Why not make the most of the week-long February half-term holiday and treat the family to wintry London activities this February; with attractions hosting special events and family-friendly half-term activities, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend quality family time in the capital and beyond.
For those who would like to avoid the holiday crowds, I’ve included plenty of events on either side of the half-term for you to enjoy:
ANIMALS
1. VETS IN ACTION
Become a vet for the day at ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Zoos at Vets in Action, where kids can learn how to examine, diagnose and treat animals. 11-19 Feb
ZSL, LONDON / BEDFORDSHIRE
Suitable for ages 3 – 11
FREE with admission
2. THE HOP FARM
The Hop Farm hosts a wide range of events throughout February:
- Enjoy rides, along with attractions that include the in-door soft play centre, Driving School, Magic Castle, Animal Farm and Giant Jumping Pillows. 11 – 19 Feb
- Enjoy the Circus Zyair! High-energy spectacle abounds as Circus Zyair presents its varied show beneath a big-top tent. 11 – 19 Feb
The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood KENT
Paid
3. FEBRUARY FUN & FROLICS
Wrap up warm, pull on the wellies and join us this February Half Term for a packed programme of activities!
Kent Life, Maidstone KENT
Paid
ART
4. FAMILY STUDIO: WOVEN WORLDS
Create a colourful scene using printmaking and collage techniques. 05 Feb
Royal Academy, Piccadilly LONDON
Suitable for all ages
FREE, booking required
5. CAMDEN ART CENTRE
Make your way to Camden Art Centre for some artistic fun:
- Join artist Asha Fontenelle for Making Space, a series of FREE family sessions, this season, you will explore themes of kindness, community and self-care, playfulness, and Afrofuturism (ages 3 – 12). 05 Feb
- Sign up your little one for this 4-day course over the February half term, offering children a fun, playful and creative environment to express themselves (ages 5 – 7 and ages 5 – 11). 14 – 17 Feb
Camden Art Centre, LONDON
FREE, booking required / Paid
6. LET’S GET CREATIVE
Join in and explore the city of London in a new way. This interactive exhibit invites visitors to physically walk into the picture with a paintbrush in hand and draw nature into the streets of London. 12 – 15 Feb
Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham LONDON
Suitable for ages 4 – 11
FREE, booking required
7. DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY
Visit Dulwich Picture Gallery for a host of family activities for all ages:
- Join the Under 5s Explore: Mini Masterpieces exploratory sessions. 16 Feb
- Get inspired to make art together as a family with Art Sundays FREE creative activities (ages 7 -12). 26 Feb
Dulwich Picture Gallery, LONDON
FREE, booking required / Paid
8. BLOCK 67 FAMILY STUDIO: SHADOW STORIES WITH ANDRÉ VERISSIMO
Explore things that scare us through shadow puppets and sound. We will turn some of our fears into shadow puppets and stories while creating our own soundscapes using instruments, voice and recordings. 18 Feb
Block 67, Folkestone KENT
FREE
COOKING CLASSES
9. FAMILY STUDIO: WOVEN WORLDS
Calling all mini bakers! Grab your aprons and get ready to whisk up some tasty cupcakes while grown-ups get treated to a delicious cream tea. 13 – 15 Feb
Join Fenwicks this February Half Term for our children’s dough-lightfully fun Pizza-Making Classes whilst parents enjoy a delicious brunch. 15 – 17 Feb
Bracknell BERKSHIRE, Brent Cross and Kingston LONDON, and Canterbury KENT
FREE, booking required
10. CHEF’S SCHOOL AT PIZZA PILGRIMS SELFRIDGES
Take your little chef to Pizza Pilgrims’ pizza masterclass, hosted by an experienced chef. Kids are welcome to dress up, too! 14 Feb
Pizza Pilgrims Selfridges, Oxford Street LONDON
Suitable for ages 6+
Paid
FESTIVALS
11. MAIDSTONE LIGHT UP FESTIVAL
See Maidstone Town Centre lit up during the evening with light displays and interactive installations as well as live, culturally diverse entertainment. 03 Feb
FREE
12. IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
Get ready for Southbank centre’s annual festival for children aged 0 – 11 and their grown-ups: 11 days jam-packed with more than 100 events, 50% of which are completely FREE. 08 – 18 Feb
Southbank Centre, LONDON
Suitable for ages 0 – 11
FREE, booking required / Paid
MUSEUMS
13. THE WILD ESCAPE
Join the Natural History Museum (NHM) for The Wild Escape, a series of FREE events and activities inspired by the artwork and wildlife specimens in the museum’s collection. 05 & 14 Feb
NHM, South Kensington LONDON
Suitable for ages 4+
Admission
14. NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM (NAM)
NAM’s interactive galleries and family-focused events mean there are plenty of things for all ages to do this month:
- Meet real and imagined characters from the Army’s past and hear their amazing stories in the galleries. Meet Tommy Roper, a soldier from 2 Commando; Sister Evelyn Morgan, a nurse who newly arrived in France as part of the 1944 Normandy Landings; and Walter Tull, a professional footballer and one of the British Army’s first infantry officers of black heritage (ages 7+). 05, 19 & 26 Feb
- Travel back to the 1940s and create your own ration book in this fun, creative workshop (ages 5+). 14 – 17 Feb
- Join an exciting family tour and discover what soldiers’ rations are really like and how they have changed throughout time (ages 5+). 14 – 17 Feb
NAM, Chelsea LONDON
Suitable for ages 7+
FREE admission, booking required
15. BRICK DINOS
Step back in time with Brick Dinos! Discover the Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods like never before and meet dinosaurs and other prehistoric giants face to face, each one masterfully built using LEGO® bricks. 10 Feb – 29 Oct
Horniman Museum & Gardens, Forest Hill LONDON
Suitable for all ages
Paid
16. MAIDSTONE MUSEUM
Look at the latest events taking place at Maidstone Museum:
- Join the Maidstone Museum for a FREE Hoodening family fun day, including, Musicians ‘Lunatraktors’ and ‘Rosa Irwin-Clarke’ playing in the galleries and ‘Rabble Folk Theatre’ performing a hoodening play. 11 Feb
- Spend a fun day discovering the weird and wonderful performance art of hoodening, a Kentish folklore tradition, with expert curator James Frost and create your own hooden horse (ages 8 – 12). 11 Feb
- Get ready for three days of Folklore themed Make It! sessions for children. Linked to the Animal Guising and the Kentish Hooden Horse exhibition (ages 4 – 11). 14 – 6 Feb
Maidstone Museum, KENT
FREE/ Paid
17. THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS (RIBA)
Enjoy RIBA’s exciting programme for families to play, learn and explore architecture together. From big builds and digital workshops to drawing and performance:
- Join RIBA Learning for a morning of creative drawing and making in this family workshop, ‘Blueprints’. Be inspired by our world-leading architecture collections and learn simple techniques of printmaking (ages 6 – 12). 11 Feb
- Join RIBA for this two-day creative architecture workshop and discover the opportunity of narrative-led design with exhibition designers West Port Architects (ages 15 – 18). 13 & 14 Feb
- You have been given an at-risk building to look after… will you destroy, develop or leave it? Deciding its destiny will be up to you in this exciting architectural workshop (ages 11 – 14). 15 Feb
- Join an introductory online architecture workshop for young people aged 15 to 18. Learn basic key architectural movements and need-to-know architects throughout history, right through to the present day. 16 Feb
- Join this creative architecture workshop to explore ways to make our housing work for future generations. (ages 7 – 10). 17 Feb
RIBA, Fitzrovia LONDON
Paid
18. WATER POWER
Explore the wonders of waterpower this February half term! Get stuck into hands-on STEAM activities and get creative with a community art project. Plus, our fun Water Movers Science Show explorers how we get water where we want it to be. 11 – 19 Feb
London Museum of Water & Steam, Brentford LONDON
FREE with admission
19. FEBRUARY HALF TERM
Join London Transport (LT) Museum over the February half term for lively games and craft activities that celebrate London’s famous Tube network and the ways it connects people to the places they love. 11 – 19 Feb
LT Museum, Covent Garden LONDON
Suitable for all ages
FREE with admission
20. THE ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM
The Royal Air Force Museum London is a great family day out – whatever the weather:
- See what it would be like to be a pilot with exclusive access to the cockpit of the Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer, which flew in service during the Gulf War! 11 – 19 Feb
- Join the popular Airfix Make and Take Workshops where families can come together to build a model of the Sopwith Pup or if you want even more of a challenge, take on the Mitsubishi A6M2b “Zero” (ages 4+). 11 – 19 Feb
- Take part in STEM activities and workshops this February’s Half-Term at the RAF Museum London (all ages)! 11 – 19 Feb
The Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon LONDON
Paid
21. THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD
Plan your family day out in Kent at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. We’ve got 80 acres for kids to explore and get hands on with history:
- Make your way to the Medway Light Nights FREE festival of lights; the two-night extravaganza is back and set to be even bigger, better and brighter. 11 – 12 Feb
- Join in at the ‘Yard for some GIANT Games! The Dockyard’s own 3 Slip is transformed into the ‘Big Top’ to enjoy traditional games but BIGGER! From Skittles, Hopskotch, Noughts and Crosses and more. 11 – 19 Feb
The Historic Dockyard, Chatham KENT
Paid
22. DESIGN CAMPS
Our Design Camps are fun and engaging in-person workshops. 13 – 15 Feb
The Design Museum, Kensington LONDON
Suitable for ages 8 – 11 and young people aged 11 – 14
Paid
23. NOTEWORTHY WOMEN
Join this week of free family fun activities, from storytelling sessions to discovery tables! 13 – 17 Feb
Bank of England, LONDON
Suitable for ages 7 – 11
FREE, booking required
24. VICTORIA AND ALBERT (V&A) MUSEUM
Families can enjoy free activities at the museum every day. During the school holidays, there are hands-on-making events and performances to inspire the whole family. The ever-changing programme is designed for all ages and encourages play and learning through the V&A collection and temporary exhibitions:
- Find out more about Korean Calligraphy (ages 7+). 13 & 14 Feb
- Be inspired by the interactive display Meet again The More, The Better and create a video art (ages 5+)! 15 – 17 Feb
- Take part in this family workshop and create your own Korean mask (ages 5+)! 15 – 17 Feb
- Use recycled materials to create your very own moving puppet (ages 5+). 26 Feb
V&A Museum, South Kensington LONDON
FREE / Paid
25. HALF-TERM WORKSHOPS
Discover what family-friendly workshops are on during the upcoming half-term! 14 – 17 Feb
Foundling Museum, Bloomsbury LONDON
Suitable for ages 5 – 12
Paid [Free golden tickets are available for residents and families in receipt of Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, Personal Independence Payment and Job Seekers Allowance]
26. FAMILY ACTIVITIES – ZULU WARS
Join the Royal Engineers Museum this holiday and become a Zulu warrior. 14 – 17 Feb
Foundling Museum, Bloomsbury LONDON
FREE, with admission
27. ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH (RMG)
Find all your family activities at one of the family-friendly museums: learn something new, get crafty, or get stuck into an activity:
- Play giant board games and meet colourful characters on board the legendary Cutty Sark. 11 – 19 Feb
- In this morning of science and discovery, you’ll begin by travelling across the solar system in the planetarium to our neighbour, the planet Mars. 14 & 15 Feb
Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory, Greenwich LONDON
Suitable for ages 7+
Paid
28. HALF-TERM SCIENCE FUN AT THE RI
Visit the Ri this February half-term for a series of fun and educational public events on science and maths.
- Discover a range of school holidays workshops, bringing all areas of science to life (ages 7 – 10 and 11 – 14). 13 – 18 Feb
- Learn to speak whale in this Turing Lecture (ages 11+). 14 Feb
- Enjoy short talks in Ri’s famous Theatre and get stuck into experiments, demonstrations, creative activities and making things to take home on this Family Fun Day (ages 7 – 12). 18 Feb
- Explore how we can now capture images of black holes using the Event Horizon Telescope, what we can learn from these images, and how these and future explorations will help advance our understanding of the origins of space, time, and the Universe itself (ages 13+). 25 Feb
The Royal Institution, Mayfair LONDON
Paid
29. EXPLORE, BUILD, PLAY
Work with artists James and Eva from Play Build Play to seek out decorative details throughout the Gallery. 14 – 16 Feb
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square LONDON
Suitable for all ages
FREE
30. FEBRUARY HALF-TERM WORKSHOPS
The Cartoon Museum February Half Term Workshops 2023 are here. There are five fantastic workshops, each with different dates and times to suit your schedule. 15 – 18 Feb
The Cartoon Museum, Camden LONDON
Suitable for ages 5 – 7 and 8 – 14
Paid
31. FAMILY WOODBLOCK PRINTING
Join artist Hiroko Imada to try your hand at Japanese woodblock printing. 16 Feb
Buckingham Palace, LONDON
Suitable for ages 6+
Paid
32. THE WORLD OF PETER RABBITTM STORYTIME TRAIL
Hop into this walkthrough experience, where visitors can immerse themselves in The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Little bunnies can crawl under the garden gate, hide in a watering can, and see their reflection in a mirror pool, just like Peter Rabbit! With photo opportunities and activities to take part in along the way, there are plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy this well-loved tale. 18 Feb – 16 Apr
The Beaney, Canterbury KENT
Donation
MUSIC
33. WIGMORE HALL
Participate in interactive workshops and concerts for families, from informal concerts for parents or carers with babies under 1 to creative music workshops and concerts for the whole family:
- Join experienced music leaders and musicians in these creative music-making workshops for families (ages 7 – 11). 15 Feb
- Experience dynamic performances from world-class musicians in these fun and informative family concerts (ages 7 – 11). 17 Feb
- Hear lively performances by musicians from the Royal Academy of Music in these concerts, presented especially for parents or carers and babies under 1.
Wigmore Hall, Marylebone LONDON
Paid
34. ROYAL ALBERT HALL (RAH) PRESENTS CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Enjoy a wide range of shows and events for children and families to get involved in, which all promise an unforgettable day out:
- Enjoy three simple, funny and gently paced stories where animal characters act on feelings about ownership, wanting things and fairness that children of this age can relate to in this I Want My Hat Back Trilogy. 13 & 14 Feb
- Join the RAH’s colourful troupe of musicians from Albert’s Band for some musical acrobatics on an action-packed trip to the circus (ages 4 -11)! 15 Feb
RAH, South Kensington LONDON
Paid
35. SPARKS EVENTS
Looking for a way to introduce children to music for the first time or inspiring ways to delve deeper, RCM Sparks has a programme of events just for you:
- Discover the wonderful world of musical instruments in this fun exploratory Mini Music Makers session in the Royal College of Music (RCM) Museum (ages 2 -5). 14 Feb
- Enjoy this interactive concert inspired by objects, stories and exhibitions from the Royal College of Music Museum with singer and workshop leader Merit Stephanos (ages 7 – 12). 16 Feb
RCM, Kensington LONDON
Paid
OUTDOORS
36. ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW
Discover inspiring opportunities for families to learn together about plants and the natural world:
- Explore Kew Gardens’ much-loved annual orchid festival, bigger and better than ever. 04 Feb – 05 Mar
- Join the superhero squad, learn a new skill every half term and become a hero for the natural world at Wakehurst. 11 – 19 Feb
- Grab a leaflet packed with fun missions – complete these to win a Bird Buddy badge for your superhero cape*. This is not just an epic cape, but a chance to show off the badges you collect, building up your Nature hero skillset (ages 3+)! 11 – 19 Feb
Kew Gardens Richmond, LONDON and Wakehurst, Haywards Heath SUSSEX
FREE with admission
37. EMERGING NATURE
Get back in touch with the great outdoors this February half term at Hever Castle. 11 – 19 Feb
Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge KENT
FREE with admission
38. OUTDOOR ADVENTURER
Join Leeds Castle in a great outdoor adventure! 11 – 19 Feb
Leeds Castle, Maidstone KENT
FREE with admission
39. MAKE HISTORY THIS HALF-TERM
Make history this half-term by joining characters from the past for historical hijinks and hands-on shenanigans at sites across the country.
Get active outdoors and enjoy great-value days out with fun-filled family activities at your favourite castles, abbeys, and historic houses. 11 – 19 Feb
English Heritage Sites NATIONWIDE
FREE with admission
40. NATIONAL TRUST
Spend some quality time together for the February half-term with lots of things to do at places near you. Get ready for a half-term adventure with outdoor family trails, nature-inspired activities, and fun with crafts. Be inspired with some ideas below, plus you can search for what’s on near you.
- Get ready for some pre-historic fun at Scotney this half-term as you trek through the garden in search of dinosaurs (toddlers – pre-teens). 11 – 19 Feb
- Get creative this half term and learn about the birds at Knole (ages 5+). 15 Feb
Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells and Knole, Sevenoaks, KENT
Paid
41. HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES
- Meet Isaac Newton, the new Warden of the Royal Mint, this February Half Term at the Tower of London. 11 – 19 Feb
- Spark your children’s imagination with an unforgettable visit to Henry VIII’s famous palace this February half term. 11 – 19 Feb
Tower of London, LONDON and Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey SURREY
FREE, with admission
42. WOODLAND TRIBE BUILD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON
Come together with Woodland Tribe to create extraordinary structures and play spaces using sustainable reclaimed wood alongside traditional building tools and materials. 11 – 15 Feb
University of East London, Stratford, LONDON
Suitable for ages 5 – 14
FREE, booking required (Tickets are currently sold out online, HOWEVER there are limited walk-ins available at all time slots.
THEATRE
43. LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE (LAT)
The puppet theatre for children and their families has plenty on in Feb
- See String Theatre Production’s A Water Journey (ages 5+). 03 – 05 Feb
- Watch A Little Angel Theatre, Blouse and Skirt Theatre Company, Goblin Theatre and Mercury Theatre co-production, The Instrumentals (ages 4 – 8). 10 Feb – 16 Apr
LAT, Islington LONDON
Paid
44. HALF MOON YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE
Experience a Half Moon production at value-for-money prices; all tickets are only £7:
- Go and join in with the story of The Little Red Hen and lend a hand in making a most delicious loaf of bread (ages 2 – 5). 04 Feb
- Enjoy puppetry, shadows, illusion, and specially composed music combined to create a Pinocchio for all ages; it’s inventive, visually and verbally witty, and has a big heart (ages 4+). 10 & 11 Feb
- Experience an intimate, interactive theatrical experience for Early Years audiences in a collaboration between sound artists and theatre makers. Babble values and celebrates children’s voices in whatever language they speak (ages 3 – 5). 18 Feb
- Attend a very first opera for 0-3-year-olds. A love song to nature for babies and their grownups that explores the interconnectedness of life on earth. Combining the joy of gentle, classical singing and sensory play, Giftis an invitation to see beauty in the smallest things and to let plants be our guides. 24 & 25 Feb
Half Moon Theatre, Whitechapel LONDON
Paid
45. HANGING BY A THREAD
Join multi-award-winning Italian puppet company Di Filippo Marionette and grace the Puppet Theatre Barge for a fortnight’s residency. 11 – 26 Feb
Puppet Barge, Little Venice LONDON
Suitable for ages 3+
Paid
46. POLKA THEATRE
Discover What’s On and Visit Polka Theatre in Wimbledon:
- Join Jack, a brave young girl who embarks on a giant adventure when she sells the family cow in return for magic beans… Come on an unforgettable musical journey from underground gold mines, climbing the beanstalk, to a golden castle in the sky (ages 4 – 8). 11 Feb – 26 Mar
- Go and explore an ecosystem of balloons: universes in miniature. You’ll meet all balloons in Rise, from small floating moons to vast bouncing orbs (ages 2 – 5). 15 – 19 Feb
- Join a fun, wild and boisterous adventure full of paw-tapping music and dancing, played live on-stage by actor-musicians (ages 6 -11). 25 & 26 Feb
Polka Theatre, Wimbledon LONDON
Paid
47. THE SHAKESPEARE GLOBE
Introduce the family to Shakespeare with activities created especially for younger audiences. From shows and storytelling sessions to workshops and family tours, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. 12 Feb – 27 Aug
The Shakespeare Globe, Bankside LONDON
Paid
48. HIBERNATION
Be transported to a magical forest full of mirth, live music, and marvellous creatures. 14 – 18 Feb
Battersea Arts Centre, LONDON
Suitable for ages 3 – 7
Pay What You Can
49. HEY DUGGEE
SQUIRRELS GET READY! Everyone’s big lovable dog Hey Duggee is. 18 & 19 Feb
The Marlowe, Canterbury KENT
Suitable for all ages
Paid
50. JOHN LAWSONS CIRCUS
Roll up, roll up and see the greatest circus around this half-term! John Lawson’s Circus is coming to Ruxley Manor this February half-term once again! With plenty of family entertainment to dance, scream and sing along to, you’re sure to be entertained. 13 – 19 Feb
Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup, KENT
Paid
