Things to do with the kids this half term in London

Believe it or not, the February half term is coming up already. Don’t panic. Here’s a roundup of some fun activities for the kids over the half term in London, including museum events for budding scientists, architects and eco-warriors, Valentine’s activities, some arty entertainment, Shakespeare for younger audiences and opera for the teens. Hopefully, this should keep your busy bees even busier.

It’s Hot it’s Not at the Unicorn Theatre

Why is it that sometimes I’m hot but you’re cold? Why are there puddles and sometimes not? How can it be sunny and rainy all at once and also not at all? And if it’s summer here, why is it winter there?  This surreal, funny and carefully crafted physical performance explores the weather in all its forms and takes delight in discovering the world anew and how we experience it differently. To 10 March. Book here.

Winter’s Tale at the National Theatre

An exciting version of Shakespeare’s play returns to the National Theatre in February, the perfect introduction to Shakespeare for younger audiences. Warning: watch out for pursuing bears. 6 to 21 February.

Go back in time for a Victorian Valentine at the Dickens Museum

Step back in time with the education team at the Charles Dickens Museum, and find out what a Victorian Valentine’s Day was like in Dickens’s home. Have a go at the games people played to predict their future spouses, rifle through the trousseau box of one of Dickens’s most heartbroken characters, read what Dickens had to say about the pressure the love-struck put on the postal service, and demonstrate your best romantic crafting by making your very own Victorian Valentine to give to someone you love. Suitable for children aged 7-12. 9 and 16 February.

Off the Wall at the Dulwich Picture Gallery

A monthly workshop where 11 to 18-year-olds can visit the Gallery and experiment with different art techniques. Join the gallery to discuss, debate and have your say – you do not need to be fantastic at art for this workshop. Check the website for many more family activities. 9 February to 11 May 2020, 13.00 to 15.00.

Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival

The popular festival returns for 12 jam-packed days of fun. Dive into the best children’s theatre, literature and music, with plenty of workshops and free events for everyone. With over 50% of the programme free and loads to do for ages 0 – 12, Southbank has your half term sorted.

Florence Nightingale’s Victorian World at the Florence Nightingale Museum

This February half term, learn all about the Victorian era and meet Florence Nightingale and hear her story. Learn about the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic in the exhibition, play the Germ Detectives “Symptoms Game,” and make some slimey snot to take home. Various events, 16 February to 23 February.

Brick Wonders at the Horniman Museum

Photo Warren Elsmore

Featuring amazing wonders from around the world made entirely from LEGO bricks – from the natural wonder of a coral reef to the modern marvel of the international space station – the exhibition also includes interactive play areas and two models of Horniman icons created especially for the show. 16 February to 27 October.

Rubbish Animating at the BFI

This workshop will explore eco issues in an accessible way, leading to children making animations that spark hope for the future. Taking inspiration from children’s books to help on the journey of discovery about this important topic, young ones will be getting creative and crafty with a range of animation approaches… serious but fun! 17 February 10.30.

Sonic Trail at Tate Britain

Families from Pimlico Primary have worked together to develop, perform and record a tour that takes the form of a story about a flooded village where multiple languages are spoken. Connecting artworks in the 1910 gallery, this sonic trail includes the voices and words of families as well as a soundscape inspired by the group. 16 to 24 February. Free entry.

We Were There at Imperial War Museum

This half term, families have a very special opportunity to meet war veterans and eyewitnesses, including those who lived through the Second World War and the Cold War, to hear their personal stories of conflict. On selected days over February half term, veterans and eye witnesses will recount tales of their wartime life, giving families first-hand insights into the impact of war on people’s lives. 19 and 21 February, 11.00 to 13.00

The Big Top at the Royal Albert Hall

Join the Royal Albert Hall’s colourful troupe of musicians from Albert’s Band for some musical acrobatics on an action-packed trip to the circus. Led by ringmaster Kevin Hathway, this promises to be a musical extravaganza for all the family. Buggies, babies and budding musicians all welcome! 20 February.

Adventure to the Deep at the Natural History Museum

Dive down on an adventure thousands of metres below the waves to help scientist explore life in the oceans. This immersive show highlights the importance of the oceans and demonstrates why it’s never been more vital to help protect this amazing habitat. Free entry.

Lego Workshop at the Soane Museum

Drop in to the Soane for a Lego and Duplo workshop – perfect for budding architects. Drop in any time, stay as long as you want. 21 February, 11.00 to 15.00. Free entry.

The Monstrous Child, Linbury Theatre

In this new opera by composer Gavin Higgins and best-selling author Francesca Simon, the teenage daughter of the Norse god, Loki tries to find her place in the mythical world. (Suitable for ages 12+).

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