February half term in London is always lots of fun and this year is no exception. In addition to the new Ally Pally Rooftop Adventure and a new exhibition dedicated to Wallace & Gromit at the Young V&A there are festivals, exhibitions, interactive experiences and much, much more to enjoy. Even better, many of these events are free.
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February half term holiday dates for 2026 is from Monday 16 February to Friday 20 February. These are the dates when the majority of schools in London will be off, there might be the odd individual school, including community schools, that have their own term dates but February 16 to 20 is peak half term week.
Don’t forget, if you need somewhere to stay in London with kids then take a look at our recommendations on the best family hotels.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy for more details.
Our top picks for February half term in London
There is so much taking place this week that it’s impossible to fit it all in. If you’re wondering what events you really shouldn’t miss, then the following are our picks for this February half term in London:
- A new rooftop adventure, SUMMIT, arrives at Alexandra Palace this month
- The Chinese New Year Parade, this year celebrating the Year of the Horse
- The immersive Mundo Pixar Experience opens at a dedicated space in Wembley
- Meet Wallace & Gromit and Friends at the Young V&A’s new exhibition dedicated to the British animation studio, Aardman
- Voyage to the Deep at the Horniman Museum, a new temporary exhibition inspired by Jules Verne’s novel, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
- A musical adaptation of Maz Evan’s novel, Who Let the Gods out opens at the Polka Theatre
- The excellent Imagine Festival returns to the Southbank Centre
Book tickets to London’s most popular attractions
- Book tickets for the London Eye
- Book tickets for the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels
- Book Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- Book Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport from London
The best things to do during February half term in London
Museum Exhibitions & Experiences
This is one of the best times of year to visit London’s Museums with almost all of them hosting February half term events and activities.
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends
Shaun the Sheep fans should make a beeline for the Young V&A this half term in London and their new exhibition that explores behind the scenes of Aardman Animation. Held to celebrate the animation studio’s 50th anniversary year, this family-friendly exhibit peeks behind the scenes of everyone’s favourite stop-motion animations to find out how the clever folk at Aardman bring clay to life.
The exhibition opens Thursday 12 February.
Family Activities at the National Gallery
This February half term the National Gallery are hosting their popular Decoding Pictures tours, which are a wonderful way to get young children interested in art. Led by museum educators, the tours encourage kids to think about what the pictures are saying to us.
The 45-minute-long sessions take place on February 17, 18 and 19 at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2.30pm. The 40 minute sessions are free but spaces are limited and wristbands are given on a first come first served basis 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Family Workshops at the Foundling Museum
A handful of family workshops are taking place at the Foundling Museum this half term, all themed around music.
On 17 February, children and their parents can learn how to make a 3D musical diorama. On 18 February, children are invited to craft their own musical instrument followed by learning to make a music map on 19 February. On 20 February families are invited to discover their voices with actress and musician Carys Lewis.
These sessions are paid for and are open to families with children aged 5-12. Booking is essential.
STEM Week at the Royal Air Force Museum
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths are essential skills when it comes to aeroplanes and this half term you can hone your skills at the Royal Air Force Museum. Choose from one of two ticketed activities taking place including an interactive bubbly maths show (for ages 4+) and out-of-this-world laser tag sessions (for ages 7+).
These activities are aimed at children aged 4 to 12 but kids of all ages are welcome. These activities are paid for and it’s well worth booking in advance.
The Jolly Postman at the Postal Museum
The Postal Museum is always fun for the whole family and this February half term is no exception.
In addition to the Mail Rail and Sorted! play area, The Jolly Postman is visiting and needs your help delivering letters. Children are invited to craft clues for fairy-tale characters’ houses in Fairy-Tale Land so that the Jolly Postman knows where to go. Kids can also draw and write messages to their favourite fairy-tale friend.
Visit on Thursday 19 February and you can also enjoy a family story time session, inspired by Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s book, The Jolly Postman.
Arts and crafts activities take place from Saturday 14 to Friday 20 February and are free, drop in sessions. Family storytelling takes place on Thursday 19 February at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.45pm.
Get Active at the London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum always hosts excellent family workshops during the school holidays and this February half term is no exception. Head to the Covent Garden museum and learn how walking, wheeling, cycling, rowing and moving makes London a healthier city.
The week-long programme is packed full of creative crafts, lively music session and hands-on activities for all ages. Activities include music and movement for Under 5s, boat building, lifesaving skills, cycling crafts and much more.
All activities are included in the admission price and take place between Saturday 14 and Thursday 19 February.
Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A Museum
You’ve still got time to see Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A Museum, a fashion-fuelled look at the lasting influence of Marie Antoinette that’s perfect for teens. The exhibition closes on Sunday 22 March.
Wes Anderson: The Archives at the Design Museum
Fans of Wes Anderson films won’t want to miss this retrospective exhibition devoted to the filmmakers distinctive cinematic output. Produced in collaboration with la Cinémathèque française, the Design Museum has been granted unprecedented access to Wes Anderson’s personal archives from the last three decades.
The exhibition runs until 26 July 2026.
Hands-on History at the London Museum Docklands
Enjoy lots of free fun at the London Museum Docklands this February half term with a series of activities inspired by London’s rich history. Shape your own clay Roman pot, craft shiny Viking brooches, decorate a biscuit shield, create your own digital pattern inspired by objects in the museum’s collection a more.
Activities take place between 14 to 20 February and are free but some do require advance booking.
February Family Festival at the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum’s exhibition, Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?, closes on Sunday 22 February so this is your last chance to enjoy not only the out-of-this-world exhibit. , but the museum’s space-themed family festival.
Also taking place this February half term in London is the museum’s space-themed family festival.
Get creative with LEGO and hands-on with the museum’s Learning Volunteers; meet the resident scientists and see specimens from the museum’s incredible collections; discover the animals that suggest life could exist beyond Earth: learn about the awesome asteroids in our solar system and much more.
The museum is particularly busy during school holidays so it’s recommend that you book free general admission tickets ahead of time. All events are free apart form teh T. Rex Show with Teach Rex which is paid for and should be booked in advance.
The February Family Festival runs from 14 – 22 February.
Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures at the Horniman Museum
Inspired by Jules Verne’s novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas, the Horniman Museum invites families to board the legendary Nautilus submarine and dive into an extraordinary underwater adventure. Meet incredible sea creatures, explore uncharted waters and discover hidden wonders of life beneath the waves.
This promises to be a magical underwater adventure where you can crawl through shipwrecks, command the Nautilus submarine, come face to face with a giant squid and more.
Also visiting the Horniman Museum this February half term in London are the Octonauts: look out for their Creature Reports alongside fish tanks in the exhibition.
This promises to be a popular exhibition so make sure to book your tickets in advance. The exhibition opens on 13 February and runs until 1 November 2026.
Family activities at the National Maritime Museum
Head to Greenwich and the National Maritime Museum this February half term for some fun family activities inspired by LGBTQ+ History Month. Activities include storytelling and singing as well as maritime arts and crafts workshops (from zine-making to creating rainbow fish, and more!).
These free activities take place from 15 to 20 February with different activities taking place on different days, check the website for details.
Family Station at The British Library
The British Library’s Family Station, located on the Upper Ground Floor, will be open daily over the February half term and is a great place to entertain younger children, particularly on rainy days. Filled with creative resources including sensory items and a reading corner, this is a good place to stop and pause while exploring the city.
Wayne McGregor: Infinite Bodies – Family Day at Somerset House
Wayne McGregor: Infinite Bodies celebrates the visionary practice of Sir Wayne McGregor CBE and explores the choreographer’s collaborations with arts, designers, filmmakers and musicians.
On Thursday 19 February, families are invited for a free day of activities inspired by the exhibition. Learn how technology connects our bodies through movement, art and imagination with interactive experiences and workshops for all ages. Make your own holographic art, play in a specially commissioned play space and create robotics-inspired collages.
Samurai Medieval to Modern at The British Museum
Head to The British Museum this February half term in London for a fun family visit to the museum’s free, three-day festival. Inspired by the museum’s upcoming Samurai exhibition, families are invited to join artists and performers for traditional tories and hands-on creative workshops for children aged 6 and over.
Activities include making an origami samurai helmet, designing and making nobori banners and traditions Japanese storytelling and drumming.
The family festival runs from Monday 16 February to Wednesday 18 February with different activities on specific days. Activities are free and non-ticketed and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hawai’i at The British Museum
One for older kids is this recently opened exhibition celebrating the history and art of the island of Hawai’i. Expect feathered cloaks worn by chiefs, weapons made with shark’s teeth and works by Native Hawaiian artists.
The British Museum exhibition marks more than 200 years since King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu travelled across vast oceans on a journey that would mark a turning point in the history of their kingdom, Hawaiʻi. Sadly, they contracted a fatal illness during a visit to the Royal Military Asylum in Chelsea.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Ongoing at the Natural History Museum is the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition showcasing some of the world’s best wildlife photographers as they capture “the natural world in all its fragility and diversity”. The 100 photographs on display are always amazing.
Although the NHM itself enjoys free entry, you do need to purchase tickets for the exhibition. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year runs until 12 July 2026.
Family fun on board the Cutty Sark
There’s lots of fun happening this February half term on board the Cutty Sark with a range of creative events to choose from inspire day LGBTQ+ history month.
Among the craft workshops you can create your own nautical icons in rainbow coloured ‘stained glass’ (Thursday 19), create your own personally inspired artwork (Wednesday 18) and make your own peg-doll crew using wooden pegs, fabric scraps and ribbons (Tuesday 17).
You’ll also get the chance to meet colourful characters from the ship’s past, plus there are family trails to follow around the historic ship.
Activities run from 14 to 22 February, check website for details as not all activities take place every day. Activities are free with entry to the ship.
Family events at the V&A
There are a series of family-friendly activities taking place at the V&A Museum in South Kensington over the half-term holiday including bag making, a School of Confidence, book reading, clay making and much more. Top of my list is “The Power of Pouf with Hannah Wild”.
The various family days workshops take place on different dates so check the website for details.
Mischief at the Tower of London
Join Dennis and his Beano pals at the Tower of London this February half term. The gang have crashed their Time Machine into the fortress and they need your help finding all the pieces so they can repair their go-kart and fly back to Beanotown.
Mischief at the Tower of London is included in palace admission and runs from 14 to 22 February.
Here be dragons! at Tower Bridge
Look out for dragons on your visit to Tower Bridge this February half term and learn more about these mythical stone beasts and their link to London. This free (with your ticket to Tower Bridge) family drop-in session takes place on Saturday 14 February and is aimed at children aged aged 6 to 10.
Days Out & Events
From Vets in Action at the London Zoo and Magical Mischief at the Warner Bros Studio Tour to Muddiest at the London Wetland Centre, here’s what to do this half term in London.
Summit: Ally Pally Rooftop Adventure
Opening in time for the February half term is London’s newest rooftop adventure, and the highest rooftop walk in the UK. Summit invites visitors to walk along the rooftop of the iconic Alexandra Palace and learn all about this historic building and its 150 years of history while enjoying views across the city.
Summit opens on 14 February. Minimum age is 8 years old.
Mundo Pixar Experience
Dive into life-size sets from Disney Pixar films February half term at the travelling immersive show, Mundo Pixar Experience.
Journey through 14 immersive rooms, each one dedicated to a different Pixar film including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc, Cars and Inside Out 2.
The Mundo Pixar Experience opens on Friday 13 February in Wembley.
Vets in Action at ZSL London Zoo
The popular Vets in Action is back at ZSL London Zoo this half term!
This award-winning role-playing experience for budding veterinarians is great fun and a wonderful way for children to get a closer look at the work carried out by the zoo.
Novice vets begin their mission in the Departures Lounge where they will learn about the important role vets play and be assigned their specific tasks, helping experts in the field rescue of a young rhino. They will also learn about real world conservation challenges when they help perform health checks on salamanders rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.
The 40-minute journey into the world of animal care and veterinary science, Vets in Action, takes place from 14 to 22 February and is included in the entry price; tickets must be booked in advance.
Elizabeth I’s Great Gift Off at Hampton Court Palace
When Queen Elizabeth I demands a gift, everyone obeys! The best gift will win the Queen’s favour so it’s a fight for first place among the courtiers. Four of them are in the running to present their gift but it’s up to you to see if you can present the best gift at all.
During your visit to Hampton Court Palace you must find out what gift each courtier is planning to give the Queen and then meet her to see if you can beat them with a fabulous gift idea of your own.
Discover live performances across the palace throughout your visit. Scenes will run daily 10:30 – 15:30. Elizabeth I’s Great Gift Off will run from 14 to 22 February.
Magical Mischief Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Discover the filmmaking trickery required to pull off the magical mishaps in the Harry Potter films this month at the Warner Bros studio. Learn the secrets behind the making of the levitating cake, try your hand at making an origami holder and discover how filmmakers created pandemonium when the Weasley twins disrupted the quiet exams – and more.
Shaun the Sheep and Fun with the Flock at Wakehurst
Head to Wakehurst Gardens this February half term for a fun Shaun the Sheep Augmented Reality (AR) adventure trail.
Held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Aardman Animations, this immersive experience will see families tasked with helping Bitzer the dog to completed his daily checklist while meeting Shaun’s friends along the way. Look out for pizza-loving Shirley the ewe, teddy-loving Timmy the lamb and more.
The adventure trail takes place from 14 February to 1 March between 10am and 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm). It costs £5/7members / nonmembers to take part in the trail in addition to entry fees (children under 16 are free).
Family Workshops at the Chelsea Physic Garden
The Chelsea Physic Garden always put on great activities during the school holidays. This half term, four different activities are offered: a chocolate making workshop, a rainbow soap making workshop, a painting from plants workshop and a lavender slime making workshop.
Check the website for dates and times.
Mudfest 2026 at the London Wetland Centre
Enjoy nine days of muddy fun during Mudfest this February half-term at the London Wetland Centre. Learn how to make mud art, discover how birds use mud to craft nest, take part in a mud and spoon race, create the perfect seed bomb and plenty more mud-tastic fun.
Mudfest will be running from 14 to 22 February.
Ice skate at Canary Wharf
One of the best places to banish any winter blues is at Canary Wharf; its ice rink is open until February 22 so you have plenty of time to get your skates on. The park is located in Canada Square Park.
Curling at King’s Cross Coal Drops Yard
Forget bowling and try curling instead! This somewhat curious ancient Scottish sport is the perfect way to entertain the family and six lanes are on offer at Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross for teams of up to six players.
The lanes are open from 12pm – 9pm (last slot 8pm) until 1 March. Find out more here.
The Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens celebrates 30 years of its popular orchid festival this year and, for 2026, the festival is taking inspiration from China. The Princess of Wales glasshouse will be filled with an incredible array of orchids and large-scale floral installations alongside dragons, lanterns and delicate plant sculptures.
This annual festival is a vibrant celebration of colour and warmth to brighten up the winter months and runs from 7 February to 8 March.
Ramses & The Gold of The Pharaohs
Step into the world of Ramses II, one of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs at the Battersea Power Station. It’s an ambitious new exhibition that combines 180 ancient artefacts (think gold treasure, statues and royal relics) with immersive storytelling galleries and multimedia elements.
The exhibition takes place at NEON at Battersea Power Station and opens just after the half term holidays, on February 28.
Half-term on board Tootbus
See London’s most famous sights on boar the Tootbus London Kids Tour. Specifically designed for younger visitors to the capital, the 45-minute tour is jam-packed full of sights, iconic views and photo spots including the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Downing Street and more.
Tickets cost from £19.20 (under 4s are free) and family tickets are from £57.60 for two adults and two kids. The 45-minute tours leave from Charles II Street in central London, near His Majesty’s Theatre.
Family activities at Battersea Power Station
Although the Battersea Power Station Lights Festival is sadly not returning this year, the iconic building is still hosting arts and crafts sessions to keep kids busy.
Options include making valentine friendship bracelets, space rocket model making and a solar system mobile workshop. Other options include learning to make galaxy goo and a hands-on workshop inspired by Chinese Year of the Horse. Activities take place throughout the half term week and should be booked in advance.
Festivals, Shows & Plays
Don’t miss the Chinese New Year Parade taking place this February half term in London – plus more festivals and events!
Chinese New Year Parade
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, falls on 17 February in 2026 and celebrations are planned for the following weekend (21 and 22 February). Celebrate the Year of the Horse with the lively Chinese new Year parade, featuring the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe. The parade will take place on Sunday, starting on the east corner of Trafalgar Square and running up into Chinatown.
Other celebrations will take place across the weekend with street food and performances including lion dances in Chinatown.
Imagine Children’s Festival at the Southbank Centre
One of the best things to take place over the February half term is the annual Imagine Children’s Festival at the Southbank Centre. Showcasing the best in children’s literature, theatre and music, this year’s festival promises to be as good as ever.
There are dozens of events jam-packed into 11 days and over 50% of the festival is completely free.
Highlights this year include a performance of The Princess and the Pea, performed with breathtaking acrobatics; music by Andy and The Odd Socks; an interactive dance rave for children and their families with Deaf hosts; an appearance by Mrs Armitage, Quentin Blake’s marvellous inventor, and much more.
This year, the Imagine Festival takes place from 11 to 21 February at the Southbank Centre. Check the website for full details.
OVO by Cirque du Soleil at The Royal Albert Hall
The Cirque du Soleil are performing their show, OVO, at Royal Albert Hall with their show until 1 March, making it a great option for February half term. Inspired by the magical world of bugs and insects (both real and imagined), the show sees acrobatics leap, soar, juggle, contort, bend and twist in ways you never thought possible.
Family-friendly Theatre at the Arts Depot
North London’s Arts Depot always stages brilliant family performances during the school holidays and this February half term is no exception. Highlights include The Singing Mermaid (16 & 17 February), Camp Innovate: Robotics with LEGO kids (16 Feb); The Great Big Bug Show (19 Feb); Lunary New Year Storytelling Workshop: There Great Race (18 Feb) and much more.
Who Let the Gods Out at the Polka Theatre
Enjoy this stage adaptation of Max Evans’ book, Who Let The Gods Out, this February half term at Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre. Watch our hero Elliot as he battles to save the world…and his mum.
Who Let The Gods Out opens on 7 February and runs until 22 March.
Paddington The Musical
If you haven’t seen the stage adaptation of everyone’s favourite bear from deepest, darkest Peru than book seats for February half term. Paddington The Musical is one of the most enjoyable – and heart-warming – musicals on in London right now.
