This is a sponsored article on behalf of The O2.
Parents! Half term is fast approaching, which means you'll be looking for ways to keep your kids and teenagers busy while school's out. What if we told you there's a place in London which has bowling, a cinema, shops, skydiving, trampolining, restaurants and cafes and plenty more, under (and on top of!) one roof? That place is The O2, and we've picked out some of the best things to do here to entertain the whole family — whatever the weather.
1. Outlet shopping at The O2
One for budget-conscious fashionistas. Did you know there's a whole shopping outlet within The O2? You can save up to 70% off RRP at over 60 brands, including Tommy Hilfiger, Superdry, Ted Baker, The Cosmetics Company Store, Reiss and more. That's your wardrobe sorted — and you get four hours free parking when you spend £35+ at Outlet shopping at The O2.
2. Ogle the view from Up at The O2
See London from a whole new angle at Up at The O2, a unique climbing experience which takes you up and over the world-famous structure in 90 minutes, led by expert guides. The best thing about it? The London skyline is changing all the time, so even if you've been before, there's something different to see every time. Climbers must be 8+ years old.
3. Experience freefall at iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Got an adrenaline junkie in the family? Bet they'd love iFLY Indoor Skydiving, a new addition to The O2 where you can experience the sensation of freefall — without even a parachute. Get dressed up in all the gear and head into the flight chamber — basically a wind tunnel — and have a go at skydiving, without all the faff of getting up in a plane. Don't worry, there's a viewing platform for those who prefer to watch the action from solid ground!
4. Burn off some energy at Oxygen Freejumping
Kids bouncing off the walls? Put their energy to good use at Oxygen Freejumping, a two-floor indoor trampoline park with nine different zones including a dodgeball court, professional trampolines, and a High Ropes Airventures course. There's a soft play area for little ones, so all members of the family are catered for. The only problem will be catching them all at home time...
5. Strut your stuff at Hollywood Bowl
A school holidays staple! Hollywood Bowl is home to 12 ten pin bowling lanes including three VIP one — ideal for throwing an impromptu family tournament. The same venue is home to an amusement arcade and its own Hollywood diner serving up classic American dishes.
6. Catch the latest releases at Cineworld
The long-awaited live action remake of Disney's The Little Mermaid is released just in time for half term — and Cineworld at The O2 is the ideal place to see it, with 2D, 3D, 4DX extreme cinema (think water, wind, scent, strobe lighting and moving seats) and Screen X (which shows the action in 270°) showings throughout the week. It's London's largest cinema — home to no less than 19 screens! — so there's something to watch at all times of day.
7. Kick off at TOCA Social
Got a budding Beth Mead or Lionel Messi in the clan? TOCA Social is the world's first interactive football and dining experience. It's home to 17 interactive playing spaces, with football-centric games, including the brand new 'Zombie Attack'. As for the dining side of things, TOCA Social offers a modern American menu, and — our favourite part — a Willy Wonka-inspired Dessert Room. There are special May half term packages on offer, making it easy to combine food and drink with games.
8. Go head to head at BOOM BATTLE BAR
Feeling competitive? If the football games at TOCA Social (above) aren't your skillset, head for BOOM BATTLE BAR instead. Take on the rest of the family at axe throwing, shuffleboard, pool, AR darts and 'crazier golf' (think catapults, loops and conveyors to tackle) along with other games. There's beer pong too, but let's leave that one for the adults...
Note that BOOM BATTLE BAR is an 18+ venue after 9pm.
9. Get your dancing shoes on at Mamma Mia! The Party
Whisk the whole family off to a Greek island for a day, via Mamma Mia! The Party — no passports required. The setting is a traditional taverna on the island of Skopelos, and the soundtrack is pure ABBA. Tuck into a four-course Mediterranean feast as the entertainment unfolds around you — singing and dancing along are very much encouraged. There's a minimum age of 5 for this one.
Food, glorious food...
It wouldn't be half term without at least one outburst of "I'm huuungry", so rest assured that The O2 is home to more than 30 bars and restaurants to keep everyone fed, watered and grinning from ear to ear. Swing by coffee shops, a juice bar or a gelateria for a quick pick-me-up during the day, and tuck into American style burgers, Indian street cuisine, handmade Udon noodles, Argentinian steak or one of plenty of other choices, come lunch or dinner time. Browse the full selection of restaurants at The O2.
Getting to The O2 is a doddle. It's 15 minutes from central London on the Jubilee line (North Greenwich station), and is easily accessible by car. Alternatively, make the journey part of the adventure, and travel by boat or the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
Head to theo2.co.uk for more visitor information, including opening hours.
