February is all too often considered an awkward ‘inbetweener’ of a month; the festive vibes are over, spring feels like a distant rumour, the weather can’t make up its mind and the days remain short and chilly. Not much fun.
In addition to this, the fact that a school holiday falls in February is even more awkward. If you’re not going for a ski in the Alps, what are you supposed to do? Sit inside all week?
It’s a moment all parents ask the same question: how are we supposed to keep everyone entertained without spending a small fortune?
The good news for you is that London comes quietly into its own in February; there are far fewer tourists, plenty of seasonal events and a surprising amount of indoor and outdoor activities that will keep the entire family happy.
Whether it’s teens, toddlers, pre-teens or a mix of the lot, here is a list of the very best February half-term activities to enjoy in our glorious capital.
Let’s explore the best things to do in London with the whole family this upcoming half-term.
Take on an Immersive Family Challenge
Immersive challenges have evolved an awful lot from the ‘basic’ escape room.
In its original format, the humble escape room was squeezed into a spare room in a pub and, whilst being entertaining, they were certainly a ‘one size fits all’ deal.
We now have incredibly complex escape rooms with a huge variation of themes, numerous challenges, multiple locations, costumes, characters, you name it; so why not give one a go?
The exponential increase in the popularity of escape rooms has also given rise to experiential challenges that see groups of people solve challenges, puzzles and clues that lead them across vast areas, battling time and even other teams, all whilst discovering amazing locations.
If you’re looking to explore the city without trudging around landmarks, dragging the kids along with you, then the Race Across The World Experience is the ultimate immersive family challenge.
Not only will you be visiting the city’s finest spots, but you’ll be working together, solving puzzles, following clues, uncovering secrets and following an exciting trail as you explore London.
This is the perfect activity for an active family looking for the best things to do in half term. London will be your playground, and the whole family will be entertained.
London’s Amazing Museums
London is famous for its cultural significance, and a huge part of that is thanks to the world class museums spread throughout the city.
Generally speaking, visiting any of London’s museums on any day would be superb, but during half-term holidays, the likes of the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and many others, will put on specific events featuring child friendly exhibitions and interactive experiences.
This can be a wonderful way to have some education-based fun and take away the pressure of choosing which museum is ‘best’, or trying to get around one huge location and see everything in one day.
The more popular museums also tend to steal the spotlight somewhat from the smaller, quirkier museums dotted around the city, most of which can offer some truly incredible experiences.
Ride the underground postal train beneath the city, learn about the city’s transport history, solve mysteries with a certain super-sleuth detective, discover London’s 2,000 year old origins, explore a real and beautifully restored ship from the golden era of seafaring, and see firsthand war machines of the past.
As you can probably tell, there really are a lot of options, and honestly, in most cases, the quirkier the museum the more fun you’ll have.
Family Friendly Theatre
Another element of London’s cultural significance is the stunning quality of its live theatre. It’s home to the world famous West End, which plays host to some of the world’s biggest and best live acts.
As well as the fabulous West End, there are literally hundreds of smaller, independent theatres that hold shows during the half-term months aimed at kids of all ages. You really are spoiled for choice once again.
If you opt for the non-West End theaters you may find some advantages, aside from a lower price; you can expect shows with shorter runtimes, relaxed atmospheres, visual storytelling and age targeted material; perfect for the young ones.
For older kids, you can try comedy-led shows, musicals, or interactive performances, acting as a superb introduction to live entertainment.
If you’ve got younger kids and are looking for something off the beaten track, then take a look at the world’s only floating puppet theatre, and yes you did read that right. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience perfect for young families, and will take you to one of London’s finest hidden gems; Little Venice.
London’s Markets & Foodhalls
Despite the UK’s incredibly unfair reputation for ‘boring’ food, London is actually a foodies’ paradise with a stunning 80 Michelin-starred establishments throughout the city. And if you and your family love a quirky adventure filled with tasty delights and fascinating finds, then a self guided tour of London’s incredible markets is the perfect way to spend the day.
Many of the market places are covered, lots of them are centuries old, there are some incredible central locations, and each one is as different as the last.
There are antiques markets like the world famous Portobello Road Market, historic locations like the Unesco World Heritage Site Greenwich Market, the vibrant Columbia Road Flower Market, the quirky and punky Camden Market, and the delectable Borough Market; the perfect spot for lunch, dinner and everything in between.
You’ll often find live music, special celebrations and live events during periods like half term, so immerse yourselves in culture, history, arts and amazing food, and watch as your children’s eyes are opened to limitless possibilities in London’s ancient market places.
Get Hands On
Get creative with the whole family and make physical memories by enjoying a family friendly class or workshop.
There is an incredible amount on offer, from the likes of graffiti street art and monster-themed pottery, to pasta making and jewellery masterclasses, there will be something for you and your kids to learn together.
A workshop can be the perfect way to avoid bad weather, teach the kids something about expression and creativity, and make the most of doing something together. The kids will love getting hands on and the more alternative the class, the more fun it will be.
Why not enjoy something creative and leave with a souvenir that actually means something to all of you, rather than a tin lunchbox with Big Ben emblazoned on it?
Half-Term Holiday Pro Tip
All of these options sound like a really great time; idyllic, informative, cultural. But it’s important to remember that half-term burnout is real.
A great way to plan the perfect half-term trip is to plan one key, standout day. This day will contain the pivotal activity, whether it’s an immersive activity, a theatre trip or a special day out exploring, the rest of the trip can flow from this ‘anchor day’.
In a city like London, where the options are endless, this approach will help to ease the pressure of planning without overloading the schedule, and the anchor day is often the most enjoyable and low-stress day of the trip.
You can fit all the other activities your family wants to enjoy around it, but the anchor day will be the centre point.
Final thoughts
February half-term does not need to be an overly crowded, non-stop, action-packed holiday bonanza; it does not need to break the bank or be a boring week spent at home.
February half-term activities in London are plentiful, can be enjoyed by pretty much any person of any age, and can create lifelong memories with the whole family.
By mixing a few well chosen experiences with flexible, low-key outings, any family can make the most of what London has to offer without exhausting themselves.
Maximum enjoyment and maximum family time.
Whether you’re enjoying immersive games across the city, catching a family friendly show, or tasting the delights of London’s food markets, the best half-term plans are the ones that bring balance, excitement, joy, and breathing space.
Leave your family refreshed rather than frazzled, as they return from a cultural, family bonding half-term trip to the capital.
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
