Activities in London for kids to enjoy this February half-term, from fascinating exhibitions to vivid floral experiences
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From things that are just beginning to things that are just ending, there are a lot of dopamine hits to be had this half-term to keep the kids upbeat. Whether they want to Moonwalk with Tom Hanks, save a sloth, or hang out in a giant ball pit surrounded by balloons, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in London and the UK this February half-term.
Picture This at the National Portrait Gallery
Best for all ages
Free drop-in photo workshops on Tuesday, 13 February will generate memorable family images to brighten up your home walls. You can dress as a ‘reclaimed rock star’, involving all sorts of chopping up and re-fashioning of recycled plastic bags – which we realise doesn’t sound very glamorous. However, once you combine the influences of Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj’s photo portraits, it will all fall into place. There are also ‘Make a Statement’ workshops in the Art Studio and experiments with merging images in ‘Wonder Wheels’ in the Clore Studio. Note that the workshops are on a first-served basis, and spaces are limited.
Address: National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE
The Balloon Museum: EmotionAir
Best for all ages
The ‘biggest inflatable art event in the world’ was founded in Rome in 2020 and has been floating at a pace around the world ever since. This half term is the last week to catch it in its London home. Here, twenty balloon-related installations connect art with the senses, including the centre-piece Hyperfeeling by visual artist Kissmiklos, where you can immerse yourselves in a ‘swimming pool’ of small yellow balls, with a ceiling of sky balloons. It’s like a sophisticated take on a kids’ chaotic play pit, where teens and adults won’t feel awkward joining in. Giant inflatable bunnies and suspended spheres are also available to explore in other spaces, as well as corridors of mind-blowing colour.
Address: 1 Old Billingsgate Walk (Riverside, 16 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6DX, United Kingdom)
Mat Collishaw: Petrichor at Kew Gardens
Best For ages 10+
There’s still time to catch these striking works by Mat Collishaw, one of the groundbreaking Young British Artists who burst onto the scene from Goldsmiths College in London in the Eighties. The show, entitled Petrichor (an ancient Greek word for ‘the smell of rain on parched soil’), is a series of paintings designed to emphasise the wonder and strangeness that nature presents and the alarming effects climate change may have. This is conveyed through the use of virtual reality and AI tools, which are rapidly shaping the digital future. The exhibition is thought-provoking for teens and mesmerizing for younger kids. Kew Gardens always makes for a dynamic holiday hang-out too.
Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Kew, Richmond
DIVA drop-in workshops at the V and A
Best for ages 5+
These drop-in sessions should be high on any budding fashionista’s half-term list. They are inspired by the museum’s current DIVA exhibition, highlighting stories of iconic diva outfits (from Maria Callas and Tina Turner to modern-day head honcho diva Elton John) and the changing definition of the role across popular culture. ‘Diva Style’ allows experimentation with flamboyant outfits, with the help of designer Matthew David Andrews, while the Video Game Dance Party focuses on creating your own video dance game using color-coded blocks and interactive dance mats (note that places are on a first-come, first-served basis).
Address: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
Children Imagine Festival at the South Bank
Best for ages 0-11
The annual festival at the South Bank is back and bursting with over 130 events and shows, offering a chance to explore and develop your creative skill set. Highlights include Chotto Desh from inventive choreographer Akram Khan’s company and a London premiere of the award-winning piece Starchitects by Motionhouse, which stays true to its circus dance style. The Sticky Dance, meanwhile, is an interactive installation derived from a collaboration between The Place and the Southbank Centre, featuring storytelling events led by renowned figures such as Michael Rosen and a live version of CBeebies for toddlers. There’s plenty to see here!
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Dinosaur rEvolution at Horniman Museum
Best for ages 3+
A new exhibition explores how dinosaurs may have related to birds, depending on recent scientific discoveries indicating feathers and vivid colors among the T Rex community. The five animatronic models are sure to delight young visitors, plus there are dino dressing-up opportunities and themed games. Kids can take that inspiration and create their own dinosaur or fossil sculpture in a half-term hands-on workshop (advanced booking advised), with accomplished ceramicists and air-drying clay.
Address: Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, London SE23 3PQ
Family workshops at Shakespeare’s Globe
Best for ages 5+
The history of Shakespeare’s Globe remains a significant part of many English school curriculums. It serves as an example of how nobility (in the seats) and the ‘groundlings’ (standing) were separated during theatrical performances, emphasizing the lack of toilet facilities for those on the ground. Now, as a groundling in the reconstructed Globe, these workshops provide a whirlwind glimpse into the theatre’s history and engage participants with Shakespearean language through games and activities based on the words and characters of the plays, including The Tempest for ages 5-8 and Macbeth for ages 9-12.
Address: Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum
Best for all ages
It’s much easier to persuade children to attend an exhibition featuring captivating photographs of animals rather than, say, an abstract expressionism retrospective. At this newly redesigned show, the photographs continue to amaze and engage, exploring the beauty of our planet and its inhabitants. The exhibited works showcase high-quality photographs that are both technically sophisticated and strikingly truthful, with insights from the museum’s scientists.
Address: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Moonwalkers: A Journey With Tom Hanks at Lightroom
Best for ages 7+
Coal Drop Yard’s Lightroom opened last year to much acclaim with David Hockney’s immersive show. It has now transitioned effortlessly from art to Space with Moonwalkers—where all attention is drawn to original footage from NASA’s Apollo Moon missions (1969-1972). To add authenticity, it’s narrated and co-created by Tom Hanks—who, as fans will recognize, played astronaut Jim Lovell in Apollo 13. Aside from its educational value, this spectacle is also immersively thrilling.
Address: Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, London, N1C 4DY
Half Term at Leeds Industrial Museum
Best for all ages
On Saturday, 17 February, there is a discovery day for aspiring inventors connected to the Engineery: Building Better Futures exhibition, exploring the history of ideas pioneered by civil engineer John Smeaton. Participants will meet university researchers while engaging in interactive activities. Meanwhile, from 13 to 15 February, artistic activities will take center stage, inspired by the museum’s extensive collection. Afterward, you can enjoy a family-friendly film during the museum’s ‘Mystery Matinees’ shown daily from 2 p.m.
Address: Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills, Canal Road, Armley, Leeds LS12 2QF
Valentine’s Trail at the Vyne, Hampshire
Best for all ages
Combine a visit to this stunning National Trust-owned Tudor house with a heart-hunting adventure throughout half-term in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The Vyne has a rich history of Tudor kings and queens, and although it has experienced several changes over the years, it remains steeped in history and grandeur. Simply grab a trail sheet at the visitor reception and start exploring the grounds, including a Grade II listed walled garden while completing a heart-themed quiz.
Address: National Trust – The Vyne, Vyne Road, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke RG24 9HL
Power Up at Science Museum Manchester
Best for ages 5+
Power Up is still thriving at the Science Museum. When you’ve exhausted all forms of arts and crafts entertainment, gaming becomes the fail-safe backup plan. Children may encounter intriguing scientific exhibits as they make their way to gaming consoles, where they can play everything from classic Pacman to modern Minecraft—spanning a 50-year gaming history. The museum also offers half-term games and challenges suitable for all ages.
Address: Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4JP
We’re Going On a Bear Hunt, Chichester Festival Theatre
Best for ages 3+
The beloved classic story by Michael Rosen with charming illustrations by Helen Oxenbury comes to life at Chichester Festival Theatre this February half-term. Experience the journey of a family trekking through a forest and snowstorm to catch a bear. The production, returning under the direction of Sally Cookson, features a lively score composed by Benji Bower and delivers a wealth of uplifting songs and vibrant scenes.
Address: Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Way, Chichester PO19 6AP
Sloth Savers at Wakehurst Gardens
Best for ages 5+
This half-term, kids can embark on a planet-saving mission to become Nature Heroes at Wakehurst, earning a snazzy yellow cape and badge as they hone their nature skills. Participants will complete a woodland trail using a mission pack filled with valuable information about sloths and the challenges they face. Artist Fernando Laposse has also designed entertaining sloth figures that accompany kids throughout their mission.
Address: Wakehurst, Selsfield Road, Haywards Heath RH17 6TN
Techniquest, Cardiff
Best for ages 5+
While Techniquest offers plenty of fun, it also serves as a renowned science and technology centre for schools. It features five zones that encompass topics from Space to biomedical science, along with environmental issues and chemistry. This half term, shows like Don’t Do This At Home (ages 5+) present live science demonstrations using household items to illustrate what not to do, while DNA Decoded (ages 7+) explores genetic diversity through hands-on investigations involving human DNA and fruit. Participants will be engaged in building double helix models and extracting DNA from strawberries.
Address: Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff CF10 5BW
Farm Trails and Camp Fire Experiences at Drovers Rest Farm, Hay-On-Wye
Best for all ages
For a deeper outdoor experience involving tree-climbing, den-building, and campfire-making, consider visiting Drovers Rest organic working farm. Kids can take part in Epic Camp Fire experiences, where they’re equipped with all the essentials, including S’more ingredients. Guided Safaris are available on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout half-term (pre-booking is advisable), offering insights about farm animals and education on rewilding, wildflower projects, and meat-to-table ethics.
Address: Drovers Rest, Llanerch Y Coed Farm, Hay on Wye, HR3 6AG
