The February half term holiday is here already. That came around fast (despite the lengthiness of January). I’ve rounded up 22 things to do with kids plus loads more highlights listed below. Family theatre, puppetry, circus, arts and crafts, immersive exhibitions, LEGO and a festival to feed your imagination. Enjoy!
February Half Term Holiday: Top 22 Things to do with Kids
BABES CHOICE
Imagine Children’s Festival, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
The capital’s largest family festival comes of age. Turning 21 this year, it’s still the best hub for activities for children of all ages. Highlights for 2023: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Tales from Acorn Wood; Rapunzel by BalletLORENT; talks by Cressida Cowell and Michael Rosen; YolanDa’s Band Jam; the world’s youngest DJ hosts a daytime rave; Everything Has Changed (for ages 7-11); dinosaurs, magic, astronomy, hip-hop and comedy. All ages (some restrictions for individual events). Various times and prices; more than 50% activities FREE (Feb 8-18)
Brick Dinos at Horniman Museum, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Travel back to the Jurassic and Cretaceous ages at Horniman Museum’s new blockbuster exhibition. Come face to face with LEGO giants from prehistory and try out hands-on activities such as fossil digging and building your own brick dinosaur. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £9/child from £4.50/family from £15.50/under 3s FREE (Feb 10-Oct 29)
Sailing Out at National Maritime Museum, Romney Rd, Greenwich SE10 9NF(Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
Take part in family activities to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month this February half term holiday. Make rainbow merfolk or rainbow fish inspired by the Pride flag, design your own rainbow flag, create costume hats and symbols to show off your identity and hear stories of LGBTQ+ maritime heroes and their allies. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm; FREE (Feb 12-19)
Donatello at the V&A, Cromwell Rd, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
The man behind some of the greatest sculptures in European history (kids might know him best as the inspiration for one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle names). See some of his works up close at this exhibition at Victoria and Albert Museum, the first of its kind in the UK. All ages. 10am-5.45pm (Wed-Sun); from £20 – advanced booking recommended (hurry, few tickets left for February) (opens Feb 11)
Festival of Hieroglyphs at the British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG (Russell Square tube)
Calling budding Egyptologists. You’re invited to a programme of activities for February half term at British Museum, with storytelling and crafting workshops and a chance to decipher the ancient Egyptian script. In association with the exhibition Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt which ends this month. Varying ages, most activities suitable for 5+. 10am-4.30pm (Thu) & 10am-8pm (Fri); FREE (Feb 16 and 17)
Beyond the Streets London, Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3 4RY (Sloane Square tube)
Welcome to the UK’s biggest graffiti and street art exhibition, taking over all 3 floors of Saatchi Gallery. After wowing LA and New York, Beyond the Streets London includes large-scale and original works that take you from punk, the birth of hip hop, to fashion and film. All ages. 10am-6pm daily (last entry 5.30pm); from adult £25/concs £15/child ages 6-16 £10/under 6s FREE (Feb 17-May 9)
FAMILY THEATRE
Family Workshop: The Instrumentals at Little Angel Studio, Sebbon St, N1 2EH (Highbury & Islington tube/overground, Angel tube)
Get into the funk at Little Angel Theatre’s music inspired puppet workshop. Head to the studios on Sebbon Street for some family crafting. You’ll learn how to create and decorate your own Instrumentals inspired puppet and then how to make your puppet groove. For ages 4-8 and accompanying parent/carer. 12.30pm & 3.30pm; £8.50 per person (Feb 11-19)
Jack V Giant at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (Wimbledon tube/rail)
Meet brave young Jack, an intrepid explorer who has just sold her family cow in return for some magic beans. Follow her incredible musical journey from underground mines as she climbs a beanstalk to a golden sky castle. An enchanting new musical by the team behind We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and How to Hide a Lion. For ages 4-8. 11am & 2pm (hurry, half term dates are selling fast!); from £10/babes in arms £1 (Feb 11-Mar 26)
Family Events at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, in and around Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Southwark tube)
Once again, there are a range of fun activities for families for February half term. Kids of various ages (under 5s, 5-8, 5-12, 9-12 and 12+) can take part in storytelling, creative workshops, performances and demonstrations. Be inspired by some of Shakespeare’s greatest texts including Romeo & Juliet, A Winter’s Tale, Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The family sword fighting demonstration sounds cool. General age suitability 5-12 (younger ones admitted). NB: Some activities are available online. Various dates and times; £12 per adult or child /under 3s do not require a ticket if on a grownup’s lap (Feb 12-Aug 27)
Hibernation, Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground; Stockwell tube)
Encourage your small ones to bring a favourite cuddly or blankie for this delightful performance. Settle down to discover a forest full of music, mirth, and marvellous creatures. Award-winning Little Bulb (house band for CBeebies The Nutcracker) explores what it’s like to sleep through winter. At 11am & 2pm; Pay What You Can (recommended £10) (Feb 14-18)
The Museum of Marvellous Things at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
In this mysterious space, anything can happen. Catch moons in balloons, make stars in jars, sing with Noo-Nahs on stages, and marvel at the many wonders on display. This museum comes to life from the magic of your imagination! Meet characters Norbert Norris and Tilly T Pott and make your own puppet during the show. For ages 3+. 11am & 2.30pm; from £14 (Feb 14-18)
The Trial of Josie K, 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
What’s going on? Josie K is attending meetings, answering the right questions, and yet nothing makes any sense. She needs her bestie Becca to help her find her way through this confusion. This story of defiance hope and friendship is inspired by Kafka’s The Trial. For ages 9-13. 11.30am & 3pm (10.30am on Sat Feb 18); adult £16-£18/child £11.50-13 (until Feb 19)
MUSEUMS & WORKSHOPS
Half Term Activities at Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA (Farringdon/Russell Square/Kings Cross tube/rail)
Lots of fun family things to do at the Postal Museum over the February half term holiday. Design cypher stones to mark your family’s legacy; join a printmaking workshop to make your own stamp, sign or image; or write a capsule letter to your future self. Tickets include 1 ride on the Mail Rail underground mini train and a year of unlimited exhibitions access from date of your visit. For a little extra, you can add the Sorted! play space for ages 8 and under (from £4, 10am-4.45pm) to your visit. Times vary for activities, opening hours 10am-5pm (Wed-Sun); adult from £17, young person from £12, child from £9/disabled adult from £14, disabled child from £7/under 3s FREE – excludes Sorted! (Feb 11-17)
UNIQLO Tate Play Holiday Make Studio: Threads at Tate Modern (Turbine Hall entrance), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Join in another collaborative art workshop for the whole family. You can knit together to create a giant cylinder-shaped artwork in the Turbine Hall. Try stitching, looping and colouring different textiles that you can drape, hang or cuddle. Inspired by Knitting Nancy and the works of fibre artists Cecilia Vicuña and Magdalena Abakanowicz. Relaxed Day on Feb 14 at 10.30am-11.30am. All ages welcome. Drop in from 10.30am-6pm (last entry 5.15pm); FREE but ticket required (Feb 11-19)
160 Years at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB (Covent Garden tube)
Celebrate the London Transport Museum’s 160th birthday this February half term holiday. Play a giant game of Connect 4, test out your puzzle-solving skills on a gallery trail, add a love note to the #LoveTheTube wall, let the little ones romp in the All Aboard play space and more. 10am-4pm (museum closes 6pm); FREE with museum admission – adult annual pass £20/child 17 and under FREE (Feb 11-19)
Making History at Eltham Palace, Eltham Palace and Gardens, Court Yard, Greenwich SE9 5QE (Mottingham rail)
Visit the beautiful grounds of Eltham Palace and find out what life was like for school children in the Victorian era. Performers will lead a storytelling adventure where you get to choose what happens next! There’s also an adults vs kids quiz, pretend assault course, and of course the gorgeous Art Deco palace to explore. 10am-3pm; adult from £53 (annual membership)/child FREE for up to 6 children (Feb 11-19)
STEM Week at RAF Museum, Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL (Colindale tube)
It’s a STEM-fest at the RAF Museum this February half term holiday, with opportunities to try making tote bags, coding robots or even creating your own Typhoon (the aircraft, not the weather event!). This off the beaten track museum is tons of fun for little ones who like big flying vehicles. All ages welcome. Opening hours: 10am-5pm/activities from 11am (timings vary); FREE entry but booking ahead recommended (Feb 11-19)
Play Build Play at National Gallery, Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross Rd tube/rail)
Families at the National Gallery can work with artists James and Eva (from Play Build Play) to create and discover decorative details. Look closer at colourful motifs, floor mosaics and play with scale, shapes and sensory materials. All ages welcome. 11am-4pm, drop-in; FREE but advance booking required (Feb 14-16)
Holiday Workshops at Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ (Russell Square tube)
Try your hand at a range of family workshops this February half term holiday at the Foundling Museum. Transform your favourite possessions into giant works of art, create 3D self portraits, design a wearable masterpiece, or make a futuristic building with recycled materials. It’s also worth popping into the Tiny Traces (until Feb 19) exhibition to discover the history of African and Asian children looked after in London’s 18th century foundling hospital. Coram’s Fields playground is right around the corner for outdoor fun too. Half term workshops are suitable for ages 5-12 and run from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm; child £3, accompanying adult FREE/additional adult £3 (Feb 14-17)
NATURE & OUTDOORS
The Big Hide Out at WWT London, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes/Barnes Bridge rail, Hammersmith tube)
What can you see through the binoculars and telescopes at London Wetland Centre? Borrow some on site and discover birds and other wildlife like you’ve never noticed before. Experts will give you tips for exploring. Families can also enjoy making nests, building a bird hide or playing in the mud kitchen. £1 fee for spotter guides. All ages welcome. Various times, opening hours 9.30am-5pm (last entry 4pm); adult from £14.09/child from £8.63/family from £37.72/under 4s FREE (Feb 11-19)
Vets in Action at London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
Stethoscopes at the ready. The vets are back in action at London Zoo for the half term break. Kids can watch real life zoo vets and assist them in the soft toy treatment centre to check tiger’s teeth, microchip monkeys, and look after wounded creatures. Zoo opens 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm). Vets in Action runs from 11am-1pm & 2pm-4.30pm and is recommended for primary school kids ages 5-10. Activities included in regular admission fee: adult tickets range from £28.50 (super saver)-£35.50 (peak)/child £18.55 (super saver)-£23.10 (peak)/under 3s FREE (Feb 11-19)
Orchids at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
There’s always lots on at Kew for families and the February half term holiday is a great time to see the Orchids show. Discover the plants and wildlife of Cameroon including plant sculptures of hippos, giraffes, gorillas and lions. Sample a West-African inspired dish in one of the cafes and restaurants. See the Bikoka Art Project exhibition of rural photographs by Yvon Ngassam with a soundscape by Elsa M’Bala. All ages welcome. Kew is open 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm), add on your time slot to Orchids when you visit; adult tickets from £16.50/child 4-15yrs £5.50/family tickets from £25.30 (until Mar 5)
MORE COOL THINGS TO DO OVER HALF TERM IN FEBRUARY
- Tower Bridge Cat Day at Tower Bridge, SE1 (Feb 11)
- February Half Term: Water Power at London Museum of Water and Steam, TW8 (Feb 11)
- Sticks ’n’ Sushi Kids Masterclasses in Wimbledon, Greenwich and Chelsea (Feb 11-18)
- Meet Puss in Boots at Shreks Adventure, SE1 (Feb 11-19)
- Love It or Hate It at Museum of Brands, W11 (Feb 11-19)
- London Brick Festival at Royal National Hotel (Feb 12)
- Family Concert: Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre (Feb 12)
- The Singing Mermaid at Arts Depot in N12 (Feb 12-14)
- What’s Happening at Spitalfields City Farm, E1 (Feb 14-16 and ongoing)
- February Discovery Days in Hyde Park, W1 (Feb 14-16)
- Family Day: Alexander the Great at British Library (Feb 15)
- Spring Awakening with Play in the Park in Regent’s Park, W1 (Feb 17)
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania at BFI Max, South Bank SE1 (Feb 17-23)
- Family Day at Whitechapel Gallery, E1 (Feb 18)
- Family Festival: Let Sound Inspire You at Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 (Feb 18)
- Family Film Club: Matilda the Musical at Barbican Cinema (Feb 18-19)
- Canary Wharf Ice Rink, E14 (until Feb 26)
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Natural History Museum, South Kensington (until Jul 2)
- Wonderlab interactive gallery at Science Museum, South Kensington (ongoing)
- Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace, W12 (ongoing)
- Frameless: Immersive Galleries, W1 (ongoing)
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**