Hello you half term hero. That’s right, you. The one who finds the strength to go on when you’re juggling a million and one things. Who grins and bears it even when the kids are bouncing off the walls. The unseen champion who carries the weight and fills the gaps between school break and back to the school run. I see you. I hope this guide makes your load a little lighter. So, what to do for February half term in London?
You can try everything from a robot zoo to circus cabaret for kids, see a Lion King exhibition pop-up and make memories with your babies at Imagine Children’s Festival. I’ve found some cute ideas for Dates with Dads or a little self-appreciation on Valentine’s Day too. Have a good one and sending love.
What to Do for February Half Term in London 2025
BABES CHOICE
UNIQLO Tate Play: The Joy of Feeling at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
A reimagined playground is the centre of Tate Modern’s holiday activity for the whole family to enjoy. Spin, slide, sway and let your imagination loose. The dreamy soundscape and soft structures are inspired by Dorothea Tanning. All ages welcome. 10.30am-6pm daily: FREE (Feb 15-23)
The Robot Zoo at Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Another blockbuster exhibition investigating the mechanisms that make animals so awesome. See larger-than-life creatures reanimated through gadgets and machine parts. Find out why chameleons change colour, how bats see at night, why grasshoppers leap so high and other fascinating facts. Interactive displays and games add to the fun. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £9.75/child from £6.50/family from £19.50/under 3s FREE (Feb 14-Nov 2)
Clueless the Musical at Trafalgar Theatre, 14 Whitehall, Westminster, SW1A 2DY (Charing Cross tube/rail)
A musical based on the popular romcom based on Jane Austen’s novel Emma arrives in the West End. High-schooler Cher is trying to play matchmaker but her latest project is trickier than she imagined. Book by original writer-director Amy Heckerling and music by KT Tunstall. Best for ages 12+ (under 5s not admitted). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 (Feb 15-Jun 14)
Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
The UK’s biggest cultural festival for kids ages 0-11 offers a mix of live shows, creative workshops, author talks and free fun. 2025 highlights: Afro Dance with HomeBros, There’s A Bear On My Chair, Supertato Party, The Colour of Dinosaurs, An Afternoon Draw with Rob, Dr Ronx: How To Save A Life, Imagine’s Giant Chalkboard, Rollercoaster juggling, CBeebies Wildlife Jamboree and more. All ages welcome. Various times and prices; 40% of activities are FREE (Feb 18-23)
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at The Other Palace, 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA (Victoria tube)
Meet monsters and gods and the half-blood son of Poseidon in this spin on the bestselling kids’ book series. NYC teen Percy Jackson plunges into a fantasy world where he must learn what it takes to be a hero. Ages 8+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 1pm & 6pm (Sun), select matinees at 2.30pm; from £26 (until Mar 2)
VALENTINE’S WEEKEND
Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine St, WC2B 5JF (Covent Garden tube)
I’m excited to be going to see this production (a birthday treat from my sister). Starring Tom Hiddleston as Benedick and Hayley Atwell as Beatrice, it sounds like the perfect Valentine’s treat. Shakespeare’s wonderfully witty love story with a twist is directed by Jamie Lloyd. Recommended for ages 12+ (under 4s not admitted). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £29.50 (Feb 10-Apr 5)
Mickalene Thomas: All About Love at Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE18XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
The title pays homage to the African American writer bell hooks and the exhibition celebrates Black women at rest — a radical idea in certain circles. This womanist-framed exhibition showcases the artist’s friends, family, lovers and models in decadent states of ease and enjoyment. Come for the vibrant imagery, stay for the messages of self-love and self-worth. Recommended for ages 16+ (PG for some content). 10am-6pm (Tue-Fri & Sun), 10am-8pm (Sat); £19 (Feb 11-May 5)
Flowers: Flora in Contemporary Art & Culture at Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3 4RY (Sloane Square tube)
Roses are red and flowers continue to inspire lovers and creatives. This exhibition is spread across 2 floors and 9 major gallery spaces with 500 unique artworks on display. From a room with 100,000 dried flowers to large-scale photography, fashion, graphic design and more, there’s plenty to gawp at. Whether or not you receive a bunch from your Valentine, Flowers is sure to make you feel blooming lovely. All ages. 10am-6pm daily (last exhibition entry 4.30pm; last gallery entry 5.20pm); from £10 (Feb 12-May 5)
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy at cinemas nationwide
Bridget is back. Having pulled on her big girl knickers plenty of times over the years, she’s a little wiser as a widowed single mum (RIP Mark Darcy). Torn between two heartthrobs (Leo Woodall and Chiwetel Ejiofor), she also has to deal with the dastardly Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Rated PG. (out Feb 13)
Wild at Heart: Valentine’s Night at Vauxhall City Farm, 165 Tyers Street, SE11 5HS (Vauxhall rail/tube)
Looking for an unusual date night idea? How about a Valentine’s night with the animals at Vauxhall City Farm. Have a VIP Meet & Greet with the farm residents, followed by dinner and drinks at the bar. Tuck into grazing boards with cheese, cheese and meat, alcoholic or non-alcoholic options available. Ages 18+. 6pm-10pm; £27.50-£32.50pp — book asap to secure your spot! (Feb 15)
FAMILY THEATRE
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at Arts Depot, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Eric Carle’s caterpillar returns to the stage with a menagerie of 75 puppets. Watch a colourful show built around the beloved picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar and three more Carle books (Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider). For ages 2-7, younger ones welcome. 11am & 2pm (Wed-Sun); from £14 (Feb 15-20)
Circus Cabaret for Kids at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Don’t miss this mind-spinning, spine-tingling show that’s sure to appeal to kids and grownups. Jacksons Lane’s first Get ready for homegrown circus cabaret for kids and families blends action, aerial stunts, acrobatics, juggling and lots of surprises. All ages welcome. 11am & 2pm; from £15 (Feb 18-22)
Trash at Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
This high-energy dumpster dive would make Oscar the Grouch jealous. Set in a garbage recycling centre, it shows 4 trash artists turning all manner of waste into percussion, movement and slapstick. Make some noise! Ages 5+ (younger ones not admitted). 2.30pm (Wed & Sat) & 7.30pm (Wed-Sat); from £15 (Feb 19-Mar 1)
Pig Heart Boy at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Cameron is a 13 year old who wants a normal life but he needs a heart to keep him alive. How far is he willing to go? Adapted by Winsome Pinnoc from the popular book by Malorie Blackman (Noughts and Crosses), Pig Heart Boy is directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu. Best for ges 9-13. Various show times (Tue-Sun); ticket range £8.50-£16.50 (until Feb 22)
Oliver! at Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave, W1D 6AR (Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus tube)
I’d Do Anything! An orphan boy who asks for more is the star of this nostalgic musical, based on Charles Dickens’ novel and produced by Cameron Mckintosh, with direction and choreography by Matthew Bourne. Ages 7+ (under 3s will not be admitted). Various dates and times at 7pm, 7.30pm, 1pm & 2.30pm; from £30 (until Sep 28)
MUSEUMS AND WORKSHOPS
Making Egypt at Young V&A at Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green tube)
See the Great Pyramids built from LEGO, among other eye-popping sights at this exhibition. Find out how the land of the Pharaohs continues to shape popular culture. All ages. Got kids ages 11-14? Book them in for the Teen Takeover on Sat Feb 15 (£25). Making Egypt is open daily from 10am (last entry 4.15pm); £10 (members FREE) (from Feb 15)
Half Term History Makers at Eltham Palace, Eltham Palace and Gardens, Court Yard, Greenwich SE9 5QE (Mottingham rail)
Get into some half term hijinks at the stunning art deco palace. Meet famous faces from history, play medieval games, and have a go at courtly etiquette, fighting and dance! Also discover the gardens and moat, and cheeky resident lemur Mah-Jong. 10am-4pm; adult f£16/child 5-17 £9.50/family £41.50 (2 adults) or £25.50 (1 adult) (Feb 15-23)
Family Day: Picture Yourself at National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE (Charing Cross Rd tube/rail)
Come on and express yourself at this all day making festival for the whole family. Kids and their grownups can create their own artworks, sculpting, photography and collage, inspired by the self-portraits in the nPG collection. There’s also storytelling and a Bobeam Tree Trail to explore. All ages. 11am-4pm; FREE, drop in. Limited capacity, first come first served. (Feb 18)
Family Workshops at Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ (Russell Square tube)
Get stuck into some clay-based crafting at Foundling Museum this February half term. You can make clay tiles, create playful stop-motion animation, build story pots, even design your dream home out of clay. All workshops are led by professional artists, and children can take their creations home with them. Ages 5-12. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm; adult + child £10/additional adult £5 – all tickets include free entry to the museum. (Feb 18-21)
Science Museum Wonderlab, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
Explore 7 different zones in Wonderlab, the hugely popular exhibition space. Marvel at how science and maths shape our reality, watch daily shows, whizz down the giant slides and more. And you can buy an annual pass to visit again and again and again. All ages. 10am-5.40pm, day pass from £15 /annual pass from £24/family discounts available (ongoing)
SPECIAL EVENTS
Just Vibez Creative Family Workshops at Brixton House, 385 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW9 8GL (Brixton tube)
Drop in for some free family workshops led by Just Vibes collective and Brixton House Associate Artists Trybe House and Casa. Try your hand at Caribbean carnival headpiece making, digital storytelling, young DJ and MC sessions, or a soca dance workshop! Register online or at the door and feel free to bring a packed lunch. Various activities from 12pm-4pm; FREE (Feb 16, 18 & 19)
The Lion King exhibition at Battersea Power Station, Ground Floor, Turbine Hall A (near Apple)
Marking its 20 millionth guest at the iconic West End musical, this pop-up exhibition of Disney’s The lion King features props, puppets, costumes, masks and more. You can get up close with Rafiki and Zazu, see Simba, Mufasa and Nana masks and more. All ages. Daily from 10am; FREE (Feb 17-23)
Creative Writing for Spoken Word and Theatre at Roundhouse Studios, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH (Chalk Farm tube/Kentish Town West overground)
Head to the Roundhouse for a 4-day course aimed at wannabe writers. This short course includes creative games, storytelling, character building, voice work, poetry and drama exercises. Open to newbies and keen writers, all levels welcome. Ages 11-14. 10.30am-1pm; £15 (Feb 18-21)
The Brick People at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Love LEGO? Join in a free flow building workshop with your family, hosted by The Brick People. You’ll have 1 hour to choose your own adventure, get stuck into an activity table, and admire other creations by The Brick People and the hobbyist community. Hurry, this is selling out super fast! Slots from 10am-4pm; £6 (Feb 23)
RI Family Fun Day: Food Glorious Food at Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BS (Green Park tube)
There are a bunch of workshops for different ages at Royal Institution this half term, culminating in this all-day extravaganza. The RI’s volunteers, scientists and researchers from across the STEM subjects will take audiences on a journey of discovery. Find out how food fuels us, its effect on the body, plus titbits about freeze dried food and food distribution. Ages 0-12 and families. 11am-4pm; £16/£10 concs (Feb 22)
NATURE AND OUTDOORS
Gripped London Aerial Park, Staines Road, Hounslow, TW14 0HH (Hounslow Central tube, Feltham/Hounslow rail)
Back open in time for half term, Gripped London is an adrenaline-pumping aerial wonderland. Zip, climb, jump or slide… from treetop climbs and zip lining to base jumping and speed slides, there’s something for all. 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 (from Feb 8)
Mudfest 2025 at London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes rail/Hammersmith tube and overground)
Get ready to splash, squelch and stomp for another Mudfest. You can mix, jump, mould and build through a variety of workshops, from seed bomb making to the mud kitchen. All ages welcome. 10am-5pm daily (5.30pm from Apr-Oct), last entry 1hr before closing; adult from £16.54/junior 4-11 from £10.72/family from £46.22/under 4s FREE (Feb 15-23)
Vets in Action at London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
Back for the half term holiday, Vets in Action lets kids learn firsthand how the zoo’s animals are taken care of. Get to know the Zoo’s vets and zookeepers and get hands on 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 £29.70 (off peak)-£36.30 (weekend/peak)/child £20.80 (off peak)-£23.90 (weekend/peak)/under 3s FREE (Feb 15-23)
Ice Rink at Canary Wharf, Canary Wharf Tower, E14 5EW (Canary Wharf tube/DLR & Elizabeth Line)
LAST CHANCE: Slip and slide across the ice rink before it closes for the season. Revive yourselves at the rink-side bar or at local shops and restaurants. Skate sessions from around 10am daily-late (timings vary, skate sessions 45 mins); adult, teen or child from £13.95/family from £53.95 (until Feb 23)
Orchids at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Discover the wonders of Peru through Kew Gardens’ latest horticultural exhibition. Keep an eye out for alpacas, flamingos or spectacled bears amongst the blooms! All ages welcome. Time slots available 11am-4pm (daily, from 12pm Mons); adult tickets from £20/child 4-15yrs from £5.50/family tickets from £6/under 4s FREE (until Mar 2)
MORE FAMILY FRIENDLY LISTINGS FOR THE FEBRUARY HALF TERM BREAK
- The Baddies: Live on Stage at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford (Feb 14-16)
- Family Festival: The Art of Play at Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 (Feb 15)
- Families: Our Album Launch at Whitechapel Gallery, E1 (Feb 15)
- Family Film Club: Up and My Neighbour Totoro at Barbican Centre (Feb 15 & 22)
- Behind the Poster at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden (Feb 15-23)
- Out At Sea: LGBTQ+ Family Festival at Cutty Sark, Greenwich (Feb 15-23)
- The Pea and the Princess at Polka Theatre, South Wimbledon (Feb 15-Mar 30)
- Looks Delicious: Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture at Japan House, W8 (until Feb 16)
- Family Station: Explore and Play at British Library, NW1 (Feb 17-23)
- Nature Roadshows for Kids at Greenwich Park and Kensington Gardens (Feb 18 & 20)
- The Carnival of the Animals Family Concert at Battersea Arts Centre, SW11 (Feb 19)
- What’s Happening at Spitalfields City Farm, E1 (Feb 13-19 and ongoing)
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Natural History Museum, SW7 (until Jun 29)
- Shakespeare Family Storytelling, Workshops + Swordfighting Demos at Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 (Feb 15-Nov 2)
- Balloon Museum: immersive fun for all ages, Old Billingsgate Walk, EC3 (ongoing)
- Power Up: Retro and Modern Gaming at the Science Museum, SW7 (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!**
Little Outdoor Tweaks That Can Make a Big Difference to Family Time
