Head to Hampton Court Palace to experience Bedtime at the Palace. You can learn about Queen Charlotte's State Bed, the Princess and the Pea, or try a new family trail. Gather inspiration from your trip and enter the 'When I go to bed...' creative writing competition, which is open to children 16 and under. The exhibition is free with standard admission.
Travel to the 1940s with a visit to the HMS Belfast to learn about 'Dazzle', or the disruptive pattern of the paint on the ship. You'll get the chance to create your own t-shirt or dress up in naval uniforms. Activities are included in the standard admission price, unless you'e under 16, in which case admission is free.
From 11:00-15:30 this Monday through Friday, the Cabinet War Rooms will be running its 'Undercover' exhibition. Learn more about working life in the base as well and get the opportunity to handle several artefacts and clothing.
The Museum of London seems to be the happening place to be this half-term for the 5 and up crowd. Make art out of recyclable materials, help create a soundtrack for London, learn about Rome, rebuild London after the Great Fire, or construct a model theatre that would make Shakespeare proud. Check their website for more events and details.
Take part in Magical Animal Weekend (Sat 13 & Sun 14) at the London Wetlands Centre from 12:00-16:00 with bunnies, guinea pigs, ponies, and more. Tickets £9.95/£7.40 concessions/£5.50 children.
Leisure centres in Hounslow will be running free sporting sessions such as Boxercise, Aqua Kids, and Street Dance, for children aged 11-15.
Kids 3 and up may enjoy a visit to the Horniman Museum for a series of free events, including Shrove Tuesday themed Family Art Fun, Nature Trail Discovery, and Chinese Lantern Making. See their website for more details.
The Clapham Common Spring Half-Term Fair will be running every day from 13:00-21:45. £1 entry fee.
On Thursday (Feb 18) bring your aspiring chefs to Selfridges for special cooking workshops for kids with Annabel Karmel, author of You Can Cook: A step-by step cookbook for kids. Workshops run from 13:00-15:00. Spaces are limited so book your place by e-mailing [email protected]. One parent/guardian is allowed with a maximum of 3 children per reservation.
Wrap up your half-term with Chinese New Year's festivities in Trafalgar Square, Chinatown, and Leicester Square (Sun 21). Celebrate the Year of the Tiger with acrobats, firecrackers, and Chinese dragons and lions.
