February half term: London 2022

Be spoilt for choice at Imagine Children's Festival

An annual highlight of February half term is the Southbank Centre's Imagine Festival: a melting pot of shows, talks, music, dance and more. The festival turns 20 this year, with a bumper programme including Aurora Orchestra’s Tchaikovsky and the Magical Toy Box, a giant game of Tangram, and the chance to escape with best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson. With 160 events in total – half of which are free – you're sure to find something your child will like, whether they're two or 12.

Travel to Kenya with the Little Angel Theatre

One for tots aged two to five, Handa's Surprise is a family show set in Kenya, where Handa is on her way to meet her best friend, Akeyo. Take a walk with Handa to the neighbouring village, meeting several different animals and learning about delicious local fruits as you go. This charming show is back by popular demand and fuses physical performance, puppetry, live music and some audience participation.

Hang out with Petter Rabbit and friends

‘Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter.’ So begins The Tale of Peter Rabbit, the first of Beatrix Potter’s much-loved stories. This February half term, you can join Peter and friends at the V&A, with an immersive exhibition of Potter’s life and work. If Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle Duck and Squirrel Nutkin bring back fond memories, this is the show for your whole family.

Become an explorer at Eltham Palace

Eltham Palace and Gardens invites families to roam its grounds this February half term as part of its popular Explorer Quest. Set in the palace gardens, the fun-for-all-the-family trail will challenge you to find clues, solve puzzles and learn a bit of history while you’re at it. Will you emerge victorious? Only time will tell…

Get sorted into your Hogwarts house at Hamleys

At Hamleys' Regent Street flagship, your Potter-crazy little ones can find out the answer to the all-important question: which Hogwarts house do they belong in? Once the Sorting Hat has determined whether they're a Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Slytherin, all new pupils are invited to take part in a potion-making class.

Break the rules at the Beano Exhibition

Menaces and Minxes are invited to swap boring old museum trips for mayhem and fun at Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules. Somerset House's major exhibition celebrates the classic comic book in all its gutsy glory. Along with archival material and artwork, there are fresh new works celebrating rebellion from creatives including Phyllida Barlow and Sarah Lucas.

Create your own sensory story at the Postal Museum

The Postal Museum is a go-to spot to ride the mail rail, but this half term, its inviting kids aged eight-plus to delve deep into their imaginations to create their own sensory story inspired by the objects and people of the museum. With the help of guest author PG Bell and storyteller Olivia Armstrong, little ones will be encouraged to bring their stories to life, using a host of crafts and provided props.

Roam around the Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace

If you've got some restless little adventurers in your care this week, tire them out at Hampton Court Palace. In the Magic Garden, they'll be able to roam free, coming face to face with mythical beasts, storming the battlements, besieging the towers and exploring the secret grotto. The site is vast and after running between its various attractions, the kiddos will be calling for an early night.

Sample the family club experience with Maggie & Rose's half-term camps

Maggie & Rose is the fantastic family club with outposts in Kensington, Chiswick, and Islington – and we can vouch that they are the play spaces of dreams. Get in without a membership this half term with open-to-the-public family camps, focusing on crafts, music, emotional wellbeing and cookery. Prices from £65.

Learn about LGBTQ+ History Month at the National Maritime Museum

At the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, a special series of workshops taking place throughout the week provides an engaging way to learn about LGBTQ+ history, using stories from the museum’s collection. Highlights include a chance to create your own disability pride flag (Sunday February 13) or signal flag (Tuesday February 15), designing a poster to protest for rights (Thursday February 17), and making a badge that tells your story (Sunday February 20).

Care for the climate at the Natural History Museum

Want to teach your little ones about the climate? Head to the Natural History Museum, where Operation Earth is exploring Planet Earth's environmental and climate challenges through a family-friendly lens, using games, shows and special events to explain the facts.

Operation Earth is a national programme in collaboration with the Association for Science and Discovery Centres and the Natural Environment Research Council, appropriate for school-age children.

Meet a singing mermaid at the Polka Theatre

The Singing Mermaid is a favourite read among primary school-age kids. Bringing Julia Donaldon and Lydia Monks' beloved book to life this half term is the Polka Theatre. Using music, puppetry and storytelling to enact the tale, a trio of talented performers take audiences underwater to meet the mermaid, who has been lured into the circus by the promise of an exciting life, only to find life isn't what she expected – and she might need some help getting away.

Think like a scientist at Wonderlab

Do you have the brains to be a scientist? Come and find out at the Science Museum, where a special, interactive experience Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery hopes to ignite the curiosity of kids and young teens aged seven to 14 through a series of live science shows and demonstrations.