Make the February half-term break fun with these great days out for families in London.
With the school holiday just a week away, it’s time to start planning some exciting outings and adventures with the kids.
From amazing new exhibitions, cool cafes, world-class theatre and super-fun immersive experiences, here are some suggestions of ways to make the February half-term an exciting one for kids of all ages.
Bubble Planet
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Step into the slightly surreal but incredibly fun world of Bubble Planet for a sensory experience like no other. Truly immersive, this clever attraction takes you on a bubbly journey through different rooms where visitors can discover and interreact with all kinds of bubbles. There are ten rooms each with a different theme that are all bursting with special effects, VR tech, simulators and of course plenty of bubbles – large and small – including the biggest ball pit in Europe that kids can play in. A nice day out for all ages, this experience will be particularly engaging for young children who will love all the sights and sounds. The whole thing is about 60 to 90 minutes long from start to finish and is suitable for buggies.
The Imagine Children’s Festival
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Now in its 22nd year, The Imagine Children’s Festival returns to the Southbank Centre this February. As the UK’s leading arts festival for youngsters, its programme of creative, imaginative, and fun-filled experiences is perfect for all the family to enjoy this February half-term. Over 130 events are packed into eleven days and visitors will find a multi-artform programme of music, storytelling, dance, crafts, comedy and theatre– with over 50% of events completely free. There are shows and workshops tailored to different age groups and you can find information on each one on the website. Best of all it’s completely relaxed, encourage children to join in, have fun and play in an environment that is incredibly welcoming. There is a café on site, it’s buggy-friend and has plenty of baby changing faculties. A great way to entertain little ones this half term.
The Light Festival at Battersea Power Station
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Battersea Power Station has really established itself as a great place to take the kids. From the cinema and bowling to the cool Lift 109 that transports you up one of the famous chimneys to take in the city skyline, this London landmark is a right up there for a fun family day out. This February half-term it adds the Festival of Light to its line up. A free light art trail that explores seven light art installations from British and international artists, this visual display includes a giant diamond, illuminated butterflies and a playable light. Many of the installations will offer more than just a visual experience as they are enhanced with soundscapes and interactive elements that respond to movement. The installations will be lit daily from 8am to 11pm, but pop along in the evening to see the show to its greatest affect. There will also be a selection of light-themed workshops for kids to join in with, ranging from LED Hula Hoop Disco, to creating your own stained glass window butterfly. Add in amazing family restaurants and you have an excellent day sorted.
Dinosaur rEvolution
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Little palaeontologists everywhere will love the Dinosaur rEvolution exhibition at the Horniman Museum in London’s Forrest Hill, which looks to challenge everything we thought we knew about the species and its origins. Exploring the relationship between dinosaurs and birds – both past and present – in a colourful and fascinating way, the exhibition includes five large animatronic models, many fossils, skeletons, and skulls (some that kids can actually get their hands on) plus touchable, detailed graphics by the acclaimed artist Luis V Rey and prehistoric themed games to play. This is a great way to make learning about dinosaurs as educational as it is fun. There’s a great café and the museum welcome kids of all ages.
The Cute Exhibition and Hello Kitty Cafe
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For a feel-good culture hit check out the newly opened Cute exhibition at Somerset House. Recognising the huge rise in popularity of all things ‘cute’; from emojis and memes to video games and toys, this thought-provoking installation is more than just a display of sweet, doe-eyed animals. Bringing together contemporary artworks and cultural phenomena such as music, fashion, toys, video games and social media, this show examines the world’s love of cute culture and why it has become so influential, exploring the reasons why it is so emotive. Make sure to drop into the pop-up café too which celebrates the 50th anniversary of one of the cute movement’s most iconic and ubiquitous figures, Hello Kitty. The themed cafe is part of the Cute exhibition, but is not based in the same space as the display, and is open to all, not just exhibition visitors.
Tidy at the Polka Theatre
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The Polka Theatre is a much-loved centre of theatrical wizardry for children, regularly transforming its stage in the centre of Wimbledon into many different worlds and settings and offering some truly first-class performances for young audiences. This half-term they welcome the world premiere production of Emily Gravett’s wonderful children’s book Tidy, which runs from 10th February – 24th March. Tidy is about Pete the badger who likes everything to be neat and tidy: the flowers, leaves, even other animals. But when autumn comes, he gets slightly carried away with cleaning up the forest and accidentally destroys his own home. A sweet, but cautionary tale on the value of the world around us and what happens if we don’t look after it, Tidy features beautiful puppets, original music and a touch of silliness. Perfect for little ones, the show is recommended for those aged three to seven.
Hobbledown Heath
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February weather can be unpredictable so keep your options open by going to Hobbledown Heath in west London. One of the capital’s largest adventure playgrounds, it has both indoor and outdoor play areas meaning the kids can have fun come rain or shine. There are climbing nets, jumping pillows, and a huge jungle gym village to explore: the perfect way to let youngsters burn off some energy. Or check out the zoo and see the likes of giant tortoises, meerkats, and lemurs. Plus throughout half-term there will be a range of kids activities and workshops going on. There is a large café with a surprisingly varied menu and onsite parking, making it an easy trip with little ones.
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