Top 10 fun things to do with kids in London during half term

Half term is just around the corner but don’t panic parents, we’ve got you covered.

There are loads of fun things to do in London that are cost-effective and kid-friendly.

From theatre shows (you can get tickets on the cheap) to workshops and museum visits.

Here are some ideas for fun ways to spend the next half-term in London with your little ones.

1. Visit London's Museums and Galleries

It wouldn’t be a list of things to do in London without mentioning its many museums and galleries (several of which are FREE!)

Many of London's museums and galleries offer family-friendly activities and workshops during half-term:

Natural History Museum: Kids love the dinosaurs and interactive exhibits, and during half-term, they often hold special family events.

Science Museum: Perfect for curious minds, the museum frequently hosts hands-on science experiments and IMAX movies during school holidays.

The British Museum: Offers family trails and workshops that bring history to life.

Tate Modern: Engages children with creative art workshops and family tours.

2. Outdoor adventures in parks

A great cost-effective way to explore London with your kids is to visit one of its many parks and outdoor spaces. Bring a flask with hot chocolate or just go for a wander around - you’ll have a great time and it won’t break the bank!

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens: Rent bikes or boats, explore the playgrounds, or visit the Diana Memorial Playground for a pirate ship adventure.

Richmond Park: Spot deer and enjoy a scenic family picnic in this large royal park.

Kew Gardens: Explore the gardens, the Treetop Walkway, and the children's garden designed for interactive play.

3. West End Theatre Shows

Catch a family-friendly show on the West End and create memories that will last a lifetime. Some popular choices often include:

The Lion King: An exciting and vibrant performance for all ages.

Matilda: A musical adaptation of the beloved Roald Dahl book.

Wicked: A magical and visually stunning story set in the world of Oz.

4. Explore historical sites

Half-term doesn’t mean the learning has to stop! Step back in time and visit one of London’s magnificent historic sites. Here are some fab places to start:

Tower of London: Kids will be fascinated by tales of the Tower’s history, the Crown Jewels, and the famous ravens.

Hampton Court Palace: Visit the famous home of King Henry VIII and join in interactive activities and explore the famous maze.

The Churchill War Rooms: Discover a piece of WWII history with interactive exhibits perfect for older children.

5. Go on a Thames River Cruise

A cruise along the Thames can be both relaxing and educational, with guides pointing out famous landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye.

6. Halloween-themed activities

Half-term dates may vary depending on schools, but if yours coincides with Halloween here are some spooky ways to celebrate:

London Dungeon: An exciting and spooky attraction with actors and special effects.

London Zoo: Often has special Halloween-themed events, such as pumpkin carving and animal encounters.

Spooky Walking Tours: Some walking tours focus on the spooky history of London, which is perfect for older children and adults.

7. Family-friendly workshops and events

Many venues offer special half-term workshops and events for kids, Check out:

Southbank Centre: Known for holding arts and crafts workshops, music performances, and family shows.

The Royal Albert Hall: Frequently holds family events, including music workshops and performances.

The V&A Museum of Childhood: Offers fun and interactive workshops during the school holidays.

8. Harry Potter Studio Tour

Visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden for a magical day exploring the world of Harry Potter. Kids can see actual sets, props, and costumes from the films.

9. Day trips from London

Believe it or not, some Londoners might want to escape the Big Smoke this half term. Here are some great ideas for family-friendly day trips.

Legoland Windsor: A short trip from London, this is a great option for Lego enthusiasts.

Chessington World of Adventures: An amusement park with rides, a zoo, and a sea life centre, perfect for a family day out.

Warwick Castle: A bit further afield, this medieval castle offers interactive experiences, jousting shows, and a dungeon attraction.

10. Visit Shrek’s Adventure

For a brilliantly bonkers afternoon out, why not visit Shrek’s Adventure, a fun interactive experience featuring characters from the iconic animated films?

You can combine this with a visit to the London Eye for a discounted price (winner!)