adult ticket when booking an under 16 ticket during Feb 14-24 (Feb 19-Mar 16)

Hotel Paradiso at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Lost in Translation Circus present another daring and dazzling show that will put your head in a spin. Enjoy the shambolic Hotel Paradiso and its inhabitants, from the hotel’s Madame to the scheming Banker. Light, ludicrous and laugh-out-loud entertainment for ages 3 to 103. 5pm (Wed), 11am & 3pm (Thu-Sat), 3pm (Sun); from £14.95/family ticket £40 (Feb 20-24)

Kid Carpet & the Noisy Animals at Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Described as ‘Bagpuss meets the Beastie Boys’, this is electro-pop punk for tiny rockers and their entourage. Meet a drumming Gorilla, a mysterious Hedgehog, a Badger with amazing legs, and a Bear who thinks she’s from Sheffield. Music and madness for ages 3 to 8 and families. 11am & 2pm; adult £10/child & concs £8 (Feb 21-23)

Pub Quiz for Kids at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
We’ve had Comedy for Kids, and now your little ones can join in the fun of a pub quiz, with host Patrick Monahan. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe runaway hit brings everything from family film, TV music, stories and mystery into the mix, with enough gags to keep all ages screaming with laughter. Best for ages 5+ and their adults. 11am & 2pm, from £9 (Feb 22)

We also like
Watch ref=https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-winters-tale target=_blank>The Winter’s Tale for ages 8+ at National Theatre (Feb 8-21); marvel at the Extraordinary Time Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen at Vault Festival, under Waterloo (Feb 9-17); experience The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse at Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice (Feb 9-Mar 24); it’s your last chance to catch The Wind in the Willows at Polka Theatre (until Feb 17); there’s Icarus on stage and family workshops at Unicorn Theatre (Feb 16-24); hear the enchanting Aurora Orchestra family concert at Kings Place (Feb 16, 17 & 24); catch dazzling and cool tricks and acrobatics in Cirque Eloize: Hotel at Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre, Holborn (Feb 20-Mar 9)

 

MUSEUMS & WORKSHOPS

 

 
Museum of London Docklands: Myths and Legends Festival, No.1 Warehouse, Hertsmere Rd, West India Quay, E14 4AL (Canary Wharf rail, West India Quay DLR)
Bring your entire clan along for a day (or two) immersed in myths and legends of ancient societies. From Chinese tales to African-Caribbean culture, there’s plenty to get stuck into. Create clay figures, learn about mythical beasts, hear enthralling folklore, try your hand at traditional instruments, or shadow puppet play and mask-making. All ages welcome (some restrictions for set activities).12pm, FREE (Feb 16-17)

Giant Games for Little Soldiers (pictured) at National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HT (Sloane Square tube)
Climb inside the museum’s life-sized board game this February half term and try your hand at a number of tasks and puzzles. Work with your family to complete these First World War-themed challenges and see who’s first over the finish line. All ages welcome. 11am-11.30am, 12pm-12.30pm, 1pm-1.30pm, 2.30pm-3pm, 3.30pm-4pm, FREE – first come first served, limited availability (Feb 16-24)

Styx and Stones and Roman Bones at Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN (Barbican/St Paul’s tube)
Get to grips with some rather grisly concepts, at this family-friendly show exploring how the Romans treated their dead. Help 1,800-year-old Roman Londoner Claudia find her way to the Underworld, using storytelling, light humour and music in an interactive show for ages 7+. 12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm (book ahead); FREE (Feb 16-24)

Postal Museum: February Half Term, 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA (Farringdon, Russell Square, Chancery Lane tube; King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Have you taken a ride on Mail Rail, the underground railway at Postal Museum? This February half term might be your chance, and beyond that there’s a host of activities for the kids. Meet Sir Rowland Hill, creator of the world’s first postage stamp, pick up some engineering skills and design an aeroplane, and follow the brand-new Mail Rail family trail. Younger ones will love Sorted!, the play space for under fives. All ages welcome. 10am-5pm; adult £17.05/child from £10.45/under 1s FREE (Feb 18-24)

Out at Sea: LGBTQ+ Family Festival at National Maritime Museum, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT (Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
Well, shiver me timbers. Set sail on your imagination to this rainbow festival of personalities and performances, where you can learn what it means to be a role model and a hero. Meet Nigerian drag artist Son of a Tutu in action, see ballroom dancing with Tom Wohlfahrt (Rare Salt Dance), hear grime poetry, spoken word, live music and more. All in celebration of LGBT History Month. All ages welcome. 11am, FREE (Feb 23)

We also like
Don’t forget Mandela: The Official Exhibition is live now at Leake St Gallery (ongoing); Common Lands exhibition in Brixton, explores biodiversity, habitat and more through visuals and kids workshops (Feb 15-24); enjoy stories and crafting with your little pirates at V&A Museum of Childhood (Feb 16-24); try mosaics, manga comic-making or the Egyptian photo booth at British Museum (various dates, Feb 16-24); be sure to catch immersive exhibition Good Grief, Charlie Brown! at Somerset House (until Mar 3); and you can’t go wrong with a day at V&A Museum, or nearby Natural History Museum, and Science Museum with its amazing Wonderlab (ongoing)

 

ADVENTURE & OUTDOORS

 

 
London Puddle Jumping Championships at London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Hammersmith tube)
Make a splash at the annual London puddle jumping competition for all ages. Slide into your wellies and wet weather outfits, then leap for the sky, for your chance to win a daily prize. Other February half term activities include learning to make fires, playing in the mud kitchen, making wooden medallions and meeting the otters. 11.30am-12.30pm & 2.30pm-3.30pm daily, included in regular admission fee; adult from £11.70/child from £7.11/family from £31.99/under 4s FREE (Feb 16-24)

Vets in Action at London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
Enter a teddy bear clinic, do check-ups on toy animals, and operate on a cuddly turtle. Over February half term, kids and their carers can train as ‘vets’ at London Zoo in this popular annual event. Then meet the real life zoo vets, and watch them microchip penguins and check tiger teeth! Zoo opens 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm). Vets in Action runs from 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm and is recommended for ages 5-10. Activities included in regular admission fee: adult from £20.45-£25/child £15.95-£19.50/ages 0-3 FREE. (Feb 16-24)

February Half Term at Walthamstow Wetlands, 2 Forest Road, London N17 9NH (Blackhorse Rd tube/overground)
A little birdie told us there’s tons of February half term fun at Walthamstow Wetlands. Make nests, decorate eggs, design birds for racing, hunt mini beasts and go pond-dipping. Other daily activities available, like bird-watching, angling or taking in views of London from the Grade II-listed Coppermill Tower. Open daily 9.30am-4pm; no need to book for activities; FREE entry (open daily, listed activities Feb 17-20 & 24)

Chocolate Tuesday, Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS (Sloane Square tube)
Chocoholics and their kids, run don’t walk to Chelsea Physic Garden for a whole day dedicated to cocoa. Learn about the history, geography and science of cacao, make your own mixtures, and sample some chocolate goodies. Ages 6-11 and accompanying adults. 11.30am-2.30pm; £15 (Feb 19)

Isis Education Centre Discovery Days at The Lookout, Hyde Park, W2 2UH (Hyde Park Corner tube)
A feathery learning experience in Hyde Park with Brilliant Birds Discovery Day activities. Try bird-themed arts and crafts, make real bird feeders or a nest box, and use binoculars to spot different species. 11am-3pm, FREE but donations welcome (Feb 20-21)

 

FAMILY CINEMA

 

 
Cinema releases that the whole family can enjoy include: How to Train Your Dragon 2 (out now), The LEGO Movie 2 (out now), and a special screening of the Northern Ballet’s short production for kids, Elves and the Shoemaker (playing from Feb 23).

Find more Kids Club movies at £5 or less on our LONDON FAMILY CINEMA page.

 

MEET & EAT

 

 
Southbank Centre Food Market, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
This is one of the delights of visiting Southbank Centre. Browse dozens of delicious food stalls and try anything from burgers and wraps, to rotisserie chicken, veggie dishes, curries and more. The food market is open every weekend including Bank Holidays. Perfect if you’re visiting the Imagine Children’s Festival (see Babes Choice). 12pm-8pm (Fri), 11am-8pm (Sat), 12pm-6pm (Sun & Bank Holiday); FREE entry (Feb 15-17, Feb 22-24, ongoing)

Kids Eat Free at The Belrose, 94 Haverstock Hill, NW3 2BD (Chalk Farm/Belsize Park tube, Kentish Town West overground)
We absolutely loved our review trip to The Belrose and you’ll be pleased to know that throughout February half term, the munchkins get to eat free (max 3 kids per paying adult). Enjoy yummy treats like mac’n’cheese, margherita pizza or chicken with house fries. Trust us, the food is goooood. It’s a lovely vibe, with crayons and activity sheets for kids, and you can watch the chefs making the pizza in the clay oven. The Belrose is just a short stroll from London Zoo and other family attractions. Bookings recommended at www.thebelrose.co.uk/reservations. (Feb 18-24)

Hot Chocolate Crawl, multiple locations
Who doesn’t love a good cup of cocoa? Enjoy a hug in a mug at one of these fantastic venues around the capital, in our list of the best hot chocolates in London. Or why not try one of these quirky Afternoon Teas?

Best Pizza in London, multiple locations
February half term (or any school holiday) kinda screams ‘pizza’… such a simple but popular foodie choice. We’ve rounded up our favourites around town.

Best Dim Sum in London, multiple locations
Don’t forget we’ve just entered the Year of the Pig, and the half term holiday is as good a time as any to sample one of these top dim sum spots.

 

 

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