February half-term creeps up on us every year. It feels like you’ve only just got back into your post-Christmas routine before the kids are at home for a week again – leaving you tasked with filling copious amounts of time with non-stop entertainment. If it’s your turn to sort the children’s agenda this half term, you’re in luck. We’ve scoured the capital for the best family-friendly activities for all to enjoy from 16-20 February 2026, ranging from a decadent children’s afternoon tea to a staycation at a five-star hotel.

Mrs Armitage On Wheels at the Southbank Centre, Southbank

Head to the Southbank Centre for the very first stage production of Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels, running from 18-21 February as part of the Imagine Festival. Little ones will be mesmerised as eccentric inventor Mrs Armitage and her faithful dog, Breakspear, set off on a quiet bike ride to visit her cousin Angela. However, she can’t stop thinking of ways to improve her bike – and after adding horns, snack trays, umbrellas, a dog bed and even a sail, the question is: will she ever get there? Suitable for children aged three and over, consider this an easy way to keep children entertained during half term. 

From 18-21 February 2026, visit southbankcentre.co.uk

Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends at the Young V&A, Bethnal Green

This week, Young V&A opens its third exhibition, Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends. Created primarily for children and families, and perfectly timed with the school holidays, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the world of Aardman – creator of Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep, Morph, and more – while revealing the behind-the-scenes development of some of its most famous and beloved characters.  

Coinciding with the studio’s 50^th anniversary year, Inside Aardman explores the storytelling and craft that brings its familiar and fantastical worlds from the sketchbook to the screen. Moving through themed sections exploring concept development, model-making, filming and post-production, visitors will uncover the skills, tools and techniques behind the studio’s distinctive storytelling. More than 150 objects will be on show, including Aardman’s early character sketches, concept art, puppets, props, set models, and optical illusion toys.  

From 12 February 2026, visit vam.ac.uk

Family-friendly dining at Fazenda, Bishopsgate

South American restaurant Fazenda will welcome children under the age of eight to dine for free throughout February half-term. Adults and youngsters can enjoy a range of freshly grilled meats and pineapple carved at their table and complemented by a variety of dishes from the Market Table, home to traditional South American tapas and salads such as picanha (beef prime top sirloin), fraldinha (Brazilian sirloin flat steak) and abacaxi grelhado (roasted pineapple with cinnamon). The ideal spot for relaxed half-term lunches with family and friends, be transported to the Pampas in Argentina and Southern Brazil without even leaving the Square Mile.

From £15.90 for those aged 8-14 years; under eights dine for free. Visit fazenda.co.uk.

Early starts and space shows at the Science Museum, South Kensington

This February, the Science Museum is packed with plenty of inspiring experiences for curious minds of all ages. The museum will open at 9am, an hour earlier than usual, from 14-20 February to offer families extra time to explore and visit the free Future of Food exhibition. Elsewhere, don’t miss the Space Show. Inspired by Nasa’s upcoming Artemis II mission to the moon, this event will feature new interactive elements this half-term, and free tickets can be booked in advance for daily performances at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 3pm. The Space Gallery – home to the iconic Apollo 10 command module that orbited the moon in 1969 – will host free themed talks throughout the day, exploring fascinating facts about the moon and some of the many other planets in the solar system. 

Visit sciencemuseum.org.uk

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

Thought all ice rinks were closed for another year? Think again. If your little one can't get enough of skating, we have some good news for you: Ice Rink Canary Wharf is open until 22 February. This season's skating arena is bigger and better than ever before, with a transparent roof protecting the ice from London’s inclement climate, so skaters can practice their moves even if it's raining outside.

Until 22 February 2026, visit icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

Little VIP Club at The Lanesborough, Knightsbridge

Designed to inject fun and adventure into an urban family getaway, the Little VIP Club at The Lanesborough offers an innovative range of family-friendly activities for children up to the age of 16, making it the perfect bolthole for February half-term. Upon arrival, Little VIPs will feel all grown up when they're handed a personalised business wallet which, when presented at any of The Lanesborough’s outlets, will grant them a complimentary soft drink or ice cream. A surefire favourite with parents, the hotel’s Little Butler Bootcamp will teach children over the age of three how to perform traditional butler duties, such as setting the table and making the perfect cup of tea, with the hotel’s expert team of butlers. 

Other special activities available to young guests-in-residence include horse riding in Hyde Park, treasure hunts and dedicated ‘splash hours’ in the pool at The Lanesborough Club and Spa. The hotel’s dedicated concierge team is on hand to help create the perfect itineraries and days out in London for the entire family, including trips to Harry Potter World, London Zoo, Natural History Museum and Thames riverboat cruises.

From £840 per night, visit oetkercollection.com

Children’s Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester, Mayfair

Another decadent choice to introduce your little ones to the pomp and ceremony of British afternoon tea is, of course, The Dorchester. Housed inside the Grand Dame overlooking Hyde Park, the Promenade restaurant invites youngsters to sample its Children’s Afternoon Tea on partnership with luxury French lifestyle brand Atelier Choux. Expect miniature sandwiches of chicken, ham, cheese, and cream cheese with cucumber, and sweet treats of vanilla cupcakes, chocolate choux and iced biscuits – all paired with The Dorchester's indulgent hot chocolate. Trust your little one will be entertained throughout the afternoon as they can draw and colour in their own afternoon tea on the back of the menu, too.

From £65 per child, visit dorchestercollection.com

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