February half-term: London 2023

Be spoilt for choice at Imagine Children's Festival

A highlight of February half-term is the Southbank Centre's Imagine Festival: a melting pot of shows, talks, music, dance and more designed for children age 0 -11. This year, we're especially excited about a theatrical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler's Tales from Acorn Wood, talks from literary bigwigs Michael Rosen and Cressida Cowell, and a daytime family-friendly rave led by the world's youngest DJ. The final weekend of the festival focuses on older kids (ages seven to 11), with thought-provoking events such as Everything Has Changed, a show exploring the repercussions of change. With more than 100 events in total – half of which are free – you're sure to find something your child will like, whether they're two or 12.

Book ahead for ticketed events (they often sell out) and show up early for free events as it's a first come, first served system.

Suitable for all ages up to 11

Get into the groove at Little Angel Theatre

Puppetry, comedy and soulful 60s and 70s music combine in a lively show inspired by African and Caribbean culture. When a little girl called Belle discovers her grandfather's dusty old instruments she learns about another world full of funk, soul and dancing. The resulting adventure gives an insightful and uplifting reflection on themes of grief, to help young audiences make sense of big feelings.

Suitable for ages four to eight

Make history at Eltham Palace

Eltham Palace and Gardens brings history to life this February half-term with an immersive and educational day out. Actors playing historical characters will roam the house and garden, telling stories and inviting guests to step into the past. Visitors can learn about life in a Victorian school, explore a basement that was used a bomb shelter in the blitz and even try their hand at writing a novel.

Suitable for all ages

Marvel at Cirque du Soleil's Kurios

Set in an alternative past, Kurios is full of ethereal creatures who use humour, poetry and wonder to show us all that is possible when we open our minds. The steam-punk-inspired circus extravaganza combines acrobatics, contortions and some mind-boggling juggling

Best for older children as the show is two hours (including an interval)

Say hello to Elmer at Friends at the Horniman Museum

Embrace the rainbow-bright world of David McKee, the illustrator and author behind classic picture books Elmer the Elephant, Not Now Bernard, King Rollo and Mr Benn. This interactive exhibition at the Horniman Museum includes a magnetic Elmer game, a sensory jungle and plenty of stories. Children are encouraged to get involved, with fancy-dress stations and reading areas.

Suitable for all ages

Create stamps and cyphers at the Postal Museum

The Postal Museum is a firm favourite thanks to the the mail rail train and the Sorted Postal Play Space, and this half term, its inviting kids aged over six to join in with creative workshops with a royal theme. There's a chance to create stamps or to design cypher stones featuring symbols and shapes that represent hobbies or family members. Children can also pen a letter to be sealed into a time capsule for their future selves. All workshops are first come, first served and free with a museum ticket.

The museum is suitable for all ages; workshops best for ages six-plus

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 even includes the UK's oldest hedge maze, with enough twists and turns to challenge the whole family.

Suitable for all ages

Watch Burglar Bill steal the show at Lyric Hammersmith

Who's that creeping down the street?…It's Burglar Bill. Everyone's favourite thief is coming to the Lyric Hammersmith Studio theatre this half-term to steal hearts in Janet and Allan Ahlberg's classic story about having a change of heart and learning to live on the right side of the law.

Suitable for ages 3+

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 costumes that reflect each child's individual identity, a worship making rainbow Merfolk, and a story and craft session inspired by Mary Lacey. The workshops are free and open to all ages and abilities.

Best for ages 3+

Glow up at Battersea Power Station's Light Festival

Illuminate dark early evenings with The Light Festival, which brings eight neon bright installations to Battersea Powers Station. Installations are switched on from 8am, but best viewed after dusk. It's the perfect way to end an afternoon spent playing at the spectacular new Prospect Park Playground, designed by landscape architects LDA Design.

Delve into the Jurassic at the Natural History Museum

This is an animal show with a difference, as children have the chance to get up close to creatures whose ancestors hung out with the dinosaurs. The 45-minute show, which complies to the strictest ethical standards, features snakes, tarantulas, lizards and plenty more creepy-crawlies. There are even opportunities for brave children to handle the animals!

Recommended for ages 4+

See a new take on a fairytale at the Polka Theatre

Follow a brave young girl called Jack on a giant adventure in this reimagined version of Jack and the Beanstalk. With magic beans, a towering plant and a golden castle in the sky, this new family musical is a magical way to nurture a love of theatre in primary-school children.

Suitable for ages 4 - 8