The 17 best February half-term things to do in London

What is it? After two exhibitions that could loosely fall under the category of ‘world history’ – Japan: Myths to Manga and Making Egypt – the Young V&A’s third temporary exhibition goes for a different tack in offering a celebration of and behind the scenes look at beloved British animation studio Aardman.

Where is it? Young V&A.

How much is it? £11, which gets you free readmission throughout the exhibition’s run.

Why book? Aardman are responsible for some of the most beloved animated characters in history: aside from a chance to get a closer look at them, the exhibition will offer a hands-on guide to stop motion animation, including a chance to make your own.

What is it? The Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens is taking a voyage to China this February, courtesy of the latest annual mind-bending orchid display that takes over the iconic glasshouse each year. 

Where is it? Kew Gardens

How much is it? Free with entry (but you’re advised to book a timeslot online).

Why go? Because the dazzling display is the perfect antidote to dreary February, and even if you’ve been before it’s different every year. For the China display look out for sculptures of dragons and Chinese lanterns, as well as intricately woven plant installations. T

What is it? The landmark exhibition at the British Museum will trace the evolution of the Japanese warrior class over the past 1,000 years, exploring how their image came to be what it is today.

Where is it? British Museum.

How much is it? £17.

Why go? While not explictly a family exhibition, there is no denying that sword-wielding, armour clad, code bound badasses the samurai are enthralling to many children and teens, and this opportunity to actually learn something about them properly – via 280 objects – should appeal to a good chunk of the school demographic. 

What is it? It’s a big month for fans of animations! Ever watched Finding Nemo or Inside Out and wondered what it would be like to exist inside those marvelous worlds created by Pixar animation studio? Well, wonder no more – the Mundo Pixar Experience is a travelling immersive show that has been transporting Pixar fans to some of its most beloved universes.

Where is it? A dedicated venue in Wembley Park.

How much is it? £29, £20 kids.

Why go? Because you like Pixar, duh. Advance word suggests it’s not a heavily interactive show, but there are loads of beautifully detailed rooms themed around Toy Story et al to keep you going. And needless to say, it’s photo opportunity heaven. this year, it‘s coming to London. The show essentially a journey through a series of 14 rooms, one dedic

What is it? The Horniman’s big 2026 temporary exhibition in this globe-trotting Australian show inspired by Jules Verne’s classic novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas.

Where is it? Horniman Museum.

How much is it? £9.80 adults, £7 kids.

Why go? it’s a lot of interactive fun: you’ll command the legendary Nautilus submarine and journey to the depths of the oceans, visiting Atlantis, weaving through huge kelp forests and meeting extraordinary aquatic creatures. And while the giant squid you come ‘face to face’ with is presumably not real, there will be actual living sea creatures present courtesy of six aquarium tanks that come with the show. 

What is it? With the mighty Greenwich Planetarium out of action for a couple of years, various smaller alternatives appear to be taking this moment to pop up around London, including this one at Battersea Power Station. Running throughout February – including, cruciually, half-term – Planetarium Go! offers the usual 360 degree screen and will show 20-30-minute films designed to fill an all-ages audience with ‘cosmic wonder’.

Where is it? Battersea Power Station.

What is it? Cirque du Soleil are back with their vivid, insect-themed extravaganza OVO, which plays the Royal Albert Hall for the second time. Last time it was in town it featured some rather un family friendly comic bits, but it’s been sensibly toned down for this return stint: just bug out and enjoy the dazzling costumes and spectacular stunts.

Where is it? Royal Albert Hall.

What is it? The return of Sam Wilde and Ian Nicholson’s superb adapation of Jon Klassen’s magnificently droll trilogy of picture books about murder, redemption and headwear in the animal kingdom.

Where is it? Little Angel Studio Theatre.

How much is it? £15.50, £13.50 children.

Why go? Klassen’s books are wonderful and in adapting the whole trilogy, Wilde and Nicholson negate the need for the usual padding that blights picturebook adaptations. The cardboard puppets are a delight too. 

What is it? Musical adaptation of Maz Evans’ kids’ novel about Elliot Hooper, a young man with a sick mum, whose already difficult existance is complicated when the pantheon of Greek gods gate crash his life.

Where is it? Polka Theatre.

How much is it? £11-£20.

Why go? It’s fun source material and the Polka is one of the few theatres out there making proper new stage work for tweens (it’s aimed at ages eight to 13).

What is it? It’s a pop-up Pokémon shop at the Natural History Museum selling limited edition Pokéswag.

Where is it? The museum’s Cranbourne Boutique, January 26 to April 19.

How much is it? Free to enter but you have to book a slot.

Why go? If Pokémon are the ultimate collectibles, a limited edtion Pokémon pop up shop is the ultimate of ultimate collectibles. We’d have put it higher on this list, but it’s sold out: you can monitor See Tickets for any potential returns, or a few of the items will go on sale at the NHM’s online shop.

What is it? This is a fun idea for a half-term show: immersive art gallery Frameless will be giving its Blank Canvas Gallery over to a special immersive story based on Anna Llenas’ book The Colour Monster, about a cute monster whose colour changes as he struggles to master his feelings. Good for fans of the book, good for anyone looking for a more explicitly kiddie friendly addition to a visit to Frame.

Where is it? Frameless.