Take time away from the school run and the endless roster of activities to enjoy what London and its surrounding countryside has to offer this half term.
Plan days filled with inspiring activities that you can enjoy together, whether that’s theatrical dining, relaxing art-filled afternoons, fluffy scones and cake or a trip to a luxury cinema. Pause to enjoy being together and spend the week at your own pace.
SEA CONTAINERS
London’s South Bank is always transformed into an excitement-filled playground at half term. If you are heading to one of the theatre performances or the interactive rave at the Imagine festival, why not take advantage of the Little Explorers Aboard programme at the Sea Containers hotel. Children can enjoy complimentary brunch or lunch when dining with an adult and there are also family-friendly movie screenings at the plush Curzon Sea Containers cinema, while guests can feast on the specially-dedicated children’s breakfast buffet, an exclusive treasure hunt throughout the hotel, as well as arcade games and board games in The Den.
THE NATIONAL GALLERY
On a rainy afternoon, drop in to one of the inspiring free workshops at The National Gallery. The Decoding Pictures Family Tour is a brilliant introduction to understanding art, helping children to know how to look at pictures and what a painting can really tell us. Head to the Welcome Space in the Roden Centre and collect a wristband to join the tour. And if you are heading to the Wright of Derby: From the Shadows exhibition at the gallery, celebrating one of Britain’s best artists, why not discover the imaginative workshop with artist Joanna Conybeare where children can delve into the contrasts of light and dark to help them gain a greater insight. There are also plenty of opportunities to grab a sketch book and encourage your little ones to try their hand at sketching one of the masterpieces. You could even treat them to some new art supplies. Elegant French art supply brand, Caran D’Ache has teamed up with artist Nina Cosford to create an exclusive collection that is sure to spark their imagination.
MUNDO PIXAR
Get ready Pixar fans, the Mundo Pixar Experience, the world’s biggest immersive celebration of the studio’s iconic films, is landing at Wembley Park in London this month. Step right into life-size Pixar worlds, from shrinking down in Andy’s room and exploring the Scare Floor of Monsters, Inc. to racing through Flo’s Café with Lightning McQueen and soaring with Carl and Ellie in Up. Families can wander through 14 beautifully detailed movie-inspired environments, join a playful Pixar Ball Treasure Hunt, and relive beloved moments from classics like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Coco and more in a multi-sensory adventure that truly brings the magic of Pixar to life.
LE PETIT CHEF
For budding chefs, Le Petit Chef at the London Cabaret Club in Holborn is a wonderful immersive theatre-and-dining experience for the family. The four-course menu is conjured by the world’s smallest (animated) chefs right at your table – enjoy tomato salad from Spain, lobster ravioli from Italy, beef tenderloin from France and matcha cheesecake from Japan. Guests have a chance to vote for their favourite course at the end of the meal and it is a wonderful opportunity for children to sample new culinary tastes and perhaps be inspired to try a little cooking at home
PLANETARIUM GO
This half-term, Planetarium Go! at Battersea Power Station is pure cosmic fun for kids. Imagine stepping into a giant glowing dome where stars, planets and swirling galaxies surround you on a 360° screen, like being inside a real space adventure movie! The short, playful films are designed for all ages to giggle, gasp and learn as they “blast off” through the solar system and beyond, making even little stargazers feel like junior astronauts. It’s not just a show, it’s acuriosity-igniting journey through space that’s perfect for half-term filling it with smiles and big imaginations, right in the middle of one of London’s coolest landmarks. Plus, while you’re at Battersea Power Station, half-term brings a host of creative workshops this half term. From making dreamcatchers to space rocket models, and holiday-themed workshops like horse puppet making (Lunar New Year) and friendship bracelet making (Valentine’s Day), it’s a great opportunity to discover a new skill or hobby, too, with the 22 February session teaching children how to stitch beautiful designs using an embroidery hoop.
KEW GARDENS
Kew Gardens is a brilliant choice for a family-friendly day out. Don’t miss the spectacular China-inspired Orchid Festival inside the Princess of Wales Conservatory. This year’s exhibit celebrates China’s incredible biodiversity and cultural traditions, transforming the glasshouse into a colourful wonderland packed with thousands of orchids, lanterns and plant-based sculptures inspired by Chinese wildlife and myths, including a dragon, koi carp and animal-themed floral displays that kids will love exploring. It’s a beautiful mix of nature, art and storytelling, giving children a fun way to discover new plants and cultures while enjoying Kew’s stunning gardens.
THE GROVE
With 300 acres of rolling Hertfordshire countryside there is plenty of room for both parents and children to roam around and switch off at The Grove. Whether you opt for woodland nature trails, exhilarating pony rides, archery, axe throwing or letting the children take the driving seat in one of the mini Land Rover replicas through the woods, there will be no time to stare at devices. During half term there are a host of exclusive activities including inflatable football sessions; a reptile and bug experience to get up close to weird-and-wonderful creatures; pop cake and biscuit-decorating and even the chance to design your own teddy bear. Anouska’s kids club, in the beautiful walled garden, is OFSTED-registered and teeming with arts and crafts as well as a child-size Pocket Town with a supermarket and cafe to let their imagination run wild. And while they are occupied, you can slip away to the serene Sequoia spa or maybe enjoy a round of golf. Then feast as a family at the Glasshouse Restaurant with its live cooking stations featuring lobster, beef wellington and fresh winter truffle.
THE COLOUR MONSTER
The Colour Monster at FRAMELESS turns art and emotions into a magical, colourful adventure. Inspired by the beloved picture book, this immersive experience brings the story to life with gentle music, vivid colours and soundscapes that guide children through a world where feelings like happiness, sadness and calm are explored as glowing, expressive spaces – perfect for sparking curiosity while encouraging little ones to talk about what they feel. It’s a calm, playful and heartwarming journey that lets children discover the joy of imagination and emotional connection together, a lovely indoor activity on a rainy day during half term.
MINI AFTERNOON TEA
Children under 12 are invited to Conrad London St. James’ family-friendly afternoon tea, MiniTEA, for an afternoon of indulgent delights and hands-on creativity. Throughout half term, the tea will take children through World Book Day, when young guests to step into the pages of their favourite books, arriving dressed up as much-loved literary characters, with the experience centred around imagination and creativity. On their special afternoon tiered stand, children can enjoy sandwich stacks (honey ham, cheese and/or strawberry jam), berry smoothies for sipping, crisp crudités, seasonal fruit plates and plain or chocolate scones, as well as a decorate-your-own ‘novel’ featuring a blank fondant canvas ready to be transformed with icing, toppings and endless imagination & creativity.
TWYCROSS ZOO
Conservation charity, Twycross Zoo, is celebrating a heart-warming milestone with the arrival of its first baby of 2026 – an endangered pileated gibbon, born late afternoon on Tuesday 3 February 2026. The newborn is the latest addition to the zoo’s primate family, born to experienced parents Valentina and Helmut. This birth is far more than a feel-good moment. Pileated gibbons are listed as Endangered so this newborn is a vital step in protecting the species long-term. For half-term visitors, it’s a rare chance to see an endangered primate in its earliest days and learn how UK zoos play a role in global conservation. Set across about 100 acres, it also makes for a great day out where children can see hundreds of amazing animals while enjoying outdoor play areas, Gruffalo Discovery Land and immersive animal encounters. Plus, its the last week to wander through a mile-long breathtaking light trail featuring over 2,000 immersive lanterns.
BY TRIAL AND ERROR
Add a dose of laughter and daring fun to your half-term plans with By Trial and Error, a playful acrobatic show at the Unicorn Theatre that’s perfect for families with children aged 4–10. From 11–22 February, this lively production from French circus company Le Cirque Content Pour Peu turns the simple world of two acrobats into a hilarious journey of slips, pratfalls and unexpected triumphs, blending physical comedy and wow-worthy tricks that keep kids (and grown-ups!) laughing, gasping and cheering. With its mix of humour, heart and clever physical storytelling, By Trial and Error celebrates the joy of trying, stumbling and laughing your way to success.
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