15 Half Term Activities in London for Kids in February

You’ll find amazing February half term adventures at London’s free museums like the Natural History Museum’s dinosaur gallery and Science Museum’s Wonderlab with 50+ interactive exhibits. Book ahead for Sky Garden’s panoramic city views, explore hands-on engineering challenges at London Transport Museum, or visit city farms for animal encounters. West End matinees start from £12, while Thames South Bank walks feature street performers and splash fountains. From indoor discovery trails to outdoor cycling at Lee Valley VeloPark, these fifteen activities make certain your kids stay entertained throughout the holiday.

Natural History Museum’s Dinosaur Gallery and Interactive Learning

Why spend a fortune on half-term entertainment when London’s Natural History Museum offers world-class dinosaur experiences completely free? You’ll find the award-winning Dinosaurs Gallery in the Blue Zone’s Ground Floor, featuring a roaring T. rex skeleton aged 122-129 million years alongside fascinating Triceratops skulls and marine reptile fossils.

Your kids will love the interactive gallery quiz, amazing videos, and hands-on activities like Dyeing Dino Eggs and creating Trace Fossils. The vibrant exhibit includes cartoons, animatronics, and life-sized skeletons that’ll captivate both children and adults.

Don’t miss the Teach Rex show with life-like dinosaurs demonstrating anatomy. If you can’t make it to the museum in person, you can explore the exhibits through virtual tours that bring the Dinosaur Hall experience directly to your home.

Access is step-free via Cromwell Road, making it perfect for families seeking educational entertainment that won’t break the bank.

Science Museum’s Wonderlab and IMAX Experiences

Where else can your children explore 50+ interactive science exhibits and witness live lightning demonstrations under one roof? The Science Museum’s Wonderlab transforms learning into an adventure across seven themed zones covering Light, Matter, Space, Sound, Maths, Electricity, and Forces.

Your kids can ride the Solar System model, see sound waves in jumping water, and experience gigantic friction slides. The Chemistry Bar serves up dramatic made-to-order experiments, while the Infinity Mirror Box and thermal cameras reveal hidden science. Trained “Explainers” support families throughout your visit.

Book tickets in advance for this popular half-term destination (open 10:00-17:40). The exhibition is conveniently located at Exhibition Road in South Kensington, making it easily accessible for families. Don’t miss the 120-seat IMAX cinema featuring stunning 2D and 3D science documentaries that’ll captivate the whole family.

London Transport Museum Family Engineering Challenges

How can your budding engineers tackle real-world challenges while exploring London’s transport history? London Transport Museum’s Future Engineers gallery transforms kids into problem-solving engineers through hands-on activities that won’t break the bank.

Your children can “drive” an Elizabeth line train simulator, choose their engineering personality as “dreamers, planners, or fixers,” and diagnose train faults through interactive challenges.

The digital planning exhibit lets families design greener cities, connecting transport with sustainability. Museum facilitators enhance learning by incorporating physical motions that help children understand engineering concepts through movement and demonstration.

Don’t miss the downloadable family challenges you can tackle at home using household materials. Build bridges exploring load and compression, create robots focusing on movement systems, or design high-speed trains considering aerodynamics and efficiency.

These open-ended activities reinforce the engineering design cycle while keeping costs minimal and creativity high.

Museum of London Docklands Riverside History Sessions

From engineering challenges to maritime adventures, Museum of London Docklands offers families an immersive journey through 400 years of riverside history without spending a penny.

You’ll discover fascinating galleries covering everything from Roman ports to 1970s dock closures, with Tony Robinson narrating engaging videos throughout your visit.

Your little ones can enjoy hands-on play in the Mudlarks gallery, designed specifically for under-8s with soft play and role-play areas.

During half term, you’ll catch the new “Secrets of the Thames” mudlarking exhibition opening December 27th.

Don’t miss the monthly “Tots at the docks” sessions and “Craft & chill” drop-ins exploring identity themes.

The museum also offers educational programs specifically designed for school groups, making it perfect for organized visits during the holidays.

Located in stunning Georgian warehouses near Canary Wharf, it’s easily accessible via DLR and offers pram-friendly facilities with an on-site family cafe.

Horniman Museum’s Aquarium and Butterfly House Adventures

Why settle for ordinary half-term entertainment when you can explore exotic butterflies and marine life at Horniman Museum? You’ll discover hundreds of free-flying butterflies in a specially-planted tropical garden, perfect for kids’ short attention spans.

The compact Butterfly House teaches fascinating life-cycle facts and feeding behaviors—just remember no touching caterpillars or eating inside!

Downstairs, fifteen diverse aquatic environments showcase global marine life in the underground aquarium. You can photograph everything without flash, and advance booking guarantees entry during busy half-term periods.

Budget-conscious families love that museum entry and gardens remain free, with paid attractions ranging £2-£28.60. Members enter free with advance booking. Universal Credit claimants can enjoy the £1 entry fee for both the aquarium and Robot Zoo exhibits.

Located at Forest Hill, you’ll enjoy panoramic London views alongside educational adventures that’ll captivate curious minds all day.

Kew Gardens Seasonal Trails and Tropical Houses

Where else can you escape winter’s chill while exploring tropical rainforests and witnessing China’s stunning floral artistry? Kew Gardens transforms February half-term into an adventure playground with cheaper winter admission and incredible indoor experiences.

The Orchid Festival China runs through March 8th, showcasing spectacular dragon installations and lantern displays in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. You’ll need to book slots, but it’s free with entry. The festival also features After Hours events for magical night exploration of the illuminated displays.

Meanwhile, the Palm House offers year-round tropical warmth with endangered rainforest plants.

Don’t miss the Winter Garden’s fiery red dogwood stems and early snowdrops in the Woodland Garden.

Take the botanical watercolour course (February 2-4) or join the daily Kew Explorer land train from 11am.

Expert-guided walking tours highlight winter’s hidden beauty perfectly.

Hyde Park’s Diana Memorial Playground and Serpentine Boating

What could be more magical than watching your children’s eyes light up as they discover a pirate ship adventure playground inspired by Peter Pan? Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens offers exactly this experience, though it’s currently closed for major renewal until summer 2026.

When it reopens, you’ll find enhanced wheelchair-accessible features and a spectacular three-level timber galleon with tree house encampments. The playground caters to children up to 12, with separate areas for under-3s including sensory trails and musical instruments.

Entry’s free, though expect queues during peak times. The site opens at 10:00 daily with seasonal closing times. On-site facilities include toilets, baby-changing, and a café. The location also provides easy access to Kensington Palace, making it simple to combine your playground visit with exploring this historic royal residence.

While you’re waiting for the playground’s return, consider Serpentine boating nearby for water-based family fun.

Lee Valley VeloPark Cycling and Multi-Activity Sessions

Olympic cycling glory awaits your family at Lee Valley VeloPark, where you can experience the same tracks that witnessed Sir Chris Hoy’s golden moments during London 2012.

You’ll find four Olympic cycling disciplines on one site – track, road, BMX, and mountain biking. The indoor velodrome offers one-hour taster sessions, while the BMX track features over 30 jumps and berms for high-adrenaline fun.

Your kids can build confidence on the one-mile closed road circuit or explore 5 miles of traffic-free mountain bike trails. The venue welcomes cyclists of all abilities with beginner-friendly classes designed to help newcomers get started safely.

Sessions start from £6.50, with activities for ages 2+. Helmets and protective gear are provided. The venue’s fully accessible, with inclusive cycling options available.

Between activities, you’ll appreciate Café 42 Degrees‘ views overlooking Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Thames South Bank Walks and Street Performances

The Thames South Bank offers London’s most entertaining free family walk, stretching from the London Eye to Tate Modern along a largely step-free riverside path that’s packed with street performers and public art. You’ll discover bubble artists, living statues, magicians, and acrobats clustered around the London Eye plaza and Southbank Centre, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that’ll keep children mesmerized.

Plan 1.5-3 hours for the full experience, allowing time for performance stops and snacks. Peak entertainment happens weekend afternoons and during February half term between 12:00-17:00. The area also hosts the Meltdown Festival each summer, where renowned artists curate unique musical experiences at the Southbank Centre.

If little ones get overwhelmed by the bustling soundscape, head toward quieter Blackfriars Bridge sections. Don’t miss Jeppe Hein’s interactive water fountains for splash play, and duck into Southbank Centre’s free foyers when weather turns chilly.

West End Matinee Shows for Families

London’s West End transforms into a family wonderland during half term, with theatres adding extra matinee performances that perfectly suit school holiday schedules.

You’ll find spectacular options starting from just £12 with Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show at Theatre Royal Haymarket, perfect for younger children with its 1hr 20min runtime.

For magical experiences, catch the Olivier Award-winning My Neighbour Totoro at Gillian Lynne Theatre, featuring stunning puppetry that’ll captivate kids aged 6+.

Mamma Mia! offers incredible value with tickets from £18, delivering 23 ABBA hits that’ll have everyone singing along. The hilarious production features savings up to £95.25 during Boxing Day Sales and other special promotions.

Matilda The Musical provides discounted February tickets, while Disney’s Hercules features Boxing Day sale pricing.

Book early as these family-friendly matinees fill quickly during school holidays.

ZSL London Zoo Animal Talks and Feeding Times

When half term arrives, ZSL London Zoo’s packed schedule of keeper talks and feeding sessions transforms your visit into an educational adventure that’s already included in your entry ticket. You’ll catch multiple daily talks across key exhibits, from gibbons at 10:45am to penguins at 4pm during winter hours (10am-4pm).

Plan to arrive by late morning to experience the big cats – tigers at 11am followed by lions at 11:30am. The afternoon brings exciting feeding demonstrations where you’ll watch otters dive and Komodo dragon “Khaleesi” showcase natural hunting behaviours.

Keepers share conservation stories and answer questions during interactive sessions. These talks focus on endangered species, their habitats, and ongoing conservation efforts to protect wildlife. Check the London Zoo app for exact timings, as outdoor talks like “Super Species Live” depend on February weather conditions.

City Farms Animal Encounters and Educational Talks

Escape the crowded tourist attractions and discover London’s hidden gems where children can pet farm animals, learn about sustainable agriculture, and enjoy hands-on experiences without breaking the bank.

City farms like Mudchute Park & Farm offer 32 acres of free encounters with sheep, llamas, and alpacas. Meanwhile, Spitalfields City Farm provides compact animal experiences in Tower Hamlets.

During February half term, you’ll find special holiday programmes featuring feeding sessions, farm trails, and craft workshops. Many farms schedule lambing events and guided tours perfect for school holidays.

Your kids can participate in supervised small-animal handling sessions with rabbits and guinea pigs. For families seeking additional indoor activities, escape rooms like Enigma Quests offer family-friendly adventures for children aged 10 and above.

Educational talks focus on animal care, food origins, and environmental sustainability, making these visits both entertaining and enriching for curious young minds.

Holiday Sports and Multi-Activity Camps

While quiet farm visits offer peaceful learning experiences, energetic children might crave more dynamic adventures during February half term. London’s holiday camps deliver exactly that excitement with exhaustive multi-activity programmes spanning ages 3-14.

Camp Beaumont operates 40-50 weekly activities across southeast London, combining football, tennis, archery, and arts in age-specific groups.

SuperCamps runs programmes at Putney, Ealing, and Chelsea locations, featuring unique offerings like Archery Tag® and ZooLab sessions.

For focused sports development, AM Sports Academy provides structured “sports maps” at Wimbledon venues.

Little Rackets specializes in tennis, rugby, and football for younger children aged 3-7.

Most camps run 9:00-16:30 with flexible drop-off times, rotating through 45-60 minute activity blocks that build confidence, teamwork skills, and physical coordination affordably. These programmes feature DBS checked staff ensuring both safety and engaging instruction throughout all activities.

Free National Museums With Family Activity Trails

Why spend money on entertainment when London’s world-class museums offer free family adventures that’ll captivate children for hours? The British Museum’s family activity trails transform ancient galleries into treasure hunts, with themed backpacks guiding you through Egyptian mummies and Greek sculptures. Plan 90 minutes to 3 hours depending on your children’s ages.

The National Gallery’s look-and-find tasks and drawing prompts make masterpieces accessible, while the National Portrait Gallery’s “Sculpture Sleuths” trail rewards completion with small prizes.

Natural History Museum’s dinosaur-focused scavenger hunts work brilliantly for ages 4-12, especially around the animatronic T. rex. The museum also provides discovery backpacks filled with hands-on activities to enhance your family’s exploration experience.

Visit between 10:00-10:30 or after 2:00 PM to avoid school groups.

Museum of London Docklands offers downloadable PDFs you’ll print at home for flexible, self-paced exploration.

Sky Garden Views and Transport Adventures

Towering 160 metres above London’s financial district, the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street delivers breathtaking 360-degree views without costing a penny. You’ll spot iconic landmarks like the Shard, Tower Bridge, and St Paul’s Cathedral from this 38-storey “Walkie Talkie” building’s top three floors.

Book your free 90-minute slots well in advance online – this popular attraction sees over 3,000 daily visitors. Weekday slots run 10am-6pm, while weekends extend until 9pm.

The journey’s half the fun: take the Tube to this Square Mile location, then ride double-decker lifts to reach London’s highest public garden.

Kids will love the landscaped gardens, observation decks, and open-air terrace. Since opening in 2015, Sky Garden has welcomed an impressive 10 million visitors, cementing its status as one of London’s must-see destinations. Just remember – no selfie sticks allowed on the terrace!

The Sum Up

You’ve got fifteen fantastic options to keep your kids entertained this February half term without breaking the bank. Mix free museum visits with budget-friendly activities like city farms and transport adventures. Book popular spots like Wonderlab early, but don’t forget that many of London’s best family attractions won’t cost you a penny. Pack snacks, dress warmly, and you’re set for an amazing week of discovery and fun!