It’s not quite summer, but it’s the school holidays and it’s actually warm outside: it must be May half-term, aka the only half-term holiday to take place when the weather actually is nice. So of course ‘the park’ and maybe even ‘the seaside’ are on the agenda. But here’s thge best of the rest London has to offer this hols, from a lavish new Natural History Museum prehistoric exhibition to the return of family theatre classic War Horse.
My name is Andrzej and I’m Time Out’s lead kids’ writer and also parent to two London-based children. As ever, the idea with this list is to highlight the best new, returning or last chance to see shows; London also has plenty of evergreen fun for children of all ages, quite a lot of which you can find in out list of the 50 best things to do with kids in London.
This year, London’s February half-term officially falls between Monday May 25 and Friday May 29 (ie children will be off continuously between Saturday May 23 and Sunday June 1, and possibly a little longer as June 2 is a popular inset day).
Here’s our roundup of all the best things to do with your children this May half-term.
What is it? The Natural History Museum explores the terrors of the ancient deep with a new temporary exhibition devoted to the weird, wonderful and scary world of prehistoric sea monsters. Think pliosaurs, think ichthyosaurs, think think mosasaurs. We’re not quite clear what this show will involve specifically at this stage, but the NHM’s temporary exhibitions are always a big budget delight.
Where is it? Natural History Museum.
How much is it? £17.50, £8.75 kids.
What is it? The first fruits of the Horniman’s lavish revamp are finally with us this half-term, with the opening of its new nature-themed play area, family-friendly café, an interactive trail and community garden to its 16-acre grounds. It’s a lot of fun new things to check out, basically, the Kusuma Nature Play area (pictured) probably being the highlight, and there’s even an augmented reality nature trail to explore.
Where is it? Horniman Museum.
How much is it? Free.
What is it? The beloved Chessington World of Adventures receives a big upgrade in time for half-term as its brand new PAW Patrol theme area opens, with four new rides and special themed snacks. It sort of feels like we don’t need more explanation: if your kids love PAW Patrol and gentle theme park rides, they’ll have a great time.
Where is it? Chessington World of Adventures.
How much is it? From £33, book in advance unless you want to pay crazy money.
What is it? This May, London is finally getting its own branch of the Museum of Illusions, a worldwide phenomenon with almost 70 branches across the world. It’s along similar line to pre-existing London attractions like the Paradox Museum and Twist Museum – ie expect fun, insta-friendly illusions both small and large that should blow your mind, or at least offer a family-friendly diversion for an hour or so.
Where is it? It will have its own buiding on Tottenham Court Road, exact opening date tbc but will be open by half-term.
How much is it? TBC but the Manchester outlet costs £21.50-£29.50, depending on the time. Tickets for London will go on sale from April 27.
What is it? This audacious, family-friendly immersive exhibition from filmmaker and ‘speculative architect’ Liam Young takes over the Barbican for a few months and offers a series of wild imagined ideas about what the future of humanity might look like – speculative, of course, but rooted in real technology and climate-based possibilities. Some of the content might go over little ones’ heads, but it’s aimed at ages five-plus and the basic vibe is ‘cool films of imaginary sci-fir worlds’.
Where is it? Barbican Centre.
How much is it? £19, £6 children.
What is it? The National Theatre’s astonishing puppet-powered Michael Morpurgo adaptation was one of the biggest British stage hits of the ’00s and ’10s. It’s never truly gone away – touring numerous times – but now the NT brings it back to its Olivier stage for the first time in two decades. It’s aimed at ages 10-plus, but is very much suitable for kids of that age range.
Where is it? National Theatre, Olivier.
How much is it? £30-£120.
What is it? The Limitless Recycled Playground is a very fun place indeed, a colourful, interactive wonderland for under-twelves to create and play in, full of recycled materials ready for repurposing and making. The experience is accompanied by a score made of recycled sounds, as well as prompts to encourage kids and adults to play side by side. It only plays a limited season each year, and the May half-term is the last holiday you can catch it in 2026.
Where is it? Southbank Centre, Spirit Level.
How much is it? £7.50.
What is it? You’re probably aware that the Young V&A has a fine Aardman Animations running at them moment: we’re flagging it up again because there are still tickets left for May half-term, though there probably won’t be by the time the holiday comes around.
Where is it? Young V&A.
How much is it? £11, which gets you free readmission throughout the exhibition’s run.
What is it? This slightly bonkers, tech-enhanced immersive exhibition devoted to the Vikings and their myths is visually ravishing and fitfully educational – it leave town at the end of May so catch it now if you think your bloodthirsty little ones might dig it.
Where is it? Dock X.
How much is it? £25, £17 children.
What is it? The latest lavish immersive exhbition to pitch up ImmerseLDN, Cleopatra: The Experience offers more grandiose VR and immersive films of an epic and often fanciful type. If you’re worried your little ones are a but too feral to appreciate the a show given over to a single historical figure: don’t worry, it has bonkers spectacle to spare and doesn’t focus too heavily on the woman herself. Half-term is the last London school holiday where you can catch it.
Where is it? ImmerseLDN.
How much is it? £27, £22 children.
Discover Time Out original video
