12 Things to Do in London With Kids This February

February’s perfect for exploring London’s incredible kid-friendly attractions without summer crowds! You’ll discover mind-bending illusions at Paradox Museum, get messy at Imagine Children’s Festival, and experience Harry Potter magic at Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Don’t miss family-friendly West End shows like The Lion King, free adventures at the British Museum, and thrilling rides on the London Eye with shorter queues. From interactive art at Frameless to royal quests at Hampton Court Palace, the capital offers endless excitement that’ll keep your little ones entertained all month long.

Explore Interactive Wonders at London’s Newest Museums

When February’s chilly weather keeps you indoors, London’s newest interactive museums offer the perfect escape for curious kids and families. You’ll find the Paradox Museum in Knightsbridge packed with 50+ mind-bending exhibits across 25 rooms that’ll have your children questioning everything they see.

Meanwhile, Frameless London delivers the UK’s largest multi-sensory art experience where motion sensors respond to your kids’ movements, transforming digital masterpieces before their eyes.

The newly opened Twist Museum near Oxford Street creates an artistic playground of illusions designed by neuroscientists specifically for young minds.

At Canary Wharf, Illusionaries takes families on enthralling 40-minute journeys through light and sound. For families seeking outdoor fun, don’t miss the Outernet screens at Tottenham Court Road, where free immersive art displays blend music and entertainment in a completely accessible street experience.

Most venues offer toddler-friendly sessions, wheelchair accessibility, and under-3s enter free, making February exploration both affordable and inclusive.

Get Messy and Creative at Half-Term Festivals

As February half-term arrives, London transforms into a creative playground where your kids can dive headfirst into messy, hands-on festivals designed to release their artistic spirit.

The Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre delivers 130+ events with craft zones, interactive performances, and art trails that encourage bold, messy making. Your little ones can co-create with performers in shows like The Sticky Dance while tackling drop-in workshops inspired by children’s books.

For outdoor adventures, Mudfest at WWT London Wetland Centre lets kids explore mud kitchens, puddle jumping, and nature-based creativity while learning about ecosystems.

Holiday camps like Sharky & George offer full-day programs featuring large-scale painting, slime sessions, and DIY costume projects that guarantee your children return home thoroughly paint-splattered and utterly delighted. These camps run daily from 9 AM to 4 PM at Parsons Green Club, providing structured creative chaos including messy art, graffiti, clay sculpting, and dry ice experiments.

Discover Magic at Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Step into the wizarding world at Warner Bros. Studio Tour, where your kids can explore authentic Harry Potter film sets. You’ll wander through the Great Hall with its Sorting Hat display, browse Diagon Alley‘s magical shops including Ollivanders and Gringotts, and snap photos at Platform 9¾‘s famous disappearing luggage cart.

Interactive exhibits captivate younger visitors—they’ll control magical knives in Mrs. Weasley’s Kitchen and activate the Marauder’s Map with special passports. Green screen technology lets them “fly” or ride the Hogwarts Express, while the Forbidden Forest houses spine-tingling encounters with Aragog.

The self-guided tour takes four hours, perfect for families with toddlers. Book advance tickets for February visits, which remain enjoyable without overwhelming crowds. Round-trip coach transport from central London makes this magical adventure accessible. The tour concludes with a breathtaking view of the massive, hand-crafted Hogwarts Castle model that served as the filming centerpiece.

Experience West End Theatre Made for Families

How can you turn a February day into pure theatrical magic for your family? London’s West End offers incredible shows perfectly suited for children during half-term week!

Catch long-running favorites like The Lion King at Lyceum Theatre, where 200+ puppets create a stunning spectacle for ages 6+.

Frozen the Musical brings Disney’s beloved story to life with jaw-dropping special effects, while Wicked delivers Wizard of Oz magic for children 7+.

Matilda the Musical showcases Roald Dahl’s wit with Tim Minchin’s catchy songs.

February also features exciting new productions like My Neighbour Totoro and Back to the Future: The Musical, offering fresh theatrical experiences.

Take advantage of extra matinee performances and discounted family tickets during half-term. Remember that children will need their own tickets to attend these performances, as most London shows require individual seat allocation regardless of age.

Book advance tickets for popular shows—they sell out quickly during school holidays!

Adventure Through Kew Gardens Orchid Festival

Where else can your children discover blooming dragons, floral pandas, and over 1,700 species of stunning orchids all in one magical place? The 30th annual Kew Orchid Festival transforms the Princess of Wales Conservatory into a Chinese wonderland from February 7th to March 8th.

Your kids will be mesmerized by massive floral sculptures including koi carp and native Chinese orchids celebrating Yunnan province’s incredible biodiversity. While exploring the displays, families can learn about Kew’s vital work in restoring forests and developing climate adaptation solutions around the world.

Book your timed entry slot when tickets go on sale November 3rd (from £57 adults). The festival offers wheelchair access and special quiet sessions on Monday mornings for children with sensory needs.

Combine your orchid adventure with Kew’s Treetop Walkway and Explorer land train. Pro tip: visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds and a more relaxed family experience.

Dive Into Ocean LIFE at SEA LIFE London Aquarium

What could be more thrilling than watching your children’s faces light up as massive sharks glide overhead through a glass tunnel? SEA LIFE London Aquarium delivers unforgettable ocean adventures right on South Bank.

Your kids’ll be mesmerized walking through the Ocean Tunnel, spotting Sand Tiger Sharks up to 3 meters long swimming alongside rays in over 2 million litres of water.

The Shark Walk’s glass flooring lets brave little ones peer down at sharks swimming below their feet.

Meet Boris and Dougie, two gentle Green sea turtles, plus adorable Gentoo penguins including chick Daley. These gentoo penguins arrived from Edinburgh Zoo in 2011 and quickly became a beloved attraction.

Don’t miss the UK’s largest jellyfish collection – around 350 mesmerizing creatures floating like underwater aliens.

With over 6,000 animals across three floors, you’ll easily spend 2-3 hours exploring this aquatic wonderland.

Climb High at Go Ape Alexandra Palace

Three levels of treetop adventure await your family at Go Ape Alexandra Palace, where kids can conquer wobbly bridges and zip through the air with stunning views across north London.

The Treetop Adventure perfectly suits little adventurers aged 4-10, featuring gentle crossings and a thrilling 21.5m zip line from platforms reaching 9m high. More confident kids can tackle Adventure Plus or Challenge courses with tougher obstacles and Tarzan swings.

The continuous belay safety system keeps everyone secure throughout their aerial journey. You’ll love watching your children build confidence while steering through this unique urban treetop course. Sessions run for either 60 or 90 minutes, giving you flexibility to choose the perfect adventure length for your family.

Don’t miss the seasonal Sundown Adventure for an illuminated evening climb experience that’ll create unforgettable February memories above Alexandra Palace’s historic grounds.

Journey Through Time at Hampton Court Palace

After your treetop adventures, step back centuries into the magnificent world of Hampton Court Palace, where Henry VIII’s grand halls and secret chambers spark young imaginations.

The February Half Term Event transforms the palace into an interactive royal quest with Elizabeth I from February 14-22, perfect for family exploration.

Start with the two-hour route through Henry VIII’s apartments and the stunning Baroque palace, then venture into the legendary Haunted Gallery where Catherine Howard’s ghost supposedly roams.

Kids love the Magic Garden adventure playground and the 60-acre maze that’ll challenge the whole family.

The Tudor World Exhibition in the ancient Wolsey Rooms brings ordinary Tudor life to vivid reality through fascinating artifacts.

Palace admission includes everything, and members enter free daily from 10:00 to 16:00.

Enjoy Free Fun at World-Class Museums

While London’s museums charge hefty admission fees elsewhere in the world, you’ll discover an incredible treasure trove of free entertainment that’ll keep curious minds engaged for hours.

The British Museum opens daily until 17:00 (20:30 Fridays), offering world history adventures without booking requirements.

Your kids’ll love the National Gallery‘s 1000+ masterpieces, including works by Van Gogh and Turner—open until 21:00 on Fridays for extended exploration.

Tate Britain showcases 500 years of British art with the world’s largest Turner collection, perfect for inspiring young artists. Children under 11 enjoy completely free admission with up to four kids allowed per parent or guardian.

The Horniman Museum provides interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities specifically designed for families, plus outdoor gardens for active play.

For older children interested in medical history, book free timed entry to the Hunterian Museum via Eventbrite for February 2026 visits.

Soar Above London on the London Eye

Where else can your family float 443 feet above London’s skyline while staying completely warm and dry? The London Eye’s climate-controlled capsules offer spectacular 360-degree views that’ll have your kids spotting Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and The Shard during the 30-minute rotation.

February’s off-peak timing means shorter queues and lower prices – perfect for families.

Each spacious capsule holds 25 passengers with floor-to-ceiling windows, letting children move around freely while landmark-spotting. Download visual guides beforehand to turn the experience into an educational adventure.

The wheel moves so slowly (less than 1 mph) that boarding’s effortless, and the gentle pace suits all ages. This modern marvel was designed by husband-and-wife team David Marks and Julia Barfield, making it a truly personal architectural achievement.

Book combo tickets with nearby SEA LIFE London Aquarium for extra savings, and consider evening rides to see the city’s twinkling lights.

Play and Learn at London Transport Museum

The London Transport Museum transforms learning into an adventure where your kids can climb aboard vintage buses, operate train simulators, and discover how London’s iconic red double-deckers came to be.

February’s perfect for visiting with special half-term activities running daily from 15-23 February, including ‘Museum Mission’ exploration games and ‘Behind the Poster’ family tours showcasing over 100 historic transport posters.

Your little ones will love the All Aboard playzone, designed specifically for ages 0-7 with mini vehicles, dress-up activities, and interactive fun.

Don’t miss the singing and storytelling sessions for under-5s every Friday during term time – they’re free with admission! These engaging sessions include 15 minutes of craft activities followed by 30 minutes of interactive singing and storytelling.

The museum’s annual ticket means unlimited entries all year, and kids go free, making this Covent Garden gem an unbeatable family destination.

Splash Into Water Sports at Lee Valley Regional Park

After exploring London’s transport history indoors, head to Lee Valley Regional Park where your kids can experience real Olympic-level thrills on the water! This incredible venue hosted Team GB’s first gold medal in 2012 and now offers family-friendly adventures year-round.

White water rafting’s the star attraction, running five days weekly on the actual Olympic course. It’s suitable for all ages, with families praising sessions involving 8-10 year olds.

You’ll also find gentler paddleboarding on the lake, plus the exciting Water Wipeout inflatable obstacle course. For beginners looking to develop their skills, the venue features a specially designed Legacy Loop that provides a perfect stepping stone for canoeing and kayaking progression.

All activities include safety briefings, wetsuits, and expert instructors. With a 4.8/5 rating from over 2,000 reviews, you’re guaranteed quality.

The venue’s currently open 8 AM-6 PM, though it’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly for your February visit!

The Sum Up

You’ll discover London’s packed with amazing adventures this February! Don’t let chilly weather stop you—there’s incredible indoor fun waiting. Book those theatre tickets early, pack snacks for museum visits, and dress warmly for outdoor adventures. Your kids will love splashing at Lee Valley, gasping at magical shows, and exploring interactive exhibits. February’s actually perfect for avoiding summer crowds while still experiencing London’s best family attractions. Get set for unforgettable memories!