10 things to do in London with kids for half-term
1. Explore the Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre
Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival returns from 9 to 19 February, and there are a number of events–many of which are free–for all the family over half term. The youngest may like the innovative and contemporary immersive theatre experience, Neverland, and for slightly older children there are two West End Kids musical theatre performances with young singers and dancers. I also like the sound of the Moomin experiences at the Southbank Centre, and over half-term there are special ticketed Mischief and Mysteries in Moominvalley storytelling workshops. The Adventures in Moominland experience look fantastic too, and this is on until late April.
2. See Room on the Broom at Rose Theatre Kingston
The Olivier-nominated musical adaptation of Room on the Broom, the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, hits Kinston this half-term. The show is produced by the theatre company behind Gruffalo Live, Tall Stories, and tells the story about the witch and the cat who are on a mission to defeat the dragon. Room on the Broom, recommended for children aged 3 and over, will be playing at Rose Theatre in Kingston from 14 to 18 February. Running time is 55 minutes.
3. Watch the LEGO Batman Movie in cinemas
The much-anticipated LEGO Batman Movie hits UK cinemas on Friday 10 February, and I can’t wait to see it after missing the preview the other weekend. It looks like it will be a fun superhero film for the family to enjoy, and we’ve been very excited to review the LEGO sets celebrating the new film–also ideal for keeping the family entertained over the holiday!
4. Catch Lily and the Little Snow Bear at Lyric Hammersmith
For half-term Lily and the Little Snow Bear, a Blunderbus Theatre production, will be playing at Lyric Hammersmith, bringing some winter magic with puppets, music and a snow scene. The show, recommended for children aged 3 and over, tells the story of Lily who lives in a cottage with her grandpa and is waiting for her birthday when it starts to snow. Running time is 50 minutes.
5. Get crafty
Children who love arts and crafts may enjoy the half-term workshops at Kite Studios in Brook Green for children aged 4 and over, and it’s also possible to book one-to-one clay sessions for children and adults at Kite Studios. In Battersea, I’ve collaborated with the welcoming Battersea pottery studio Sammy Duder for several years, and children of different ages will enjoy painting pottery at Sammy Duder. Parents with babies who want to create memories to treasure will also like the options to make special keepsakes like silver jewellery or clay imprints.
6. Try skiing at Chel-Ski
Head to Chel-Ski, the indoor skiing centre off New King’s Road, to hit the slopes–or more specifically the revolving astro turf mat. After trying it last year, I think it’s a great venue for learning to ski, and there are courses for children aged 5 and over. For half-term, there are also holiday camps at Chel-Ski and sister venue Clip n’ Climb.
7. Catch How to Hide a Lion at Polka Theatre
At children’s theatre Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, How to Hide a Lion, which is recommended for children aged three to six, is playing until 26 February. Based on the book by Helen Stephens, the show tells the funny story of Iris who tries to hide a lion in her house without her parents noticing. Polka Theatre also has a shorter How to Hide a Lion toddler version, and this show will be playing until 14 February.
8. Visit the Magical Lantern Festival at Chiswick House & Gardens
The Magical Lantern Festival at Chiswick House & Gardens is running for a second year in a row, celebrating Chinese New Year. The theme this year is ‘Explore the Silk Road’ and families can enjoy seeing the giant lanterns, highlighting the route of trade and culture from Europe to Ancient China. In addition to the light trail, there’s an ice rink, a virtual gaming experience, an ice bar and a mini fun fair at the festival, which is open until 26 February.
9. See The Party at Polka Theatre
For half-term, Polka Theatre in Wimbledon also presents an acrobatic circus show with clowning, juggling, cycling and tumbling. The Party, recommended for ages 3 to 7, will be playing on the main stage from 14 to 18 February. Running time is 45 minutes. There are also several circus activity workshops for children at Polka Theatre over half-term.
10. Escape the city and head to a farm
Charming farms Buckets Farm Park and Odds Farm Park are within easy reach of London, and both offer brilliant opportunities for families to try feeding farm animals and play in indoor barns with slides and soft play. There are lots on for half-term, and the spring lambing season is starting at Bocketts Farm, which is expecting over 70 newborn lambs. Odds Farm Park will have several daily shows with their Crazy Entertainers on the weekends over half-term.
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