Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends, Young V&A, 2026
Photo: David Parry
Photo: David Parry

The best February half-term things to do in London

Keep the kids busy and entertained this February 2025 half-term with some fantastic things to do around London

Andrzej Lukowski
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The Christmas holidays barely feel like they’re over but oh look: here’s our old pal February half-term, back again. Dealing with the little ones for a week in the middle of what is arguably the bleakest month of the year is always a bit of a shock to the system. But fear not! By way of acknowledgement of all this London really steps up with the indoor activities challenge, with the annual Imagine festival at the Southbank Centre as ever leading the way for a week in which there’s in fact plenty to do. Read on for our top tips. 

My name is Andrzej and I’m Time Out’s lead kids’ writer and also parent to two children who go to school in Bromley, where for some reason the local authorities think we want a two-week half-term. 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.

When is February half-term this year? 

This year, London’s February half-term officially falls between Monday February 16 and Friday February 20 (ie children will be off continuously between Saturday February 14 and Sunday February 22). 

Here’s our roundup of all the best things to do with your children this February half-term.

Best activities and things to do in February half term with kids in London

  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • South Bank

What is it? The Southbank Centre’s sprawling multi-show festival of children’s entertainment is back for another year, to the relief of London parents everywhere.

Where is it? Across all Southbank Centre venues.

How much is it? Prices vary, from free events to ticketed ones with a top price of around £16.

Why go? Because there’s something for every child there, from theatre shows to concerts to audiences with top kids’ authors – Jaqueline Wilson is this year’s guest of honour. Even if you just happen to be in town during the day with the little ones, it’s worth swinging by for the great buzz and the many free events.

  • Kids
  • Exhibitions
  • Bethnal Green

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.

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  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Kew

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

  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Bloomsbury

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. 

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  • Kids
  • Exhibitions
  • Wembley

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

  • Kids
  • Exhibitions
  • Forest Hill

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. 

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  • Children's
  • Canonbury
  • Recommended

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. 

  • Children's
  • Wimbledon

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).

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  • Shopping
  • Shopping & Style

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.

  • Museums
  • Art and design
  • South Kensington
  • Recommended

What is it? The V&A’s lavish new exhbition is a celebration of the extraordinary, groundbreaking style of France’s doomed queen. Gathering together 250 objects – many never displayed in this country before – it makes a case for her as a misunderstood woman with exquisite taste (who didn’t actually say ‘let them eat cake’).

Why go? While clearly not one for the tots, it’s the perfect show for a fashion-loving teen.

Where is it? V&A.

How much is it? From £23.

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