The best family events, exhibitions, theatre and free things to do
Looking for things to do with kids in London this February half term? From immersive exhibitions and theatre shows to free museum workshops and seasonal festivals, the capital is packed with family-friendly activities for all ages.
Whether you’re planning a full day out or just need a rainy-afternoon idea, here’s our curated guide to the best February half-term events in London for 2026.
Major family events happening this half term
Imagine Festival at Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre’s annual children’s festival returns with storytelling, crafts, dance sessions and live performances for younger audiences. Expect free activities alongside ticketed shows designed for toddlers through to primary age.
Lunar New Year family celebrations
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with parades, performances and craft workshops across London, including family zones in central London and museum-based activities for children.
Kew Gardens Orchid Festival
Step into a tropical world of colour as Kew’s iconic Orchid Festival returns, with installations inspired by China’s landscapes and biodiversity, a brilliant sensory day out for all ages.
Museum events & educational days out
RAF Museum STEM Week
Expect hands-on experiments, giant bubble shows and laser tag sessions designed to spark curiosity about science and aviation during half term.
London Museum Docklands family workshops
Free drop-in sessions explore London’s past through clay-making, Viking crafts and storytelling inspired by mudlarking discoveries.
Tate Modern Holiday Make Studio
Creative drop-in art sessions invite children to experiment with materials and explore themes through playful making.
Natural History Museum LEGO challenge
Interactive building activities encourage problem-solving and creativity for curious young visitors.
Theatre and live performances for families
Half term is one of the best times of year for children’s theatre in London, with productions for every age group.
Highlights for 2026 include:
- Family concerts and storytelling events such as Peter and the Wolf
- Interactive performances and character-led experiences across museums
- Stage adaptations of children’s books and new family musicals
- Shows at specialist children’s theatres including Polka, Unicorn, and Little Angel Theatre
These performances are designed to engage everyone from toddlers to tweens, so check age guidance when booking.
Exhibitions and immersive experiences
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends
A major new exhibition opens this February celebrating the beloved animation studio, with interactive elements and behind-the-scenes displays.
The Jolly Postman exhibition
A new family-friendly interactive experience brings the classic children’s book to life through walk-through story settings and original artwork.
Creative workshops & free activities
Many London galleries and museums run free drop-in sessions during half term — perfect if you want a low-cost day out.
Look out for:
- Craft and design sessions at major museums
- Family art activities at galleries
- Cultural workshops themed around seasonal events
- Storytelling sessions and interactive trails
Active and outdoor ideas
If the weather holds, London has plenty of fresh-air options for families:
- Garden festivals and nature-inspired exhibitions
- Outdoor trails in royal parks
- Zoo and aquarium visits
- Historic sites with hands-on experiences for children
Holiday camps and childcare options
Need structured childcare during the break? Holiday camps across London offer themed activity days combining crafts, games and outdoor play.
Programmes for 2026 include creative camps, sports sessions and themed adventure weeks for children aged 5–12.
Easy half-term wins (that always work)
When you just need a simple, stress-free plan:
- Museum trips with family trails
- Cinema mornings and relaxed screenings
- Soft play and discovery centres
- Big “treat day” attractions like transport museums or aquariums
These classics remain some of the most searched and parent-approved half-term activities every year.
Planning your February half term in London
Half term typically runs mid-February (around 14–22 February 2026), with events happening across the entire week. Booking ahead is strongly recommended for theatre shows, workshops and popular exhibitions.
More family inspiration:
The best family friendly restaurants in London
Unique places to hold your toddler’s birthday party
London’s most family friendly neighbourhoods
See more events here
