10 Brilliant Things to Do THIS February Half Term
From immersive exhibitions and theatre to hands-on museum days and big, joyful spectacles, these are the best things happening in London this half term, for all ages and designed to work for real family life.
1. Imagine Festival at the Southbank Centre | 11–21 February
The Southbank Centre’s much-loved Imagine Festival returns with its generous mix of theatre, music, storytelling, workshops and playful installations. Designed for everyone from babies to pre-teens, it’s very much a dip-in-and-out festival. Highlights include Jacqueline Wilson in conversation with illustrator Rachel Dean, CBeebies favourites Andy and the Odd Socks, and family theatre from the Unicorn. Many events are free, which always helps. Age guide: mixed ages, babies to tweens | Free and paid
2. I Want My Hat Back Trilogy at Little Angel Theatre Studios | From 5 February
Jon Klassen’s cult picture books are brought together in a sharp, funny and unexpectedly thoughtful puppet show using cardboard figures that mirror the original illustrations. At around 40 minutes, it’s ideal for children just starting to enjoy theatre, with enough wit to keep adults engaged too. Age guide: best for ages 3–6 | Paid
3. Mundo Pixar Experience at Wembley Park | From 13 February
A high-energy immersive experience spanning 14 life-sized worlds inspired by Pixar films, from Toy Story to Inside Out and Coco. Expect bold visuals, soundscapes and plenty of photo moments as children move room to room. Busy, buzzy and unapologetically big. Age guide: best for ages 5+ | Paid
4. The Jolly Postman Exhibition at the Postal Museum | From 14 February
A beautifully judged exhibition for younger children, bringing Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s much-loved book to life through immersive storybook sets. Little ones follow the postman’s route, delivering letters and exploring familiar fairytale worlds. Calm, imaginative and easy to navigate. Age guide: best for under-5s | Free with paid entry
5. Children’s Storytelling & Illustration Workshops at the British Library
A quietly excellent option for children who love books, stories and drawing. These illustrator-led workshops combine live storytelling with guided illustration, encouraging children to create characters and narratives while learning how stories are shaped. Calm, focused and confidence-building. Age guide: best for ages 6–10 | Free or low-cost
6. Family Day: Impasto Studio at the National Portrait Gallery | 17 February
A relaxed, creative family day inspired by the Lucian Freud exhibition, with drop-in activities including still-life drawing, dress-up, collaging and collaborative mural making. Well paced and genuinely welcoming across different ages and attention spans.
Age guide: best for ages 4–10 | Free
7. Lunar New Year Family Day at the Museum of the Home | 17 February
Celebrate Lunar New Year with hands-on workshops including collage-making, clay play and building temporary homes in the Mini Playhouse. Led by ceramic artist Nam Tran, the programme balances structure with freedom. Age guide: best for under-10s | Free
8. Bounce House at Big Penny Social | 16–20 February
Sometimes the answer is simply letting them bounce. This high-energy pop-up fills Big Penny Social with giant inflatables and an assault course designed to be tackled again and again. Loud, physical and extremely effective at burning off cabin fever. Age guide: best for ages 5+ | Paid
9. Space by Luxmuralis at St Martin-in-the-Fields | 17–21 February
An immersive sound-and-light installation transforming St Martin-in-the-Fields into a glowing journey through space. Visually arresting but calm, it’s particularly good for children who prefer quieter, more contemplative experiences. Age guide: best for ages 6+ | Paid
10. Planetarium Go! at Battersea Power Station | Running throughout February
A timely pop-up while Greenwich’s planetarium is closed, offering short 20–30 minute shows inside a 360-degree dome. Easy to slot into a half-term day and simple to pair with lunch or a riverside walk. Age guide: best for ages 4–11 | Paid