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? Beloved circus company Gifford’s pitch up in Chiswick over half-term (and beyond) with a new show that celebrates the magic of rural England, with the acrobatic feats taking place in a mock Cotswolds set and peopled by various animal character of Britain gone by, from Ratty and Mole to Squirrel Nutkin and the Gifford’s own beloved Brian the Goose. It’s directed by comedy guru Cal McCrystal.
Where is it? Chiswick House and Gardens.
How much is it? £26-£45, £16-£35 kids.
What is it? Architects of Air’s Luminariums are basically gigantic inflatable sculptures you can wander around in; they make a vivid and profoundly instagrammable experience for families and adults alike. Popping up at Battersea Power Station over half-term, this Luminarium is named Luxart and its various chambers are all meant to do interesting things with illumination and colour, with each roof affording different sensations.
Where is it? Power Station Park, Battersea Power Station.
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? The bad news: this cute immersive exhibition built around Nadia Shireen picture book Monster Funfair will be closing at the end of half-term. The good news: aside from the fact you still have a last chance to see it, its disapperance heralds the full reopening of Discover on June 20.
Where is it? Discover Children’s Story Centre.
How much is it? £5 (exhibition only, the rest of the centre is closed.
What is it? RSC-produced indie musical The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a stage adaptation of Chiwetel Ejiofor’s 2019 film about a Malawian boy who uses his technological ingenuity to save his drout-stricken village. Transferring down from Stratford-upon-Avon where it had warm reviews, the Lynette Linton-directed show is based on the memoir by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, with a book and lyrics by Richy Hughes and music and lyrics by Tim Sutton. The show is suitable for ages 11-plus.
Where is it? @sohoplace
How much is it? £29.50-£125.
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