the m+ list half term edition : 7 DAY GUIDE TO ACTIVITIES & FREE EVENTS
We can’t believe how quickly it has come round either, but if you are suddenly wondering how to spend February half term, we’ve got you covered. Use our 7-day guide of things to do for all ages - with many free to attend and running over several days to adapt as needed. If you do visit any of the places, tag us in your pictures @wearemotherplus as we love seeing what our community is up to.
YOUR 7 DAY GUIDE…
MONDAY: Southbank Centre's Imagine Children’s Festival
Southbank Centre's Imagine Children’s Festival returns for its 22nd year with performances, arts, and fun for families during the February half term. This hugely popular event, with over 130 events spanning eleven days, offers a diverse array of activities including music, storytelling, dance, and comedy, and over half of the festival's offerings are free. Start on Monday 12th February by joining Prancer the Dancer at the DanceDanceDiscoPartyFunShow with a fun-filled party. This energetic event features special guests, dance routines to learn together and gymnastics ribbons a plenty. Free; drop in.
TUESDAY: National Portrait Gallery Family Day: Picture This
Discover the power of a picture this half term at Family Day: Picture This on Tuesday 13th February at the NPG, with a whole day of workshops exploring photographic portraits inspired by the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize exhibition. Choose from Reclaimed Rock Star which uses recycled plastic bags to create outfits, Frame It where you can create a bold and colourful frame using decorations or get involved in Wonder Wheels by merging two images together to create a quirky Victorian optical toy. During half term, visitors can also bring a picnic and enjoy the lunch space which can be found on Floor -3 in the Learning Centre. Free; drop in.
WEDNESDAY: Cooking Class & Party Time at Museum of London Docklands
Head to the Museum of London Docklands this half term with a host of activities on the theme of migration. On Wednesday take part in cooking lessons taught by a French/Tunisian chef followed by an energetic toddler party with music from around the world. Throuhgout the week there is storytelling with a Caribbean theme, music and folktales inspired by Eastern Europe and craft activities celebrating London’s diverse cultures and languages. Free; drop in.
THURSDAY: The British Museum Family Festival
Head to The British Museum for a historical trip to Ancient Rome as part of their Family Festival: Rebellious, Revelling, Rotten Romans. This event runs all week featuring exciting, playful, and exploratory Roman-themed activities for all ages inspired by the major new exhibition Legion: Life in the Roman army.
On Thursday 18th February, you can create your own legion figure to take home with artist Christina Rose Brown, work with artist Ian Crighton as he time travels across the Roman galleries to look at objects and respond with craft activities and the chance to meet Horrible Histories illustrator Martin Brown for a book signing. If you fancy a slower pace, head to the Families Desk in the Great Court to pick up a special back pack with trails and art materials with activities to do in the galleries at leisure. Free but timed entry tickets to be booked.
FRIDAY: Bounce House at Big Penny Social
Let off some steam at the end of the week with everyone’s favourite Bounce House which returns to Big Penny Social this half term. The whole event space will be taken over by massive inflatables, including a huge inflatable assault course. With excellent food and drink options, there is something for adults too and you could easily spend most of the day here. You do need to book tickets for this, but accompanying adults and children under 6 months old are free. Paid, tickets required.
SATURDAY: The Three Billy Goats Gruff Musical at Unicorn Theatre
Have some family fun with The Three Billy Goats Gruff musical at the Unicorn theatre. Baby, Middle and Big are three very hungry goats, and there is absolutely no grass left to eat on their side of the valley. Directed by Justin Audibert and featuring music and lyrics by Olivier award-winning composers Stiles and Drewe (Mary Poppins, Honk!), this magical, fairy-tale show is the perfect first musical for young families. Book tickets here. Paid, tickets required.
SUNDAY: Royal Air Force Museum
Round off the week by taking a trip to the RAF Museum in Hendon. With over 80 aircraft on display, a simulator ride, audio of pilots during the war, the opportunity to go inside helicopters plus a themed playground there is so much to do here. During half term there are theatre shows, comic book workshops and book readings so it’s worth having on your radar. Free entry; some performances paid.