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With out the nice climate or the festivals of different college holidays, this time of yr can show a tough one for households, so I’ve rounded up a few of the greatest issues to do in February half-term in London with children to maintain everybody entertained. (UPDATED FOR 2024)
incorporates affiliate hyperlinks/paid collaboration*
There are free occasions, some pretty exhibitions aimed toward youthful children, artistic enjoyable, probabilities to get outdoor and loads of concepts for a wet day at February half-term in London.
February half time period dates for London faculties run from February 12-16, 2024 however with different UK faculties having their half-term later, it’s price understanding that not all of the particular half-term actions will likely be happening the next week so try a few of the ongoing exhibitions and attraction for those who’re visiting London in February with children.
Think about Kids’s Competition at Southbank Centre
Think about Kids’s Competition is London Southbank Centre’s thrilling annual competition for youngsters aged 0 to 11 – working for over twenty years, it’s a terrific possibility for those who’re searching for free issues to do at February half-term in London.
Operating throughout 11 days from February 7-17, the competition is all about unlocking children’ creativity and sparking creativeness, with over 130 actions and workshops spanning throughout theatre, comedy, music, literature, poetry, dance, and extra – round 40% of that are free.
With every little thing from talks by well-known youngsters’s authors resembling Michael Rosen to Tom Fletcher’s ‘There’s a Monster in Your Present’, plus singing and artwork, the competition guarantees to be a fun-filled and academic expertise for the entire household.
As a part of the competition, there’s additionally a free household exercise path taking you on a vibrant interactive artwork journey. Aimed toward ages 3+, it runs from February 7-16.
For extra issues to do on the South Financial institution with children, try my suggestions
Seahorse Saviours at Sea Life London
Head to London’s aquarium to find extra about how one can assist the seahorse this February half-term.
Step into the Seahorse lodge at Sea Life London, the place you’ll be able to meet these unimaginable creatures, in addition to taking over challenges and studying find out how to maintain them secure.
Included in entry to the aquarium, runs from February 10-24 – good in case your children’ half-term is later and also you’re visiting London after the London faculties return. Prebooking suggested.
Colonel Blood & the Crown Jewels on the Tower of London
The Tower of London all the time has nice household occasions on throughout holidays and this February half-term is not any exception, as Colonel Blood plots to steal the Crown Jewels.
Going down at varied spots across the Tower’s grounds, together with the Martin Tower the place they have been as soon as stored and the queue for the Crown Jewels themselves, you’ll be whisked again to 1671 to find an audacious plan means these model new treasures are in danger.
Because the Keeper of the Crown Jewels thinks he’s made a brand new buddy, will the criminals be thwarted in time? Runs from February 10-18, included in entry.
Get discounted entry to the Tower of London utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6 for those who e-book by way of this hyperlink
Chinese language Astronomy: Lunar New 12 months Particular on the Royal Observatory Greenwich
There’s a twist to the standard half-term occasions on the Royal Observatory Greenwich this yr, taking a look at how historic Chinese language astronomers used observations of the solar, moon, planets and stars to inform the time.
Kicking off the brand new 12 months of the Dragon, you’ll uncover how the heavens are mirrored within the conventional Chinese language calendar, in addition to tales related to the Lunar New 12 months.
Chinese language Astronomy: Lunar New 12 months Particular takes place on February 10, at 10.30am. Appropriate for ages 7+ – there are additionally occasions aimed toward youthful children working throughout half-term week. Admission prices £10 for adults, £5 for teenagers and contains entrance to the Royal Observatory.
For concepts of extra issues to do in Greenwich with children, try my high picks
Girls at Work on the London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum is celebrating ladies who’ve performed an element within the historical past of the London Underground this half-term, themed round Girls at Work, with loads of family-friendly actions.
2024 marks the fiftieth anniversary of London Transport first recruiting ladies as bus drivers in 1974 (it took one other 4 years earlier than ladies may drive tube trains), with tales of pioneering ladies working in different engineering and transport jobs.
You possibly can design an indication, impressed by designer Margaret Calvert who helped create indicators for UK roads and railways within the Nineteen Fifties, create a mini journal about your chosen transport heroine or be a part of puppet Simran on a guided tour of the museum’s new International Poster Gallery to study feminine artists featured right here.
The Zine-making workshop is appropriate for teenagers aged 7+, Design a Signal for five+ and the gallery tour for age 4+ and all are included in admission – children go free.
Get a reduction on tickets for tickets to the London Transport Museum for those who e-book by way of my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
The Queen’s spy mission at Hampton Courtroom Palace
Are you able to assist Elizabeth I’s spymaster uncover who’s plotting to grab the throne this February half-term at Hampton Courtroom Palace?
From February 10-18, be transported again to 1562, when the Queen has caught smallpox and the Tudor courtroom is buzzing with rumours as courtiers meet in secret to debate the long run.
Meet key characters (and see what you’ll be able to overhear of their conversations) as you attempt to decipher the mysterious puzzles and codes which may see you cracking the plot – or will you be misled by crafty conspirators? Included in palace admission.
There’s a reduction on tickets for Hampton Courtroom Palace for those who e-book by way of my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Discover, Construct, and Play on the Nationwide Gallery
The Nationwide Gallery is celebrating its two hundredth anniversary in 2024, with a complete string of occasions for households this February half-term.
With every little thing from decoding photos to an imaginary breakfast tea occasion, it’s an effective way to deliver artwork to life for youthful children
Occasions happen from February 13-15, with classes a number of occasions per day.
Shakespeare’s Globe Household Workshops
For an interactive and academic approach to get your children within the works of William Shakespeare, be a part of the Globe’s Household Workshops this February half-term in London!
Led by a few of the theatre’s proficient actors, lecturers, and administrators, these sensible workshops will discover the language, characters, and themes of the performs in quite a lot of participating actions and video games. They’re the right approach to introduce little ones to one of many world’s most iconic playwrights.
With a number of performs to select from – together with Macbeth, The Winter’s Story, The Tempest and A Midsummer Evening’s Dream – and three age teams (5-8, 9-12 and 9+), there’s a workshop for everybody, happening on varied dates from February 10-17.
Or for one thing rather less interactive, the Globe’s household storytelling classes are one other nice half-term exercise in London for teenagers, aimed toward children aged 5-12. Have to be pre-booked, tickets value from £15.
Make Historical past at Eltham Palace
Eltham Palace and Gardens by no means fails to impress with its schedule of enjoyable household occasions. And this February’s ‘Make Historical past this Half Time period’ occasion is actually no exception!
Going down each day over the varsity holidays, children can be a part of characters from the previous for historic hi-jinks and hands-on shenanigans all through the historic palace and it’s in depth gardens.
Character performers will enthrall you with tales of Victorian London, whereas children may uncover what life was like in a Victorian college and have a go at writing their very own journey novel.
Runs from February 10-18, admission to the household half-term occasion is included within the customary admission ticket value – save 10% for those who e-book on-line upfront.
Dressed to Ship on the Postal Museum
Channel your internal designer this February half-term on the Postal Museum, with a complete vary of crafts, making and storytelling, impressed by the particular exhibition Dressed to Ship.
The exhibition itself is working till September 2024, however there are some particular actions to let children get arms on as properly, whether or not you fancy designing an outfit for a puppet, a very good deed patch, or simply having fun with the storytelling classes.
Included within the customary museum ticket – get a reduction for those who e-book by way of my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6. Periods are drop-in, so no have to prebook, but it surely’s first come first served, so make sure to get to the museum early.
Style Metropolis & Lunar New 12 months on the Museum of London Docklands
You’ve acquired a selection of actions on the Museum of London Docklands, this February half-term, together with extra Lunar New 12 months occasions.
On February 10 and 11, you can begin the 12 months of The Dragon with a roar by listening to Chinese language folks tales, studying find out how to ribbon dance and even mastering martial arts strikes, in addition to making crafts.
With a number of classes all through the day, the actions are appropriate for age 5+ and should be prebooked (reserving opens Monday January 29 at 9am, solely youngsters require tickets however should be accompanied by an grownup).
There are additionally drop-in occasions for ages 3+, the place you’ll be able to create your personal dragon puppet, practise your roar and take part a lion dance. House is proscribed so arrive early.
The museum can also be working different actions on a theme of migration, whereas you can too see the Style Metropolis exhibition, taking a look at how Jewish Londoners formed international type – all ages welcome however higher for 10+.
Try our evaluate of a earlier time out on the Museum of London Docklands with children
Photo voltaic-powered enjoyable at Tower Bridge
Go to Tower Bridge on both Saturday throughout half-term, and also you’re assured some sunshine – regardless of the climate outdoors.
The household drop-in classes run from 10am to 4pm within the Studying area, themed round solar energy to battle any February blues – children can uncover how Tower Bridge is powered by renewable vitality sources, and make their very own sun-catcher to place up at dwelling.
The classes happen on February 10 and 17, included in admission. The Tower Bridge Cat path can also be nonetheless working, linked to the adventures of Bella the Tower Bridge Cat – you’ll be able to purchase all of the Tower Bridge Cat books right here.
For extra issues to do round Tower Bridge with children, try my high picks
The Huge Conceal Out at WWT London
For much more bird-themed enjoyable this half-term, head to the London Wetland Centre in Barnes for his or her Huge Conceal Out.
Children can conceal out within the fowl hides and use the centre’s binoculars and telescopes to identify fowl life and different wetland wildlife, whereas different family-friendly actions embody making nests and dens. Areas are restricted, so join on arrival.
The actions are included in the usual entry ticket, plus there’s additionally a particular fowl spotter sheet o tick off species you see across the wetland centre, which prices £1.
Discovery Days in Hyde Park
Hyde Park’s fashionable Discovery Days are again as soon as once more for extra free family-friendly enjoyable amongst nature this February half-term in London.
The Sensible Birds Discovery Days will likely be filled with loads of enjoyable and academic hands-on actions for youthful youngsters. Observe a particular path, dissect owl pellets and craft your personal fowl’s nest, in addition to some bird-spotting.
As standard, the Spring Discovery Days are utterly free to attend. This yr, they’ll happen between 11am and 3pm on February 13-15 – no prebooking required, simply drop in any time, though there are storytelling classes at 12, 1 and a couple of.
Orchids at Kew Gardens
The annual Orchids competition is again at Kew Gardens this half-term (working from February 3-March 3.
Impressed by the unimaginable biodiversity of Madagascar, maintain an eye fixed out for ring-tailed lemurs excessive within the bushes above you, in addition to discovering the extraordinary giraffe weevil!
There’s additionally extra to be taught in regards to the nation’s uncommon crops, with Madagascar dwelling to over 14,000 crops discovered nowhere else. Plus orchids galore, after all.
Included with entry to the gardens, this half-term competition is healthier for outdated children than a few of the earlier particular occasions at Kew Gardens designed to enchantment to youthful ones, however there’s nonetheless a lot for teenagers to see and do all through the entire botanic gardens.
Try my suggestions for visiting Kew Gardens with children
LGBTQ+ Historical past Month on the Nationwide Maritime Museum
Greenwich’s Nationwide Maritime Museum is internet hosting a sequence of household occasions to rejoice LGBTQ+ Historical past Month this half-term.
Operating on chosen dates from February 11-18, from 11-1pm and 2-4pm, there’s an opportunity to do every little thing from study merfolk (and create your personal) to study penguin pleasure, and make your personal penguin.
Plus storytelling, artistic workshops and different crafts, all highlighting the intersections between LGBTW+ histories and tales of the ocean. Entry to the museum and the occasions is free.
Half-term on the Horniman Museum
It’s one of many final probabilities to see the famously overstuffed walrus on the Horniman Museum earlier than it’s taken off show in March till 2026 – plus the museum has some enjoyable actions happening over February half-term too.
Create your personal clay dinosaur or fossil at a particular hour-long crafting workshop on February 12-15 within the Pavilion, with instructors to assist children deliver their dino-inspired creation to life, whether or not that’s a ferocious T-Rex tooth or a barely much less ferocious footprint. Prebooking is suggested, with classes at 10am, 11.30am and 1.30pm, priced £12.50 for teenagers (free for adults)
Or tackle the Twitchers Museum Journey, exploring the birds and feathered dinosaurs alongside birdwatching detectives the Twitchers, celebrating the discharge of Feather, the fourth e-book in The Twitchers sequence from MG Leonard.
Acquire an exercise sheet on arrival earlier than setting out in your quest to identify the birds hidden throughout the Horniman, and obtain a Twitchers sticker. The exercise sheet is free, as is entry to the museum.
Design workshops on the V&A & Younger V&A
The V&A is working a number of workshops for households throughout February half-term, impressed by its present exhibitions – DIVA on the principal V&A in South Kensington, and Japan: Myths to Manga on the Younger V&A in Bethnal Inexperienced.
In South Kensington, there’s a Drop in Design: Diva Fashion workshop, the place you’ll be able to strive on items from the Diva Households Assortment, and get impressed to make your personal so as to add to it over the three days. Aimed toward ages 5+, the free drop-in classes run from 11am to 4pm, February 14-16,
There are additionally Make It: Textiles workshops on February 10 and 17, the place you’ll be a part of style and textile designer Sadie Williams for a artistic session taking a look at badges to precise what’s vital to you, earlier than making your personal textile artwork patch. Priced £12.
Or on the Younger V&A, there’s a Japanese story scroll workshop, creating your personal emakimono, a conventional Japanese type of visible storytelling, utilizing the V&A’s assortment to encourage your story, earlier than bringing it to life utilizing collage and illustration.
Aimed toward age 8+, adults are required to take part alongside children. Priced £12, reserving is crucial
Sky’s the Restrict on the Royal Air Drive Museum
The Sky’s the Restrict this half-term on the RAF Museum London from February 10-18, with workshops and interactive exhibits happening.
There’s an opportunity to be taught extra thrilling tales of the Royal Air Drive from over 100 years.
E-book one of many particular interactive theatre exhibits – Rations, Ascent and Far Away! runs from February 10-13, based mostly on three key occasions within the RAF’s historical past, whereas there’s a spot of time travelling in Via Adversity… and Past! from February 14-18, each in Hangar 4.
Or be a part of the Loopy Comedian E-book workshop on February 14 in Hangar 6, storytelling from the writer of These Magnificent Sheep of their Flying Machine on February 16 in Hangar 5
Tickets value from £5 for teenagers, the storytelling session is free.
Water warriors at London Museum of Water & Steam
For one of the vital uncommon days out in London with children, head to the little Museum of Water & Steam in Brentford, west London, the place you’ll be able to be a part of the search to turn out to be a Water Warrior!
With family-friendly occasions working from February 10-18, there’s every little thing from interactive storytelling to arts and crafts classes utilizing recyclable supplies to create an environmentally aware masterpiece.
Household tickets value £13 (one grownup + two youngsters) and actions are included in entry.
Meet the characters on the Cutty Sark in Greenwich
Greenwich’s iconic Cutty Sark is internet hosting quite a lot of family-friendly occasions to assist maintain children entertained this February half-term.
Households can meet vibrant character actors from Cutty Sark’s previous at weekends and from Friday to Monday throughout half-term, whereas there’s additionally storytelling, play packing containers and the household path to get pleasure from.
Older children (12+) can nonetheless climb the ship’s well-known masts within the thrilling Cutty Sark Rig Climb Expertise.
There’s a reduction on tickets for the Cutty Sark for those who e-book by way of my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Kids’s theatre at Finchley Arts Depot
In the event you’re searching for methods to entertain children throughout half-term, Charlie Prepare dinner’s Favorite E-book, by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s is being delivered to life by puppets and son.
Appropriate for ages 3-8, it’s working on the Pentland Theatre, on the Arts Depot in Finchley, from February 11th of September.
And it’s adopted by Pricey Zoo, from February 14-18, aimed toward ages 2+, based mostly on the traditional youngsters’s e-book, as Ben and Sally seek for the right pet – however find yourself with a far too massive elephant, a far too grumpy camel, and a far too jumpy frog…
Extra February days out with children in London: ongoing
There are many different concepts for those who’re seeking to entertain children throughout February half-term in London on the standard household sights – try my choose of one of the best 59 issues to do in London with children plus a few of the different highlights beneath.
Twist Museum of Illusions
The illusions at Twist Museum are good for a wet day throughout February half-term in London with children – or a sunny one for that matter.
With over 60 reveals exhibiting totally different illusions and shows to trick all of your totally different senses, the interactive expertise is enjoyable for all ages.
Try our evaluate of a go to to Twist Museum London with children.
Dopamine Land
Don’t miss the possibility to enterprise into Dopamine Land, earlier than it closes in London – now prolonged to the top of half-term on February 18.
The multisensory expertise combines media, expertise and play, with a sequence of vibrant installations to assist all ages get in contact with their internal youngster – and all designed to lift a smile on a gray February day.
For concepts of extra issues to do close by in South Kensington, try my high picks
Bubble Planet
Head to Wembley for one of the vital enjoyable actions in London this February half-term, at Bubble Planet.
Within the immersive expertise, now prolonged to March 17, you’ll go by way of themed rooms, fantastical landscapes and even strive a sizzling air balloon flight simulator, in addition to utilizing VR expertise to take you to a different planet – with all 10 rooms having the frequent theme of bubbles.
For extra issues to do at Wembley Park with children, try my high picks
Frameless
The UK’s largest, everlasting digital artwork exhibition in Marble Arch, Frameless lets children – and large children – expertise artworks like by no means earlier than.
Set inside a 30,000 sq. foot area, with 4 separate galleries, guests can uncover key moments in artwork historical past, with state-of-the-art projection and movement sensor expertise to deliver to life work from artists together with Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt.
With the possibility to the touch, transfer and work together with the work, it couldn’t be farther from a conventional gallery and the right means to assist households uncover the world of artwork.
Delight: Media Artwork Exhibition
The pop-up Delight Media Artwork Exhibition close to London Bridge takes you on an immersive whirl by way of Korean historical past and tradition, plus an opportunity to just about step into Seoul.
There are 12 totally different zones utilizing artwork to point out totally different parts of Korean life, from delusion to extra meditative rooms, together with an app that includes a enjoyable AR path – scan Korean characters to unlock digital candy treats and win a prize.
In all probability greatest for tweens and youths, given the worth (although all ages may have enjoyable), now prolonged to April 15. Enable round an hour to discover.
Flip It Up on the Science Museum
In the event you didn’t have likelihood to see it final yr, Flip It Up: The Energy of Music, continues to be working till Could 6.
The family-friendly expertise seems to be at how music impacts us, a few of the strange devices invented over time, in addition to giving guests the possibility to create their very own items.
There’s a separate cost for this occasion (from £10 for adults, £8 for teenagers): entry to the primary museum continues to be free, prebooking suggested throughout half-term.
Try my evaluate of a go to to Flip It Up: The Energy of Music
Japan: Myths to Manga on the Younger V&A
An incredible possibility for teenagers, the exhibition on the Younger V&A – Japan: Myths to Manga – takes guests on a visit by way of Japanese historical past.
Opening on October 14, in time for half-term, the exhibition explores how Japan’s folklore and panorama have influenced every little thing from tradition and design to expertise.
That includes every little thing from My Neighbour Totoro and the well-known print, Within the Hole of a Wave off the Coast at Kanagawa, to quirky style and gaming, it’s one of many first main exhibitions on show because the Younger V&A reopened in July.
Prebooking is very advisable. Tickets value £10 for adults and youngsters aged 4+, concessions out there.
Spies, Lies and Deception at IWM London
There’s nonetheless time to see this main new exhibition at London’s Imperial Struggle Museum trying on the tips, instruments and elaborate plots which have made up the key world of spying over the past 100 years or so – good for any wannabe 007 or Alex Rider.
Spies, Lies and Deception runs to April 2024, together with over 150 objects, together with devices, official paperwork, artwork and newly digitised movie and images from the First World Struggle to at the moment. The museum, and its exhibition, are each free to go to.
Household actions at HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast has some nice nautical enjoyable once more over February half-term for households, together with some actions for teenagers all through the vacation.
There’s additionally one other of the devoted ‘We have been there’ household days on February 16 with particular visitors sharing their private experiences at sea.
Mild Competition 2023 at Battersea Energy Station
Add some gentle to the darker months with Battersea Energy Station’s Mild Competition, again for an additional yr and persevering with by way of February half-term.
Probably the greatest free issues to do in London with children in February, there are seven installations on show contained in the Grade II listed energy station and outdoor, switched on from 8am to 11pm each day, in addition to some household actions. Runs to February 25.
Magical Mischief on the Harry Potter studio tour
There’s Magical Mischief again as soon as once more on the Warner Bros studio tour in Leavesden, on the outskirts of London, returning to the Harry Potter world for a second yr.
Operating till April 16, it focuses on magical pranks and wizarding mishaps but additionally the filmmaking trickery concerned in turning them into actuality – every little thing from simply how the Invisibility Cloak labored to Harry’s flood of flying acceptance letters, plus an opportunity to make your personal origami Howler. Tickets should be prebooked.
Observe a Treasure Map Path
These pretty vibrant treasure hunt-style maps embody three routes in central London – and there’s 10% off is you employ the code MUMMYTRAVELS.
A enjoyable approach to discover London with children, the hunts problem you to identify all types of quirky sights, from indicators and statues to carvings, all enlivened with a enjoyable fantasy design to rework the actual life streets.
Disclosure: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. Some sights have paid for inclusion however all opinions stay my very own.
Stik Avenue artwork/Tower of London/London Transport Museum/London Wetland Centre/V&A/Twist Museum/Cutty Sark copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy of Depositphotos
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