Half-Term Survival Guide
School holidays can feel daunting when you have a week to fill and a child to entertain. Here is your battle plan -- a mix of big days out, free activities, and indoor options for when the weather turns.
Top tip: Book popular venues like the Science Museum, Postal Museum, and KidZania online in advance. Half-term queues can be brutal, and many venues now require timed tickets.
Best Activities by Area
Central London
Natural History Museum
South Kensington · Free · Ages 1-7
FreeIndoor
Science Museum
South Kensington · Free · Ages 0-7
FreeIndoor
London Transport Museum
Covent Garden · Under-18s free · Ages 0-7
Free (kids)Indoor
The Postal Museum & Mail Rail
Farringdon · From £16 · Ages 3-7
££Indoor
East London
Young V&A (Museum of Childhood)
Bethnal Green · Free · Ages 0-7
FreeIndoor
London Museum Docklands (Mudlarks)
Canary Wharf · Free · Ages 0-7
FreeIndoor
Discover Children's Story Centre
Stratford · From £8 · Ages 0-7
£Indoor
South London
Horniman Museum & Gardens
Forest Hill · Free · Ages 0-7
FreeIndoor/Outdoor
Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs
Crystal Palace · Free · Ages 0-7
FreeOutdoor
North London
Clown Town
Cricklewood · From £8 · Ages 0-7
£Indoor
RAF Museum London
Colindale · Free · Ages 2-7
FreeIndoor
Sample 5-Day Half-Term Itinerary
Monday: Museum Day
10:00amNatural History Museum -- head straight to the Garden gallery (basement) for under-5s
12:30pmLunch at the museum cafe or bring a packed lunch for the picnic area
2:00pmWalk to the Science Museum next door -- the Garden gallery has water play
Tuesday: Farm Day
10:00amMudchute Park & Farm (free, DLR to Mudchute)
12:30pmLunch at the Mudchute Kitchen cafe
2:00pmWalk along the Thames Path -- views of Canary Wharf
Wednesday: Indoor Adventure
10:00amFlip Out or Kidspace -- burn off energy on trampolines
12:30pmLunch at the on-site cafe
2:30pmHome for quiet time -- you have earned it
Thursday: Theatre & Culture
10:00amYoung V&A in Bethnal Green -- free, hands-on, brilliant
12:30pmLunch at Frizzante at Hackney City Farm (book ahead)
2:30pmPolka Theatre or Unicorn Theatre -- check what is showing
Friday: Park Day
10:00amDiana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens
12:30pmPicnic by the Round Pond (bring your own)
2:00pmPaddle in the Diana Memorial Fountain (bring spare clothes)
Budget tip: Three of these five days are completely free. Pack lunches to keep costs down further. London museums are some of the best in the world and they do not cost a penny.