Exciting places to go with your kids over the February 2025 half term holidays

The school holidays are here and the children are off for up to two weeks. As much as it is wonderful having special time with your kids, it can be hard to keep them entertained constantly. If you're looking for some super-fun ideas for days out, you've come to the right place! We've compiled a list of some of the best places to take your children and give them a half-term holiday they won't forget.

How we chose the best places to go with your kids over the holidays

• Kid-friendly: We've looked for the ultimate kid-friendly activities to do over the school holidays. Whether you're looking for a one-on-one day out with your child or a big family affair, we have the most exciting options kids will love. 
• Easy transport: Travelling with kids needs to be hassle-free, all of the options below have parking/and or easy travel links. 
• Fun for the grown-ups: All of the options below will be enjoyable for grown-ups or grandparents. 

SEA LIFE London

During the February half-term, your little ones will be delighted to hear about the turtles at Sea Life London. 

So cute! As part of their 'Turtle-y Terrific' event, kids can meet the animals and other amazing underwater creatures. Children (and adults) can discover fascinating facts about turtles and learn how you can help protect them and their ocean home.

Save when you book tickets online in advance at visitsealife.com.

Afternoon Tea

If you and your family find yourself near Oxford Street and need a break from the hustle and bustle, head to the tucked-away Dalloway Terrace for a well-earned sit-down and book in for their enchanting bumblebee themed Children's Afternoon Tea. 

Designed with kids in mind, the menu includes crustless sandwiches (ham, cheese and cucumber) and a selection of child-friendly treats including a bumble-bee chocolate lollipop, decorated shortbread hive and a stunning flower cupcake. Scones, of course, are also included. Kids can also choose their own mocktail upon arrival, and their busy minds will be kept occupied with bumblebee-themed colouring books.

To book, visit Dalloway Terrace

The Paddington Bear Experience

Everyone loves Paddington Bear and this immersive experience, which is located along London's lively Southbank, is ideal if your little one is a big fan. The interactive tour takes you on a trail of all of Paddington's most famous haunts; Mrs Bird's kitchen, deepest, darkest Peru and of course, Mr Gruber's shop.

 Every lasting detail is remembered and celebrated; the decor is fantastic, there are lots of activities for the kids to enjoy and you can even meet Paddington himself and have a picture with the Marmalade-loving bear. It ends with a stroll down a real-life Windsor Gardens which is exactly like the film and majorly nostalgic.

To book, head to paddingtonbearexperience.com/

LEGOLAND Windsor

You'd be pushed to find a child that doesn't adore Lego, and where better to visit than the legendary Legoland Windsor? Inject some colour back into your family during the half term. 

Brimming with attractions for everyone, there are character meet and greets, brick-building challenges, and the return of LEGO City Deep Sea Adventure - an incredible Lego submarine! The building experiences are elite; you can make the best minifigure memories with your favorite characters.

To book, visit legoland.co.uk

Kid-Friendly Hotel Stays

If you're heading to London for a few days and want to stay somewhere swanky, but child-friendly, the Jumeirah Carlton Tower is not only perfectly placed near Sloane Square, but has collaborated with The Roald Dahl Story Company to bring you - and kids - the coolest stay. 

© Jumeirah Carlton Tower

Aimed at children between the ages of 2 and 12 years, this is offered as complimentary to families booking with children in any one of the hotel’s 186 guestrooms, with a range of Roald Dahl-themed goodies on offer to transform the rooms into a literary paradise for children. With The Twits, Matilda, George’s Marvellous Medicine, The Enormous Crocodile and Fantastic Mr Fox to delve into, parents will be able to enjoy a well-deserved break while their children explore the worlds of some of Roald Dahl’s most famous stories.

As families arrive in their rooms, they will be greeted with an abundance of soft toys, games, and films to enjoy during their stay, including a Roald Dahl Monopoly board where kids can race Matilda to beat Trunchbull in an exciting twist on the classic game. When it comes to bedtime, the little ones can wrap up warm in their exclusively designed Roald Dahl dressing gown and slippers or opt to snuggle up with a bespoke Enormous Crocodile blanket and pillows, as they drift off to sleep to the sound of The Witches audiobook.

To book, visit Jumeirah Carlton Tower

Parents can often get nervous taking their children to luxury hotels, but some are kitted out for kids too, so that everyone is happy! The Hari in Belgravia has teamed up with educational toy brand, Tonies, for something a little different. Kids can leave behind screen time and enjoy their own Toni box with stories galore in the comfort of their room, which can be catered to their age and interest. 

The hotel's family-friendly Italian restaurant, il Pampero, serves a variety of Italian dishes, including pasta and pizza, so you don't need to worry about fussy eaters, either. Also, if you and your children want a sweet treat, the hotel's afternoon tea is sumptuous. The Italian-style delight is aptly called the Dolci Momenti and includes freshly crafted antipasti and decadent pastries, as well as JING Tea and Champagne for the adults.

To book, visit thehari.com

Disney on Ice

Fans of Disney (let's face it, who isn't?) will be overjoyed to hear that Disney On Ice is back for 2025. Celebrating their new show, '100 Years of Wonder' it includes all the favourites such as Mickey and Minnie, but newbies such as  Moana and Maui too. 

There are Disney Princesses and the Toy Story gang who all take to the ice. A special half-term treat children won't ever forget.

To book, head to ovoarena.co.uk

Kids Eat Free!

We all know that children are never not hungry which can prove pretty expensive when you're on a day out! Well, Individual Restaurants have you covered.

Kids eat free from during half term week all of their collection of brands, including Piccolino, Riva Blu and Restaurant Bar & Grill.

From Monday to Friday, children can enjoy a complimentary main course at any of the restaurants. The menus are extensive and offer classically loved food as well as some more, slightly adventurous options.

For bookings and terms and conditions, visit Individual Restaurants.

Côte

During the half-term week, your children can enjoy two courses that are totally free at Côte Brasserie. Parents just need to sign up for the restaurant's newsletter. 

The delicious French-inspired cuisine is known for pleasing adults and children alike, bringing together inspired classics and kid-friendly favourites. There's everything from French Onion Soup,  mini Steak Frites, or a tasty Tomato Pasta Bake or hearty Côte Burger.

Available from Monday 17th to Friday 28th February, cote.co.uk

Prezzo

From 9th February - 2nd March, kids eat free at the delicious Prezzo!

 Children up to 12 years old can enjoy a simply delicious three-course meal for zero charge when accompanying adults. There are some seriously tasty offerings, from Gnocci to Cabarnara and tasty burgers.

To book, head to prezzo.co.uk

Paradox Museum London 

The Paradox Museum London contains a plethora of paradoxes yet one aspect isn’t paradoxical: if you take your kids there, it is completely logical that they will have a great time.

Nestled in Knightsbridge between two high-rise buildings and opposite Harrods, the museum starts as it means to go on even before you get in, with an infinity-mirrored entrance hall allowing queuers to enjoy their reflections many times over. 

Once inside, the exhibits range from the small to the spectacular. My daughter’s favourite was the Underground paradox which allows participants to be photographed as though upside down in a Tube station. My wife particularly enjoyed the kaleidoscope paradox, where you can insert your face into a kaleidoscopic image. I am a simple soul and most enjoyed the smaller exhibits. The yes-no paradox plinth was brilliant, and the stick paradox has to be seen to be believed. The x-ray paradox (filmed below) was also pretty cool.

All in all if you are in London over half term and looking for a way to kill a couple of hours, while endearing yourself to your children for at least a couple of hours more, then the Paradox Museum is well worth a visit. Just be warned: for a few minutes after exiting the premises there is an adjustment period where regular escalators or even traffic lights feel like they could be tricking you…

To book, head to paradoxmuseumlondon.com

Babylon Park: Space-themed fun for the family

Located in Camden, the heart of London, Babylon Park is an indoor theme park with two floors of fun for all ages. From the thrilling drop tower to the gentle bumper cars, there's something for everyone. The indoor rollercoaster, a highlight for many, takes riders through a starry landscape full of twists, turns, chills, and chuckles. For those who prefer virtual reality, cutting-edge VR experiences offer otherworldly adventures that feel as real as they are fantastic.

Babylon Park is the perfect place for a school holiday outing. Kids can burn off energy in a safe and exhilarating environment, while adults can unleash their inner child.

For more information visit babylonpark.com/london/