The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
February half term is finally here. But what to do? Here are some ideas for families planning that all important day out in London.
The Imagine Children’s Festival at the Southbank Centre is arguably the best kid-friendly event in London over half-term. Running from February 18-23, it’s packed with theatre, music, storytelling, and hands-on workshops. Highlights include There’s a Bear on My Chair, CBeebies’ Wildlife Jamboree, and Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man event. Many activities are free, making it perfect for families on a budget. Whether your kids love art, science, or dance, there’s something for everyone. Check out the full lineup and plan your ultimate half-term adventure!
This half-term (15th – 23rd Feb) ZSL London Zoo is including a programme of activities called Vets in Action, which lets kids get a taster of the work done by the zoo’s vets.
It all takes place in a recreation of the vet centre, with soft toys waiting to be examine and then operated on. There are also demonstrations and talks about keeping the animals healthy throughout the week.
The 90s teen classic movie Clueless get a musical makeover, with music by KT Tunstall, and lyrics by Glenn Slater, this fun and fashionable show follows Cher Horowitz, a Beverly Hills queen bee with a talent for matchmaking. But when her latest makeover project backfires, Cher faces a reality check—totally not perfect! Click here for KidRated deals on tickets.
Shakespeare’s Globe is always a win for families – a bit of culture and a lot of fun. Make sure you book your tickets via KidRated for the best prices.
Obviously all the major chains will be open like Vue; Cineworld and Odeon. But if you can go and support your local independent cinema – like ours The Lexi. Here’s a guide you might find useful.
In the meantime – younger kids will enjoy Dog Man, Memoir of a Snail and The Sloth Lane. Older kids will love Captain America – Brave New World..
Finally your late teens will enjoy the rom com Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy; the comedy thriller Love Hurts and the scary Heart Eyes though a word of warning the last one may cause nightmares.
The doors to the Kiln Theatre, Kilburn, once known as the Tricycle
Originally known as ‘The Tricycle’, The Kiln Theatre focuses on bringing new voices to the mainstream. Located in Brent, the most culturally diverse borough in London, this venue has an international vision that inspires people from all walks of life to get involved.
You can grab a Kiln Card for great family discounts including tickets to regular cinema screenings, 10% discount at the bar and priority booking for productions, special events and Q&As.
The Kiln Theatre has some incredible FREE opportunities for kids/ teens, including weekly sessions for artists aged 7-11 & 12-15 who live or go to school in North West London. Plus there are free playwriting workshops (participants must be 16+ and live, learn or earn in North West London).
Dive in to SEA LIFE London Aquarium this February Half Term and discover an amazing world of water under London!
From GIANT Sand Tiger Sharks to the smallest clownfish, the Aquarium has something for everyone.
Start your journey in the Atlantic oceans zone where you’ll come face to fin with the resident local heroes. Then head deeper to discover the secrets of the reef. And make sure you visit everyone’s favourite colony of lovable Gentoo penguins in our Polar zone!
Ensure your trip is an educational one by listening to one of the keeper talks in the penguin, rainforest, ocean, and shark zones across the day!
And don’t forget you that once you’ve completed your visit, head next door for a fairy-tale experience at Shrek’s Adventure! London. Visit both attractions and save. Online from £50 for adults.
LGBTQ+ History Month is the focus of the National Maritime Museum’s February Half Term activities in Greenwich from 15th – 23rd Feb.
Encounter a vibrant mix of free family events, from Drag Queen Storytime and a capella workshops to crafting pirate necklaces, merfolk, and peg dolls. Discover LGBTQ+ maritime history, create Polari zines, and remix historic maps. Don’t miss Singing with Trans Voices or dancing with Drag Aerobics! Check listings for times and bookings.
London Transport Museum is always a great place for families especially those with toddlers and younger kids who get FREE entry all year round. It’s one of the most interactive museums you’ll ever visit with kids invited to climb in and over the exhibits and get as hands-on as possible..
Dan Mudford showing his pedestrians London’s street art
Daniel Mudford is a fully-qualified Blue Badge Guide, which means he’s trained to offer the best in value, knowledge and professionalis on his walking tours around London. If the weather permits, it’s about time you took the whole family on fun, friendly and fascinating walk to appericiate our city. Dan is also a London-based artist and brilliant tour guide with an avid background in music and film.
Embark on an extraordinary May half-term adventure at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, where there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy! Enjoy rides and attractions for all ages, stare wide-eyed at over 1,000 animals in our Zoo and SEA LIFE Aquarium and make unforgettable memories!
Free Activities:
LEGO® Biodiversity Super Builders – Get creative and tackle nature’s biggest challenges using LEGO® (15–21 Feb, ages 6+).
Hands-on Family Activities – Nature-themed fun with Learning Volunteers (various dates).
Meet the Scientist – Explore birds, butterflies, climate change, and more with experts (17, 18, 20 Feb, ages 11+).
Family Nature Talks – Engaging stories and fascinating specimens (22–23 Feb).
All free events require general admission tickets. For more details and bookings visit the website.
The London Science Museum, known for its interactive and educational exhibits, features two standout galleries: Wonderlab and Power Up.
If you’re looking for a fantastic family day out that’ll keep your kids and teens entertained, take a trip down the Thames to Greenwich. It’s an outing that has it all —history, science, ships, and plenty of fun!
Delve into the fascinating history of Cutty Sark – the record-breaking tea clipper which travelled the globe and visited every major world port.
Not only is the ship a great place to visit but you can combine it with a trip to Greenwich via a Uber boat and really make a day of it.
Back to the Cutty Sark though, and with a host of interactive games, character actors, displays, family-friendly performances, hands-on exhibit, interactive activities and of course the legendary Cutty Sark afternoon tea, it really is a must-visit.
Billed as the ultimate indoor/outdoor playground with multisport, arts & crafts and team building for children aged 3 – 14 years, kids can participate in various sports such as football, tennis, dodgeball, archery, rugby and more!
Bizzy Buddies Half-Term Activity Camp
They also have an Arts and Crafts Camp, located inside the cricket pavilion.
Matilda The Musical 2021
Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by Roald Dahl. With original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical tells the story of an extraordinary little girl with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind. If your kids love the classic 1996 film, then they’ll love this. Perfect for kids and teenagers and you can save money if you book Tickets with us.
Cambridge Theatre, Seven Dials, London
Based in Stratford, East London, Discover Children’s Story Centre is a place where children aged 0 – 11 and their families can enjoy playing, learning and making up stories together.
The basement level holds exhibitions, which change every few months, centred around a particular book/series. The area is transformed into scenes from the book and children are introduced to the story before being able to explore, find, play and interact in the space before hearing the full story at the end.
There’s always a host of storytellers and authors dropping in to read to the kids so check their official website for activities, timings etc.
For more free things to do visit our Best free things to do for kids and teens in London guide…
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Matilda the Musical
