The February Half Term is fast approaching and many tourist locations are busily organising events to entertain children and adults alike.

London is a vibrant city with many well known tourist attractions and museums within easy walk of underground stations.

We like to try and visit London at least once or twice a year and love to explore the huge educational potential that London’s Museums offer. Being relatively inexpensive, and more than capable of filling a day, a museum trip is a great  alternative to the hustle and bustle of theme parks and the like.

Here we’ve put together a few ideas and  tips for some great family Half Term Visit to London.

First, a quick word of advice - if you’re not planning to take your car, we recommended booking your coach or train trip in advance to secure the best ticket price deals. We find the train or bus more relaxing giving time to chat with the children and plan activities for the day ahead.

Museums

London’s Science, Art and transport museum offers free entry and can be enjoyed whatever the weather.

Science Museum – Fast Forward F1

Science Museum F1 Inspired Exhbition

Nearest tube station: South Kensington

Kids of all ages and adults too, will be in science heaven at the Science Museum. In addition to the permanent displays there is a special exhibition on Formula One racing entitled Fast Forward F1.

You don’t need to be a fan of F1 racing or Jenson Button to appreciate the amazing selection of objects that have been inspired or developed by the F1 scientists and motorcars. The F1 cars cost millions of pounds with huge amounts of time and energy being spent on making them as fast and as efficient as possible.

Entry is free and the exhibition runs until 5th April 2010. Open daily 10am to 6pm.

Natural History Museum

Nearest tube station: South Kensington

Natural History Museum Cocoon Inside

If you have time The National History Museum is fantastic for kids offering a range of activities with plenty of half term fun. The new Darwin Centre has interactive exhibits and presentations to engage with your children.

The Cocoon at Darwin Centre aims to uncover the inner workings of science and scientists and features high tech installations. Older children and adults can explore how scientists discover and name new species, decode DNA, how research helps in the fight against diseases such as malaria and combat climate change. This exhibit is open until 15th September and admission is free but timed booking applies.

If your children enjoy looking at photographs there is the Wildlife Photographer of the Year show with a stunning exhibition of the contestants work based around images of wildlife including animals, birds, plants, trees, insects and the natural landscape.

Entry is £4.50-£9.00 and the exhibit runs until 11 April 2010. The Natural History Museum is open 10:00am to 17:50 daily.

Tate Modern

Nearest tube station: Southwark

Tate Modern

The children can get creative at the Tate Modern where the “Start art” Team are on hand to encourage your children to create weird and wonderful art of their own.

Kids can go on a discovery trail and get arty with inspiration from all kinds of modern and contemporary artists at the Tate Modern.

The art sessions are free, taking place between on 18th and 19th February 12pm to 4pm and are suitable for children aged 5 and over.

Remember to take photos of your creations and the children can show them to their class friends on their return to school.

London Transport Museum

Nearest tube station: Covent Garden

London Transport Museum

London Transport Museum is hosting two events, London Landscapes and Sing-along Suburbia, over the February Half Term. As part of the London Landscapes events families are invited to re-construct London’s Capital and fill it with the tallest towers, strongest structures and brilliant bridges made out of card. The new model city will be displayed for all to see in the heart of the Museum’s galleries. This activity is suitable for ages 3+ and available 13th to 21st February between 12:00pm to 15:00pm.

While the older children can immerse themselves in the interactive building activities, children under 5 can drop along to the Sing-along Suburbia where they can enjoy a 20 minute sing along selection of songs about life in the garden, including old favourites Incy wincy spider and Wiggly woo the worm. The drop in session runs between 11:00am and 16:30pm. Children under 16 are admitted free but must be accompanied by an adult.

Children can also enjoy take an imaginary ride on the fun versions of a bus, train, Tube and taxi. There is a miniature London city to explore and they can take control of the mini transport system, moving buses and trains around London’s most famous landmarks.

There are lots of restaurants and cafés within walking distance of all the museums, where you can relax and discuss all you have seen and plan your next visit to London. A trip to London’s museums this half term is sure to be a day to remember.

Don’t forget if you are going up to London and want to make sure you don’t lose anything - check out our Simply Stickers.

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