It may well fell like the kids have only just gone back to school after the Christmas holiday period but believe it or not, February half term marks the half-way point through the school year.
Even if you’re not ready to accept that the summer term is fast approaching, however, you can take comfort in the fact that February half term is one of the best times to be in London
The capital is busy at any time of year but February half term in London is particularly fun and the city’s calendar is packed full of festivals, family workshops, arts and craft activities, family-friendly shows and much more. Even better, many of these events are free.
February half term 2025 holiday dates for most schools in London run from Monday 17 February – Friday 21 February 2025. There may be the odd individual school that has their own dates but for the most part, expect that week to be the busiest in London.
If you need somewhere to stay in London with kids then take a look at our recommendations on the best family hotels.
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February half term in London Highlights
There is so much taking place this week that it’s impossible to fit it all in. If you’re wondering what events you really shouldn’t miss, then the following are our picks for this February half term in London:
- Behind the Poster at the London Transport Museum
- February Family Festival at the Natural History Museum
- Making Egypt at the Young V&A
- The Robot Zoo at the Horniman Museum
- The Gunpowder Plot at the Tower of London
- Vets in Action at ZSL London Zoo
- Imagine Children’s Festival at the Southbank Centre
- TRASH! At the Peacock Theatre
- The Twits Afternoon Tea at the London Marriott County Hall Hotel
- Family Workshops at the Chelsea Physic Garden
Things to do during February half term in London
There are so many things taking place this week in London that I’ve divided the events into categories: Chinese New Year, Museums, Sights & Attractions, Festivals & Shows and Other Things To Do.
Chinese New Year Events
Chinese New Year 2025 in London
Taking place before half term this year, on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 of February, are London’s annual Chinese New Year celebrations organised by London Chinatown Chinese Association.
Taking place across the West End, these celebrations include activities, street food and performances in Trafalgar Square. Enjoy traditional dragon and flying lion dances, Chinese dance and music shows, martial arts displays and Chinese pop hits. The highlight is the colourful Chinese New Year parade on Sunday 2 February, starting east of Trafalgar Square and making its way to Chinatown.
Lunar New Year Family Day 2025 at the Museum of Home
Celebrate the Year of the Snake this February half term at the Museum of the Home in east London. The snake is the sixth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac and children born in the year of the snake are said to be mysterious, smart, wise and caring.
Learn all about this auspicious animal through a series of workshops including Ssssnake Play, the Mini Playhouse and Storytelling from actor/performer/musician, Tony Tang.
These free workshops take place on Tuesday 18 February from 10.30am – 3.30pm.
Half term events at London Museums
Family Activities at the National Gallery
This February half term the National Gallery are hosting their popular Decoding Pictures tours, which are a wonderful way to get young children interested in art. Led by museum educators, the tours encourage kids to think about what the pictures are saying to us.
The 45-minute-long sessions take place on February 18, 19 and 20 at 11am and 1pm. They are free but spaces are limited and wristbands are given on a first come first served basis 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Also taking place this half-term is a Family lute tour: music and stories from around the Gallery. Two sessions take place on Tuesday 18 February. On Wednesday 19 February, The sound of paintings creative session takes place. Find more information here.
Reflections in clay at the Foundling Museum
Fun for the whole family is this clay-based workshop at the Foundling Museum. Inspired by the museum’s current ceramics exhibition, you can choose from clay tile making on 18 February, plasticine stop motion on 19 February, clay house making on the 20th and clay story pot making on the 21st. These sessions are paid for.
The Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm; workshops take place 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm and are open to families with children aged 5-12. Booking for workshops is essential. See the website for more details.
STEM Week at the Royal Air Force Museum
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths are essential skills when it comes to aeroplanes and this half term you can hone your skills at the Royal Air Force Museum. Activities offered include laser tag, paper airplane contests, Airfix Make-and-Take workshops and the family favourite Bubbly Maths Show.
These activities are aimed at children aged 4 to 12 but kids of all ages are welcome. Costs are involved, check the website for details.
Family Activities at the Postal Museum
Head to the Postal Museum this half term for family fun with a handful of exciting workshops inspired by animals.
From storytelling sessions to design workshops where you can create your own animal postie puppet there’s plenty to keep kids busy, especially if you add a session in the museum’s play area Sorted! to your visit.
Activities run from 17 to 23 February and the drop in sessions take place from 10am to 4pm in the Mail Rail building Depot. Check the website for more details.
Behind the Poster at the London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum always hosts excellent family workshops during the school holidays and this February half term is no exception. Head to the Covent Garden museum and learn how international artists have promoted London and its transport network over the years and then design and print your own poster.
Other workshops include Layers of London Art (building an artwork of London in layers of colour and shapes), Poster Art with the Jewish Museum London (creating your own artwork inspired by the works of Jewish artists), Strike a Pose (discovering the people and animals feature in London Transport posters), and Framing London Transport (learning how to compose the perfect poster).
All activities are include in the admission price and take place between Saturday 15 and Thursday 20 February.
Animal-themed Fun at the London Museum Docklands
Enjoy lots of free fun at the London Museum Docklands this February half term with a series of activities inspired by the animals that once arrived at London’s docks including cats, rats and even elephants and tigers.
Make a paper puppet, listen to stories of the animals that once lived in Victorian London and, if you’re under 5, you can get down to animal tunes with Double Bass Dan.
Activities take place between 17 – 23 February and some do require advance booking.
February Family Festival at the Natural History Museum
Taking place at the Natural History Museum this February half term are host of daily activities that explore the amazing variety of life on Earth.
Get creative with LEGO and hands-on with the museum’s Learning Volunteers; meet the resident scientists and see specimens from the museum’s incredible collections; go behind the scenes and see a small selection of the 22 million zoology specimens housed within the Darwin Centre on a Spirit Collection Tour; and take part in an hour-long tour of some of the museums most iconic specimens, including the world’s most complete fossil stegosaur.
Some events require tickets and will need to be booked beforehand online. Check the website for dates, timings and prices as they vary by activity.
Family activities around the Silk Road at the British Museum
This February half term is your last chance to catch the Silk Roads exhibition at The British Museum before it closes on February 23. Visit during the school holidays and you can also take part in some family activities inspired by the exhibition.
Aimed at under-5s, Little Feet: explore the Silk Roads invites kids to help the Little Feet teddies craft jewellery, practice the art of exchanging and make souvenirs, all inspired by the current exhibition. The free, drop-in event takes place on February 10 between 10.30 and 12pm.
Children older than 5 can enjoy a day of family activities on 20 February (11am – 4pm) where they can follow a Chinese paper-folding trail through the galleries, add to a collaborative art installation, hear exciting tales from a storyteller, create a special bracelet using wrapping techniques and more. Exploring the Silk Roads: create, discover imagine is a free drop in session.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Ongoing at the Natural History Museum is the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition showcasing some of the world’s best wildlife photographers as they capture “the natural world in all its fragility and diversity”. The 100 photographs on display are always amazing.
Although the NHM itself enjoys free entry, you do need to purchase tickets for the exhibition. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year runs until 29 June 2025.
Holiday to Space at the Royal Observatory
Join Ted and Plant as they explore the Solar System in search of the best place to take a holiday in a morning of fun including a planetarium show and interactive workshop. This journey into outer space is perfect for younger children aged 3 – 6.
Holiday to Space takes place on 20 February from 10.30am – 12pm. £5/child.
We Were There Family Day on board HMS Belfast
Hear inspirational stories from IWM’s veterans and eyewitnesses to conflict on board HMS Belfast.
This is a truly unique way to gain an insight into the impact of war on people’s lives. From Bridge to Bakery, veterans will share their memories of life at sea on board this historic ship and museum.
This family day takes place on Friday 21 February between 11am and 3pm. This is a drop in session and free with general admission.
Making Egypt at the Young V&A
Opening in time for February half term is the new exhibition at the Young V&A exploring ancient Egypt’s creativity and how it continues to influence art, design and popular culture today.
Much like last year’s (excellent) Myths to Manga exhibition, Making Egypt will link antique items from the V&A archives with modern phenomena: what influence has Egyptian design hand on Minecraft for example. Highlights from the V&A vaults include the fully painted inner sarcophagus of Princess Sopdet-em-haawt.
Workshops and activities are being held to tie in with the exhibition including drawing with scale, deciphering hieroglyphics, designing your own amulet and more including storytelling sessions around well-known Egyptian gods and goddesses.
Making Egypt opens on Saturday 15 February. Tickets are £10/person. Children aged 3 years and under are free.
Family events at the V&A
There are a series of family-friendly activities taking place at the V&A Museum in South Kensington over the half-term holiday including tempera painting, making a salt dough statue and a workshop that explores food culture and design.
Taking place between 19 – 21 February, How Does Food Shape Us? invites children to take part in a range of activities centred around food including screenings, making fruit preserves and bringing food to life by making creatures from fruits and vegetables.
The various family days workshops take place on different dates so check the website for details.
Life Drawing Classes at the King’s Gallery
Unleash your inner artist with a family-friendly life drawing class at the King’s Gallery. Led by an expert teacher, this a great opportunity for families to have a go at life drawing in a fun and engaging session (the models will be wearing cycling shorts and gym wear).
The activities will take place on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February at 10.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm and are free with standard admission. £1 tickets to the exhibition are available to those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and adults must be accompanied by a child.
The Robot Zoo at the Horniman Museum
Larger-than-life animals are taking over the Horniman Museum this February half-term for the museum’s new exhibition, The Robot Zoo.
Learn why grasshoppers leap so high, how bats see at night and how chameleons change colour in this fun-filled exhibit for kids. Don’t miss the specially commissioned interactive murals and the interactive experience that allows you to shoot a chameleon’s ‘tongue-gun’.
The Robot Zoo exhibition opens on 14 February and runs until 2 November. It’s well worth booking tickets in advance for the half term week.
Family activities at the National Maritime Museum
Head to Greenwich and the National Maritime Museum this February half term for some fun family activities inspired by LGBTQ+ History Month from drag aerobics and making your own merfolk to dressing tiny peg dolls in a rainbow of colours.
Different activities take place on different days, check the website for details.
The Family Station at The British Library
The British Library’s Family Station, located on the Upper Ground Floor, will be open daily over the February half term and is a great place to entertain younger children, particularly on rainy days. Filled with creative resources including sensory items and a reading corner, this is a good place to stop and pause while exploring the city.
SOIL at Somerset House
Somerset House is hosting a series of family workshops to celebrate its brand new exhibition, SOIL, Activities include seed bomb making, science and seed sowing, a Language of Landscapes workshop, a gardening drawing club, an interactive storytelling session, and a screening of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss.
Workshops take place every day at 11am from Monday 17 February to Saturday 22 February and are paid for.
Versailles: Science and Splendour at the Science Museum
Discover how the opulent Palace of Versailles in Paris became a major site for scientific thinking during the 17th and 18th centuries with the Science Museum’s exhibition, Versailles: Science and Splendour.
From Louis XV’s rhinoceros to the world’s most famous watch designed for Marie Antoinette, this engaging exhibition offers an immersive and interactive new look at France’s most famous palace.
Trains Trains Trains the London Museum of Water & Steam
All aboard the London Musem of Water & Steam this February half term for a promises a fun-filled week themed around the wonderful world of trains, including rides on the museum’s steam locomotive, model railways and train-themed crafts.
Trains Trains Trains runs from 15 February to 23 February, 10am to 4pm.
Half term activities at London’s sights & attractions
The Gunpowder Plot at the Tower of London
This is your last month to take part in this immersive experience that takes visitors back to the historic – and perilous – streets of London in 1605. This has been a huge hit since it first opened but the Gunpowder Plot will be closing its doors on 1 March so make sure to book tickets for this February half term.
Colonel Blood and the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London
There’s trouble at the Tower of London this February half term. Criminal mastermind Colonel Blood and his gang of ne’er-do-wells are planning trouble!
This fun, family-friendly event is set in 1671 when the newly made Crown Jewels were being held in the Martin Tower for safekeeping. Visitors could pay a small fee to see them but not every visitor had good intentions!
Watch costumed actors perform the story of Colonel Blood and the Crown Jewels this half term in London with performances taking place outside the Crown Jewel queue, the cafe and by the Martin Tower.
This event takes place between 9am and 4.30pm daily from 15 to 23 February and is included in palace admission. Book tickets to the Tower here.
Vets in Action at ZSL London Zoo
The popular Vets in Action is back at ZSL London Zoo this half term!
This award-winning role-playing experience for budding veterinarians is great fun and a wonderful way for children to get a closer look at the work carried out by the zoo.
Novice vets begin their mission in the ‘Departures Lounge’ where they will learn about the important role vets play and be assigned their specific tasks, helping experts in the field rescue of a young rhino. They will also learn about real world conservation challenges when they help perform health checks on salamanders rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.
The 40-minute journey into the world of animal care and veterinary science, Vets in Action, takes place from 15 to 23 February and is included in the entry price; tickets must be booked in advance.
Elizabeth I’s Spy Mission at Hampton Court Palace
Travel back in time to the year 1562 when whispers and secret meetings are taking place in corridors around Hampton Court Palace. Queen Elizabeth I has fallen victim to smallpox and uncertainty reigns at the Tudor Court.
See if you can help Elizabeth’s spymaster discover who might be conspiring to take the throne when you wander through the palace and courtyards. Listen carefully and see if you can decipher the mysterious puzzles and clues.
Half term family fun at Hampton Court Palace takes place from 15 to 23 February and is included in palace admission. Performances take place at set times each day between 11am and 3.30pm where you can learn vital clues about who can be trusted…and who can’t. Check the website for details.
Family fun at the Cutty Sark
Get ready to set sail on board the Cutty Sark, the world’s only surviving extreme clipper.
There’s lots of fun happening this February half term with a range of creative events to choose from inspired by LGBTQ+ History Month.
Among the craft workshops you can learn to make your own sailor knot (15 February), create your own sailors’ love token (18 & 20 February) and discover the history and symbolism of traditional sailor tattoos (19 February).
You’ll also get the chance to meet colourful characters from the ship’s past, plus there are family trails to follow around the historic ship.
Activities run from 15 to 23 February, check website for details as not all activities take place every day. Activities are free with entry to the ship.
Nature Heroes: Dino Detective at Wakehurst
Wakehurst Gardens are on the lookout for Nature Heroes this February half term so grab your binoculars and get ready to earn your Dino Detective badge.
Taking place in the botanical garden at Wakehurst this half-term day out invites budding palaeontologists to dig for fossils, identify dino eggs and hunt for dinosaur nests.
Dino Detective takes place from 15 to 23 February between 10am and 4.30pm. It costs £4 to take part in the mission and earn a badge. Nature Heroes capes are available for £12.50 members, £14.50 for non-members.
Half Term History Makers at Eltham Palace
Step back in time to the Victorian period at Eltham Palace this February half term and join a cast of characters from the past for historical hijinks and hands-on shenanigans.
Half Term History Makers takes place between 15 to 23 February between 10am and 4pm. Activities are included in the standard admission ticket price. Book online and save 10 per cent.
Festivals & Shows
Imagine Children’s Festival at the Southbank Centre
One of the best things to take place over the February half term is the annual Imagine Children’s Festival at the Southbank Centre. Showcasing the best in children’s literature, theatre and music, this year’s festival promises to be as good as ever.
There are over 100 events jam-packed into 11 days and over 50% of the festival is completely free.
Highlights this year include a performance of There’s a Bear on My Chair, a free dance session with HomeBros, the pop-punk juggling act Wes Peden and a family workshop with author and illustrator Rob Biddulph.
This year, the Imagine Festival takes place from Tuesday 18 to Sunday 23 February at the Southbank Centre. Check the website for full details.
Family-friendly Theatre at the Arts Depot
North London’s Arts Depot always stages brilliant family performances during the school holidays and this February half term is no exception. Highlights include Crafty Fools: Adventures in Science (9 February), Room on the Broom (12-13 February) and a production of the beloved book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar (15-20 February).
Corteo at The Royal Albert Hall
The long-running Corteo by the Canadian circus group Cirque du Soleil continues at the Royal Albert Hall this month with a never-seen-before seating arrangement that splits the grand hall in half. Corteo runs from 9 January to 3 March.
TRASH! at the Peacock Theatre
Enjoy the riotous and raucous show TRASH! at the Peacock Theatre this half term in London.
Produced by the award-winning Spanish theatre company, Yllana, this high-energy show is set in a recycling centre where four creative workers give new life to waste and rubbish including propane tanks, umbrellas, balls, toolboxes, horns and bin bags by using percussion, movement and slapstick comedy in fun musical sketches.
TRASH! opens on Wednesday 19 February and runs until Saturday 1 March.
Other fun half-term in London activities
Curling at King’s Cross Coal Drops Yard
Forget bowling and try curling instead! This somewhat curious ancient Scottish sport is the perfect way to entertain the family and six lanes are on offer at Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross for teams of up to six players.
The lanes are open from 12pm – 9pm (last slot 8pm) until 2 March. Find out more here.
The Twits Afternoon Tea at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall
If you’re keen to try Muggle-Wump brownies, wondering what Trick or Twit scones taste like and are daring enough to eat Maggoty Green Cheese and Mouldy Cornflakes then high tail it to the London Marriott County Hall hotel where The Twits afternoon tea is back for February half-term.
Inspired by the Roald Dahl tale of the thoroughly revolting couple Mr & Mrs Twit who live in a brick house without windows and spend their days playing tricks on one another, this is a fun themed afternoon tea that kids of all ages will love.
Half-term on board Tootbus
See London’s most famous sights on boar the Tootbus London Kids Tour. Specifically designed for younger visitors to the capital, the 45-minute tour is jam-packed full of sights, iconic views and photo spots including the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Downing Street and more.
Tickets cost £22 per child (4+)/adult and family tickets are £66 for two adults and two kids. Tours are 45 minutes in duration and leave from Charles II Street in central London.
Ice rink at Canary Wharf
One of the best places to banish any winter blues is at Canary Wharf. Not only is the neighbourhood decorated with dozens of colourful light installations, its ice rink is open until February 23 so you have plenty of time to get your skates on. The park is located in Canada Square Park. Find out more information here.
Turtle-y Terrific! at SeaLife London Aquarium
Learn everything there is to know about turtles when you visit the SeaLife London Aquarium this half term. Discover fascinating facts such as how the temperature of the sand where a Sea Turtle’s eggs are buried determines what genes they will be, warm sand for girls and cooler sand for boys!
This Turtle-y Terrific event is a great way to learn more about these wonderful creatures and how you can help protect them in their ocean home.
Turtle-y Terrific runs from 15 to 23 February and is included in admission tickets.
The Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens
Did you know that Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, home to 3,000 species of orchid? Celebrate the diversity and beauty of this South American country during Orchids 2025 at Kew Gardens.
This annual festival is a vibrant celebration of colour and warmth to brighten up the winter months.
The Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens runs from 1 February to 2 March.
Battersea Power Station Light Festival 2025
Bringing welcome colour to the dark winter days is the free light festival at Battersea Power Station. With eight light art installations placed inside and outside the former power station, the Light Festival will illuminate this slice of the River Thames from 23 January to 23 February.
Family activities at Battersea Power Station
Also taking place at the former power station this February half term in London are a number of arts and crafts sessions to keep kids busy.
These include crafting your own stained-glass effect Power Station, creating a light-inspired artwork inspired by teh Northern Lights installation in Turbine Hall A, building your own 3D spider decoration and dancing with light-up LED hoops in a family-friendly disco.
The Lion King is also hosting a free pop-up exhibition inside the power station to celebrate the 10,000th performance of Disney’s award-winning musical. The pop-up will showcase make, puppets and costumes from the hit Disney musical and is free for visitors.
For all the details (including when the free face painting activity takes place), take a look at the website.
Family Workshops at the Chelsea Physic Garden
The Chelsea Physic Garden always put on great activities during the school holidays. This half term, four different activities are offered: a chocolate making workshop, a soap making workshop, a flower arranging and jar painting workshop, and a printmaking workshop for queer families.
Check the website for dates and times.
Mudfest 2025 at the London Wetland Centre
Enjoy nine days of muddy fun during Mudfest this February half-term at the London Wetland Centre. Learn how to make mud art, learn how birds use mud to craft nest, take part in a mud and spoon race, create the perfect seed bomb and plenty more mud-tastic fun.
Mudfest will be running from 15 to 23 February.
