If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this half term, then look no further. Our guide shows you how to roam the city like a tourist with your children.
Now that lockdown restrictions have eased somewhat, there are more places to go and things to do for half term. Whether you prefer indoor activities or would like to explore the great British outdoors with the family, you have plenty of options to choose from for family fun and bonding time with the kids.
Here’s our roundup of 10 of the best half term activities for you and your family to enjoy.
Fantastic Beasts Exhibition at Natural History Museum
If your children are fans of Fantastic Beasts by JK Rowling, chances are they will be super excited to know that’s there’s an exhibition inspired by the film on right now at the Natural History Museum in London. Featuring a mixture of real-life creatures, costumes and props from the film, the beastly exhibition brings the world of wizardry – based on the lead character – Newt Scamander – to life.
Book your tickets here.
Visit the London Transport Depot
Does your child have a keen interest in learning more about trains? If the answer is yes, then the London Transport Museum Depot is most definitely worth a visit. A unique underground adventure, the London Transport Museum Depot gives you and your family access to its tube carriages, an array of buses – both past and present – and miniature railway. What’s more, every visit includes a fun activity pack for kids to keep them busy as they wonder around the miniature railways.
Book your tickets here.
Have a carnival-inspired BBQ outdoors
With Notting Hill Carnival cancelled last year due to lockdown, why not create your own carnival vibes this Bank Holiday with a family BBQ at a public park or even in your back garden? From face-painting to fun-costumes and of course plenty of Caribbean food, pull out all of the stops and create your very own children’s day carnival exclusively for your family and close friends for good vibes, while making the most of the warmer weather. Take the carnival vibes to the next level with colourful decorations, dance games and good tunes.
Download Spotify Notting Carnival playlists
Check out the latest releases at the cinemas
Yes, this half-term the cinemas are open and back in business for families to enjoy, with popcorn, nachos and whatever else you fancy. We know you’ve missed having the choice of not having to watch a film inside of your living room.
Films suitable for children include Cruella – a PG Disney classic release featuring Emma Stone and Raya and The Last Dragon, another Disney product, this time an animation. Please note that booking is required in advance to avoid disappoint and adhere to social-distancing restrictions.
Odeon tickets
Binge on your favourite childhood Black shows
With more Black shows now available on Netflix, reminisce over your childhood and introduce these classics to your children. If they truly are your offspring, they too will love your favourite sitcoms including the likes of Sister-Sister and Moesha. To make the day a little more nostalgic, make or source some of your favourite childhood treats to snack on to give your children a real taste for what it was like for you growing up.
Entry to Tower of London and One Night Stay at Novotel London City South
Red Letter Days is offering entry to Tower of London and One Night Stay at Novotel London City South as part of an unforgettable family day out!
Enjoy entry to one of the capital’s top attractions, the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels and much more. After a wonderful day of sightseeing, head back to your comfortable base for the night at the 4-star Novotel London City. Round off your stay with a delicious breakfast the following morning. Don’t sleep on this one!
Learn more and book your tickets here.
Create your very own activity trail
As the city starts to heat up, make the most of the sunny weather with some outdoorsy fun – an activity trail in nature with your kids. Start off by picking a park or space in nature to build your trail. Next, create your nature trail list – write down the items that you need to find/things to do on the hunt, put that together with a pen or colourful crayons to make it more fun. Also, be sure to organise a prize for the children also as an incentive to keep them going and excited along the way.
To get your supplies to create your nature trail list: visit Paperchase
Visit WonderLab at the Science Museum
Looking for an activity that is both fun and educational? Why not visit WonderLab at the Science Museum during half-term? From fun scientific games, live experiments and expert tutorials, encourage your children to think like scientists for the day and experience extraordinary discoveries that surround sound, light and the latest technology in media.
Book your tickets here.
Take them to the highest point in Europe with a visit to the Shard
Make like a real tourist and treat the children to an unforgettable day at the top of western Europe’s tallest building. Take in the panoramic sights of London for 40 miles in every direction from across two viewing galleries – Level 69’s indoor viewing gallery and Level 72’s spectacular open-air platform.
Every Londoner should take the opportunity of seeing this unique view of the capital. Virgin Experience has a great deal for a family of four, which comes with a panoramic guide and four digital photos to take home as souvenirs of your special day.
Book your tickets here.
Dine out at a Black-owned restaurant in London
Support the Black pound by choosing to visit as many Black-owned establishments as possible, [not just for half-term but all year round]. One of the ways you can do this is by choosing to eat indoors or outdoors at the numerous Black-owned restaurants across London this May half-term.
A big ‘thank you’ to @blackeatsldn for compiling their list of Black-owned restaurant recommendations.
