February Half Term Break 2024: Top 20 Family Friendly Activities

Hooray! It’s time for the February half term break. Whether you’re cheering out loud or silently gritting your teeth, I’ve got you covered for family friendly activities to explore or escape to with kids (and grownups) of all ages. From quirky exhibitions to immersive art worlds, kids’ theatre and outdoor fun, you won’t be stuck for ideas over the half term holiday. Enjoy!

February Half Term Break 2024: Top 20 Family Friendly Activities

BABES CHOICE

Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
The biggest cultural event on the London family calendar for kids aged 0-11 returns to Southbank Centre. Bring your brood along for workshops, live acts, author meet and greets and lots of free activities. Highlights: The David Gibb Big Band, Wondergig, Tom Fletcher’s There’s a Monster in Your Show, talks by Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho and Michael Rosen, YolanDa Brown, CBeebies Ocean Adventurewith the BBC Symphony Orchestra and more. All ages welcome. Various times and prices; 40% of activities are FREE (Feb 7-17)

Diversity: Supernova at London Palladium, Argyll Street, W1F 7TF (Oxford Circus tube)
Britain’s biggest, baddest dance troupe blaze across the London Palladium stage in their latest touring show, Supernova. Watch the award-winning team bring down the house with their energetic dance routines and strong, empowering messaging. All ages. 7.45pm; from £35 (Feb 9 & 10)

Medusa’s First Kiss at Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH (Highbury & Islington tube/overground, Angel tube)
This punk rock musical features playful knitted puppetry and an electrifying score from Holly Mallett (Moxy in CBBC’s Andy & The Band) and P Burton-Morgan (In The Willows, Little Mermaid, Jungle Book). Medusa is a new student at Olympus High, wondering how to fit in. Will she ever find friends amidst girls like sports star Aphrodite, goth Persephone, school-witch Circe and mean girl Athena? A tale of self-acceptance and friendship that’s billed as ‘Percy Jackson meets Heartstopper, with rock songs’. For ages 10+. 11am & 2pm and various timings (Thu-Sun); adult £14/child 1-17 £12/all Thu & Fri 4.45pm tickets and previews (Feb 10-11) £8 (Feb 10-21)

Dinosaur rEvolution at Horniman Museum a Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
What’s the link between a T-Rex and a chicken? This fascinating show takes a look at the close relationship between birds and their ancient relatives, the dinosaurs. You can see 5 large animatronic models plus cast fossil skeletons, interactive art, games, dress up and more. All ages. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £9/child from £7/family from £19/under 3s FREE (Feb 10-Nov 3)

SPECIAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Lunar New Year: Celebrate the Year of the Dragon, multiple locations from Chinatown to Trafalgar Square (Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus tube, Charing Cross tube/rail)
Join the celebrations around Chinatown for Lunar New Year as we welcome the Year of the Dragon. Watch the parades and performances with Lion and Dragon dances, delicious feasts, traditional shows and lots of offers from Chinatown stalls on Gerrard Place and Newport Court. The parade happens across the West End from Duncannon St to Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue, dispersing on Rupert Street. Around Trafalgar Square there are several stages with martial arts demos, music and more. Parade from 10am; Trafalgar Square shows from 12pm-6pm; FREE (Feb 11)

There’s more Lunar New Year fun with a lion dance at Borough Market (Feb 10); workshops and performances with kung fu, dumplings and dancing at Museum of London Docklands Lunar New Year (Feb 10); a family day for Lunar New Year at Museum of the Home (Feb 18)

LED Hula Hoop Disco at Battersea Power Station, Power of Place, Boiler House North, The Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, SW8 5BN (Battersea Power Station tube, Battersea Park rail)
Get your disco shoes on and prepare to spin yourself silly at the LED hula hoop party. Charlene the Hole Queen and Spin Master Theo lead this fun session for kids (and hula happy adults). Enjoy the fun of hooping to big party tunes and dazzling LED hoops. Part of Battersea Power Station’s February half term break roster of activities that also includes craft activities and the popular Battersea Power Station Light Festival. Suitable for kids ages 5+, younger ones welcome with help of a responsible adult (sharing ticket/equipment). Any accompany adults who want to hoop must also purchase a ticket – NB: kids must be supervised at all times. Sessions between 11am-4pm; £5.92 (Feb 15 & 16)

Rollerscape, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, 3 Fulton Road, Wembley, HA9 0SP (Wembley Park tube)
There’s just over a week left to roll around London’s pop-up rink. So get your skates on for this Insta-buzzy experience. All ages and abilities can keep it wheel on the roller rink which offers family friendly and late night sessions. There’s also food and drink to fill you up after or before your skate. Various times (Wed-Sun) ; from £6 (including skate hire). Family Roller Glo neon skate sessions (Feb 10 & 17) at 2pm-7pm (last skate entry 5pm); adult £16/child £8 (until Feb 18)

Gripped London Aerial Park, Staines Road, Hounslow, TW14 0HH (Hounslow Central tube, Feltham/Hounslow rail)
Reopening in time for the February half term break, Gripped London offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping aerial adventures. Zip, slide, jump or climb… from treetop climbs and zip lining to base jumping and speed slides, there’s something for all daredevils. Open to ages 4 to 84 (under 15s need a ticket-holding grownup companion). 10am-4pm daily; individual activities from £12/bundle of 3 activities from £30/all inclusive pass from £45/year-round membership £99 (Feb 10-18)

FAMILY THEATRE

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube) 
Say a big, bold hello to Jamie New, a 16-year-old who was born to stand out. Feeling like a misfit on his council estate in Sheffield, Jamie makes his way into the spotlight with the support of his loving mama and a brilliant crew of friends. Enjoy the feel good musical that’s scooped multiple awards, featuring songs by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells and writer Tom MacRae (Doctor Who). Choreographed by Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Kate Prince (Into The Hoods, Some Like It Hip Hop, SYLVIA, Message In A Bottle). Ages 12+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat), 2pm & 7pm (Sun); from £18 (Feb 8-Mar 23)

What’s On at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Stories come to life at Arts Depot over the February half term break with some of your favourites brought to the stage. See adaptations of Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book (Feb 9-11) and Dear Zoo (Feb 14-18) in the Pentland Theatre. Under 5s can explore the multi-sensory exhibition, A Message for the Future (older ones welcome too) or drop into the free soft play area, playdepot. On Generations Dance Day (Feb 17), people of all ages and abilities can enjoy moving together with Dare2Dance Company’s family friendly event. Various times and prices, some activities FREE (Feb 9-18)

Protest at Brixton House, 385 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW9 8GL (Brixton tube)
Alice was born to run and she’s the fastest at her school but she’s been struggling lately. Jade is being taunted by bullies and learning that prejudices come in many forms. Chloe is fed up of the litter in the local forest and the global environmental crisis looming… Three girls come together to stand up for their beliefs in this powerful play that’s sure to inspire your kids. Ages 7+. 12pm & 3pm (Tue-Wed), 2pm & 6.30pm (Thu-Fri); adult £17/child £9 (Feb 13-16)

The Three Bears at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Go deep into the forest to find a family of three, Mammy, Daddy and Baby Bear. They head off into the woods to look for interesting things to re-use in their home. Until their house is turned upside down by a stranger who wants to sit in their chairs, eat their porridge and sleep in their beds. Watch out — it’s Goldilocks! A classic tale with a twist, original music and puppets. Ages 6 and under. 11am & 2pm; £15 (Feb 13-17)

MUSEUMS & WORKSHOPS

UNIQLO Tate Play: Rhythm Holiday Make Studio at Tate Modern (Turbine Hall entrance), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Get noisy at this February half term break workshop which is all about ‘sound art’. Using materials and inspiration from Tate’s collection, you can create soundscapes and sound sculptures or make sound by moving your own body. Materials, mics, headphones, speakers and ear defenders will be available. All ages welcome. Relaxed Day on Feb 13 at 10.30am-11.30am. Drop in from 10.30am-6pm (last entry 5.15pm); FREE but ticket required (Feb 10-18)

Half Term History Makers at Eltham Palace, Eltham Palace and Gardens, Court Yard, Greenwich SE9 5QE (Mottingham rail)
Head to the gorgeous, art deco styled Eltham Palace and let the kids loose for this February half term break activity. They can meet characters from history, learn about medieval crime and punishment, experience a mock trial and help dish out punishments! Also explore the gardens and moat, delve into the basement and meet Mah-Jong — the cheeky resident lemur.  10am-4pm; adult f£16/child 5-17 £9.50/family £41.50 (2 adults) or £25.50 (1 adult) (Feb 10-18)

Family Festival: Rebellious, revelling, rotten Romans at British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG (Russell Square tube)
Over the February half term break, kids and families can visit the museum for 5 days of Roman-themed fun. Inspired by the blockbuster exhibition Legion: life in the Roman army, there’s a mix of activities from storytelling to Roman games, object handling and a trip back through the ages on a time-travelling trolley. All ages welcome. 11am-4pm; FREE (Feb 12-16)

Japan: Myths to Manga, Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green/Mile End tube)
If you or your youngsters are into anime, manga and Japanese culture then you can’t miss this sweeping exhibition at the revamped Young V&A (formerly the Museum of Childhood). Brush up on your knowledge of Japanese folklore while learning more about the nation’s pop culture, design and technology. All ages. Daily from 10am (last entry 4.15pm); tickets from £10 (until Sep 8)

NATURE & OUTDOORS

The Big Hide Out at WWT London, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes/Barnes Bridge rail, Hammersmith tube)
Birdwatchers big and small are invited back to WWT London this February half term break for another feathery adventure. Pick up some binoculars and see what you can find. Other activities include nest-making and den-building. £1 fee for bird-spotter guides. All ages welcome. Various times for activities, opening hours 9.30am-5pm (last entry 4pm); adult from £15.40/child from £10/family from £43.10/under 4s FREE (Feb 10-18)

Vets in Action at London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
Junior vets are welcomed back for Vets in Action, where you can look after wounded lions, microchip crocodiles, check tigers’ teeth and more. Meet the Zoo’s vets and zookeepers and get crafty in the Conservation Station. 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 £27 (off peak)-£33 (weekend/peak)/child £18.90 (off peak)-£23.10 (weekend/peak)/under 3s FREE (Feb 10-18)

Discovery Days: Brilliant Birds at Hyde Park Learning Centre, Hyde Park, W2 2UH (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Hang out in Hyde Park for another free Discover Day over the February half term break. You can drop in at anytime to try out activities from bird watching to nest building, dissecting owl pellets, and storytelling sessions. Suitable for the whole family to enjoy together. All ages welcome. 11am-3pm (storytelling at 12pm, 1pm & 2pm); FREE (Feb 13-15)

Orchids at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
The Orchids exhibition at Kew is always a seasonal highlight and worth catching over the February half term break. This year, we’re off to Madagascar to experience some of the region’s extraordinary biodiversity, from succulent woodlands to unique wildlife. Look out for ring tailed lemurs and giraffe weevils! All ages welcome. Kew is open 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm), add on your time slot to Orchids when you visit; adult tickets from £20/child 4-15yrs £5/family tickets from £26 (until Mar 4)

MORE FAMILY FRIENDLY LISTINGS FOR THE FEBRUARY HALF TERM BREAK

• Time Quest: An Immersive Adventure at Battersea Arts Centre, SW11 (from Feb)
• Family Day: Fantasy Worlds at British Library, NW1 (Feb 10)
• Family Activities: Solar Power at Tower Bridge, SE1 (Feb 10 & 13)
• February Holiday Fun at Cutty Sark, SE10 (Feb 10-18)
• Sky’s the Limit at RAF Museum, Colindale, NW9 (Feb 10-18)
• Family Fun: Women at Work at London Transport Museum, WC1 (Feb 10-18)
• Water Warriors at London Museum of Water and Steam, Brentford TW8 (Feb 10-18)
• A Postal Journey Through Time + More Family Activities at Postal Museum, WC1 (Feb 10-18)
• The Winter’s Tale storytelling, Macbeth workshop and Family Sword Fighting at Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 (Feb 10-Oct 27)
• Family Workshop for Children with SEND: Our Pasts at Royal Academy, W1 (Feb 11)
• The Boy and the Heron screening (dubbed) at BFI IMax, Southbank SE1 (Feb 12 & 13)
• Inter-Livery Pancake Day Race at Guildhall Yard, EC2 (Feb 13)
• Family Events: Decoding Pictures & Imagined Stories at National Gallery, WC2 (Feb 13-15)
• What’s Happening at Spitalfields City Farm, E1 (Feb 13-19 and ongoing)
• Bob Marley: One Love, cinemas nationwide (out Feb 14)
• Video Game Dance Workshop at V&A Museum, SW7 (Feb 14-16)
• Remarkable Rhythm at Polka Theatre, South Wimbledon SW19 (Feb 14-18)
• Soulscapes exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 (Feb 14-Jun 2)
• Family Fridays workshop at Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 (Feb 16)
• Family Day: Dreams Have No Titles at Whitechapel Gallery, E1 (Feb 17)
• Family Film Club: Wolfwalkers at Barbican Cinema, EC2 (Feb 17)
• What’s On at Unicorn Theatre: Ready Steady Lift Off or The Three Billy Goats Gruff, SE1 (until Feb 18)
• The Mother and the Weaver: Art from the Ursula Hauser Collection at Foundling Museum, WC1 (until Feb 18)
• Ice Rink at Canary Wharf, E14 (until Feb 25)
• Accidentally Wes Anderson exhibition, South Kensington, SW7 (until Apr 14)
• Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Natural History Museum, SW7 (until Jun 30)
• Balloon Museum: immersive fun for all ages, Old Billingsgate Walk, EC3 (ongoing)
• Power Up: Retro and Modern Gaming at the Science Museum, SW7 (ongoing)
• Wonderlab interactive gallery at Science Museum, SW7 (ongoing)
• Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace, W12 (ongoing)
• Frameless: Immersive Galleries, W1 (ongoing)

Read Next

**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!**