February half term London 2022: Fun things to do with kids during school holidays- and dates explained

The February holidays are coming up which is good news for teachers and kids, but for parents it means seven days of keeping little ones occupied.

Luckily for Londoners, there are endless opportunities for family fun, whatever the weather.

This year half term break begins on Monday February 14 and runs till Friday February 18, with classes returning to school on Monday February 21.

From children’s festivals to explorer quests, here are five of our favourite family-friendly activities we think you should check out this February half term.

Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX February 9 to 20 Ticket prices vary (Over half of the events are free)

The Southbank Centre’s Imagine Festival returns for its 20th year with a programme jam packed with children’s theatre, comedy, family parties, hands-on activities, music, literature, dance, and immersive experiences. Festival highlights include Peppa Pig: My First Concert, Julia Donaldson and Friends: A Pocketful of Songs and poetry readings by Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen.

Researchers, medical practitioners, and blind and visually impaired children at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Southampton General are also presenting a piece of work called The Dark, which tells the story of a brave young boy befriending darkness, featuring vibrant new choreography and a thrilling soundscape of live music.

Great news also is that over half of the 160 programmed events are free!

Mayor’s Spring into London

City wide February 11 to 20 Free

Spring into London is the latest instalment of Sadiq Khan’s Let’s Do London campaign which includes a free programme of outdoor art and performance events which will take place over February half term.

Highlights include City Lights, a light installation trail in which key buildings in the city will be illuminated with vibrant and interactive artworks every night.

Pop Up London will also feature exciting outdoor performances of outdoor theatre, circus, dance, magic, music, puppetry and more across central London.

A new Southbank to City Lights & Bites walking trail will also help to direct visitors on a short scenic walk along the Thames to take in attractions like the Illuminated River as well as enjoy local places to eat and drink on the way to experience the City Lights installations.

It’s a Wild Life at London Wetland Centre

WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth Walk, SW13 9WT February 12 to 20 Adventure Workshop £5 Most events Free

Enjoy some time outdoors at the London Wetland Centre this midterm.

Children can enjoy a whole host of fun events as part of the centre’s It’s a Wild Life half term programme.

Kids can get messy and cook up all sorts of imaginary concoctions in the mud kitchen workshops. Or they can learn how to build a secret den, safely light a fire, and tie the right knot in any survival situation at the adventure workshop.

Other activities include map challenges and track and trail workshops where kids can learn how to track freshly made animal footprints and explore the nocturnal habits of the wetlands’ mammal life.

VisitPeru: A journey in time exhibition

British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG Till February 20 Adults From £15 Under 16s Free

Step into the vibrant world of Peru and discover how people have thrived for millennia in one of the most complex and challenging environments on the planet.

The exhibition features objects from the British Museum’s collection, including pottery, precious metals, textiles and ritual paraphernalia, as well as extraordinary pieces borrowed from Peru itself.

Kids can enjoy Amazon Visions, a ticketed puppetry show for ages five-plus which explores the jungle’s rich animal life.

There are also free storytelling sessions, and a chance for older kids to put their creative skills to the test at embroidery workshops inspired by the rich textiles on display.

Eltham Palace: Half Term Explorer Quest

Eltham Palace, Court Yard, SE9 5QE February 12 to 20 Tickets Adults £17.30 Children £10.40

Kids can unleash their inner sword wielding knight or snooty butler on a fun filled explorer quest at Eltham Palace.

Children can roam around the grounds of the south London stately home while finding out quirky facts, tackle playful puzzles and seeing if they’ve got what it takes to get moving like people from the past.