February Half Term Family Fun in London 2026

I can’t believe it’s the February half term break already. There’s so much happening globally, my head’s spinning and time seems to be zipping by faster than we know. Fortunately, despite the constant rain and the overall doom and gloom, brighter days are coming. Dive into my ultimate February half term family fun guide for 2026, packed with family festivals, pop-up exhibitions, enchanting theatre, museum activities and outdoor escapades. There’s also Valentine’s Day, Lunar New Year and Pancake Day to cheer us up and remind us all what truly matters: love, connectivity, culture, food and fun!

Babes About Town Ultimate February Half Term Family Fun Guide for 2026

BABES CHOICE

Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
The biggest London festival for families is back with live shows, interactive theatre, workshops, art, readings and more. Don’t miss: The Show for Young Men (Feb 13-15), Andy and the Odd Socks (Feb 15), The Sleepover Club (Feb 15), Jacqueline Wilson (15), Horrible Histories: The Concert (Feb 17), Liz Pichon (Feb 18), Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels (Feb 18-21), Little People, BIG Dreams (Feb 18 & 19), ZooNation’s Hip Hop Half Term (Feb 20), CBeebies Wildlife Jamboree (Feb 20), Katie Kirby: The World of Lottie Brooks (Feb 21). Multiple dates, ages times and prices – some activities FREE! (Feb 11-21)

Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends at Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green tube)
Go behind the scenes of Aardman in their 50th year and find out how Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and other characters come to life through stop motion animation. All ages. 10am-4.30pm daily; £11 (from Feb 12)

Mundo Pixar Experience at Wembley Park, Fulton Road, Wembley, HA9 0TF (Wembley Park tube)
With Toy Story coming back to cinemas this year, now’s the perfect time to explore a life-size set from the movies and other Disney Pixar hits. Step into Andy’s room and become a toy with Woody and Buzz, or speed on a race track with Lightning McQueen, meet the Monsters, Inc. and more! 9am-7pm or 10am-7pm (Sun-Mon, closed Tues except school holidays); adult from £34/child under 16 from £22/family of 4 from £28pp/under 3s FREE (from Feb 13-Jun 28)

Ballet Shoes at National Theatre, Olivier Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Hurry if you want to catch this production based on Noel Streatfield’s beloved children’s novel. It’s about three adopted sisters finding their way in a world not built for women. Ages 7+. 7pm (Mon-Sat, 6.30pm Tues) & 1.30pm (Wed & Sat); £25-£110 (until Feb 21)

Cirque du Soleil: Ovoat Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore SW7 2AP (South Kensington tube)
Experience breathtaking stunts, illusions and acrobatics with the world famous circus, returning to the Albert Hall with their show inspired by the motions of insects. All ages welcome, under 14s must be accompanied, ages 2+ must have own seat/ticket. Various shows at 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm; £50.40-£198.90/under 2s FREE on parent’s lap (until Mar 1)

Who Let the Gods Out at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Watch the brilliantly funny Maz Evans novel adapted by the author for the stage. Elliot Hooper needs to save the world (and his mum) but are the Greek gods helping him or slowing him down? Post show Q&A with the author on select dates. Ages 8-13. Various start times from 10am-2.30pm (Wed-Sun); from £12.50 (until Mar 22)

FAMILY THEATRE

By Trial and Error at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Prepare to laugh, drop your jaw, and roar with joy at this globally acclaimed production from French company Le Cirque Content Pour Peu. Blending circus tricks with the humour and slapstick of silent comedy, it’s an invigorating show about learning to bounce back! Ages 4-10. 11am & 2pm; from £10/£18.50 (Feb 11-22)

Far Gone at Brixton House, 385 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW9 8GL (Brixton tube)
Set in northern Uganda, this is a powerful and poignant tale of Okumu, a young boy whose village is attacked by a rebel army. John Rwothomack’s one-man performance showcases Okumu’s journey from childhood innocence to child soldier, partly based on the actor’s own near miss with the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army). Ages 12+. 7.30pm; from £22 (Feb 11-21)

Cinderella Ice Cream Seller at The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG (Deptford/New Cross overground)
Dip your dessert spoons into this delicious tale about a humble ice cream maker who built a multimillion empire. Local employees of Cinderella’s Talyi and Caldwell relate the rags to riches story in a fairytale blend of music, magic and theatre. Ages 5-10. 1pm & 3pm; £9.50 (Feb 15)

The Everywhere Bear and I Want My Hat Back at Little Angel Theatre, a 14 Dagmar Passage, W1 2DN (Highbury & Islington tube/overground, Angel tube)
The famous puppet theatre offers two family shows over the February half term break. The Everywhere Bear follows a classroom bear on a big adventure, for ages 3-8 (Feb 11-Apr 19). The I Want My Hat Back Trilogy brings beloved characters Bear, Little Fish and The Turtles from Jon Klassen’s picture books to the puppet stage, for ages 3-6 (Feb 12-May 9). Various shows from 10am-4.45pm (Wed & Fri-Sun); adult £15.50child £13.50/all Wed 4.45pm tickets £8.50/all Fri 4.45pm tickets £10 (until May 9)

 Hercules the Musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF (Covent Garden/Holborn tube)
There’s still time to climb Mount Olympus in the company of the divinely mortal hero, Hercules. Luke Brady takes on the role of half-god, half-man in this Disney musical version of the Greek legends. Book by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Robert Horn, music and lyrics by Alan Menken. Best for ages 6+ (under 4s not admitted). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £25/family tickets available (until Mar 2026)

Paddington the Musical at Savoy Theatre, trand, WC2R 0ET (Charing Cross tube/rail, Covent Garden tube)
The friendly bear from Peru gets his own musical in a show that got a staggering 14 nominations at the What’s on Stage awards. See Paddington and his pals sing and dance through various bear-scapades, based on the popular books and movies. Best for ages 6+ (ages 4-104 welcome, babe-in-arms not admitted). 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Thu & Sat); from £30 (until Oct 2026)

MUSEUMS AND WORKSHOPS

Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures at Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Inspired by Jules Verne’s ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Seas’, this immersive exhibition takes you aboard the ‘Nautilus’ submarine where kids can play Captain Nemo’s Bubbly Pipe Organ among other activities. All ages. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £9.80/child from £7/family from £20.20/under 3s FREE (from Feb 13) 

UNIQLO Tate Play Holiday Make Studio: Beauty at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Experiment, question and explore at this popular holiday creative studio that invites people of all ages to find beauty through messiness, fun and imagination. 10.30am-6pm daily (last entry 5.15pm), Relaxed Session on Feb 17 at 10.30am-11.30am: FREE (Feb 14-22)

Wayne McGregor: Infinite Bodies Family Day at Somerset House, the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
Create digital art, turn your drawings into floating holograms or explore a free play space at this special Family Day. Inspired by the current exhibition Wayne McGregor: Infinite Bodies, families are invited to make connections between imagination, technology and the human body. All ages, workshops aimed at ages 5+. 10am-6pm; £0-£5 (Feb 19)

Wes Anderson at Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
Sketches, paintings, puppets, costumes, storyboards and more illuminate the pastel-hued imagination of Wes Anderson (Fantastic Mr Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, The Royal Tenenbaums). All ages. 10am-5pm (6pm Fri/Sat); adult from £19.69-£26/child from £9.84-£13/under 6s FREE (until May 4, 2026)

Samurai at the British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG (Russell Square tube)
Learn about female samurai and more at this sweeping exhibition that dives into the ancient Japanese warrior culture, showcasing battle gear alongside luxury objects, costumes, games and pop iconography.  All ages. 10am-5pm daily (8.30pm Fri); adult from £23/under 16s FREE (until May 4)

What’s on at London Museum Docklands, No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, E14 4AL (West India Quay DLR/Canary Wharf tube)
Discover history through a week of hands-on activities over February half term at the museum. Try everything from muidlarking to crafting your own Viking brooch, creating a clay Roman pot, making digital patterns or completing archeological clues. Various times from 10.30am; activities are FREE but some require booking (Feb 14-20)

SPECIAL EVENTS

What’s On at Fulham Pier, Stevenage Rd, Fulham, SW6 6HH (Putney Bridge tube, Putney rail)
February half term activities include Half Term Crafting with Kids Table; Masterchef Mo Puppet Show and Workshop, A Line Art’s ‘Alphabet Soup’ Creative Workshop, Half Term Improv Workshops, Sunday Family Film Club and a Sunday Roller Disco! For the grownups, there’s also a Valentine’s special for the Velvet Cabaret. Various ages, times and prices; check website for individual events (Feb 13-22)

Bounce House at Big Penny Social, Big Penny Social, 1 Priestley Way, E17 6AL (Blackhorse Rd overground)
Jump around! Get bouncing at this popular half term event that turns the entire space into a massive inflatables assault course. Sessions last 1 hour, with special times for under 3s and a Relaxed Session on Wed Feb 18 (2pm). 10am-11am (under 3s) & hourly sessions from 11.15am-3pm; child £7/accompanying adult and babies under 6 months FREE (Feb 16-20)

Circus Camp at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Book your kids in for a skills session with pro circus artists. The all day camp teaches circus activities like juggling, acrobatics, diabolo, rolla bola, bonding games and more. The camp ends with a showcase for parents and guardians. For ages 8-14. 10am-4pm; £175pp (Feb 17)

Slomo Spa at King’s Cross, 18-19 Stable St, Lewis Cubitt Square, King’s Cross N1C 4AB (King’s Cross/St Pancras tube/rail)
Visit the pop-up spa at King’s Cross to indulge in sauna sessions, ice cold plunge baths, along with yoga, breathwork, decompression, sound baths and a lunch time nap with Rob da Bank (Camp Bestival). Ages 5+ (under 5s not admitted, under 16s can use sauna with a parent/guardian present, but not admitted for cold plunge/showers/ice baths etc). Various session times and prices from £12-£30 (until Feb 22)

Club Curling at Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, N1C 4DQ (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Has the Winter Olympics got you pumped up for curling? Have a go with up to 6 family or friends. All ages and abilities welcome. 12pm-9pm daily (last slot 8pm); £9 per person/under 12s FREE (when accompanied by an adult) (until Mar 1)

Planetarium Go! at Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms SW8 5BN (Battersea Power Station tube, Battersea Park rail/overground)
Go on a cosmic adventure at this pop-up planetarium where you can explore the marvels of the universe on a 360º screen with projections. All ages. 10am-7pm (Sun-Thu) & 10am-9pm (Fri-Sat); £15/family & student discounts available/under 4s FREE on grown up’s lap (until Mar 1)

NATURE AND OUTDOORS

Octonauts Trail at Horniman Museum and Gardens,  100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
The Octonauts crew are calling for your assistance on a mini-mission around the Horniman. Become an Octocadet and help with hunting for shells, picking up Octofacts, designing your own underwater vehicle and getting a ‘mission complete’ sticker. Don’t miss the bonus adventure in the Sound Garden. 10am-5.30pm; FREE (Feb 13-Nov 1)

Mudfest 2026 at London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes rail/Hammersmith tube and overground)
Families are invited to get gloriously muddy as this outdoor festival of squelching, splashing and stomping returns. Pop on your wellies and join in the fun with everything from mud art and seed bomb making to nest building and an all day mud kitchen. All ages welcome. 10am-4pm daily, last entry 1hr before closing; included in admission: online prices from £16.29/junior 3-17 from £10.58/family from £45.81/under 3s FREE (Feb 14-22)

Vets in Action at London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
Vets in Action returns for the February half term holiday. Young animal lovers can get firsthand experience with taking care of the zoo creatures. Meet the zookeepers and vets and get busy 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 £27.70 (off peak/online)-£40 (weekend/gate/peak)/child £19.40 (off peak/online)-£24.50 (weekend/gate/peak)/under 3s FREE (Feb 14-22)

Half Term Fun at Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, London E1 5AR (Shoreditch High St overground/Bethnal Green tube)
Take your piglets along to the city’s coolest farm, just around the corner from Brick Lane market. February half term activities include all day messy play for under 5s (Feb 17, 11am-3pm), nature plaster casting for ages 7+ (Feb 18, 1.30pm-3pm), Farm to Fork cooking club for ages 5-12 (Feb 19, 11am-1pm), and a farm guided tour for all ages (Feb 20, 11am-12pm). All activities are FREE but limited spaces/booking essentia — HURRY tickets going fast (NB: if sold out, check for returns or visit the farm anyway)! (Feb 17-20) 

Ice Rink at Canary Wharf, Canary Wharf Tower, E14 5EW (Canary Wharf tube/DLR & Elizabeth Line)
Half term offers your last chance to take a whirl around this popular ice rink. Stop for refreshments at the rink-side bar or local shops and restaurants. Ages 4+. Skate sessions from around 10am daily-late (timings vary, skate sessions 45 mins, closed Christmas day); adult, teen or child from £13.95/family from £53.95 (until Feb 23) 

Orchids at Kew, Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
The popular horticultural exhibition is back, this time it’s all themed around China. Take a trip through dragons, lanterns and plant sculptures that depict China’s extraordinary biodiversity. All ages welcome. Time slots available 11am-4pm (daily, from 12pm Mons); adult tickets from £16-£27 (£10-£11 after 4pm)/child 4-15yrs from £5-£9/family tickets from £23-£63/under 4s FREE (until Mar 8)

LUNAR NEW YEAR

Kids Half Term: Lunar New Year Cookery at Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7LB (Vauxhall/Lambeth North/Westminster tube)
Get cooking for the Lunar New Year at this Food Learning experience with recipes and ingredients inspired by traditional Lunar New Year dishes. The workshop will end with a communal meal at the table overlooking the Museum’s courtyard garden. Sample menu: longevity noodles, egg fried rice, vegetable spring rolls. Ages 9-13+ years – kids ages 9+ may attend without parental supervision but require a parent on-site. 11am-1pm; £5

Lunar New Year Storytelling at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Yuyu Rau from New Earth Theatre leads an interactive storytelling workshop inspired by the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals. Discover how each creature was chosen to represent its sign in the Chinese legend, The Great Race. Ages 4-11. 11am; £7.50 (Feb 18)

Lunar New Year at Morden Hall Park,  Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD (Morden/Wimbledon tube)
Visit the National Trust property for some Lunar New Year stories and activities plus a free dragon performance in the Stableyard at 1pm! Workshops include Nian the Monster, a traditional NY tale (10am); The Great Zodiac Race, the legend behind the Chinese zodiac (11am); and folk tale Sui the Monster and Red Envelopes (12pm). Kids can also create a personalised spring couplet using characters such as “福” (luck), “春” (spring) or “平安” (peace) along with optional paid crafts. Ages 3+. Sessions at 10am, 11am & 12pm; £10. Dragon show 1pm; FREE (Feb 18)

Lunar New Year at National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, SE10 9NF (Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
The Year of the Horse arrives in style at Royal Museums Greenwich’s annual celebration. It’s an all-day feast of family activities with lion dances, martial arts,  martial arts, lion dances, chopsticks challenge, calligraphy demos, Chinese tea ceremonies, games and more. Street food stalls outside the museum will serve tasty East and Southeast Asian cuisine. All ages. 10am-4pm, FREE (Feb 21) 

Chinese New Year in London, multiple locations from Chinatown to Trafalgar Square (Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus tube, Charing Cross tube/rail)
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with London’s colourful parade and event series, happening in and around Chinatown. The fun kicks off on Saturday with lion dances in Chinatown (11am-5pm). Then on Sunday you can follow the Chinese New Year Parade from Chinatown to Trafalgar Square (10am-11.45am), with costumed lions, dragons, dancers, drums and floats. Stay in Trafalgar Square for live entertainment, music, street food stalls, workshops and more. There’s also plenty of street food and family fun in Chinatown and Leicester Square (12pm-6pm). All ages. From 11am (Sat) & 10am (Sun); FREE (Feb 21-22)

Lunar New Year Festival at London Museum Docklands, No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, E14 4AL (West India Quay DLR/Canary Wharf tube)
Gallop into the Year of the Horse at this museum which is just a stone’s throw away from London’s original Chinatown in Limehouse. Hear Chinese folktales, make tasty tangyuan, master martial arts kicks, watch a lion dance an take part in a silent disco! 10.30am-4.30pm; FREE but some events ticketed and need advance booking (Feb 21-22)

VALENTINE’S DAY AND GALENTINE’S EVENTS

Wuthering Heights (UK cinemas)
Heathcliff! Galentine’s Day sees the release of this heart-pounding adaptation of the classic tale by Emily Bronte. Starring Margot Robbie (Barbie) and Jacob Elordi, this version is written and directed by Emerald Fennell (Saltburn) with a soundtrack album from Charlie XCX. Rated 15. (out Feb 13)

Lie Down and Listen: Melt Your Heart at Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, SE21 7AD (West Dulwich tube/rail)
Come for a Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) edition of the Lie Down and Listen concert series. You’ll lie back on a soft mattress and listen to Tibetan bowl sound healing along with gentle sounds from leading harpist Cecilia de Maria. Afterwards, there’s a chocolate tasting session and a chance to meet the musicians and wander through the gallery. 6.45pm-£8.45pm; £55/£50 for Friends of DPG (Feb 13)

The Long Now: Valentine’s Late at Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3 4RY (Sloane Square tube)
Visit the gallery after dark to see their exhibition of associated artists and take part in a Valentine’s Late. These collaborative workshops created with QueerSwap, a non-profit social events for the LGBTQ+ community, include Visible Mending with Sierra and Textile Painting with Nyx. Learn skills, make stuff and take home your creations! 6.30pm-8.30pm; adult £20/concs £12 (Feb 13)

Love Letters at The National Archives (Exhibition Space), Kew, Richmond, TW9 4DU (Kew overground/rail)
Yearning, passion, devotion and sacrifice. This free exhibition reveals love letters spanning 500 years and covering everyone from literary icons to royalty to anonymous lovers. It also features love in other forms e.g. drawings, poetry, memorials and wills. All ages. 9am-7pm (Tue & Thu), 9am-5pm (Wed, Fri & Sat), 11am-4pm (Sun), closed Mons; FREE (until Apr 12)

Cynthia Erivo in Dracula at Noel Coward Theatre, 85-88 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4AU (Leicester Square tube)
Tickets are hard to find but you might get lucky and catch multi-award winning Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) dazzling as Dracula. She’s also taking on 22 other roles in Kip Williams’ adaptation of Bram Stoker’s gothic novel. Ages 12+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & select matinees 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); £30-£220 (until May 30) 

Guess How Much I Love You at Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS (Sloane Square tube)
Luke Norris’ play about the quest for family and the enduring power of love centres a young couple expecting a baby and stars Rosie Sheehy and Robert Aramayo. Ages 14+ (see Content Warnings). The hugely acclaimed production is listed as sold out, however there are other ways you can try for tickets e.g. via returns or the Royal Court’s £15 Mondays (all tickets £15, available from 9am on the day, online only). 7.30pm (Tue-Fri), 2.30pm (Thu), 1.30pm & 6.30pm (Sat); £15-(until Feb 21)

MORE HALF TERM LISTINGS

• February Holiday Fun at Vauxhall City Farm, SE11 (Feb 14-22)
• Storytelling, Workshops + Swordfighting Demos at Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 (Feb 14-Aug 30)
• Sticks n Sushi Kids Masterclass at Battersea Power Station (Feb 15-Apr 5)
• Peter and the Wolf Family Concert at Battersea Arts Centre, SW11 (Feb 17)
• Little Angel Theatre Puppet Playcation holiday clubs for ages 5-8 (Feb 17-18 & 19-20)
• The Big Bakes family baking workshops in east and south London (Feb 17-20)
• The Great Big Bug Show at Arts Depot, N12 (Feb 19)
• Family Wildlife Drawing: Bunny Rabbits at Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 (Feb 19)
• Miles at Southwark Playhouse, SE1 (until Mar 7)
• Deep Azure at Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 (until Apr 11)
• My Neighbour Totoro in the West End at Gillian Lynne Theatre, WC2 (until Apr 11)
• Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Natural History Museum, SW7 (until Jul 2026)
• The Hunger Games: On Stage at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, E14 (until Oct 2026)
• The Paddington Bear Experience at County Hall, SE1 (ongoing)
• 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!**