Parents fear not, it might be half term but a few extra days off school doesn’t need to strike panic into the hearts of us all – there are plenty of fun things to do in the heart of the city
It’s always the way of school holidays. We’ve no sooner kissed goodbye to Christmas leave and bundled them all off, packed lunch and winter layers at the ready, when we’re hit with the dreaded reminder emails from school… February half term.
Colder, darker days, funds still feeling lower from festivities and generally a lack of get up and go at this time of the year can make it feel difficult to get creative with plans to keep little ones amused, but there’s more on your doorstep than you might realise.
And it’s not just toddlers that need plans, those pesky teenagers also need inspired reasons to leave a screen and we’re here to help.
Give some of these newbies on the block a go, with some costing under £10 for some headspace for you – or throw caution to the wind and get involved, too.
Activate at The O2
Activate originated in North America and had its European launch at The O2 just before Christmas last year and it just so happens to be the perfect place for parents and carers to keep their kids active.
With a cool claim as the world’s first tech-led immersive social gaming attraction – tell that to any difficult teenager to help encourage them out the door – and has been brought to the UK by the team behind Boom Battle Bar.
Head inside to unleash competitive sides and jump, climb, crawl, run and problem-solve ways through group gaming attraction. Perfect for bringing those siblings together in a positive way.
Inside, you’ll find 12 real-time interactive game rooms that deliver a high-energy, adrenaline-fuelled adventure with nine games to complete, including Strike, Portals, Control, Press, Hide, Laser, Grid, Mega Grid and Hoops. There are even some games where children will be invited to put their spelling to the test with the Spellinator – just don’t tell them about this one before heading in!
Each competitive activity takes around one to three minutes to complete, and each member of a couple is given an electronic wristband that tracks their progress so they can rack up points, advance through the levels and win a range of Activate-branded gear as they become more skilful and build up their points, and gain the reputation as the best in the family – obviously.
The whole experience lasts 60 minutes, so ideal for those with a shorter attention span, and costs are reasonable.
You’ll pay £22.50 per person Monday to Friday during term time and £28.50 per person on weekends and school holidays.
Flip Out Canary Wharf
From ramps to roller rinks, London car park is an indoor adventure park like no other. Based in East London, family attraction Flip Out Canary Wharf is super quirky – until the end of last year, it was a car park – and it’s gearing up for its first busy half-term weekend.
Located in the former car park of Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, this indoor adventure park turned the former car park’s ramps into wavy slides for families and fun seekers to enjoy.
It also features a wide range of activities for thrill seekers of all ages, including a Drift Bike Derby Track, which gives adrenaline junkies the chance to take on their friends and race like a pro as they drift and skid their way to glory.
The park’s racing slide gives friends and families the chance to challenge themselves to be the fastest slider in the family as they race each other to the bottom of the slides. Competitive? Us? Never!
Meanwhile, the enormous Ninja Tag Playground is the ultimate challenge featuring a sprawling arena brimming with obstacles and tasks designed to test skills and agility as fun lovers take on their friends to race to the end of the playground and emerge victorious in the ultimate game of ninja supremacy. Perfect for those Cobra Kai fans in the family.
The new Flip Out also features Laser Quest, the most immersive laser tag game yet, which is like stepping into a video game. Teams are pitched against each other in the space-themed arena and it’s very realistic – warn any family members with sensitive dispositions.
A Super Donut Slide is also a big centrepiece here featuring donut-shaped inflatables whizzing down and around the corners of the old car park ramp. And you don’t have to be Bukayo Saka-skilled to take part in Flip Out’s interactive technology-infused football pitch.
You’ll also find old-school favourites too, such as Bumper Cars and Roller Rinks, all under the same roof along with the PS5 Gaming Zone and Soft Play, too.
Perfect for all ages with prices from £10.95 for two hours.
Laser Quest Brent Cross
If laser tag is your thing and you fancy more options, then head to Brent Cross for the ultimate experience, plus there’s a fabulous shopping centre nearby for those who would like to spend some time shopping..
Laser Quest claims to ‘revolutionise’ the laser-tag experience, pitting teams against each other in a captivating space-themed arena (this seems to be ‘the’ theming of the moment) where we entered a world of galactic-themed labyrinths, catwalks, and mazes, pulsating with special effects, music and dazzling lights.
Suitable for children taller than 1.2m and adults, their mission is to zap opponents with laser precision, accumulate points, and avoid being zapped themselves.
Prices from a very reasonable £8.95. Change from a tenner is unheard of these days!