It’s half term. Another week in which to find things to do and hope your kids don’t massacre one another with boredom have a great time. If you’re in or near enough to London for day trips, this is always an option for boredom busting. I’ve never been brave enough to take Oscar up to the big smoke yet, but I can’t wait until I am. We went to our local science museum in Winchester recently and he loved it, so I can only imagine how much he’d enjoy the National Science Museum when we’re both ready.
But if you are there already, taking the children up to London for the day can make amazing memories. And you don’t have to just visit the usual suspects. My buddy Simon over at KidRated, has been doing some research and has come up with this amazing list of things to do with children, in and around London, this half term.
HMS Belfast is a ship, permanently moored on the Thames and run by the Imperial War Museum. It’s a firm favourite with kids and over half-term week, they’ll be teaching children how ‘dazzle’ camouflage was used to keep the ship safe during WW2!
Kids Will Love: The nine decks to explore
Adults Will Love: Kids go free and there’s a great cafe.
Teenagers should visit Thorpe Park this half term if they want to be seriously scared because Fright Nights are back. The horrors include riding Colossus in the dark and, exploring the new circus themed Big Top scare maze.
Kids Will Love: Anything that scares them witless.
Adults Will Love: Dropping them off.
13+ and over.
Brick or Treat at Legoland Windsor
The fantastic plastic park promises a whole host of ‘spook-tacular’ activities, plus their usual 55 rides, live shows and attractions. It all kicks of on the 17th October and runs until 2nd November.
Kids Will Love: The New Heartlake City attraction
Parents Will Love: The fireworks.
A half-term visit to London’s highest landmark is well worth the trip as kids go free. Timed access to the Viewing Gallery means it never really feels busy and overcrowded, and kids rate it highly!
Kids Will Love: The express lifts, the friendly guides and the digital time travelling telescopes.
Adults Will Love: The view and the bar!
26th October – 1st November
Packed with exhibits, both historical and interactive, you can easily spend the day here and many people do. The huts in which the code-breakers worked have been lovingly recreated and other highlights include authentic Enigma devices, a restored Bombe machine and a dedicated exhibit to the great Alan Turing.
Kids Will Love: The snazzy iPod guides.
Adults will love: The costumes and props from The Imitation Game still infused with essence of Cumberbatch.
Under-12s go free,
We doubt there’s a kid in NW10 who doesn’t love the London RIB Voyages. With their distinctive red ‘Rocket’ boats, it’s one of our best-reviewed attractions. Warm coats are provided and don’t forget to take your camera because the sights look amazing from the Thames.
Kids Will Love: The funny guides and super speeds.
Adults will love: The 80s/90s soundtrack on the boats.
The Tower Bridge Exhibition was always great, but since it installed the glass walkway it’s become a must-see. There are maps, films, interactive exhibits and of course the best views in London – both up and down the Thames. Don’t forget the bridge opens, so time your visit right and you’ll catch that as well.
Kids Will Love: The glass walkway of course!
Adults Will Love: The Victorian engine rooms at the foot of the bridge. Two experiences for the price of one!
RATATOUILLE and FROZEN at The Royal Albert Hall
Visit the Royal Albert Hall for a winning combination of animation and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This half term they’re screening Frozen & Ratatouille. The former is the musical that has driven parent insane and the latter is the animated classic about a cooking rat. Both are true stories apparently…
Kids Will Love: That song
Adults Will Love: That song ending and seeing films in such sumptuous surroundings.
Booking required
Dark Arts at Warner Bros Studio Tour (The Making of Harry Potter)
Halloween is the perfect time to make the Potterhead pilgrimage to Watford. Kids will be able to test their duelling skills against Death Eaters and explore a carriage on The Hogwarts Express
Kids Will Love: The Great Hall, which will be decorated with apples, pumpkins and cauldrons of lollipops.
Adults Will Love: The incredible animatronics and handy transport links!
Booking required
And of course there’s always the CINEMA
Handy if it rains and even better if you’re hungover, you can’t beat the cinema.
Younger kids and first-timers, check out Maya The Bee. An animated adventure about a cute bee and her friend, Willy.
For more experienced cinema goers check out Bill, a Shakespeare biopic by the Horrible Histories team. Paper Planes – a heartwarming film about a young Australian competing in the World Paper Plane Championships in Japan. And Pan, a new take on the J.M. Barrie classic.
Kids Will Love: All of them but especially Bill.
Parents Will Love: Bill.
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This is not a sponsored post, I just wanted to share some great ideas with you all.
Hope you have a great half term!
