Things to do this (February) half term in London
Planning a family staycation in London and looking for things to do with the little (or not so little) ones? We know that with so many options you’re truly spoilt for choice with activities and events during your February half term holidays in London. From thrilling museums, immersive art exhibitions and awe-inspiring theatre shows throughout London the choices are endless. In this week’s blog we will be telling you our top five family friendly attractions and events that will keep the kids, and yourself, entertained during the February half term holidays.
Vets in Action, ZSL London Zoo: 11th – 19th February
Become a vet in training for the day at ZSL London Zoo! Between Saturday 11th February and Sunday 19th February ZSL London Zoo are inviting kids of all ages to become vets at their event ‘Vets in Action’. The experience that has won awards as a role-playing, interactive experience for aspiring veterinarians.
Participants can expect a thrilling week of interactive family friendly events that celebrate the amazing work of the on-site vets at ZSL London Zoo and a way to show appreciation and gain a real understanding for their role within the Zoo. The activities will run between 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4.30pm.
Upon arrival at the specially-recreated Zoo vet centre, the new student vets shall don hairnets and masks in preparation before assisting their mentors examine, diagnose and administer treatment on toy animals. This will give the apprentices a first-hand experience of the work undertaken by the vets, vet nurses and zookeepers of ZSL London Zoo.
In addition to the activities that are running, the Zoo have demonstrations and talks throughout the week that educate kids and parents on the stimulating world of the Zoo.
The Vets in Action activities are recommended for children aged between 3-11 years old.
Imagine Children’s Festival, Southbank Centre: 8th – 18th February
This year’s Imagine Children’s Festival returns to the Southbank Centre between Wednesday 8th – Saturday 18th February. The festival is aimed at kids between the ages of 0 – 11 (we guess the parents are welcome too!), participants should be ready for eleven fun-filled days with over a hundred events, over half of which are free for all! How great is that?
During the festival attendees can expect spectacular theatre performances, comedy acts, live music, literature and poetry, various dancing shows and a whole host of family fun activities.
The concept of Imagine Children’s Festival is to assist young people to celebrate their uniqueness, celebrate diversity, spark imagination and to stir up their creativity.
If you’re bringing older kids, then waiting until the final weekend of the festival may be your best bet as that is when there will be events aimed specifically at older children between the ages of 7 – 11.
The festival includes a wide range of free, inclusive, and accessible events and activities.
February half-term – The National Gallery: 14th – 16th February
Mid-week plans can be awkward to make, even during half term. Luckily for three days during February half term in London, The National Gallery are hosting workshops and activities for your young ones from Tuesday 14th - Thursday 16th.
The drop-in sessions will take place from 11am – 4pm every day and are suitable for children of all ages and are completely family friendly.
The aim of the workshops is to celebrate architecture and ties in with the fact that the Gallery itself is undergoing its own archaeological transformation. The kids will be working with James and Eva, the artists from ‘Play, Build, Play’ in search of decorative details that can be found in the National Gallery itself.
Activities, exhibitions and workshops – The Science Museum
The Science Museum always has something interesting happening, head to their website to see the hands-on experiences that they have to offer as well as permanent and visiting exhibitions.
The Museum is the most frequented science and technology establishment in Europe, with over fifteen-thousand items on show, including objects like the spacecraft that transported astronaut Tim Peake back to Earth and an actual piece of the Moon.
The interactive galleries aim to bring life to science, attendees will be able to witness lightning strike, engage with forces of gravity on giant slides and travel through the galaxy under a canopy of stars. If you learn by seeing then there is also the IMAX cinema where you can watch a film on a screen 56 feet tall!
Four-day crafts course, Camden Arts Centre: 14th – 17th February
If your kids are more into their arts and crafts, then this four-day arts and crafts course may be for them. There are two courses, one is aimed at 5-7 year olds and the other is 8-11, the course has been designed to give kids a place to get creative, have fun and play with likeminded children.
The course will be led by artists Ewelina Bartkowska and Amy Leung, they will teach your little ones a range of processes and techniques that will help them to create their own art. The course itself takes place in the Camden Arts Centre Ceramics & Drawing Studios, the kids will gain access to a selection of materials from ceramics, drawing, painting and sculpture.
For full details you can go to the Camden Arts Centre website.
Planning on coming to London for February half term holidays and need somewhere to stay? Look no further than Mercure London Hyde Park, where we have fully customisable amenities and extras enabling you to have the perfect family staycation in London.
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