Things to do in London with kids this February half term
The February half term is but a skedaddle away, so we've been busy lining up a whole lot of fun things to do in London with kids all through the break.
The Instrumentals Family Workshops & Show, Little Angel Theatre
Want to feel the funk at one of our fave theatres in town, the Little Angel Theatre? Then book up for one of its Family Workshops so you can all make your own soulful, music-inspired puppet! You'll also be taught how to get your puppet get into the groove, leaving you singing and dancing to your own rhythm. This activity is designed for children aged 4-8 together with their parents or carers. Then, once you're done with the puppet fun, extend the adventure and catch live performance of The Instrumentals: a brand-new show for all children with characters, stories and inspiration from the African-Caribbean diaspora. Combined with innovative puppetry and comedy, this wonderful musical journey will have you dancing in the aisles this half term.
When: Workshops, 11th to 19th February. The Instrumentals, 10th February to 16th April.
Where: The Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, London N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com/whats-on/the-instrumentals/
Hang out with Puss & Kitty, Shrek's Adventure! London
We're feline excited about the shenanigans happening over at Shrek's Adventure! London this half term. Puss in Boots and his fur-midable feline friend Kitty Softpaws will be on hand (or paw!) as they celebrate the release of their new big-screen movie, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Expect all the usual Shrek's Adventure! London fun with a big side order of meet and greets, a new interactive trail and some cool activity sheets during the school break.
When: The extra activities are happening 11th to 19th February 2023
Where: Shrek's Adventure! London, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB www.shreksadventure.com/london
Isaac Newton and the Mystery of the Mint, The Tower of London
This February Half Term at the Tower of London where the year is 1696 you'll find Isaac Newton who has arrived at his new post at the Tower only to find a mismanaged tangle of deceit and fraud. The Mint is awash with troublesome gang members forging, clipping, and stealing coins, and he is not willing to keep it running this way. As Newton sets out to bring order to the Royal Mint, he will be looking for people to help him... and that's where YOU come in handy. Will you help him on his quest to untangle a web of deceit and fraud? Don't forget to #londonforkidz on your adventures if you do! And also to read our Guide to The Tower of London before you head on over.
When: 11th - 19th February 2023, You'll find Isaac Newton on the South Lawn at 11.00, 13.00 and 14.30 (unless it's raining, in which case head to the Lower Bowyer Tower where you will find him adding the final touches to his new office). Where: The Tower Of London, St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB
www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london
Family Events, Shakespeare's Globe
Wherefore art thou, family fun for half term? At the Globe, of course! From interactive storytelling of Romeo and Juliet, The Winter’s Tale, or Macbeth, to family workshops led by actors, teachers and directors, there's something cool happening for kids age 5 all the way through to difficult to please teens.
When: Various dates during half term. Where: Shakespeare's Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com/seasons/family-events
Vets in Action, ZSL London Zoo
Calling all wannabe vets to the zoo! This February half term Vets in Action, an award-winning role-playing experience for budding veterinarians, is back at ZSL London Zoo, and we can't wait! Running from11th to 19th February, kids can step into the role of vet during a fun week of interactive family events celebrating the incredible work of its veterinary team. Activities will run from 10.30am - 12.30pm, and 1.30pm - 4pm. When: 11th to 19th February 2023 Where: ZSL London Zoo, Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/whats-on/vets-in-action
Hanging by a Thread, The Puppet Theatre Barge
London's only theatre barge is currently moored in Little Venice and the multi-award winning Italian puppet company, Di Filippo Marionette, is heading there for half term with Hanging by a Thread. Meet characters such as Constantine the Cyclist, Pina the Ballerina and Fred the Tapdancer as they perform a crazy show that's sure to be a hit for kids age 3 and above.
When: 11th to 26th February 2023 Where: Puppet Theatre Barge, 35 Blomfield Road, London W9 2PF
www.puppetbarge.com/hanging-by-a-thread
Imagine Children's Festival, Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre 's annual Imagine Children's Festival returns from 8-18 February with a vibrant cross-arts programme packed with creative experiences for the whole family. With more than 100 events, half of which are FREE, there's something for everyone with half term activities including a modern retelling of Rapunzel by BalletLORENT, talks by Cressida Cowell and Michael Rosen, the return of YolanDa’s Band Jam, a daytime rave with the world’s youngest DJ, and dinosaurs, magic, astronomy, hip-hop and comedy. When: 8th to 1th February 2023 Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Half Term Wellness, London Museum of Docklands
This February half term, bring the family to the Docks and take part in a round-up of rejuvenating wellness activities ranging from mindful art sessions, to guided meditation, family yoga, paper crafts, storytelling and sensory object handling – all for FREE!
When: 11th to 19th February 2023
Where: Museum of London Docklands, No1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL
Out of This World, The Royal Observatory
Now here's a February half term adventure the whole crew will love: The Out of This World programme at The Royal Observatory. Choose from a Mars-themed workshop where you can learn all about the Red Planet, which is suitable for kids age 7 and above, or a planetarium show and interactive workshop for little ones age 3 to 6 called Holiday to Space.
When: Mars workshop: 14th & 15th February, Holiday to Space: 16 & 17th February 2023. Where: Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich SE10 8XJ www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/royal-observatory/holiday-space
Play Build Play, The National Gallery
Celebrate architecture and materials with Play Build Play as the Gallery approaches its building transformation by dropping into a session with artists James and Eva. Suitable for kids of all ages, play with involve scale, shapes and sensory materials to create new structures to move in and around, all under the magnificent domed interior at the centre of the Gallery. When: 14th, 15th & 16th February, 11am to 4pm. Where: National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
www.nationalgallery.org.uk/events
Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish, Southbank Centre
Roustabout Theatre’s acclaimed stage adaptation of Michael Foreman’s, Dinosaurs and All The Rubbish is a roarsome, imaginative retelling of this environmental tale, featuring dancing dinosaurs, rock’n’roll, and a whole lot of riotous fun.
When: 11th and 12th February, 11.30am and 2pm. The show at 11.30am on 12th February is British Sign Language interpreted. Where: Southbank Centre, Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/family-young-people/dinosaurs-and-all-rubbish
The Flying Bath, The Little Angel Theatre
Aimed at little ones age 2-5 years, Julia Donaldson and David Robert's tale, The Flying Bath, is whizzing over to the Little Angel Theatre for half term (and beyond). This lovely, adventurous story splashes into life in an adaptation featuring catchy songs, quirky bath toys and everyday heroes.
When: 10th February until 23rd April 2023 Where: The Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, London N1 2DN
www.littleangeltheatre.com/whats-on/the-flying-bath/
Making Connections, London Transport Museum
The London Underground is celebrating its 160th birthday so London Transport Museum is laying on celebrations this half term around the them of Making Connections, which are included in the price of your museum entry. Activities include a giant game of Connect 4, a puzzle trail through the galleries, and a chance to add your message to the #LoveTheTube wall, on top of the museum's usual exhibits.
When: 11 until 19th February 2023
Where: London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk
Sailing Out, National Maritime Museum
LGBTQ+ History Month is the focus of the Sail (or walk) over to the National Maritime Museum (pictured top) this February half term for its celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month and its Sailing Out programme. The fun includes a workshop where you can create your own hat to celebrate individuality, a rainbow fish craft and a focus on heroes from the LGBTQ+ maritime community, and it's all FREE.
When: 12th until 18th February 2023 Where: National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ground-floor/february-half-term-sailing-out
Top image: via National Maritime Museum
Need more inspo when it comes to things to do in London for the February half term? Then how about:
Hobble on down to Hobbledown Adventure Farm
Nice buns, hun: best burgers in London
Best museums in London for families
Head over to Wands & Wizard Exploratorium
Blast down the river with Thames Rockets
25 things to do in London with kids for FREE
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