For children who go to school in London, 12-16th February is a great time – it's half-term. However, if you're the person responsible for keeping them entertained all week it might not be such a thrilling prospect. Finding affordable and enjoyable ways to keep kids occupied can be difficult. Luckily, London has a whole load of things going on, from special events to destinations that are always fun for kids of all ages. We'll help the whole family enjoy a packed half-term – here's our guide to things to do for February half-term in London.
Things to do for February half-term in London
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February half-term activities
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1Free February half-term dining Affordable family meals
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2The National Gallery Learn about pictures
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3Science Museum Popular interactive museum
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4Southbank Centre Big festival for kids
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5Polka Theatre Theatre just for kids
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6Hoxton Street Monster Supplies Spooky gifts and novelties
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7London Transport Museum Transport fun for families
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8Go Ape High ropes and zip wires
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9Sea Life Discover life underwater
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10Monopoly Lifesized Life-sized board game
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11London Zoo Half-term zoo events
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12Horniman Museum and Gardens Exhibitions and activities
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13All Star Lanes Family day out
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14Tumbling Bay Playground A playground for adventurers
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15Hackney City Farm Working farm in East London
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16The Postal Museum Interactive exhibits and sessions
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17Champions Wharf Play Beach Riverside play area
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18Shakespeare's Globe Shakespeare for kids
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19Finsbury Park Expansive North London park
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20Bunker 51 Activities for adrenaline junkies
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21Flip Out Hours of bouncy fun
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22Clay Time Get creative with clay
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23Golders Hill Park Zoo Interesting animals in the park
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24Diana Memorial Playground Peter Pan-themed playground
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25Queens Ice skating and more
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26Crystal Palace Park Lots of options for kids
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27Theatre Royal Drury Lane Tea and treats at The Lane
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28Bustronome London Unique family city tour
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29Coram's Fields Seven-acre playground
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30Biscuiteers Ice your own biscuits
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31Tootbus Fun and family-friendly
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32Chickenshed Inclusive theatre in North London
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33Foundling Museum Creative workshops for the whole family
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34Bubble Planet Enter a new world
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35Design Museum Skate at the museum
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36The Mind Palace Solve a mystery this half-term
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37The Golden Hinde Guided tours of a historic ship
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38Artsdepot Theatre for all ages
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Jump to
February half-term activities
Affordable family meals
Taking the whole family out for a meal during the holidays might seem expensive but that doesn't have to be the case. A variety of restaurants all over the capital are running offers that let kids eat free during half-term. Whatever type of food your family enjoys, there's sure to be somewhere that takes your fancy. Read our guide to free half-term dining in London to decide where to go.
- Date: 12 February–16 February
Learn about pictures
Located in Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery is one of the most famous in the country. It houses works from the 13th to 20th centuries and has free activities during half-term. Let the gallery's team of educators guide you through the gallery as you learn to decode pictures, or join a drawing or storytelling session.
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Trafalgar Square, Westminster
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Website
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The National Gallery
020-774 728 85 - Read more on Thatsup
Popular interactive museum
With modern style and tons of interactive features, the Science Museum is popular with every age group. Kids can explore loads of exhibits covering different scientific topics, from the history of aircraft and space travel to the climate crisis. There's a gift shop too, full of novelties that'll entertain young people.
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Exhibition Road, Kensington
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Website
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Science Museum
033-005 800 58 - Read more on Thatsup
Big festival for kids
February half-term means the Imagine Children's Festival returns to Southbank Centre. More than 100 events are happening to suit kids of all ages, with many of them being free to join. The festival is designed to stimulated kids' imaginations and includes performances, workshops, and activities covering music, poetry, dance, comedy, and much more.
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Belvedere Road, South Bank/Lambeth/Southwark
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Website
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Southbank Centre
020-387 995 55 - Read more on Thatsup
Theatre just for kids
Wimbledon's Polka Theatre has been putting on children's theatre since 1977. It's an inclusive, imaginative, and vibrant space designed especially for kids. During half-term there's a production suitable for ages 3-7, as well as workshops for kids from six months to 12 years. The venue also has spaces for reading and playing.
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240 The Broadway, Wimbledon/Merton
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Website
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Polka Theatre
020-854 348 88 - Read more on Thatsup
Spooky gifts and novelties
One London shop that will definitely entertain kids is Hoxton Street Monster Supplies. This unique establishment sells all the spooky and surprising items you could possibly want, all in a traditional store. There are distinctive treats and gifts for both adults and children, including marshmallow brain food and chocolate toads.
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159 Hoxton Street, Shoreditch
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Website
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Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
020-772 941 59 - Read more on Thatsup
Transport fun for families
London's transport network is a huge part of life in the city and you can discover more about it at the London Transport Museum. During half-term the museum is celebrating the pioneering work of women in transport. There's a self-directed family trail through the museum, tours guided by a puppet, and creative workshops.
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The Piazza, Covent Garden
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Website
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London Transport Museum
0343-222 50 00 - Read more on Thatsup
High ropes and zip wires
Thrillseeking kids will love a visit to Go Ape. This active treetop and high ropes experience is available at several parks in London. There are courses to explore of various durations and levels of skill, including options designed for younger children. Everyone gets a thorough safety briefing and support from instructors.
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Battersea Park, Battersea Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Haringey Trent Country Park, Cockfosters Road, Enfield Leatherhead Road, ChessingtonGo Ape Battersea
Battersea Park, BatterseaGo Ape Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, HaringeyGo Ape Cockfosters
Trent Country Park, Cockfosters Road, EnfieldGo Ape Chessington
Leatherhead Road, Chessington -
Go Ape Battersea
goape.co.uk/locations/battersea-parkGo Ape Alexandra Palace
goape.co.uk/locations/alexandra-palaceGo Ape Cockfosters
goape.co.uk/locations/cockfostersGo Ape Chessington
goape.co.uk/locations/chessingtonGo Ape Battersea
016-038 955 00Go Ape Alexandra Palace
016-038 955 00Go Ape Cockfosters
016-038 955 00Go Ape Chessington
016-038 955 00 -
Go Ape Battersea Go Ape Alexandra Palace Go Ape Cockfosters Go Ape Chessington
Discover life underwater
Kids can get up close with aquatic creatures at Sea Life London Aquarium. It's a popular attraction for all ages and houses the largest coral reef in the UK. Species here range from penguins to sharks and rainforest creepy crawlies. You can learn more by going to a talk or feeding session.
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Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank/Lambeth/Southwark
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Website
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Sea Life London Aquarium
020-796 780 25 - Read more on Thatsup
Life-sized board game
Don’t stay at home playing board games – visit Monopoly Lifesized instead. This unique game involves moving around a life-sized board and letting your competitive side out. There are several different boards to choose from. It’s suitable for kids aged 9+ and there’s an on-site restaurant to relax in afterwards.
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213-215 Tottenham Court Road, Fitzrovia/Bloomsbury
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Website
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Monopoly Lifesized
020-816 464 69 - Read more on Thatsup
Half-term zoo events
London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world and a big hit with children. A huge range of animals live here, from otters to lions. During half-term there's an events programme dedicated to the zoo's vets; kids can learn about their work through role-playing, talks, and demos.
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Outer Circle, Regent's Park, Camden Town
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Website
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ZSL London Zoo
0344-225 18 26 - Read more on Thatsup
Exhibitions and activities
South London's Horniman Museum and Gardens is a quirky destination with a huge variety of sites and exhibits to explore. There's a museum, aquarium, and lots of outside space. During half-term there are lots of fun activities on for kids including sessions for making a fossil out of clay, trails through the museum, and storytelling sessions.
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100 London Rd
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Website
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Horniman Museum and Gardens
020-869 918 72 - Read more on Thatsup
Family day out
Enjoy a family day out at All Star Lanes. There are several locations around the city with a lively atmosphere that’ll keep everyone entertained. Come for bowling or karaoke and relax in the restaurant. There’s a varied children’s menu and special bundles on family dining. Kids’ parties are also available here.
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95 Brick Lane, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets Victoria House, Bloomsbury Place, Bloomsbury Westfield Stratford City, Montfichet Road, Newham Westfield London, Ariel Way, Hammersmith and FulhamAll Star Lanes Brick Lane
95 Brick Lane, Shoreditch/Tower HamletsAll Star Lanes Holborn
Victoria House, Bloomsbury Place, BloomsburyAll Star Lanes Stratford
Westfield Stratford City, Montfichet Road, NewhamAll Star Lanes White City
Westfield London, Ariel Way, Hammersmith and Fulham -
All Star Lanes Brick Lane
allstarlanes.co.uk/locations/brick-laneAll Star Lanes Holborn
allstarlanes.co.uk/locations/holbornAll Star Lanes Stratford
allstarlanes.co.uk/locations/stratfordAll Star Lanes White City
allstarlanes.co.uk/locations/westfield-white-cityAll Star Lanes Holborn
020-702 526 76All Star Lanes White City
020-316 724 01 -
All Star Lanes Brick Lane All Star Lanes Holborn All Star Lanes Stratford All Star Lanes White City
A playground for adventurers
Kids can work out pent-up energy at Tumbling Bay Playground, set in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The goal of this space is to let kids play in a natural environment. At this lively spot they'll discover treehouses, rock pools, bridges, and slides that work with the park's natural landscape.
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Olympic Park Avenue, Newham
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Website
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Tumbling Bay Playground
020-328 818 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Working farm in East London
Get back to nature in East London at Hackney City Farm. This working farm is open to visitors. Families can meet farmyard animals like pigs and donkeys, explore the garden and grounds, and visit the restaurant. Various activities take place, including weekly clubs for under and over 12s that include working with animals.
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1A Goldsmiths Row, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
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Website
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Hackney City Farm
020-772 963 81 - Read more on Thatsup
Interactive exhibits and sessions
At The Postal Museum you'll discover more about Britain's postal system and heritage. There's interesting stuff for all ages – kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and the chance to ride on the below-ground Mail Rail train. As well as regular play sessions for under-fives, during half-term there are creative sessions themed on postal uniforms.
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15-20 Phoenix Pl, Bloomsbury
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Website
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The Postal Museum
0300-030 07 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Riverside play area
Check out Champions Wharf Play Beach for outdoor play by the Thames. Opened in 2013, this is a fun park for all ages and offers great views of the river. It’s sandy underfoot, there’s a viking boat and a Victorian water taxi, and it’s enhanced with artwork and places to sit down.
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Champions Wharf, Riverside
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Shakespeare for kids
Next to the Thames you'll find Shakespeare's Globe, a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre. Regular performances take place, including shows for children, and family-friendly tours of the building are available too. During half-term kids and families can join acting workshops, storytelling sessions, demonstrations, and tours suited to different age groups.
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21 New Globe Walk, Southwark/City of London
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Website
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Shakespeare's Globe
020-740 199 19 - Read more on Thatsup
Expansive North London park
North London’s Finsbury Park is great for families who need some fresh air. There are spacious grounds to wander, a pond that’s a hotspot for birds and wildlife, sports facilities, a zip wire, a kids’ playground, and a café with child-friendly menus. A walk here is perfect for burning off some energy.
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Finsbury Park
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Activities for adrenaline junkies
Nuclear bunker-themed activity centre Bunker 51 offers a range of thrilling and challenging activities for kids who love an adrenaline rush. There are escape rooms, laser tag, and paintball experiences suited to children and teenagers. If you book a private session here, the event can be tailored to be age-appropriate.
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3 Herringham Road
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Website
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Bunker 51
033-033 380 85 - Read more on Thatsup
Hours of bouncy fun
Kids will be entertained at Flip Out, a trampoline park and indoor playground with a few locations in London. Vibrant and full of colour, they're great for keeping children busy for a few hours. There are various zones to explore including trampolines, obstacle courses, and soft-play spaces for the youngest children. Hours are extended for school holidays too.
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Unit 7 Staples Corner Retail Park, Geron Way, Barnet Centrale Shopping Centre, Frith Road, Croydon 281 Barking Road, Newham Cabot Square, Canary Wharf/Tower HamletsFlip Out Brent Cross
Unit 7 Staples Corner Retail Park, Geron Way, BarnetFlip Out Croydon
Centrale Shopping Centre, Frith Road, CroydonFlip Out London E6
281 Barking Road, NewhamFlip Out Canary Wharf
Cabot Square, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets -
Flip Out Brent Cross
flipout.co.uk/view/flip-out-brent-crossFlip Out Croydon
flipout.co.uk/view/flip-out-croydonFlip Out London E6
flipout.co.uk/view/flip-out-londone6Flip Out Canary Wharf
flipout.co.uk/locations/canary-wharfFlip Out Brent Cross
020-843 271 63Flip Out Croydon
020-346 356 86Flip Out London E6
020-374 541 44Flip Out Canary Wharf
020-858 894 91 -
Flip Out Brent Cross Flip Out Croydon Flip Out London E6 Flip Out Canary Wharf
Get creative with clay
Get creative with pottery at Clay Time, which welcomes children and adults. At this North London ceramics studio, there are sessions for kids to make their own clay pot or paint a pre-made ceramic tile with an original design. You can also hire out the venue for kids' birthday parties.
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168 Blackstock Road
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Website
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Clay Time
020-344 187 87 - Read more on Thatsup
Interesting animals in the park
In North London there’s a zoo you can visit for free – Golders Hill Park Zoo. It’s been in situ for more than 100 years and lets you get close to various animals including lemurs, wallabies, kookaburras, and donkeys. Located in Golders Hill Park, there’s lots of space nearby to walk and play.
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Golders Hill Park, North End Way, Hampstead/Barnet
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Website
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Golders Hill Park Zoo
020-733 235 11 - Read more on Thatsup
Peter Pan-themed playground
Take the kids to Kensington Gardens and visit the Diana Memorial Playground, themed on Peter Pan. This staffed playground is hugely popular, welcoming over a million kids every year. Explore the pirate ship, teepees and totem pole, and sensory trail. This magical spot was designed so kids of all abilities could play together.
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Kensington Gardens, Broad Walk
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Website
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Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
0300-061 20 01 - Read more on Thatsup
Ice skating and more
There's lively fun at Queens. This popular centre is vibrant and full of colour, offering a great time for adults and kids. Leisure ice skating is available, plus a spectators area if you don't want to get on the ice. There's also a bowling alley, arcade, and dining facilities.
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17 Queensway
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Website
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Queens London
020-722 901 72 - Read more on Thatsup
Lots of options for kids
Get some fresh air when you explore Crystal Palace Park. This expansive green space in South London is home to the famous Crystal Palace Dinosaurs, historical dinosaur sculptures you can explore on foot or by pedalo. Kids can also have fun at the skatepark, playground, and one of the country’s largest mazes.
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Thicket Road, Bromley
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Tea and treats at The Lane
During half-term, children get a special deal on the Regency Afternoon Tea served at the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane. In addition to the sumptuous cakes and sweet treats prepared by renowned baker Lily Vanilli and the savouries created by The Lane's own chefs, the afternoon tea comes with a complimentary tub of Marshfield ice cream during half-term.
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Catherine St, Covent Garden
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Website
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Theatre Royal Drury Lane
020-755 773 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Unique family city tour
Families can enjoy a unique city tour with Bustronome. This roving double decker bus has a distinctive glass roof so you can clearly see all the great sights. Adults can enjoy a tasting menu during the two-hour trip, whilst younger foodies can sample a sophisticated three-course menu.
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Coach Bay 40B, Victoria Embankment
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Website
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Bustronome London
020-374 455 54 - Read more on Thatsup
Seven-acre playground
Since 1936, kids in London have been playing at Coram's Fields, a seven-acre playground in Bloomsbury. It's open to everyone aged under 16 and is a great place for some lively fun. There are multiple play areas, including a sensory zone and adventure playground with a zip wire, plus a paddling pool.
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93 Guilford Street, Bloomsbury
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Website
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Coram's Fields
020-783 761 38 - Read more on Thatsup
Ice your own biscuits
Biscuiteers in West London is a place for buying exquisitely-iced biscuits in fun and unique designs, learning how to ice your own, or stopping for a hot drink and a sweet treat. During half-term both locations are offering icing classes that include a big choice of biscuits to decorate, plus a box to take the treats home in.
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14-15 Eccleston Yards, 21 Eccleston Place, Belgravia 194 Kensington Park Road, Notting HillBiscuiteers Belgravia
14-15 Eccleston Yards, 21 Eccleston Place, BelgraviaBiscuiteers Notting Hill
194 Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill -
Biscuiteers Belgravia
biscuiteers.com/biscuiteers-belgraviaBiscuiteers Notting Hill
biscuiteers.com/biscuiteers-shop-icing-cafe-notting-hillBiscuiteers Belgravia
020-395 466 59Biscuiteers Notting Hill
020-772 780 96 -
Biscuiteers Belgravia Biscuiteers Notting Hill
Fun and family-friendly
Take the family on a tour of the city with Tootbus. This modern and fun company offers tours on an open-top double decker, including tours designed specifically with children in mind. You'll see all the major sights, learn some new facts, and enjoy lots of fun along the way.
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Website
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Tootbus London
020-887 717 22 - Read more on Thatsup
Inclusive theatre in North London
Right at the tip of North London there's Chickenshed, an inclusive local theatre with lots on for all ages. Workshops, film screenings, live music, and theatre performances are on here regularly. This half-term, lively theatre shows aimed at children are on. They're made for kids from babies up to age seven.
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290 Chase Side, Enfield
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Website
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Chickenshed
020-829 292 22 - Read more on Thatsup
Creative workshops for the whole family
Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury has a range of great activities going on during half-term. This museum explores London's history through the story of the UK's first first home for children at risk of abandonment. It has an impressive art collection too. During the holidays, families can get involved with a number of creative workshops inspired by the museum's current exhibition.
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40 Brunswick Square, Bloomsbury
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Website
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Foundling Museum
020-784 136 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Enter a new world
Vibrant attraction Bubble Planet takes you into a world of bubbles, with 11 themed rooms that allow big and small kids to let loose. This multi-sensory experiences uses bubbles, lasers, lights, colours, and advanced technology to create a dreamy and immersive experience. The experience takes 60-90 minutes and is suitable for every age group.
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22 Fulton Road, Wembley, Wembley/Brent
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Skate at the museum
The Design Museum is hosting an exhibition that dives into skateboard design and culture, featuring boards owned by the likes of Tony Hawk and Laura Thornhill. As part of the exhibition, they've built a bespoke skate ramp in the gallery itself, where skateboarders can show off their skills during their visit. The ramp is off-limits to children most of the time, but during February half-term, they're offering Open Skate sessions for kids ages 8-16.
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224 Kensington High St, Kensington
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Website
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Design Museum
020-386 259 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Solve a mystery this half-term
West London Sherlock Holmes-themed venue The Mind Palace is laying on an exclusive experience that will entertain the entire family. Your team-working and puzzle-solving skills will be put to the test in this immersive experience that involves cracking clues together and getting out of an escape room. The whole thing lasts almost two hours.
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W12 Shopping Centre, Shepherd's Bush Green, Hammersmith and Fulham
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Website
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The Mind Palace
020-813 000 21 - Read more on Thatsup
Guided tours of a historic ship
The Golden Hinde was the first English ship to sail around the world but today it's a museum permanently docked on the Thames. Visitors can explore the ship or enjoy special events like talks and live music. Throughout half-term there are guided tours taking place regularly, where the whole family can find out what being a 16th century sailor was really like.
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St Mary Overie's Dock, Cathedral Street, Southwark
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Website
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The Golden Hinde
020-740 301 23 - Read more on Thatsup
Theatre for all ages
North London theatre Artsdepot is staging a play during half-term that's suitable for everyone aged two and up. Take the kids along to this modern venue to see an adaptation of the much-loved children's book “Dear Zoo.” The show brings the story to life through puppets, songs, costumes, and lots of exciting zoo animals.
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5 Nether Street, Barnet
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Website
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Artsdepot
020-836 954 54 - Read more on Thatsup