Family Days Out: Things to do in Half Term
A round up of the best family days out and things to do in half term when the school gates close.
There are two words that tend to spark fear and terror into lives of busy parents: half term. A week of no school, excitable children and pressure to cram as many activities and play dates into 10 days as humanly possible. To help you come up with some creative ideas to keep you and your little ones occupied this half term, we round up the best family days out and things to do in London.
Here’s what to look out for…
Forbidden Forest Cinema by Pop Screens
Independent cinema Pop Up Screens is back, this time taking over Peckham’s popular Bussey Building with a halloween special of spooky cinema offerings. While the later showings are reserved for seasoned horror aficionados, the Forbidden Forest Cinema has a selection of family friendly screenings during the day. As well as spooktastic favourites, Pop Up Screens will also be showing Moana, Minions and Toy Story 4 . Oh, and kids go free throughout half term.
When: 23rd October to 8th November
Where: Bussey Building, Peckham, London
Hicce Junior Chefs
Get your kids cooking this half term. A great way to encourage creativity while promoting healthy eating and the importance of nutrition, hicce is letting the little ones loose in the kitchen this half term. Your kids will create their own healthy, nutritional lunch from the best restaurant ingredients plus get a homemade, sugar free soft drink.
When: 19th to 23rd October
Where: Hicce restaurant, Coal Drops Yard, London
Half Term at Hamleys
Famed for it their fun-tastic demos and workshops, the Hamleys entertainment and demo team are back and, although sticking to social distance guidelines there’s still set to be non-stop fun at Hamleys this half term. With a bunch of pop-ups and regular activities planned throughout the week, a trip to the flagship store will keep you and your kids busy for hours. Across the week Hamleys will play host to a number of special pop-ups and experiences over the iconic toy store’s seven floors. Showcasing a huge range of family favourites from a Frozen 2 Castle and Harry Potter Sorting Hat Ceremony, there are plenty of opportunities to take home a slice of Hamleys magic.
For a full timetable of activities head to hamleys.com/explore.
A London Staycation at The Mitre Hampton Court
If you’re visiting the city from further afield, or you just fancy exploring the leafy corners of South West London, The Mitre Hampton Court is the perfect family-friendly base to scope out some of the capitals best spots. Situated a stone’s throw from the historic Hampton Court Palace (and it’s world-famous maze), the newly renovated hotel can also arrange boat trips along the Thames or help you book trips to nearby family-friendly attractions such as Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park and Hobbledown Adventure Farm.
Over the Halloween weekend The Mitre Hampton Court will also showcase an autumnal inspired menu & cocktail offerings to get you into the spooky spirit, with a trick or treat or two. And if you want to schedule in a couple of hours away from the kids, The Mitre is offering a free babysitter over the half term period. Now, there really is no excuse for missing out on a glass or three at the world’s first Whispering Angel bar.
When: Open and available to book now.
Where: Hampton Court, Kingston Upon Thames nr London.
Stay Overnight at Port Lympne Wildlife Reserve
Full of Halloween fun for the whole family, your little ones can marvel at some of the world’s most endangered animals and Kent’s largest wildlife park. Come face to face with the ‘King of the Beasts’ – the Lion – or howl alongside the three resident European Grey Wolves, before finishing your staycation off with a relaxing stay at the luxurious Port Lympne hotel . The Aspinall Foundation’s mission is to protect, breed and reintroduce species back into the wild and by purchasing tickets visitors will be supporting conservation work within the UK.
When: Open and available to book now.
Where: Port Lympne Reserve, near Ashford in Kent
Read More:
Want more information and inspiration on everything parenting and lifestyle? Just hit ‘Like’ on our Little London Facebook page, and ‘Follow’ on our @_Little_London Twitter account, and you’re all set.
