February half term in London is fast approaching so it’s time to get out your diaries and start planning your days because there is a lot to fit in!
London is busy at any time of year but the February half term is a particularly jam-packed week with festivals, time travelling experiences, arts and craft activities, family-friendly shows and much more. Even better, many of these events are free.
February half term 2024 for London schools runs from Monday 12 February to Friday 16 February. Fingers crossed that it’s a little warmer than it has been recently but whatever the weather, there’s plenty go keep you busy in central London (yes, even on rainy days!).
If you need somewhere to stay in London with kids then take a look at our recommendations on the best family hotels.
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What to do in for the 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:
- Chinese New Year celebrations in central London
- Imagine Children’s Festival at the Southbank Centre
- Rebellious, revelling, rotten Romans at the British Museum
- Elizabeth I’s Spy Mission at Hampton Court Palace
- Colonel Blood and the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London
- The Twitchers Museum Adventure at the Horniman Museum
- Fantasy: Realms of Imagination at The British Library
- Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book at the Arts Depot
- Family activities at the Chelsea Physic Garden
- Sky’s the Limit at the Royal Air Force Museum
Chinese New Year 2024 in London
Taking place on Sunday 11 February are London’s annual Chinese New Year celebrations organised by London Chinatown Chinese Association.
Taking place across the West End, these celebrations include activities, street food and performances in Trafalgar Square. Enjoy traditional dragon and flying lion dances, Chinese dance and music shows, martial arts displays, Chinese pop hits and a colourful Chinese New Year parade.
The National Gallery is also joining in the fun with family activities and colourful costume displays to enjoy.
Family Workshops at the Foundling Museum
The Foundling Museum, founded by Philanthropist Thomas Coram in 1739, are hosting a choice of half-term workshops for kids including creating wearable sculptures and brooches out of tin, jewels and found objects; making wire spiders inspired by Louise Bourgeois; creating winter lanterns; and experimenting with printmaking methods to make your very own Louise Bourgeois spiders.
The Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm; workshops take place 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm and are open to families with children aged 5-12. Booking for workshops is essential. See the website for more details.
Imagine Children’s Festival
One of the best children’s festivals in town is the annual Imagine held 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 over 100 events jam-packed into 11 days and over 50% of the festival is completely free.
Highlights include a dance circus fusion from Motoinhouse’s Starchitects: a Cosmic Adventure, a Stand Up to Racism Writing Workshop, talks by Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho and Michael Rosen, CBeebies Ocean Avventure with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and much, much more.
This year, the Imagine Children’s Festival takes place from 7 February to 17 February at the Southbank Centre.
February Half Term at the London Transport Museum
This February half term the excellent London Transport Museum is celebrating 50 years since London Transport began first recruiting women as bus drivers in 1974. This was followed by the recruitment of women as Tube train drivers in 1978.
Celebrate these influential women this half term through a range of fun activities including a Zine-Making Workshop dedicated to nine women who shaped London’s transport network, a ‘Dare to Dream’ poster activity, a ‘Design a Sign’ self-guided discovery trail dedicated to the designer Margaret Calvert and more.
Activities take place at the London Transport Museum throughout the day between Saturday 10 February and Sunday 18 February.
Rebellious, revelling, rotten Romans at the British Museum
Head to The British Museum this half term for five days of Roman-themed activities inspired by the museum’s major new exhibition, Legion: life in the Roman army.
Travel back in time on the museum’s time-travelling trolley to explore the Roman galleries, hear tales of life in Roman times in lively storytelling sessions, help grow the museum’s ‘Legion on the Lawn’ and more.
There’s free entry to all the events, which take place at various locations across the Museum (you don’t need to book but be aware that these drop-in vents operate on a first-come, first serve basis). Events will take place from 12 February to 16 February and are aimed at children aged 5+.
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 learn more about the work carried out by the zoo.
After arriving for work at the Zoo’s specially-recreated zoo vet centre, junior vets will be prepped before helping experts examine, 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 microchipping meerkats to ultrasounding pregnant sloths.
Vets in Action takes place from 10 February – 18 February and is included in the entry price; tickets must be booked in advance.
Around the Table at the Museum of Home
Get your hands dirty when you roll, squash, squeeze and shape clay in a workshop led by Cernamic co-founder Nam or create unique placemats in a workshop led by textile artist Kim Chin.
In both craft activities, families will be encouraged to chat while they create and discuss what happens at the kitchen table in your home.
These free workshops at the Museum of Home take place on Tuesday 13 February from 10.30am – 4pm.
Curling at King’s Cross Coal Drops Yard
Forget bowling and try curling! This ancient Scottish sport is the perfect way to entertain the family. 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 – 8pam until 25 February. Find out more here.
Elizabeth I’s Spy Mission at Hampton Court Palace
Travel back in time to the year 1562 when whispers and secret meetings are taking place in corridors around Hampton Court Palace. Queen Elizabeth I has fallen victim to smallpox and uncertainty reigns at the Tudor Court.
See if you can help Elizabeth’s spymaster discover who might be conspiring to take the throne when you wander through the palace and courtyards. Listen carefully and see if you can decipher the mysterious puzzles and clues.
Half term family fun at Hampton Court Palace takes place from 10 – 18 February and is included in palace admission.
Alegría by Cirque du Soleil
The latest show by Quebec-based circus colossus Cirque du Soleil is based on a kingdom in turmoil. Following the death of its leader, the kingdom is divided in two with one group clinging to traditional ways and the other group, the youthful ‘Bronx’, driving for change.
Like all Cirque shows, Alegría is filled with seemingly impossible, mind-boggling tricks, acts, acrobatics, stunts and showmanship. This is the perfect way to bring some much needed joy into the post-Christmas months. Alegría runs from 11 January until 3 March. Book tickets here.
Ice rink at Canary Wharf
The ice rink at Canary Wharf is welcoming skaters until Saturday February 24 so you have plenty of time to get your skates on. The park is located in Canada Square Park. Book your tickets here.
Colonel Blood and the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London
There’s trouble at the Tower of London this February half term. Criminal mastermind Colonel Blood and his gang of ne’er-do-wells are planning trouble!
This fun, family-friendly event is set in 1671 when the newly made Crown Jewels were being held in the Martin Tower for safekeeping. Visitors could pay a small fee to see them but not every visitor had good intentions!
Watch costumed actors perform the story of Colonel Blood and the Crown Jewels this half term in London with performances taking place outside the Crown Jewel queue, the cafe and by the Martin Tower.
This event takes place between 10.30am and 4.30pm daily from February 10 to February 18 and is included in palace admission. Book tickets to the Tower here.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year continues at the Natural History Museum with 100 photographs showcasing some of the world’s best wildlife photographers. Book tickets here.
One Hundred Yokai Parade at the Young V&A
The Young V&A’s excellent Myths to Manga exhibition is the inspiration for the free activities taking place at the museum over the February half-term holidays.
Themed around Japanese Yokai (monsters) there are a handful of family-friendly events to choose from. Design and draw your own yokai with illustrator Nanami Takeuchi, use origami techniques to make your own monster with the help of artist Toshiko Kurata, create your own emakimono (a traditional Japanese story stroll), design patterns for a kimono and more.
These creative activities take place across the museum between Wednesday 14 February to Friday 16 February; some events do require pre-booking so check the website for details.
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 half term including a drop-in design activity inspired by the museum’s DIVA exhibition.
Try on pieces from the DIVA Families Collection, explore the types of materials and colours that make you feel great, pose for photos and discover what it means to express yourself through fashion.
Also on the calendar is a textiles workshop and a School of Confidence where you can explore your inner diva in a family-friendly performance workshop.
The various family days workshops take place on different dates so check the website for details.
Frozen the Musical
Although by no means new for February half term 2024, it’s still worth mentioning the magic that is Frozen the Musical, especially as it has been confirmed that it will close on 8 September. Watching the story of Anna and Elsa on stage is the perfect way to spend a day over half term. Don’t forget to enjoy the rest of Covent Garden with the kids while there.
Book tickets here or check here for ways to save money on theatre tickets.
Tidy at Polka Theatre
Watch the world premiere of Emily Gravett’s tale Tidy, about Pete the badger who gets carried away cleaning up the forest and accidentally destroys his own home. This much-loved children’s book is being brought to life over February half term in London at the Polka Theatre and will run until 24 March. Aimed at children aged 3-7 years old.
Turn It Up: The Power of Music at the Science Museum
A great time is guaranteed when you visit the Science Museum’s exhibition, Turn It Up: The Power of Music. The exhibition explores how and why music drives us to create, perform, feel and connect with others. Enjoy plenty of interactive exhibits including a musical playground and Haile the musical robot, discover weird and wonderful instruments and take a musical Turing test – and more!
Seahorse Saviours at SeaLife London Aquarium
Learn everything there is to know about seahorses when you check into the Seahorse hotel this February half term at the SeaLife London Aquarium.
Meet these incredible animals, take on challenges, learn about the oceans, and discover what you can do to help make seahorses safe.
Seahorse Saviours runs from February 10th to February 25th between 10am and 4pm. Entry is included in admission tickets. Book tickets here.
Family Events at The National Gallery
The National Gallery are running two family events this February half-term in London, themed around their collections.
In Decoding Pictures, kids are invited to explore the Gallery with the resident Educator team who will share the skills needed to unlock the secrets to paintings that are often hidden in plain sight.
Imagined Stories invites children to take a seat at an imaginary breakfast tea party with Gallery Educator and storyteller Fiona Alderton.
The 45 minute sessions take place on February 13th, 14th and 15th. Check the website for times.
Both events are free but capacity is limited; meet in Central Hall to sign up for a place on a session.
The Twitchers Museum Adventure at the Horniman Museum
Perfect for budding twitchers is this fun half-term activity taking place at the excellent Horniman Museum.
Held to celebrate the fourth book in The Twitchers series, Feather, ornithologists young and old are invited to join birdwatching detectives the Twitchers and see how many birds are hidden across the Horniman to receive Twitchers stickers.
The event runs from February 10th to 18th during museum opening hours. Check the website for more details.
Family activities at the National Maritime Museum
Head to Greenwich and the National Maritime Museum this February half term for some fun family activities. Craft activities including Collaborative Quilting celebrating the lives of LGBTQ+ people in the Museum’s collection, learning about merfolk myths from around the world in Merfolk Pastels, creating your very own sun catcher or pocket penguin and more.
Different activities take place on different days, check the website for details.
Fantasy: Realms of Imagination at The British Library
This is the final month that you can see this excellent exhibition at the British Library so add it to your list of things to do for February half term in London!
This whimsical exhibition explores the long history of fantasy through props, costumes, manuscripts, early editions of novels and clips from TV shows including Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
On display are maps and posters alongside a room inspired by the American mystery series Twin Peaks. There’re live action role play costumes, a video game based in the Fallen London world and plenty more guaranteed to delight fans of the genre young and old.
The exhibition runs until 25 February. See the website here.
Holiday Make Studio at the Tate Modern
This February half term the Tate Modern is inviting budding artists to create a sculpture using everyday objects, inspired by the work of Phyllida Barlow. This is a collaborative activity where everyone can work together to create a giant 3D world of life-size art works.
Holiday Make Studio runs from February 12th to 20th.
Water Warriors at the London Museum of Water & Steam
Water Warriors unite! The London Musem of Water & Steam promises a fun-filled week of water-based storytelling sessions, hands-on arts and crafts and more.
Water Warriors will run from February 10th to 18th.
The Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens
Did you know that Madagascar is home to over 14,000 plants found nowhere else in the world? Celebrate the diversity and beauty of this African island during Orchids 2024 at Kew Gardens.
This annual festival is a vibrant celebration of colour and warmth to brighten up the winter months and this year includes incredible Malagasy orchids.
Visit the central horticultural display in the Princess of Wales Conservatory, discover the vital research carried out by resident scientists to protect the native plants and wildlife, and walk through the glasshouse where larger-than-life sculptures – including towering giraffes, wallowing hippos and a troop of gorillas – are waiting to greet you.
The Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens runs from 3 February to 3 March.
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book at the Arts Depot
Taking place this February half term in London is a production of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s tale of Charlie Cook and his love of books!
Also showing at the Arts Depot over the school holidays is Dear Zoo. This much-loved story bye Rod Campbell is brought to the stage and is a must for all young children.
Charlie Cook runs from February 9th to 11th and Dear Zoo runs from February 14th to 18th.
The Light Festival at Battersea Power Station
The Light Festival at Battersea Power Station is bringing some much needed light and cheer to the gloomy winter nights this year. Taking place between January 25th and February 25th, the festival includes a free light art trail, family-friendly workshops, live entertainment, and weeknight performances on the ‘Light Piano 1.5’ installation.
Seven art installations by British and International artists form part of the trail and include a giant diamond, illuminated butterflies and a cycling light battle.
Don’t miss the ‘glow shows’ by specialist LED performers or the Silent Discos taking place in Turbine Hall B.
Valentine’s Workshops at the Chelsea Physic Garden
The Chelsea Physic Garden always put on great activities during the school holidays and February half term is no exception.
Three different activities are offered: a Family Valentine’s Day Chocolate Workshop learning how chocolate is grown from bean to bar; the chance to learn how to make paint from plants in a Valentine’s Day Cards workshop; and the opportunity to learn all about the Hairy Flowers and Fuzzy Plants that call the gardens home.
Check the website for dates and times.
The Big Hideout at the London Wetland Centre
Spotters, twitchers and birders get your binoculars ready for a February half term filled with bird-themed adventure at the London Wetland Centre.
Grab a bird spotter sheet and see how many wild birds you can spot on your visit; learn to build a den or a nest; and play in the mud kitchen!
There is a £1 fee for our spotter sheets but all other activities are free with paid admission to the Centre and free to WWT members.
Check the website for dates and times.
Holiday to Space at the Royal Observatory
Join Ted and Plant as they explore the Solar System in search of the best place to take a holiday in a morning of fun including a planetarium show and interactive workshop. This journey into outer space is perfect for younger children aged 3 – 6.
Holiday to Space takes place on February 15th. See the website to book tickets.
We Were There Family Day on board HMS Belfast
Hear inspirational stories from IWM’s veterans and eyewitnesses to conflict on board HMS Belfast.
This is a truly unique way to gain an insight into the impact of war on people’s lives. From Bridge to Bakery, veterans will share their memories of life at sea on board this historic ship and museum.
This family day takes place on Friday 16 February between 11am and 3pm. This is a drop in session and free with general admission.
Nature Heroes: Sloth saver at Wakehurst
Wakehurst Gardens are on the lookout for Nature Heroes this February half term so grab your cape and get ready to earn your Sloth Saver badge.
Taking place in the botanical garden at Wakehurst (which is financed and run by the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew) this half-term activity is themed around the remarkable sloth.
Kids can learn what it’s like to live life in the slow lane, hang out with sloths designed by artist Fernando Laposse and follow a woodland trail and fill your mission pack as you go.
Sloth Saver takes place from 10 to 18 February between 10am and 4pm. It costs £3 to take part in the mission and earn a badge. Nature Heroes capes are available for £6.75 for members, £13.50 for non-members.
Sky’s the Limit at the Royal Air Force Museum
There’s a jam-packed calendar of fun family activities taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum this February half term with theatre shows, comic book workshops, book readings and more.
Rations, Ascent and Far Away! is a one-hour interactive show based on three significant events of the modern RAF story, the Berlin Airlift, Operation Black Buck and ‘Taffy’ Holden’s accidental Lightning take off. This takes place February 10 to 13 at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm.
Meet the RAF Museum’s time-travelling hero, Astra, during the one-hour interactive Through Adversity…and Beyond! show that explores the RAF’s creation and survival. This takes place February 15 to 18 at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm.
Create your own Boggles-style character in the Crazy Comic Book Workshops led by James Parsons of Comic Club. This takes place on 14 February at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm.
For younger visitors there’s a wonderfully wacky reading of Those Magnificent Sheep in their Flying Machine by author Peter Bently. This takes place on 16 February at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm.
These activities are aimed at children aged 4 to 12 but all ages are welcome. Costs are involved, check the website for details.
Fun DMC at the Royal Albert Hall
Baseball caps and gold chains at the ready for London’s hippest block party for kids, Fun DMC. Taking place on Monday 12 February in the Elgar Room, some of London’s best DJs will play everything from disco to hip hop and garage to drum & bass – all at a family-friendly volume (and PG lyrics!).
Competitions, games, face-painting and more will also take place.
Fun DMC starts at 1pm and runs for two hours.
Family Activities at the Postal Museum
Head to the Postal Museum this half term for family fun with a handful of exciting workshops inspired by their current exhibition, Dressed to Deliver.
From storytelling sessions and design workshops where you can create your own postal uniform to making your own good deed patch, there’s plenty to keep kids busy!
Activities run from 10 to 18 February, check the website for exact dates and times. Activities are included in the museum ticket, book your ticket here.
Family fun at the Cutty Sark
Get ready to set sail on board the Cutty Sark, the world’s only surviving extreme clipper.
There’s lots of fun happening this February half term from musical storytelling sessions inspired by Cutty Sark’s crew and the chance to meet colourful characters from the ship’s past to a fun family trail and play boxes filled with party-themed props, kids are guaranteed a wonderful day out.
Activities run from 10 to 18 February, check website for details as not all activities take place every day. Activities are free with entry to the ship.
Lunar New Year at the Museum of London Docklands
Welcome the Year of the Dragon at the Museum of London Docklands on the 10th and 11th of February.
The weekend is filled with New Year festivities including Chinese folktale storytelling sessions, ribbon dance lessons, martial arts demonstrations and crafting activities inspired by this celebration.
Some events will be ticketed and spaces limited. Book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Migration Celebration! At the Museum of London Docklands
Also taking place at the Museum of London Docklands over February half term are a week’s worth of activities on the theme of migration.
There are tasty cookery lessons led by a French / Tunisian chef, torytelling with a Caribbean theme, music and folktales inspired by Eastern Europe, the chance to help build a one-of-a-kind multicultural and multilingual blanket, migrations stories and much more.
All the activities are free and require no advance booking. Some popular workshops are first come, first served – reserve your place with the front desk when you arrive.
Check the website for specific dates and times as activities vary.
February Family Festival at the Natural History Museum
Taking place at the Natural History Museum this February half term are host of daily activities from LEGO builds to animal encounters.
Take a peek behind the scenes and see a small selection of the 22 million zoology specimens housed within the Darwin Centre on a Spirit Collection Tour. Discover the variety of homes and habitats that exist on earth in the Family Discovery Zone.
Learn about the Secrets of the Natural History Museum, help build a neighbourhood from LEGO bricks, see the modern-day relatives of the animals that lived alongside dinosaurs in an animal handling show and much more.
Some events require tickets and will need to be booked beforehand online. Check the website for dates, timings and prices as they vary by activity.
Half Term History Makers at Eltham Palace
Step back in time to the Victorian period at Eltham Palace this February half term and join a cast of characters from the past for historical hijinks and hands-on shenanigans.
Half Term History Makers takes place between 10 and 18 February and the activities are included in the standard admission ticket price. Book online and save 10 per cent.
