A few days ago I thought, ‘Oh crap! Half-term begins in a few days and I haven’t thought of any fun things to do with the family!’. I then hopped on the interweb and have spent the last few evenings researching things to do in South West London/Surrey. If you live this way, or if you are contemplating a trip to my side of the river Thames, have a look at this list and consider yourself ready for half-term.

IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL AT SOUTHBANK CENTRE

There are loads of children’s shows and activities at the Southbank Centre next week (and throughout February). My top picks (that aren’t already sold out):

* Alice in Wonderland-inspired Photo Studios – Under fives can take a photo in a tiny room, or be photographed in a caterpillar or rabbit costume. In the foyer until the 22nd February.

* Young Orchestra for London – free concert put on my some young musicians. 15th Feb 3pm-3.30pm.

* Jason Beresford – interactive family workshop showing how to create and write about a comedy superhero. 17 February, 3.15pm.

LANDMARK ARTS CENTRE, TEDDINGTON

* Funky Junk Puppets – use recycled fabrics to make puppets. 18 February, 10.30am-12.30pm, aged 5-11 years, £12 per child.

* Family hula hooping – adults and children can have a go and get some exercise. 18 February, 2pm-3pm, 6+, £2.50 per person.

CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES

Chessington have a reduced opening until the end of March, but this means that the entry costs are reduced. They still have their zoo, aquarium, zoo animal shows and selected rides open. My kids are obsessed with Bubbleworks! Prices begin at £9.

 

PUTNEY ARTS CENTRE

The Mighty Jungle workshop, fpcusing on drama and music for children aged 4-7. 18th-19th February, 10am-2pm.

SING-ALONG FROZEN, ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON UPON THAMES

The Rose Theatre puts on fab shows, but they have run a few Frozen singalongs recently.  Bounds to be loads of fun! 18th and 20th February, at 5.45pm, £6 per person. 

POLKA THEATRE, WIMBLEDON

The Polka have such lovely shows for children of all ages. From 18 Feb-8 March, they are showing Yeh Shen in honour of Chinese New Year. It is the Chinese Cinderella story, but 1,000 years before the European version of Cinderella. Tickets cost £13.50, the shows runs for 75 minutes.

FREE PIRATE & MERMAID WORKSHOPS, KINGSTON UPON THAMES

Free crafts, including making pirate hats, flags, parrots and mermaid masks. There will also be free face painting. 17th and 20th February, 12pm-4pm.

LONDON MUSEUM OF WATER & STEAM

I wouldn’t normally think that this would be a fun place, but the website has enticed me. You can learn about London’s water supply, get wet in the splash zone and go for a ride on a steam engine. During half-term they also have family science shows on offer. Brentford. A family ticket for a family of four costs £28 (tickets cheaper if you buy online).

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

Great little zoo, but don’t expect elephants or tigers. There are meerkats and monkeys and birds. And a great playground. During half-term, on 17th February, you could make a bird feeder for £1. The price of a family ticket is £28, but under twos get in free.