THINGS TO DO DURING THE FEBRUARY HALF TERM

So you’re visiting London with the family during the February half term. You’re looking forward to some peace and quiet during your stay at the Park Grand London Hyde Park, maybe kick back in the hotel lounge with a cocktail or two, or enjoy the deluxe spa treatment. Unfortunately, the kids have other ideas, and keeping them happy might mean giving up those “you” moments. Luckily, London is a city well equipped for young tourists, and half term needn’t be hell, but instead holiday heaven. Below are some great options to keep the kids - and yourself - happy during 2019’s February half term.

Thames Rockets

The Thames Rocket is an adrenaline fuelled speedboat ride down the Thames. Bringing a safe yet heady rush to all ages, the Thames Rockets are not for the sea sick prone, bringing the iconic Thames RIB boats into full throttle as you speed down the famous London river. With a wide range of packages to choose from, ranging from 15 to 80 minute rides, the Thames Rockets are an unforgettable experience, with a package which caters to all ages.

ArcelorMittal Orbit

The iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit was once used as the watchtower over the 2012 London Olympics. The Orbit has now been transformed into a giddy slide, taking you on a twirling trip down into the Queen Elizabeth Park. With amazing views over East London from the 114 metre tall tower, older children and adults alike will be thrilled with this unforgettable experience.

London Dungeons

Head down to the South Bank to explore the grisly underworld of London’s history. With interactive tours, taking you from medieval plague ridden London to the Victorian East End, terrorised by Jack the Ripper. With terrifying actors taking you through the tour, you can experience rides such as the Drop Dead ride, and Henry VIII’s water boat ride. Not for the squeamish or sensitive, the London Dungeons is as heart pounding as it is educational.

London Zoo

Based in Regents Park, the London Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world, bringing an extensive and vibrant range of exotic animals. Whether lounging with the big cats in the Land of Lions or snaking through the Reptile House, the London Zoo is a great introduction to zoology for any youngster with a passion for animals. With tigers, monkeys, bats and a elephants, the London Zoo is a rip roaring day out for all the family.

Catch a London West End show

London can be cold in the winter, and even if February is thawing, it’s still a good idea to get out fo the cold in the evening and explore some of London’s dazzling shows in the West End. London is a hub for arts and culture, and it needn’t be reserved for the intelligentsia and budding thespians. There are plenty of accessible and inclusive shows sparkling up Shaftesbury Avenue, and if you book enough in advance or know where to look, you can find some great value deals on tickets.

Whether it be Matilda the Musical or the Lion King at the Lyceum, there are countless shows being performed all across the city. For something a little different, why not wander down to the Puppet Theatre Barge on the canals of Notting Hill. Located not far from your Hyde Park accommodation, this children’s theatre brings a range of contemporary and classic shows to the hand sized stage, as well as workshops and talks from professional puppeteers and theatre companies.