Happy Valentine’s Day, my lovelies! The February Half Term Holiday Guide is here, packed with family theatre, immersive adventures, dazzling museum shows and fun workshops for kids of all ages. Boredom? We laugh in your face. Ha!
Have a fantastic break and don’t forget to keep an eye on the blog and social media for more announcements!
40+ Cool Things to Do over the February Half Term Holiday
BABES CHOICE
Imagine Festival at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Always on our London hot list, the Southbank Centre’s annual family festival is the place to be the February half term holiday. Bring your squealers, crawlers, strollers and scooters along for 10 whole days of entertainment. There’s a mind-boggling range of activities for all ages, including lots of free stuff. Babes choice: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (Feb 12-14); Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo (Feb 15-21); You’re Never Too Young to Change the World (Feb 15-23); the Mighty Kids Beatbox Comedy Show (Feb 21); Dermot O’Leary and Nick East; HomeBros School of Afro Dance (Feb 22); Chineke Orchestra’s Juniors (Feb 23); Meet Pippi Longstocking (Feb 23, 2pm). Times and prices vary, many activities FREE (Feb 12-23)
Fairy Tales at Discover Children’s Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
Enter a magical world of gingerbread houses, magic beans, giants, trolls and treasure caves. There’s a trail of breadcrumbs to lead you through, and you can stand in a giant’s footprint, or party in a palace disco with the musicians of Bremen. Fairy Tales at Discover Children’s Story Centre is designed to bewitch ages 0 to 8. From 10.10am daily (sessions last 45 minutes); £2 (opens Feb 15)
Mr Men and Little Miss on Stage 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
This sounds like a show to remember. See the Mr Men and Little Miss Characters leap from page to stage at this fun-loving theatre production. For nearly 50 years, characters like Mr Bump, Mr Happy, Little Miss Bossy and Little Miss Stubborn (that’s me, according to the OH!) have tickled and delighted readers young and old. Now it’s your chance to see them in action. Puppets, songs and storytelling for ages 1+. 11am & 2pm; from £9 (Feb 15-18)
Horniman Museum: Permian Monsters, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Journey back 252m years to the Permian period, when life on Earth was overrun by bizarre and rather terrifying creatures. At the Horniman’s blockbuster exhibition, you can meet sabre-toothed predators, giant insects and bizarre-looking sharks from the past. Fossils, full-size models and animatronics bring this era to life. There’s an interactive dig pit and art area, plus a relaxed opening (Apr 12, 9-10am) for children with autism spectrum conditions and neurodiverse families. All ages welcome. 10am-5.30pm; adult £8/child from £4.50/family 2 adults & 2 kids £18/child under 3 FREE (Feb 15-Nov 1)
Crazy Golf at Coal Drops Yard, off Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Putt your back into it at the pop-up outdoor Crazy Golf course at Coal Drops Yard. Designed by artists Baker & Borowski and inspired by King’s Cross famed rave scene, the 9 holes will have you navigating stairs and a whole bunch of obstacles. Head to Club Golf to tee off with your crew. All ages welcome, under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. 12pm-8pm (Mon-Sat) & 12pm-6pm (Sun); £5/under 12s FREE – advanced booking recommended, limited walk-ups on day (Feb 19-Mar 25)
We also like
Arise, Sir Finn! Become a knight this February half term holiday at Tower of London’s Knight School, with sword fighting, dress up and flag design for ages 5-12; go behind the scenes at Harry Potter Studio Tour: Introducing the Art Department at WB Studio Tour (Feb 15-23); head to the Royal Institution for their Family Day, this year’s theme is Secrets and Lies (Feb 22); get down to DJ sounds with ages 0-100 at the FUN DMC Daytime Block Party crew at Colours (formerly Hoxton Bar & Grill) (Feb 23); celebrate Judith Kerr’s classic picture book at the immersive exhibition, The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Osterley Park and House, all ages welcome (until Mar 1)
HOT TICKETS
You’ve heard us banging on about these events for a while on Babes about Town. February half term holiday might just be your chance to check out some of these upcoming and ongoing activities, suitable for all the family.
Meet Vincent Van Gogh interactive exhibition, 99 Upper Ground, South Bank (behind National Theatre, SE1 9PP (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
An interactive exhibition where even little ones are encouraged to touch and feel their way through. This immersive show has toured several cities and puts you right in the heart of the paintings. Timed entries from 10am-6pm (Sun-Wed) & 10am-10pm (Thu-Sat); adult £16.50-£18.50/child £12.50-£14.50/babies 0-2 FREE (Feb 7-May 21)
Pretty Woman the Musical at Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, W1D 7DY (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Everybody’s favourite hooker meets businessman fairytale sashays onto the London stage. The song and dance edition of the popular romcom starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere swings into the West End, set to a score by Bryan Adams. Missing it would be a big mistake. Huge. Ages 12+ (mild to moderate sex references). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat), 2.30pm matinee (Wed & Sat); from £15 (Feb 13-Jan 2, 2021)
Moving to Mars, Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, Kensington, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
February half term is your last chance to tour the red planet at this immersive exhibition. More than 200 objects on display feature contributions from NASA, designer Christopher Raeburn and the European Space agency. 10am-last entry 5pm; adult £16 weekday/£18 Sat & Sun; child £8 weekday/£9 Sat & Sun; family of 1 adult + 3 kids £24 weekday/£29.30 Sat & Sun; family of 2 adults + 3 kids £36/£41 Sat & Sun (until Feb 23, 2020)
Picasso and Paper at Royal Academy, Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus tube)
The Royal Academy’s blockbuster show offers a rare glimpse into Picasso’s works on paper. See how he drew on, tore up, sculpted and experimented with anything from wallpaper to newsprint and paper napkins. Plus sketchbooks, scraps, letters, illustrated poems and photo collaborations with Dora Maar. There are lots of great family activities in the RA Studios over the February half term holiday too. All ages. 10am-6pm daily, open until 10pm every Fri; adult £18-£22/child FREE (until Apr 13)
Tutankhamun, Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3 4RY (Sloane Square tube)
Catch the Boy Wonder of ancient Egypt on his final world tour. Once it’s over, King Tut will be heading back home to Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum. Gawp at 150+ treasures from his tomb, first uncovered 100 years ago. Multiple entry times from 10am-4.30pm (check ahead); adult/child ticket range £18-33, under 4s FREE (until May 3, 2020)
We also like
Catch dazzling stunts in Luzia (until Mar 1); light up your holiday with Lightopiaat Chiswick House (until Mar 1); explore the eye-catching exhibition NOW Gallery: Slices of Time, at The Gateway Pavillions, Greenwich (until Apr 19); find your favourite year 3 pupil at Steve McQueen: Year 3: at Tate Britain (until May 3, 2020); lift your spirits with Mary Poppins at Prince Edward Theatre (until Jun 7, 2020)
SPECIAL EVENTS
Half Term Activities at Hamleys, 188-196 Regent Street, W1B 5BT (Piccadilly Circus/Oxford Circus tube)
Visit the world’s most famous toy shop on Regent St for February half term holiday activities. Meet and greet characters like Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, PJ Masks and Sylvanian Families. Dress up with Barbie, join a Harry Potter Sorting Hat ceremony, try Hot Wheels Monster Truck racing, and check out the Frozen 2 castle. 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 15-23)
Family Day: Handel & Hendrix at Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore St, W1U 2BP (Bond St/Oxford Circus tube)
Delve into the worlds of two of the 20th century’s greatest musicians, George Frideric Handel and Jimi Hendrix, with the help of Handel & Hendrix in London. Families can explore the rooms they lived in, find out what inspired them, and imagine the kind of conversations they might have had if they’d met (far out, man). The day rounds off with creating your own music, then watching a performance at Wigmore Hall! Ages 7-11. 10.30am; adult £15/child £10 – half price for first time bookers/call box office (Feb 19)
VidCon ExCel London, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL (Custom House DLR)
It’s back! You might spend your days screaming ‘turn off YouTube’ much like we do, but your kids can’t get enough. So you might as well bite the bullet and take them to meet their favourite YouTubers off-screen for once. The huge conference for consumers and creators features panels and Q&As, tips and tricks, games and prizes, and more. Check out this section for parents and chaperones if you’re accompanying a child under 13. 8am-8.30pm; community tickets from £35 (Feb 20-23)
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)
All aboard the heritage steam or diesel train for another February half term holiday special. Go choo choo through Epping Forest and back, and you can stop off at the shop in Ongar for a treat, enjoy a buffet at North Weald, or pack your own winter picnic. For half term, kids get 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/under 3s FREE (Feb 19-23)
Kids in Charge at KidZania London at KidZania, Westfield London (1st floor, between M&S and Gap), Ariel Way, W12 7GA (Shepherd’s Bush tube/overground)
Get green fingers working at KidZania London over the February half term holiday, where little ones can learn to grow a beanstalk and design their future home. Each child will get a goody bag with planting kid and their own magic beans, all linked to the importance of saving money. At the indoor city run by kids, young ones can also play at Pokemon Creative Studios, become Just Dance coaches, ride the City Tour bus, train to be a tour guide, make wraps in a family cookery session and loads more activities. Bonus – if your children are 8 or over, you can check them into KidZania any day, while you go off shopping in Westfield! Parents get a 20% discount at participating stores (show your KidZania pass). KidZania is aimed at kids ages 4-14 (they have a dedicated Early Years section for younger ones). The city has varied opening hours, from 9.30am; online prices – adult from £16 online/from £18 door, child 4-14 from £25-£30 online/from £38 door, child 1-3 £10, under 1s FREE but booking required (ongoing)
FAMILY THEATRE & WORKSHOPS
What’s On for Families at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
Arts Depot always pulls off a brilliant mix for families in the February half term holiday. The Mr Men show arrives (Feb 15-18 – see Babes Choice); join a cartoon workshop (Feb 19); see The Little Prince and take part in a themed dance workshop (Feb 20) and watch the fun-loving adaptation of Zog, Julia Donaldson’s beloved picture book (Feb 22-23); various ages, times and prices – book ahead (Feb 15-23)
Star in the Jar at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
A little boy stumbles across a star, puts it in a jar and takes it on a journey. But the star misses its home… Will the little boy and his big sister be able to help it find its way back? From park to school and home again, this warm-hearted story is just right for ages 3 to 8. 11am & 1pm; from £10 (Feb 18-22)
Sleeping Beauty at Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX (Leicester Square tube)
Let’s All Dance returns with this much-loved ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score. Dazzling dancers and gorgeous costumes tell the tale of a good fairy turned evil by jealousy. Can love under her evil magic? This shortened version is a wonderful introduction for kids ages 2-13. Photo opportunity with the dancers on stage after every show! 11.30am & 1.30pm; adult £24/child £21.50 (Feb 22)
The Water Babies at Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice, opposite 35 Blomfield Road, W9 2PF (Warwick Avenue tube)
February half term holiday fun takes to the water on the Puppet Theatre Barge. Against the charming backdrop of Little Venice, kids and families can enjoy the classic tale of a boy chimney sweep on his underwater adventure. Puppetry and magic lantern show for ages 4+. 7.30pm (Wed-Fri), 11am & 3pm (Sat-Sun); £5 (until Feb 23)
VAULT festival, The Vaults, Leake St, London SE1 7NN (Waterloo tube/rail)
The underground festival of immersive entertainment is back at Waterloo. This February half term holiday, catch FacePlant’s hilarious show Big Bones (Feb 15-16, 4.30pm); OhSo Funny presents the Extraordinary Time Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen (Feb 22-Mar 1, 3pm); The Misadventures of David and Sam (until Feb 23, 3pm) and Sunshine with Stickyback Theatre (Feb 23, 3.15pm). Various times and prices; check age ratings ahead of show. (until Mar 22)
MUSEUMS & WORKSHOPS
Half Term Fun at Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN (Barbican/St Paul’s tube)
There’s lots of free family fun this February half term holiday at the popular museum. Try some monster puppet soup (or make your own), play with an augmented reality sandbox, row your boat on an interactive river, and help build iconic London bridge. All ages welcome (age restrictions might apply for some activities). Various times – general opening hours 10am-5pm; various prices/mostly FREE (Feb 15-23)
Make It Go at Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT (Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
Shiver me timbers. Did you know Cutty Sark was one of the fastest ships in the Victorian era? Over the half term kids and families can feel the need for speed. Get designing and racing your own vehicles under the hull of the famous tea clipper. All ages welcome. 11.30am-1.30pm & 2pm-4pm; adult £13.50/child £6.75/under 4s FREE (Feb 17-21)
Terrific Tattoos at National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HT (Sloane Square tube)
If you’ve ever wanted to get your little one inked (and frankly, who hasn’t?) then head to National Army Museum to try out some Terrific Tattoos. Don’t worry, they’re only temporary and you can design your own body art too. Inspired by Tribute Ink and the tattoos worn by soldiers throughout the ages. If you’ve got younger ones, you can drop into the museum’s soft play space for ages 1-8 (advanced booking and charges apply). 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm, FREE – first come first served, limited availability (Feb 17-22)
Postal Museum: The Great Train Robbery, 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA (Farringdon, Russell Square, Chancery Lane tube; King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
This February half term holiday, take your mini detectives for an adventure at Postal Museum. Their activities are inspired by the temporary exhibition The Great Train Robbery, and include cracking codes, following mystery trails, wax sealed secret messages, crime fighting gadgets and more. It’s also your chance to ride the underground Mail Rail. Younger ones will love Sorted! play space for under fives. All ages welcome. 10am-5pm; adult £16 adv, £17 door/child from £9 adv, £10 door/under 1s FREE (Feb 17-23)
Top Secret at Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
The Science Museum gets super busy every February half term holiday, but you can’t go wrong if you want to keep the babes buzzing. Check out the fantastic WonderLab for interactive science fun. And it’s your last chance to get code-cracking at the Top Secret exhibition, where you can uncover 100 years of top secret messages, gadgets and gizmos. 10am-5pm (various time slots for Top Secret); FREE but booking required – charges apply for WonderLab (until Feb 23, 2020)
NATURE & OUTDOORS
London Puddle Jumping Championships at London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Hammersmith tube)
It’s back! And this year adults are invited to make a splash with their little ones at the annual London puddle jumping competition. Slip on your wellies and mucky clothes, then jump for your chance to win a daily prize. Other February half term activities include making fires, meeting otters, and cooking up crafts in a mud kitchen. 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 15-23)
Vets in Action at London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
Here’s some healthy fun for February half term holiday. Take the kids to the zoo’s Vets in Action where they can run a teddy bear clinic to look after toy animals, then meet real life zoo vets as they microchip penguins and check tiger teeth! Zoo opens 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm). Vets in Action runs from 11am-1pm & 2pm-4.30pm and is recommended for ages 5-10. Activities included in regular admission fee: adult tickets range from £23.40 (super saver)-£31.50 (peak)/child £15.21 (super saver)-£20.47 (peak)/ages 0-3 FREE. (Feb 15-23)
February Half Term at Walthamstow Wetlands, 2 Forest Road, London N17 9NH (Blackhorse Rd tube/overground)
Have you been to Walthamstow Wetlands? It’s off the beaten track but offers a huge expanse to explore. Over this February half term holiday, children can take part in crafting, mini beast hunts, or pond-dipping. Daily activities include bird-watching, angling or a view 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)
Chocolate on your mind? Always. So head to Chelsea Physic Garden for another day for cocoa lovers. Pick up facts about the history, geography and science of everyone’s favourite bean, make your own mixtures, and taste some chocolate goodies. Ages 6-11 and accompanying adults. 10.30am-2.30pm; £15 (Feb 18)
Isis Education Centre Discovery Days at The Lookout, Hyde Park, W2 2UH (Hyde Park Corner tube)
These Discovery Days are perfect for some feathery family fun in Hyde Park. Take part in birdie arts and crafts, make real bird feeders or nest boxes, and try to spot different species. 11am-3pm, FREE but donations welcome (Feb 19-20)
FAMILY CINEMA
Hot picks at the flicks for all the family this February half term holiday: Sonic the Hedgehog (PG), The Personal History of David Copperfield (PG), A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood (PG), The Call of the Wild (out Feb 19)
Find Kids Club movies at £5 or less at a Cinema near you in London. Visit our LONDON FAMILY CINEMA page.
MEET & EAT
hicce Junior Chefs at hicce, Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, N1C 4DQ (Kings Cross/St Pancras tube/rail)
Have you heard of Fizz Free February? It’s kind of the Dry January for kids, giving the munchkins a break from sodas and other sugary drinks. At these workshops for junior chefs, children can create their own nutritious lunch from the restaurant’s ingredients and enjoy hicce’s homemade, sugar-free soft drink. Ages 5 to 14 years, kids must be accompanied by an adult. 11am-2pm (Tue, Wed & Thu); 15 per child – booking ahead is required (Feb 18-20 & Feb 25-27)
Southbank Centre Food Market, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Are you going to Imagine Festival over the February half term holiday? Don’t miss the food market where you can stuff your little ones to their hearts’ content on pizza, wraps, burgers, veggies, curries, rotisserie chicken, sausages and more. Great variety of food from around the world. The food market is open every weekend including Bank Holidays (NB: it’s closed Fri Feb 14-Sun Feb 16). 12pm-8pm (Fri), 11am-8pm (Sat), 12pm-6pm (Sun & Bank Holiday); FREE entry (Feb 21-23, ongoing)
Hot Chocolate Crawl, multiple locations
Anyone fancy a hug in a mug? Find our favourite cocoa cafes and restaurants listed here. Or do you prefer Afternoon Tea?
Best Pizza in London, multiple locations
Who doesn’t love pizza? Check out our guide to where to grab a slice this February half term holiday.
Best Dim Sum in London, multiple locations
Celebrate the Year of the Rat with a visit to some of these delicious dim sum restaurants.
