February Half-Term Family Activities 2024
It’s almost half-term and that means there’s more on than usual! We’ve pulled together a listing of the goings-on that families can enjoy together in the area and slightly further afield, with the local family activities also featured in our Calendar. We’re adding more and more as and when things are announced, so do keep checking back!
Richmond Borough & Nearby
10th – 18th February, 10.00am-4.00pm: The Art Of Nature at Ham House.
- Visit Ham House and Garden this half-term to see nature-inspired artworks by local artists inside the spectacular Stuart house (open 12.00-4.00pm) and outside in the garden (open 10.00am-4.00pm). Over the centuries, the family at Ham House were keen supporters of artists, including John Constable. In that tradition, they have invited local artists from Surrey and South West London to share their interpretation of ‘The Art of Nature’. Feeling inspired? Don’t miss the creative activities, suitable for all ages! For extra fun this half-term, try an indoor animal spotter trail – a hoot whatever the weather! Step inside the magnificent house to explore the rooms and fascinating collection with little ones. Clues around the house hint at which animal is hidden in the room. Young adventurers simply take a careful look at the extraordinary array of art, furniture, and interiors to spot the animal! Normal admission applies
10th – 18th February, 10.00am-4.00pm: Elizabeth I’s Spy Mission at Hampton Court Palace.
- Step into the enchanting world of Hampton Court Palace this half term. Be transported back to 1562, when the Tudor court is buzzing with whispers and secret meetings. Queen Elizabeth I has fallen victim to smallpox, casting a shadow of uncertainty over Hampton Court Palace. It’s up to you to become part of the story and help Elizabeth’s spymaster unravel the mystery of who might be conspiring to take the throne. You’ll meet characters from the Tudor Court as you explore the famous Tudor palace and courtyards, overhearing intriguing conversations, and meeting characters of the court to help decipher mysterious puzzles and codes. Will you be able to help the spymaster save Elizabeth, or will you be misled by cunning conspirators? Please see their website for details of specific events. The Magic Garden is also reopening after its winter closure on the 10th Feb, and no trip is complete without a visit to the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze in the palace gardens. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Normal admission applies.
- No special events listed at time of writing, but Hounslow Urban Farm is always a treat to visit with the little ones. Stroll around the pens with goats, pigs, donkeys, llamas, peacocks and owls, and you can even feed some of the animals. There are also animal encounters throughout the day, where you can meet and handle small mammals, reptiles and more. They usually put on some special activities during school holidays too. You can buy tickets at the farm or online.
- No special family events, but Kew Gardens always makes a great family day out, with the Children’s Garden, family kitchen & shop, log trail, treetop walkway, immense glasshouses, the Hive, and of course acres of gardens to run free in and explore. There is also their annual orchid festival. Visiting information can be found here.
London Museum Of Water And Steam (Brentford)
10th – 18th February 10.00am-4.00pm: Water Warriors at the London Museum Of Water & Steam in Brentford.
- Dive into this February half term at the London Museum of Water & Steam! Join a week of family-friendly fun and learning, and join a quest to become ‘Water Warriors’. There will be interactive storytelling sessions, and hands-on arts and crafts where you’ll use recyclables to create environmentally conscious masterpieces! Plus, families can work together to create a ‘climate change pledge’. Each pledge will become a vital piece of amazing collective artwork, just in time for World Water Day. Normal admission applies.
London Wetland Centre (Barnes)
10th – 18th February, 9.30am-5.00pm: The Big Hideout at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes.
- Calling all budding birdwatchers this half term! Borrow a pair of binoculars and discover the wild birds that live in the wetlands – and how to tell them apart. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned spotter, it’s the perfect time to step into the hides and discover something new. Let your imaginations soar with bird-themed activities. There will be bird spotter sheets available to fill in; family birdwatching sessions with the Wetland Centre experts, den building, and nest making craft sessions. Some activities have limited space. Full details including timings on their website. There is a £1 fee for spotter sheets but all other activities are FREE although normal admission applies.
13th – 16th February, 10.00am-12.00pm: Love In Richmond Workshops at The Museum Of Richmond.
- Discover some of the great love stories in Richmond then get creative and make some love tokens and cards to take home! Workshops at the Museum help you explore Richmond’s history, get creative and spend some quality time together as a family. All workshops are led by Museum Expert, Vicky, who has over 15 years of experience of working with families in museums and has an Enhanced DBS check. Workshops are aimed at children aged 5-11 years old, who must be accompanied by an adult at all times. For children aged 11 and over, they can make the activities more challenging for them. For under 5s, the Museum can provide colouring materials free of charge. £6.00 per child, adults are FREE. Booking essential.
12th & 14th February, 10.00am-12.00pm: ‘Print A Valentine’s Bouquet’ Workshops at Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham.
- These workshops will introduce you to a variety of printmaking techniques related to the methods of Durer and Christiane Baumgartner. You will print directly with flowers and foliage to make abstract collaged bouquets inspired by Strawberry Hill’s garden and architecture. The workshops are run by Rosie Gibbens, an artist and educator. She has run family workshops at galleries including the V&A, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Whitechapel Gallery and York Gallery. £15.00 per child (please book online). Children be accompanied by an adult.
Further Afield
- No special events listed at time of writing, but this is always a great day out with the little ones, with lots of animals to see and a fun adventure playground. Tickets can be bought online or on the door.
10th – 18th February, 10.00am-5.00pm: Farming Week at Bockett’s Farm, Fetcham.
- Enjoy a magical family day out at Bocketts Farm including lots of baby lambs; ‘Meet the Shepherd’ sessions; birds of Prey flying demonstrations; fun shows with the Giggle Company; a Little Farmer Stamp Trail; craft corner; and bee workshops (Mon – Fri only). This is as well as all the usual attractions such as seeing all the farm animals (and feeding some); pony rides; trailer rides on the back of a tractor; heated indoor play and acres of outdoor fun; and of course the infamous pig race! Booking essential.
- No special events but this is always a great day out with the little ones, with animals to see (including meet & greet sessions) and indoor and outdoor play including a sky trail, bouncy pillows, secret sandpit, biplane racing, and a donut slide. Tickets can be bought online.
- No special events but there’s plenty of family fun to be had, from climbing Stoney Hill and exploring the play area and Badger’s Basecamp to simply playing by the lake. This historic royal landscape is a great place to spend time together. Visiting information can be found here.
- No special events but a lovely setting if you fancy a change from the local National Trust offerings, Morden Hall Park is a place to explore the outdoors and maybe tick some activities off your list of ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’! It also connects to Deen City Farm. Visiting information can be found here.
10th – 18th February, 10.00am-5.50pm: Family Festival at the Natural History Museum, South Kensington.
- The Museum has got a whole host of exciting activities and events, from LEGO builds to animal encounters this half-term. Each day enjoy talks, tours, events and workshops. There’s so much for you to get involved in, including the Family Discovery Zone; Spirit Collection Tour; Museum Highlights Tour; Secrets of the Natural History Museum Tour; LEGO® Build the Change: Nature-Friendly Neighbourhood Build; Jurassic Encounters; T. Rex show with Teach Rex; and Science of the Natural History Museum Tour. Entrance to the Museum is free but should be booked beforehand to avoid disappointment. Most of the special events incur an additional cost – tickets need to be booked beforehand online or by visiting an information desk in Hintze Hall and the Red Zone. Further information and booking links can be found here.
10th – 25th February, 10.00am-4.00pm: Mr Hamilton’s Science & Curiosities Trail at Painshill Park, Cobham.
- Encourage curious minds and enjoy a family walking trail full of amazing facts. Discover how plants draw up water, how boats stay afloat and how rainbows are formed. Boards, created and painted by the Painshill team, will lead you around the trail and allow you to walk past the different planets of the solar system. Charles Hamilton, who designed Painshill in the 18th century, loved science. He built a waterwheel to create his lake and was one of the first people to install a lightning conductor on his tallest building. Take a walk around the features in his landscape and learn about the natural world. The perfect day out for all those little ones that can’t stop asking why!. Normal admission applies and booking in advance is advisable for non-members.
10th – 18th February, 10.00am-3.00pm: Polesdenopoly at Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham.
- It’s time to toss the dice… Explore the grounds of Polesden Lacey by taking part in a fun trail inspired by a well-known board game this half term. Take your friends and family to enjoy the interactive trail, see if you can become as rich as Mrs Greville, previous owner of Polesden Lacey and well-known Edwardian socialite. Retrace the steps of past Kings, Queens and Maharajas, whilst you buy your favourite sites dotted around Polesden Lacey. The player who acquires the most property at the end of the trail is the ultimate winner. Are you up for an exciting challenge? The trail is suitable for ages 5+ and tickets cost £5 per group (max group size 5). Normal admission applies.
- No special events at time of writing but Wisley is always a special place to visit, with its beautiful gardens with many different areas and water features to explore; play area; Old Laboratory museum; Glasshouse with three climatic zones; garden centre; and a choice of restaurants and cafes to suit everyone. Visiting information can be found here.
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