Seasonal
Half Term in London with Kids
Six days to fill, a city full of dinosaurs and Tesla coils, and a clear plan to beat the queues.
In short: our top picks are Natural History Museum, Science Museum Wonderlab and London Transport Museum. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Half term in London is a numbers game: thousands of other families have the same idea, and the good slots vanish. The trick is to mix the free heavyweights, the South Kensington museums, with one paid set-piece you book weeks out. Do not try to cram a museum and a matinee into the same day with younger children; one big thing per day is plenty. Mornings before 11am are your friend everywhere on this list.
| Place | Area |
|---|---|
| Natural History Museum | South Kensington |
| Science Museum Wonderlab | South Kensington |
| London Transport Museum | Covent Garden |
| Disney's The Lion King | Covent Garden |
| London Zoo | |
| Kew Gardens Children's Garden | Kew, Richmond |
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Editor’s choice
Natural History Museum
Why we pick itHope the blue whale, the dinosaur gallery and free pop-up activities run by learning volunteers make this the half-term default for good reason.
free family museum
-
Science Museum Wonderlab
Why we pick itFifty hands-on exhibits across seven zones, a giant Tesla coil that fires real lightning and live shows where explainers stage explosive demonstrations.
interactive science gallery
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London Transport Museum
Why we pick itChildren climb aboard old buses and Tube carriages, drive a train simulator and run riot in the All Aboard play zone; under-18s go free.
hands-on family museum
-
Disney's The Lion King
Why we pick itA reliable crowd-pleaser for children, with its opening animal parade down the aisles and Julie Taymor's puppetry, running in London since 1999.
West End family musical
-
London Zoo
Why we pick itGiraffes, lions, gorillas and Land of the Lions on the northern edge of Regent's Park, with daily keeper talks and playgrounds to burn off energy.
family zoo day out
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Kew Gardens Children's Garden
Why we pick itTrampolines, slides and a canopy walkway built for two to twelve year-olds, plus the 18-metre Treetop Walkway above the wider gardens.
outdoor play garden
Before you book
Book free general admission slots for the Natural History and Science Museums in advance, even though entry costs nothing, and arrive at opening to dodge the worst crush. Wonderlab and West End matinees both sell out for half term, so secure those a fortnight ahead; Wednesday and Saturday afternoon performances suit children best. For Kew and London Zoo, go on the first dry day forecast.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Natural History Museum is our editor's choice: Hope the blue whale, the dinosaur gallery and free pop-up activities run by learning volunteers make this the half-term default for good reason. Natural History Museum, Science Museum Wonderlab and London Transport Museum lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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