37 of the best things to do at February half-term in London

Without the good weather or the festivals of other school holidays, this time of year can prove a tricky one for families, so I’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in February half-term in London with kids to keep everyone entertained. (UPDATED FOR 2026)

contains affiliate links*

There are free events, some lovely exhibitions aimed at younger kids, creative fun, chances to get outdoors and plenty of ideas for a rainy day at February half-term in London.

February half term dates for London schools run from February 16-20, 2026, as well as most UK schools, but if your holiday dates fall at a different time, it’s worth knowing most of the special activities won’t be taking place. There’s still plenty of fun year-round, including my pick of the best things to do in London plus you’ll find some ongoing exhibitions to enjoy – scroll down for more details.

Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre

Imagine Children’s Festival is London Southbank Centre’s exciting annual festival for children aged 0 to 11 – running for over two decades, it’s a great option if you’re looking for free things to do at February half-term in London.

Running across from February 11-21, the festival is all about unlocking kids’ creativity and sparking imagination, with dozens of activities, workshops and performance spanning across theatre, comedy, music, literature, poetry, dance, and more – many of which are free.

Look out for acrobatics and clowning in an adaptation of The Princess and the Pea, join the stars of CBBC’s Andy and the Odd Socks, and enjoy all that’s hilariously gruesome in Horrible Histories: The Concert. You’ll find events for under-fives too, or join the Architecture Explorers Family Trail.

Not forgetting dance, crafting, storytelling, singing, art and a whole lot more, ensuring the festival is a fun-filled and educational experience for the whole family. 

For more things to do on the South Bank with kids, check out my tips

Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends at the Young V&A

There’s a brand new exhibition coming to the Young V&A – Wallace & Gromit and Friends – taking you behind the scenes of stop-motion animation and explore how Aardman’s iconic characters and worlds are brought to life

Opening on February 12, the exhibition celebrates Aardman’s 50th anniversary, with everyone from Morph and Shaun the Sheep to Wallace, Gromit, Feathers McGraw et al included in the 150 items on display, from models to storyboards, some never seen before.

Along the way, you can see the whole process of how a film is made, from the initial sketches to how modelmakers build sets and puppets, and how animators work with directors and film crew to bring these miniature worlds to life. Plus there are hint and tips about how to create your own stop-motion animation video, as well as changes to get hands on.

Look out too for other activities inspired by the exhibition, including the Family Design Challenge from February 19-21 (free)

Prebooking is highly recommended. Tickets cost £11 for adults and children aged 4+, concessions available. Entry to the museum itself is free.

Voyage to the Deep at the Horniman Museum

The new exhibition at the Horniman Museum in south-east London takes you to the depths of the oceans this half-term, inspired by Jules Verne’s novel, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.

As part of Voyage to the Deep, you’ll board the legendary ‘Nautilus’ submarine and embark on an extraordinary underwater adventure, exploring uncharted waters, encountering fantastic sea creatures, and discover hidden wonders of life beneath the waves.

This interactive adventure lets you take the helm of the Nautilus as you discover how submarines navigate, before decoding ancient secrets in Atlantis, coming face to face with a giant squid and plenty of other hands-on challenges.

Runs from February 13, tickets cost from £9.80 for adults, £7 for kids and from £20.20 for a family ticket. Prebooking is advised.

Octonauts: Adventure at the Horniman

There’s another fun challenge to discover at the museum, with a series of Octonauts mini missions to complete. As an Octocadet, you’ll help the Octonauts crew search for shells, mimic musical instruments and design your own underwater vehicle. Along the way, there are some fun facts to discover and a sticker to pick up at the end once your mission is complete.

As a bonus, there’s an extra adventure outside in the Sound Garden. And as an added bonus, the fun won’t cost a penny – both the trail and entry into the museum and gardens are completely free. From February 13.

Space: Could Life Exist beyond Earth at the Natural History Museum

Could there be life on Mars? Or anywhere else in the universe? That’s what the latest exhibition at the Natural History Museum sets off to answer – and it’s your last chance to visit.

Space: Could Life Exist beyond Earth lets visitors touch a fragment of the Moon, handle a piece of Mars and snap a selfie with the Allende meteorite, which – at 4.567 billion years old – is even older than Earth!

With growing amounts of evidence to suggest there is life beyond earth, you’ll travel out into space, visiting asteroids, planets, the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn and even head beyond our solar system. Along the way you can design your own space mission and see what scientists think could be out there.

Suitable for all ages, but recommended for life forms aged 8+ – there’s not much that’s hands on for younger kids. Runs to February 22, prebooking advised during school holidays.

Beano Mischief at the Tower of London

The Tower of London always has great family events on during holidays and this February half-term is no exception, as Dennis and his friends crash their time machine into the fortress.

Help Dennis and his friends find the vital pieces of their go-kart – transformed into a time machine when they’re late for a school trip for the Tower – so they can repair the tangled timeline and get back to Beanotown.

There’s a fun family trail to follow around the Tower, a chance to spot some of the iconic Beano characters as well as real-life figures from history, who’ve been affected by the time-travelling mayhem – discover how their stories have changed. From February 14-22, included in entry.

Get discounted entry to the Tower of London using my code MUMMYTRAVELS6 if you book through this link

Royal Quest at Hampton Court Palace 

Elizabeth I has demanded a gift this February half-term at Hampton Court Palace, and the whole palace is desperate to win her favour by giving the best one.

Four courtiers are in the running, but can you find out what each one is planning to give her, as they consider everything from dancing and poetry to toilets? Along the way, there’s a chance to learn more about the Queen, before proposing your own gift idea to the monarch to see if you can win first place.

There are live performances taking place across the palace from 10.30am to 3.30pm, from February 14-22. Included in palace admission – and once you’ve explored the Tudor palace, you can also head to the Magic Garden which is reopening for half-term.

There’s a discount on tickets for Hampton Court Palace if you book through my link using code MUMMYTRAVELS6

Hands-on history at London Museum Docklands

Dig into the past this February half term at London Museum Docklands with a week of hands-on history, running from February 14-20.

There are a string of activities, letting you do anything from shaping your own clay Roman pot to crafting shiny Viking brooches, as well as diving into some captivating tales from the past.

The details are still to be announced, but they’ll all be exploring what mudlarking has taught us about our history – all are free (as is entry to the museum) but may need prebooking.

It’s also the last chance to visit the Secrets of the Thames exhibition before it closes in March.

Check out my review of visiting Secrets of the Thames at London Museum Docklands

Family workshops at the National Gallery

There’s a whole string of events for families this February half-term at the National Gallery, with everything from decoding pictures to a chance to experiment with light in the Roden Centre.

A great way to bring art to life for younger kids, it’s ideal whether your kids want to get hands on and creative, or a chance to discover some of the art in the gallery itself.

Events take place at various times from February 17-19, with sessions several times per day. The tours are aimed at kids aged 5+, the events are free (as is entry to the National Gallery) but spaces are limited and wristbands given on a first-come first-served basis.

Shakespeare’s Globe Family Workshops

For an interactive and educational way to get your kids interested in the works of William Shakespeare, join the Globe’s Family Workshops this February half-term in London! 

Led by some of the theatre’s talented actors, teachers, and directors, these practical workshops will explore the language, characters, and themes of the plays in a variety of engaging activities and games. They’re the perfect way to introduce younger audiences to one of the world’s most iconic playwrights.

With multiple plays to choose from – including Macbeth, Twelfth Night and Hamlet – and two age groups (5-8 and 9-11), there’s a workshop for everyone.

Takes place on various dates from February 14-21 and must be pre-booked, tickets cost from £10.

Family tour at Westminster Abbey

Step inside one of London’s most famous landmarks with a fun family tour, Commonwealth at Westminster Abbey.

There’s a chance to walk in the King’s footsteps and learn more about what role the Abbey plays in the Commonwealth, as well as hearing stories about unusual animals and plants, get close to a flag from one of the Commonwealth national and learn about traditions which have been passed down through the generations.

Recommended for age 5+, it runs from February 16-20. Free, but limited numbers so prebooking is strongly recommended.

Booking opens on January 9 and if you want to explore more after the tour, you’ll need a separate ticket for general entry to Westminster Abbey. There’s also family storytelling for age 3+ on February 18 and 19 on the same theme.

The Jolly Postman at the Postal Museum

Celebrate 40 years of the much-loved children’s book, The Jolly Postman, in a new interactive exhibition at the Postal Museum.

Step inside the story to meet the Jolly Postman, as he sets off on his rounds with letters for everyone from Goldilocks to the Big Bad Wolf. You’ll join the adventure as he wanders from the Three Bears’ Cottage to Cinderella at the royal palace, and inside the Wicked Witch’s gingerbread bungalow, with original artwork to discover along the way.

Running from February 14 until January 2027, there will also be some special half-term activities to enjoy between February 14 and 20, including arts and crafts drop-in sessions and storytelling (free, first come first served).

Both the exhibition and activities are included in the standard museum ticket – get a discount if you book through my link using the code MUMMYTRAVELS6.

Perfect Healing Views at the Florence Nightingale Museum

What place makes you feel better? The new exhibition Healing Spaces: Healthcare Design Past, Present and Future at London’s Florence Nightingale Museum looks at the ways our surroundings impact our health.

There are plenty of family-friendly ways to get involved, including a chance to design your own window craft showing your personal perfect healing view, as well as a trail through the museum visiting the sights Florence Nightingale would have seen on her own travels.

Runs from February 14-22, plus you can meet Miss Nightingale on February 14 or Mary Seacole on February 21 to learn about their lives and how they helped soliders in the Crimean War. Free with museum admission.

Mudfest at WWT London

It’s time to get grubby this half-term, with Mudfest at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes.

There’s a chance to make it, mix it, mould it and build with it, as well as painting with it and – of course – jumping in it, with muddy activities to share more about the vital importance of mud to the wetlands and a chance to have lots of fun.

The activities are included in the standard entry ticket, taking place at different times during the day between February 14 and 22.

Discovery Days in the Royal Parks

TBC for 2026 Wrap up warm and head outside with the family this half-term for another edition of Hyde Park’s family discovery days.

The royal parks usually runs a series of free events throughout each half-term and school holidays, with a chance to get creative, get outdoors, learn about the parks’ animals, and enjoy some storytelling.

Although you don’t need to pay or prebook, you’re asked to sign up in advance to give organisers an idea of numbers.

Orchids at Kew Gardens

The annual Orchids festival is back at Kew Gardens this half-term and celebrating 30 years in 2026.

This year’s event is inspired by China, from the country’s remarkable biodiversity to its heritage and design, so you’ll find some spectacular floral installations as well as the usual impressive array of orchids in the Princess of Wales glasshouse.

Escape the chill and wander among dragons, lanterns and intricate plant sculptures. Runs from from February 7-March 8, included with entry to the gardens.

This half-term festival is better for old kids than some of the other special events at Kew Gardens designed to appeal to younger children, but there’s still plenty for all ages to see and do throughout the botanic gardens.

Check out my tips for visiting Kew Gardens with kids

LGBTQ+ History Month at the National Maritime Museum

Greenwich’s National Maritime Museum is hosting a series of family events to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month this half-term.

Running on selected dates from February 15-20, there’s a chance to create keepsakes inspired by sailors of the past and and other crafty fun such as making rainbow fish, plus learning a secret language and discovering ancient African legends.

Entry to the museum and the events is free, and there’s no need to book in advance. Runs from 11am-4pm each day.

Celebrate Lunar New Year on February 21 at the National Maritime Museum too, with family-friendly workshops, a chance to discover museum objects connected with south east Asia and fantastic live performances.

STEM Week at the Royal Air Force Museum

STEM week is back this half-term at the RAF Museum London from February 14-22, with workshops and interactive shows taking place.

With everything from a maths-themed Bubble Show to Laser Tag sessions, there’s going to be a whole string of activities themed around Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

There’s also a chance to get up close to some of the museum’s aircraft – all helpfully ticking off the letters S T E M, the Bristol Sycamore, Harker Tempest, English Electric Canberra and Gloster Meteor. The activities are for various ages from 4+, although some sessions are better for particular age groups.

It’s free to enter the museum but each activity has paid tickets (some include a free adult to accompany kids, others require adults to pay for a ticket as well).

Samurai at the British Museum

If you’ve got kids who are fascinated by Japan, don’t miss the new Samurai exhibition at the British Museum, which opens on February 3.

You might think you know everything there is to know about these legendary Japanese warriors but as the exhibition goes to show, much of what we think is invented tradition.

Instead, discover how this warrior class became the social and intellectural elite, before the samurai themselves were abolished by the late 19th century, and a new mythology arose.

With displays including a suit of armour sent by Tokugawa Hidetada to James VI and I to a Louis Vuitton outfit inspired by Japanese armour and video game Assassin’s Creed, the exhibition also looks at how the legacy of the samurai endures today. Runs to May 4, prebooking tickets is strongly advised.

Check out my tips for visiting the British Museum with kids

Meet the characters at the Cutty Sark in Greenwich

Greenwich’s iconic Cutty Sark is hosting a number of family-friendly events to help keep kids entertained this February half-term. 

Families can meet colourful character actors from Cutty Sark’s past from February 14-16 and 20-22, as well as joining a string of creative workshops from February 17-19. There’s also the usual family trail to enjoy around the hitoric tea clipper.

There’s a discount on tickets for the Cutty Sark if you book through my link using code MUMMYTRAVELS6

The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail at Osterley House and Park

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is coming to Osterley House and Park in west London this spring, with a new family-friendly interactive trail.

Aimed at age 3-6, the trail sheet has various extra games and activities, as well as QR codes, to help you learn some of the facts relating to the much-loved story – plus lots of opportunity to join in as you follow the trail markers through Osterley’s gardens.

Runs from January 31 to March 3, included with admission to the National Trust property (free for members).

Seven Wonders of the World immersive experience

Swap chilly February days for a chance to see some of the wonders of the world in the new immersive experience opening on January 9 (currently running to the end of February)

Seven Wonders: An Immersive Experience takes you on a journey to some of the iconic landmarks and landscapes of the ancient world, from the Taj Mahal to the heights of Machu Picchu, with state-of-the-art projections transporting you there in the blink of an eye.

As well as a 35-minute immersive room, you can step deeper into the illusion in the interactive zones, plus there’s an option to upgrade with a walking VR experience. Based at 106 Commercial Street in east London, a short walk from Liverpool Street and Algate East underground stations.

If it’s Peru that fascinates you most, head to W12 Shopping Centre in Shepherd’s Bush for Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City, or transport yourself to the Last Days of Pompeii at London’s Excel Centre for a taste of Roman life before watching Vesuvius erupt

Planetarium Go at Battersea Power Station

Venture out into the cosmos and forget the darker months with Battersea Power Station’s Planetarium Go pop-up.

Inside a large spherical dome, visitors are surrounded by a 360-degree screen, where you’ll be whisked off on an unforgettable journey through space, from distant galaxies and planets to extraordinary cosmic phenomena.

The short films lasting 20–30 minutes, so it’s ideal if you’re introducing younger kids to the marvels of the universe, or looking to encourage wannabe astronauts and scientists. Runs from January 30-March 1, prebooking tickets is advised.

Children’s theatre at Finchley Arts Depot

The Finchley Arts Depot has its usual fun array of family shows to entertain kids this half-term, with several shows between February 16 and 20.

Younger kids will love the adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s story, The Singing Mermaid (for ages 3-8), while The Great Big Bug Show (ages 4-11) is packed with poems, raps and songs about your favourite bug – and if you don’t have one already, you will by the time you leave!

Or discover Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty ballet brought to life in a family-friendly shortened version of the classic, for ages 2-14.

Children’s theatre at the Polka Theatre

There are some fun shows on this February half-term at London’s Polka Theatre, one of the city’s few theatres dedicated to children.

For ages 3-7, there’s Ruby’s Worry, with live music, puppetry and theatre as Ruby discovers how to get rid of her worry. From Feb 11-22.

Or ages 8-13 can enjoy Who Let The Gods Out, a musical adaptation by the book’s author Maz Evans, following Elliot, who needs to save the world – and his mum – with the help of some Greek Gods after he accidentally unleashes an eveil daemon into the world. From February 7-March 22.

Family sessions at Tower Bridge

Visit Tower Bridge on during half-term, and there are some family drop-in sessions from 10am to 4pm in the Learning space.

Each session is themed, and as well as the usual second Saturday activities, there’s a special session planned for Tuesday February 17.

The Tower Bridge Cat trail is also still running, linked to the adventures of Bella the Tower Bridge Cat – you can buy all the Tower Bridge Cat books here.

For more things to do around Tower Bridge with kids, check out my top picks

More February days out with kids in London: ongoing

There are plenty of other ideas if you’re looking to entertain kids during February half-term in London at the usual family attractions – check out my pick of the top things to do in London with kids plus some of the other highlights below.

Cruise along the Thames

See some of the biggest sights in London from the water, with themed tours and sightseeing cruises from City Cruises boat tours

Check out the complete set of Thames cruises and experiences to book. Book before the end of January using the code JAN50 and you can get 50% off the 24h hop-on hop-off river pass too (must be used by end of March 2026).

Take a bus tour

If you get a clear February day, wrap up and make the most of it on one of London’s open-top bus sightseeing tours to choose from, with different options depending which routes and times you want.

The hop-on hop-off route from London Big Bus Tours also takes you past most key landmarks, with some discounts online if you buy in advance.

Tootbus (previously called The Original Tour) has a special 45-minute London Kids tour, as well as the London Discovery hop-on hop-off option.

And whether the weather is good or bad, the afternoon tea sightseeing bus tours from B-Bakery are a great option – you can choose the classic tour or a themed version, including Peppa Pig and Paddington.

Get 5% off standard seats on the B-Bakery afternoon tea bus tours when you book using my code MumTravels5 (minimum spend £115)

Moco Museum

Discover the world of modern and contemporary art at Moco Museum near Marble Arch, with collections featuring everyone from Picasso and Warhol to Banksy, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and plenty more.

Packed with colourful and thought-provoking pieces, there’s also plenty of information to introduce kids (and adults!) to some of the biggest names in the art world over the past five decades. Best for tweens and teens.

You can also see the current exhibition, Heart Space by Krista Kim, which transforms visitors’ heartbeats into waves of colour and light, mixing art, AI and individual connections.

Check out my full review of a visit to Moco Museum with kids

Visit Sea Life London

Head to London’s aquarium to discover more of the fascinating underwater creatures at Sea Life London.

With 14 separate zones and rooms you can spot everything from tiny corals to zebra sharks and rays. Prebooking recommended.

Check out my review of visit to Sea Life London aquarium with kids

Paradox Museum

There still chance to defy gravity and play with the boundaries of space at Paradox Museum London, with tickets currently available to the end of February.

The museum promises to take you into an inexplicable and extraordinary world, where nothing seems logical – expect everything from optical illusions to challenging paradoxes.

Perfect for kids who are curious about the world – and a lot of fun for the whole family. Visits last around 90 minutes, and Paradox Museum is based at 90 Brompton Road. Free for kids under four.

For ideas of more things to do nearby in South Kensington, check out my top picks

Twist Museum of Illusions

The illusions at Twist Museum are perfect for a rainy day during February half-term in London with kids – or a sunny one for that matter.

With over 60 exhibits showing different illusions and displays to trick all your different senses, the interactive experience is fun for all ages.

Check out our review of a visit to Twist Museum London with kids.

Bubble Planet

Head to Wembley for one of the most fun activities in London this February half-term, at Bubble Planet.

In the immersive experience, currently due to close at the end of March, you’ll pass through themed rooms, fantastical landscapes and even try a hot air balloon flight simulator, as well as using VR technology to take you to another planet – with all 10 rooms having the common theme of bubbles.

For more things to do at Wembley Park with kids, check out my top picks

Frameless

The UK’s largest, permanent digital art exhibition in Marble Arch, Frameless lets kids – and big kids – experience artworks like never before.

Set within a 30,000 square foot space, with four separate galleries, visitors can discover key moments in art history, with state-of-the-art projection and motion sensor technology to bring to life work from artists including Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt.

With the chance to touch, move and interact with the paintings, it couldn’t be further from a traditional gallery and the perfect way to help families discover the world of art.

Family activities at HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast has some great nautical fun again over February half-term for families, including some activities for kids throughout the holiday.

There are usually dedicated ‘We were there’ family days too with special guests sharing their personal experiences at sea, but this is yet to be confirmed.

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

While a lot of London’s festive ice rinks closed at Christmas, Ice Rink Canary Wharf stays open for a whopping 18 weeks – which means you can still get out onto the ice until February 22.

As a covered ice rink, it’s a great option if the weather isn’t kind (you don’t expect to be warm when ice skating, but it’s definitely less fun in the drizzle!)

The rink is at Canada Square Park, with skate aids available (first come, first served) and skate sessions last 45 minutes.

Magical Mischief at the Harry Potter studio tour

There’s Magical Mischief back once again at the Warner Bros studio tour in Leavesden, on the outskirts of London, returning to the Harry Potter world for a second year.

Running until April 27, it focuses on magical pranks and wizarding mishaps but also the filmmaking trickery involved in turning them into reality – everything from just how the Invisibility Cloak worked to Harry’s flood of flying acceptance letters, plus a chance to make your own origami Howler. Tickets must be prebooked.

Follow a Treasure Map Trail

These lovely colourful treasure hunt-style maps include three routes in central London – and there’s 10% off is you use the code MUMMYTRAVELS.

A fun way to explore London with kids, the hunts challenge you to spot all kinds of quirky sights, from signs and statues to carvings, all enlivened with a fun fantasy design to transform the real life streets.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. Some attractions have paid for inclusion but all opinions remain my own.

Stik Street art/Tower of London/London Transport Museum/London Wetland Centre/V&A/Twist Museum/Cutty Sark copyright MummyTravels, Young V&A as credited, City Cruises courtesy of City Cruises, all others courtesy of Depositphotos

LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER