February 2025: What's on in London with Kids

This issue is brought to you in collaboration with Horrible Histories® Gorgeous Georgians trail at Osterley Park & House.

February might be short, but it’s packed with big adventures - especially with half-term ahead! This newsletter has 20+ family activities, 10 for under-5s, plus a few child-free cultural gems. Celebrate Lunar New Year, build a cardboard city, or mudlark for London’s past. Meet top authors, spot giant robotic creatures, or try free hip-hop workshops. You’ll just wish the month was longer!

How’s your January been? I’m working more for a few months, including weekends. Museum Dad is fully living up to his moniker, keeping the kids culturally entertained whilst I beaver away. They’ve powered through our Power Up pass at the Science Museum, marvelled at the Crown Jewels sans crowds at the Tower of London, had a second viewing of The World of Tim Burton at the Design Museum, clocked up two visits to the British Museum, and explored the ceramics and glass gallery at the V&A with their free family backpack (which, weirdly, I can’t even find online!). It seems I’m no longer needed!

I have managed to squeeze in some culture around work - either late at night, like a dreamy viewing of Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers at the National Gallery, or a post-work trip to Winter Lights at Canary Wharf.

One of my favourite visits has been to Lives Less Ordinary: Working-Class Britain Re-seen at Two Temple Place. It’s a brilliantly curated, nuanced look at the diversity and joy of working class lives in Britain, from the 1950s to now. It’s free, inside one of London’s hidden architectural gems, plus there’s kids’ trails and family events to be announced soon.

And in what was definitely displacement activity when I should have been tackling my tax return, I updated a heap of blog posts - including the latest Universal Credit savings, my February half-term guide, 50 under-5s cultural play sessions, and how to celebrate Lunar New Year in London with kids.

London’s best family-friendly museum days, theatre shows, and cultural outings – curated for busy parents. If you love this newsletter, so will your friends. Hit forward.

Gorgeous Georgians trail at Osterley Park & House

AD | Calling all Horrible Histories® fans! Inspired by the best-selling book series, the Gorgeous Georgians Trail at the National Trust’s Osterley Park and House launches just in time for February half-term.

Step into the scandalous world of the Georgians - complete with all the nasty bits - on this interactive trail through a real Georgian manor house, its gardens, and parkland in West London. Virtually try on towering wigs and beauty spots in the Marvellous Make-Up gallery, spin the Wheel of Woe to reveal grim childhood jobs, and watch out for Horrible Highwaymen lurking in the trees. Play Putrid Pirates games, learn about Foul Foods and don’t miss Osterley’s Posh Potty - complete with flatulent fart sounds!

Perfect for curious kids and history lovers alike, this trail promises plenty of fun (and filth) at a stunning location with 500 acres of space to run around in, just minutes from Osterley Underground Station. Included with property admission (free for National Trust members), the Gorgeous Georgians trail runs daily from 17 February to 31 August 2025. Click here for opening times and prices.

Horrible Histories® is a registered trademark of Scholastic Inc and is used under authorization. All rights reserved. Written by Terry Deary. Illustrations © Martin Brown.

February 2025: What’s on London with kids

Dreading February half-term already? Don’t worry - I’ve got you covered with 75+ things to do over the holidays! I’m adding new ideas daily, so keep checking back. Plus, even more free February half-term events are coming in my next newsletter - don’t miss it!

Now, onto 20 things to enjoy across the whole month:

1. Lunar New Year Celebrations: London Museum Docklands’ LNY festival (1-2 February 2025) sold out in minutes, and there’s only limited walk-up tickets available. But there’s plenty more free, family-friendly LNY events across London in my blog post, including Greenwich Peninsula, Camden Market, Centrale & Whitgift (all 1 February 2025), Brent Cross (8 February 2025) and Museum of the Home (18 February 2025. All free, drop in.

2. Orchids at Kew Gardens, TW9: Celebrate Peru in this orchid extravaganza. Spot alpacas, flamingos, and spectacled bears among the blooms, and discover how Kew’s scientists are protecting Peru’s plants. 1 February-2 March 2025. Paid, book. £1 Universal Credit offer. It’s very popular, so aim for the first or last sessions if possible. No pushchairs allowed.

3. Stepping Into Stories Kids Lit Fest, SE24: A vibrant celebration of children’s books in Herne Hill. Meet top authors and illustrators like Robin Stevens, Joseph Coelho, and Sam Sedgman for hands-on workshops, readings, and storytelling fun. 4-9 February 2025. Paid, book.

4. Sadler’s Wells East, E20: London’s newest dance venue opens this month at East Bank, bringing hip-hop, ballet, rave, rhumba, and more to the stage. Kick off with Birdboy (6–8 February 2025, ages 7+), a dreamlike dance-theatre piece, and Our Mighty Groove (6–9 February 2025), an immersive club-theatre experience. More shows and free events to follow. Paid, book.

5. Saturday Sessions with Club Origami at Southbank Centre, SE1: Rip, fold and scrumple, to see what can happen with a single piece of paper. With interactive dance show, crafty makes and a ballroom boogie. 8 February 2025. Free, drop in. Ages 5-11.

6. Second Saturdays at Guildhall Art Gallery, EC2: Celebrate Valentine's Day with themed crafts and storytelling. Create Victorian-inspired collage cards, origami purses, and love poems. 8 February 2025. Free, book/drop in. Best ages 3-8.

7. Family Art Fun Day - Experimental Embroidery at Turf, CR0: Create your own embroidery piece using all repurposed materials, such as scaffold sheets, plastic packaging, discarded fabrics and more. Led by artist Lucía Scarselletta. 8 February 2025. Free, book.

8. Campfire Adventures at Discover Children’s Story Centre, E15: It’s time for the big kids to take over in this after-hours opening! Join scavenger hunts, eat supper, visit Monster Funfair, and enjoy hot chocolate around a campfire. 8 February, 29 March & 10 May 2025. Paid, book. Ages 5-11.

9. SHABBA Big Family Day Out at Walthamstow Trades Hall, E17: High-energy fun with circus acts, DJs, and dancing! Watch the Flying Bazazi Brothers in action, try out circus skills, and enjoy bouncy castles, retro gaming, and face painting. 9 February 2025. Paid, book.

10. Ron Mueck En Garde at Thaddeus Ropac, W1: Slightly terrify your kids with the UK debut of Mueck's latest work - a colossal trio of black dogs, standing almost three and a half metres tall with their ears pricked and hackles raised. 14 February-2 April 2025. Free, drop in.

11. Robot Zoo at Horniman Museum and Gardens, SE23: Discover larger-than-life robotic animals that reveal the mechanics of real-life creatures. 14 February-2 November 2025. Paid, book. £1 Universal Credit offer. And here’s my review from when I took the Museum Toddlers back in the day!

12. Messy Cathedral 2025 at St Paul’s Cathedral, EC4: Dive into a morning of creative, hands-on activities in Wren’s wonder, exploring themes of peace and reconciliation. 15 February 2025. Free, book. Ages 5-12, with an Under 5s dedicated space and quiet area for SEND participants.

13. Making Egypt at Young V&A, E2: Calling all mini Egyptologists! Discover 5,500 years of creativity, from painted sarcophagi to Minecraft and Moon Knight. Draw to scale, crack hieroglyphs, and design an amulet. From 15 February 2025. Paid, booking recommended. Free Universal Credit entry. Plus free Egyptian-themed half term events.

14. Family Day - Picture Yourself at National Portrait Gallery, WC2: One of my favourite gallery family days, which work brilliantly with kids of all ages. Explore photography, sculpting and collage to make your own artworks inspired by self-portraits on display. 18 February 2025. Free, drop in on a first come, first served basis.

15. Imagine Festival at Southbank Centre, SE1: The UK’s biggest kids’ arts festival is back! Dive into music, theatre, dance, comedy, and creative workshops - many free. Highlights include There’s a Bear on My Chair, pop-punk juggling in Rollercoaster, a free street art masterclass, a rare appearance from Dog Man creator Dav Pilkey, and Zoo Nation’s free hip hop workshops. 18-23 February 2025. Free/paid, book/drop in. Ages 0-11.

16. UNIQLO Tate Play Holiday Make Studio: The Joy of Feeling at Tate Modern, SE1: Sway, slide and spin to a dreamy soundscape. Or wrap yourself in soft, weighted objects that echo the shape of Dorothea Tanning’s sculptures for a moment of calm. 15-23 February 2025. Free, drop in.

17. Out at Sea at National Maritime Museum, SE10: Inspired by LGBTQ+ History Month, half term activities include drag aerobics, merfolk making, create your own ‘matey’ jigsaw necklace, and pirate drag storytelling. 15-23 February 2025. Free, drop in.

18. Boxville at Polka Theatre, SW19: Step into a world made entirely of cardboard. Join designer Sam Wilde and director Ian Nicholson (I Want My Hat Back) to build, explore, and meet paper dragons, crabs, and space robots. A hands-on, STEM-inspired adventure. 19-23 February 2025. Paid, book. Ages 6-10.

19. Children’s Footsteps of Mudlarks, E1: Discover hidden treasures on the Thames foreshore and hear tales of Victorian mudlarks who scavenged to survive. Gather your finds, create a mini museum, and uncover London’s past in this hands-on adventure with the Thames Explorer Trust. 22 February 2025. Paid, book. Ages 5-12.

20. UEL After Dark Festival, E16: A night of fire, circus, and light! Watch acrobatics, fire performances, and glowing parades, then try juggling and unicycling. Highlights include Circus Pzazz, Air Giants’ Luma, and Show Globes. 27 February 2025. Free, registration recommended.

Like to plan ahead? Here’s some upcoming family-friendly events to book now:

1. My Neighbour Totoro at Gillian Lynne Theatre, WC2: The West End debut of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s record-breaking adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro. Adapted from Studio Ghibli’s iconic film, expect breathtaking puppetry, stunning visuals, and a magical story of childhood and imagination. We loved this show! From 8 March 2025. Paid, book.

2. AstroNights Sleepovers at Science Museum, SW7: A space-themed sleepover at one of London’s most loved museums! Enjoy out-of-this-world workshops, shows and activities, plus refuel the next morning with breakfast. Book now for 14 March, 16 May, 20 June and 11 July 2025. Ages 7-11 and their guardians.

3. Regents Park Open Air Theatre, NW1: London’s iconic alfresco stage returns with a stellar 2025 lineup! See the UK premiere of Tony-winning musical comedy Shucked (ages 8+), a brand-new production of Noughts and Crosses (ages 14+) and the return of The Enormous Crocodile (ages 3+). 10 May-7 September 2025. Paid, book.

4. Christmas at Kew, TW9: I know, I know. But believe me - your future self will thank you for nabbing the most-coveted slots of London’s best Christmas light trail. Selected dates, 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. Paid, book.

And if you’re looking for arts without the ankle biters, here’s my picks for adults this month and beyond:

1. Ai Weiwei: A New Chapter at Lisson Gallery, NW1: History reimagined through striking new works. Military stretchers, buttons, and tents explore loss and memory, while toy brick Van Gogh and Gauguin bridge past and present. Too sweary for kids. 7 February-15 March 2025. Free, drop in.

2. Flowers Lates at Saatchi Gallery, SW3: After-hours creativity blooms! Get hands-on with love letter writing, Pop Art printmaking, costumed life drawing, and tarot reading. You won’t want to miss the Rebecca Louise Law installation either. 14 & 28 February, 14 & 28 March, 11 April and 2 May 2025. Paid, book.

3. The Face Magazine - Culture Shift at National Portrait Gallery, WC2: A deep dive into the magazine that defined cool. From Kate Moss’s first cover to era-defining portraits of music and fashion icons, this exhibition showcases 200+ images by photographers like Corinne Day, David Sims, and Elaine Constantine. 20 February-18 May 2025. Paid, book.

4. Leigh Bowery! at Tate Modern, SE1: A bold, boundary-smashing tribute to the artist, performer, and club icon who redefined fashion and identity. See his legendary ‘Looks’ and collaborations with Lucian Freud, Michael Clark, and more. A rare glimpse into his electrifying world. 27 February-31 August 2025. Paid, book.

5. BOOK NOW Snow White - The Sacrifice at Sadler’s Wells East, E20: A dark, gripping reimagining by Liv Lorent and Carol Ann Duffy. A desperate Queen, trapped by her own reflection, spirals into envy, cruelty, and fantasy. This is a woman’s dread of ageing, and her battle against invisibility through enacting monstrous fantasies. 18 April 2025. Paid, book.

Been there, done that? Tell me all about it - hit reply or tag me on Instagram!

February 2025: What’s On for Under 5s

1. Great Big Tiny World by Oily Cart: Nestle among hundreds of real plants and let sights, sounds, scents, music and shadows bring the world to life in this gentle sensory show for babies. A multi-sensory adventure where even the tiniest things matter. Chats Palace, E9 (1 & 3 February 2025) and Southbank Centre, SE1 (19-22 February 2025). Paid, book. Ages 0-12 months.

2. Sadler’s Wells Family Freestyle Dance at Poplar Union, E14: Dance, move, play and create together in these 45-minute dance workshops, with a range of styles and themes. Every Monday (except 17 February) until 31 March 2025. Free, book. Ages 2-4.

3. East End History Club at Tower Hamlets Local Studies Library, E1: Explore historical records, meet other parents and enjoy a cuppa. With toys, mini brunch and refreshments. 7 February 2025. Free, drop in. Under 5s.

4. Home Song at Unicorn Theatre, SE1: Join Adwoa and her mum as they explore the true meaning of home, from Kumasi's bustling streets to London's vibrant heart. A multi-sensory show featuring puppetry, interactive soundscapes, and a cappella singing. 7 February-9 March 2025. Paid, book. Ages 6-18 months.

5. The Wonderland Garden with City of London Sinfonia: Follow a child and their friend Robin through the seasons, with classical and South Asian percussion. After, meet the musicians and interact with their instruments. Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, E1 (7-8 February 2025) and Jacksons Lane, N6 (16 February 2025). Paid, book. Babies and under 6s.

6. The Sticky Dance at Chats Palace, E9: Tape, stick and grove as three dancers shimmy through the audience weaving a tapestry of sticky tape. Explore freely, and turn the rules upside down! 8 February 2025. Paid, book. Ages 3-5.

7. Little Feet: Explore the Silk Roads at British Museum, WC1: Craft jewellery inspired by colourful gemstones, practice the art of exchange, and make pilgrim souvenirs to take home. 10 February 2025. Free, drop in. Under 5s.

8. Storytelling with Margaret Bateson-Hill at Museum of the Order of St John, EC1: Enjoy dragon-themed storytelling, singing, and dancing plus the chance to play at this super-friendly museum. 12 February 2025. Free, book. Under 3s and Under 5s.

9. Early Years Studio - Paint at The Royal Academy of Arts, W1: Child-led creative sessions by artist Amy Leung, with colourful objects, materials and textures to play with. 19 February 2025. Free, drop in. Spaces allocated on a first come, first served basis. Under 5s.

10. Time Travel Tots - Musical storytelling at The National Archives, TW9: In these new, interactive sessions, Paul will use music and movement to take you and your child on an exciting adventure inspired by an archival document. 26 February 2025. Paid, book. Ages 2-5.

Find even more Under 5s play sessions in this post.

Weekend events 1-2 February 2025

Still stuck for this weekend? These last-minute ideas have you covered - check the links for all the info!

1. Back2Back Making Ecosystems at Switchboard Studios, E17. 1 February 2025. Free.

2. How to Kill an Asteroid at the Royal Institution, W1. 1 February 2025. Paid.

3. Music and dance from the Silk Roads at British Museum, WC1. 1 February 2025. Free.

4. Life at Sea: Gingerbread Sailors on HMS Belfast, SE1. Includes gingerbread sailor decorating on weekends until 9 February 2025. Paid.

5. Our Community Patchwork Memory Blanket with Creative Community at William Morris Gallery, E17. 2 February 2025. Free.

6. Megson Family Folk Show at Arts Depot, N12. 2 February 2025. Paid.

I’ll be back with free events for February half term in a few weeks.

Until then, have fun!

Please check listings before heading out. Events can change or be cancelled at short notice; and, despite my best efforts, sometimes I make mistakes.