February half term in London seems to arrive a great time when we all need a bit of uplifting action to shake off the winter blahs. There are so many fun half term activities for families to try, we’ve compiled a guide of some of the best to help inspire days out in London with kids. Enjoy!
Imagine Children’s Festival – Southbank Centre
The big mama of all February half term events. This festival features 11 days jam-packed with more than 100 events, 50% of which are completely free! Dive into activities involving music, dance, creative play, art, literature and more.
We particularly like the sound of Roustabout Theatre’s adaptation of Michael Foreman’s classic children’s book, ‘Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish’. Attendees can expect a riotous hour of dancing dinosaurs, space travel and catchy songs!
Important to note that some things need pre-booking, while others are drop-in AND the drop-in events can get very busy so be sure to get there early.
When: 8 – 18 February
Where: Southbank Centre
Age guidance: events vary, overall festival is for children aged 0 – 11 and their grown-ups.
Cost: mix of free and paid, check event listing
More details: website
The Instrumentals show and workshop – Little Angel Theatre
Show: Bursting to life with brilliant puppetry and bold music, the Instrumentals is full of love and laughter about the memories we hold and how we celebrate life. This is a show inspired by the African-Caribbean diaspora with soulful sounds and seventies grooves.
Workshop: Make and decorate your own Instrumentals inspired puppet. Participants will be taught how to make their puppet get into the groove, leaving you singing and dancing to your own rhythm.
If you’re looking for theatre to please the 5 and under crowd check out Julia Donaldson’s The Flying Bath come to life on stage, also during half term.
When: Shows 10 Feb – 16 April. Workshops 11 – 19 Feb
Where: Little Angel Theatre
Age guidance: Show aimed at ages 4-8. Workshop designed for children aged 4-8 together with their parents/carers.
Cost: Show is £14 Adult; £12 Child (age 1-17). All tickets £8 on Fridays at 4.45pm. Workshop is £8.50, Adult £8.50 Child.
More details: website
Visit One of London’s City Farms
London city farms have family activities, cafes, farm shops and animal encounters galore. It’s worth checking their websites throughout the year for bookable activities and events, such as pony rides or bottle feeding lambs. City folk, read our guide to London’s City Farms and try one over half term!
Artist Inspired Playscapes Workshop – Coram’s Fields
Be inspired by some of the worlds most imaginative play ground design and then build your own dream play space, using recycled cardboard, wooden blocks, craft materials and household items, in this creative workshop run by artist Christina Rose Brown. This workshop takes place in a hall in the unique play space Coram’s Fields – a perfect spot to enjoy art and play in one day.
When: 19 February; 10:30am and 11:45am sessions
Where: Guide Hall at Coram’s Fields
Age guidance:
Cost: £10 per child + non refundable booking fee (booking not required for adults or siblings under 3yrs – however materials for any siblings not guaranteed unless they have a ticket).
More info: website
Vets in Action – ZSL London Zoo
A fun week of interactive family events celebrating the incredible work of the zoo’s veterinary team. London Zoo has run this activity before and it was a huge hit. We went a few years ago and my daughter absolutely loved it. Would highly recommend for kids who enjoy role play and/or animals.
Junior vets will help diagnose and carry out treatments on soft toys, experiencing first-hand the huge variety of work carried out by the Zoo’s vets, vet nurses and zookeepers – from a monkey health check to caring for a rescued lion.
Additional demonstrations and talks throughout the week will take families further inside the exciting world of the Zoo.
When: 11 – 19 Feb
Where: ZSL London Zoo
Age guidance: 3 – 11
Cost: included in zoo admission
More details: website
Zen History Activities – Museum of London Docklands
Chill out while you immerse yourself in the fascinating history of London’s docklands. This half term families visiting the museum can partake in calm, enriching activities including family yoga, guided meditation, sensory storytelling, paper crafts and mindful art exploration. Feeling relaxed already.
When: 11 – 19 Feb, check website for specific activity dates
Where: Museum of London Docklands
Age guidance: activity dependent
Cost: free
More info: website
Visit an Adventure Playground
Playworker Kerri Burton talked to us about why she loves adventure playgrounds, why they are so important and she share her top 5 adventure playgrounds in London. Many adventure playgrounds have activities, day camps, and altered hours during half term breaks so check their websites before visiting to find out what’s on.
Storytelling and Workshops – Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Family Storytelling: Gather the family for an interactive storytelling of Romeo and Juliet, The Winter’s Tale, or Macbeth, led by one of the Globe’s highly experienced practitioners including actors, teachers and directors. (ages 5-12)
Family Workshops: Step inside a rehearsal room for an interactive workshop for the whole family on Romeo and Juliet, The Winter’s Tale, or Macbeth. Workshops will be led by one of the Globe’s highly experienced practitioners who include actors, teachers and directors. The day also includes a glimpse inside the Globe Theatre to hear about the history of Shakespeare’s London and the theatrical world he created. (ages 5-8 & 9-12)
Workshops for ages 12+: Interactive workshops will be held for young people aged 12+ and 15+, bringing Shakespeare’s plays to life with fun, practical activities. The workshops will explore Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet or Much Ado About Nothing (12+), and Hamlet, Othello or King Lear (15+).
When: Half term week, see website for specific even timings
Where: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Cost: see website for specific event pricing
More info: website
Featured image: Roustabout Theatre’s adaptation of ‘Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish’
