Half-Term Inspiration: 10 Family-friendly Activities in London
The February half-term break is a great opportunity to spend time with your family. If you’re looking for things to do, London is filled with family-friendly activities. From the street performers along Covent Garden to vast playparks, there is no limit to the amount of fun you can all have.
Here are 10 family-friendly activities in London you can enjoy as a family this February half-term.
1: Visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour
The Harry Potter series is one of the most adored book and film franchises in the nation. To make the most out of the February half-term, the whole family can visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Watford. Step into the familiar world and explore the picturesque sets for yourself. Children and adults alike can marvel at the magical universe of witchcraft and wizardry.
There are lots of transport links from central London to make the journey swift and easy. If these aren’t your style, your family can stick to flying broomsticks and emerald floo powder. After a fun-packed day visiting the studio, you can even go on to visit platform 9 ¾ in Kings Cross Station and watch a live production of The Cursed Child on Shaftesbury Avenue to complete your adventure into the wizarding world.
2: Have a picnic beside Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park
Family time doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. To enjoy the quieter moments of the day, your family can enjoy a picnic in the park. Hyde Park spans over 350 acres, so there is lots of room for children to roam and explore, including The Serpentine Lake. A large body of water running through the park, this lake is home to ducks and other wildlife you can admire.
If this sounds like a picturesque afternoon to you, remember to prepare for the Great British weather and pack a kid’s umbrella. After all, we don’t want an unexpected moment of rain to ruin your child’s fromage fancies.
3: Create your own fun at Discover Children’s Story Centre
Children have the brightest imaginations. To keep their minds bright and full of wonder throughout the half-term, you can visit the Discover Children’s Story Centre. This is an immersive experience that allows children aged 0-11 to create their own fantastical worlds. Adults are also welcome, and you’re sure to have just as much fun.
4: Escape the mayhem at Sherlock: The Official Live Game
If your child is over 11, there are lots of other exciting things they can enjoy. Escape rooms are the perfect half-term activity for inquisitive minds. There are many spread throughout London, including Sherlock: The Official Live Game. It may not be appropriate for the youngest of audiences, but this is a great way for older members of your family to work together in a thrilling escapade.
5: Dine in nature at the Rainforest Café
After the fun, you may want to unwind and grab a bite to eat. In London, even the restaurants are full of character. To amaze both the younger and the older members of the family, you can visit the Rainforest Café on Shaftsbury Avenue. The jungle décor will brighten any day while you dine on an assortment of dishes, from beef lava nachos to wild wok noodles.
6: See the animals for yourself at SZL London Zoo
If the Rainforest Café sounds like a treat, you may want to see these animals for yourself. The ZSL London Zoo is a family-friendly activity you can enjoy all year round. Whether you visit the lions, giraffes, or penguins, this is a memory your children will remember for years to come.
7: Run wild at The Crystal Maze LIVE London Experience
The next activity on our list is perfect for children aged 13+ and adults. Run wild and discover the Crystal Maze Experience for yourself. A challenge like no other, this is based on the classic 90s TV show your children probably won’t know of. Well, this is the best way to introduce them to it! They can enjoy running wild and completing tasks as a team throughout the iconic Aztec, Medieval, Industrial, and Futuristic zones.
8: Explore the Tumbling Bay Playground at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Whether you want to relax after a busy day or find an activity that doesn’t cost any money, you can always visit Olympic Park. This park is full of places for the whole family to play while you take a minute to rest. The Tumbling Bay Playground has climbing walls and water fountains to entertain children all afternoon long.
9: Indulge at Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at Sanderson
Afternoon tea might seem like an activity best suited to adults. After all, tea and cakes can be a little too sophisticated for restless souls. Well, the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea is full of sweet treats to tempt any child. The whole family won’t be able to resist the fairy tale inspired delights on offer.
10: Shrek’s Adventure London
Last on our list of half-term activities is one to mark on the calendar. The nation’s capital is full of magical experiences, including Shrek’s Adventure London. A theme park full of immersion and exhilarating rides, this is great for the whole family. Considering Shrek is one of the most iconic contemporary fairy tales, we can see this going down an absolute treat.
These are 10 family-friendly activities in London. The city is full of exciting adventures, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. What are you planning on doing first?