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If (like most parents), you could do without the added task of finding new ways to keep the kids entertained when school holidays roll around, then you’re in luck. Because we’ve partnered with Secret London to bring you inspo on some really fun half-term activities. From interactive exhibitions and family film clubs to delicious free meals, we’ve got you covered.
1. Watch a film at the Barbican Centre
There’s a special place in heaven reserved for the person behind Barbican Family Film Week. Everyday between October 21-29, you can rest assured that whatever the weather (or the general state of chaos amongst the children), there’ll be a child-friendly film (or free film-related workshop) to go to. With tickets ranging from £2.50 – £3.50, you have permission to relax – the task of planning a week’s worth of half-term activities is officially much less daunting.
How to get there: Catch the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to London Bridge, and then hop on the Northern line to London Bridge. It's 5 minutes walking from there. The address is Silk St, Barbican EC2Y 8D.
2. Learn from inspirational authors at The Black British Book Festival
On October 27 & 28, Southbank Centre will host Europe’s largest celebration of black literature. Across these two days, you can hear from leading industry voices and discover emerging talent across an array of fascinating talks and workshops. Whether you’ve got an aspiring author in the family, or you need a fun day out that’ll keep them entertained (whilst maybe actually learning a thing or two), it’s a guaranteed win. The majority of events are suitable for all ages (and free!). But if you want something especially aimed at youngsters, Annemarie Anang’s I Am Nefertiti sing along session or Oti Mabuse’s interactive picture book session are just two of many great options.
How to get there: The Black British Book Festival is 5 minutes walking from London Waterloo. The address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
3. Cruise along the Thames
There’s a number of things that, as people who actually live in London, we tend to leave for tourists. But when racking your brains for exciting half-term activities, this is where you can often find great inspo. Getting on a Thames River Boat is a lovely way to let your kids learn more about important London landmarks, and help them to join the dots between different parts of the city. Hop on an Uber boat as a fun interlude between other activities, or pack a lunch and make a day of it.
4. Go bowling at All Star Lanes
It’s always an added bonus when you find half-term activities that are actually fun for you too. And with the All Star Lanes kids package you can forget about factoring in a packed lunch or a pitstop for a meal. For £17.50 per child, you’ll get a kid’s main, a soft drink, a dessert or shake and one game of bowling. They’ve also got extra light bowling balls, ramps and bowling bumpers for any particularly little ones.
How to get there:
- Westfield London: Catch the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Bond Street, and then hop on the Central line to White City. It's 5 minutes walking from there. The address is Ariel Way W12 7GF.
- Westfield Stratford City: Catch the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Stratford. It's 7 minutes walking from there. The address is 157 Montfichet Road E20 1EJ.
- Victoria Place: Catch the bus from Waterloo Station Tenison Way (Stop K) to Southampton Row Theobalds Road. The address is Bloomsbury Place WC1B 4DA.
- Brick Lane: Catch the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Canada Water, and then hop on the Overground to Shoreditch High Street. It's 5 minutes walking from there. The address is 95 Brick Lane E1 6QL.
5. Have an adventure at Hobbledown Heath
Any activity that tires the kids out is a win in our books. And with four themed villages fitted with an abundance of tunnels and towers to explore, this is pretty much guaranteed at Hobbledown Heath. As well as acres of beautiful woodland and play-equipment to explore, London’s largest adventure playground is also home to a variety of animals and birds of prey. And you can treat your kids to a day of carefree adventuring and enjoy 10% off with this SWR reward.
How to get there: Catch the train from London Waterloo to Feltham, then you can either walk for 25 minutes or take the bus 235 from Isleworth (Stop F) to Green Lane (Stop R). The address is Staines Rd, Hounslow TW14 0HH.
6. Celebrate the Power of Music at the Science museum
This highly interactive, family-friendly exhibition takes visitors on a deep dive into all-things-music. From the impact it has on our emotions and memories to its ability to make us connect with others, Turn it Up: The Power of Music reveals the science and secrets behind this fascinating phenomena. Kids can create their own tunes in the newly commissioned musical playground, play with weird and wonderful instruments and experiment with fascinating new musical technology. If you’re searching for half-term activities that will get their creative juices flowing, then this is a must-visit.
How to get there: Catch the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Westminster, and then hop on the Circle line to South Kensington. It's 6 minutes walking from there. The address is Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington SW7 2DD.
7. Get art supplies for a Halloween costume workshop
Instead of spending a fortune on brand new Halloween costumes this year, why not take the kids to one of London’s great craft shops and get supplies for an upcycling session at home? It’s a great way to keep them entertained for a day, and to let them put their personal touch on their outfit. There’s so many great stores to choose from, but London Graphics Centre in Covent Garden and Cass Art on Charing Cross Road are great options if you need some inspo.
How to get there:
- London Graphic Centre : Catch the Northern line from London Waterloo to Leicester Square. It's 7 minutes walking from there. The address is 16-18 Shelton St WC2H 9JL.
- Cass Art: Catch the Northern line from London Waterloo to Leicester Square. It's 5 minutes walking from there. The address is Charing Cross Road WC2H 0EP.
8. Lets the kids enjoy a free meal at Pizza East
Italian is pretty much a failsafe option when it comes to feeding kids. And Pizza East has gone one step further to make parents’ lives easier with a special free children’s menu. For every adult dining from the a la carte menu, one child aged 8 or under can enjoy a lasagne, a margherita pizza or a burger and chips for absolutely nothing. So you can treat yourself to the glorious offerings of their mouth watering menu (think burrata and truffle mortadella, ‘nduja and honey pizza, etc.), knowing that the kids will be more than satisfied as well.
How to get there: Catch the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Canada Water, and then hop on the Overground to Shoreditch High Street. It's a few minutes walking from there. The address is 56 Shoreditch High St E1 6JJ.
9. Wes and Sandy’s pick of the week
South Western Railway’s winged friends, Sandy and Wes are always ready to share their top London recommendations. Sandy loves the arts, theatre and lunching with the girls, while Wes loves clubs, pubs and going to gigs ith his mates. But one thing they will never disagree on is their love of nature (unsurprisingly!), and BBC Earth Experience is a truly eye opening adventure for all ages. Throughout this 360 degree audio-visual journey you’ll discover more about the fascinating diversity of the natural world. Combining the latest digital screen technology and a bespoke narration from David Attenborough, guests will embark on an entirely immersive experience. Prepare to witness magical scenes from the world’s most stunning landscapes, from dancing fireflies in North America to troops of huddling monkeys in Asia.
How to get there: Catch the train from London Waterloo to Clapham Junction, then hop on the Overground to West Brompton. It's 5 minutes walking from there. The address is The Daikin Centre, Empress Place SW6 1TT.
Save money by travelling with SWR
Now you’ve discovered these wellbeing activities to try, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave.
Don't forget to check out SWR Rewards to unlock rewards when you travel with us. Enjoy discounts on any of our rewards including days out, dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays and much more.
